When orange turned red. It has arrived ... the first-ever beauty launch from the luxury French brand, Hermes.
When I heard the news that Hermes was going into colour with a range of lipsticks I did raise an eyebrow, even though I am a lipstick junkie, I asked myself .... "Will this be an expensive gimmick or are they serious enough to maybe follow in Chanel's footsteps?". Chanel, in my opinion, is the only luxury goods brand that has fully nailed the beauty market. Many brands like Louis Vuitton have done well with fragrance and Tom Ford has done amazingly well in both, and Hermes does of course do very well with fragrance but colour is a whole other challenge. The beauty community was buzzing around this so I had to check them out as soon as they launched so I popped into my local boutique here in Monaco and there they were on the counter ... all shiny and new. So safe to say you know how this story ended as I left the store with two ... but mainly so I could really see whether these were really worth €62 each (and €68 for the Limited Editions) because let's face it, this is très expensive!!
Hermes is of course known for their iconic (and highly expensive) Birkin bag as well as silk scarfs and leather goods and is the first time that beauty products will be available as a concrete line in Hermès' 180-year-plus history. Each lipstick shade was specifically chosen from the brand's impressive archive of over 900 leather shades and 75,000 silk swatches, meaning every one relates to a part of Hermès' heritage. It's also why, among the traditional reds and pinks inspired by some of the brand's most popular bags and scarves, there are more statement colours including purple and orange tones - the latter of which is the same as the signature Hermès packaging boxes.
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
This was the counter in the Monaco store ...
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
Designed by Pierre Hardy, Rouge Hermes come in a choice of 24 shades, with 10 mattes and 14 satin finishes as it stands and with 3 biannual limited edition shades which were selling like hot cakes; hence I grabbed one.
The lipstick colours are all wearable and mostly brights; from poppy-red to electric pink and a signature orange (Rouge Orange) that is the exact Hermes orange. In addition to the lipsticks, there's also a clear Lip Care Balm, Poppy Lip Shine, Universal Lip Pencil and Lip Brush.
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
THE PACKAGING
Like most high-end luxury purchases, I get very excited about the packaging as this is definitely part and parcel of the brand's experience. The cases are lacquered, polished and brushed metal, with a magnetic 'click' closing lid, protected by a canvas pouch inside its little orange box! They each have a coin design on the end with the H Hermes logo that I think really makes this feel very bougie. They are nice and weighty and I have to say I think they nailed the packaging and styling. They are classic and chic, like Hermes, but with a modern-day twist that makes them very collectable. Their orange box and canvas coat is just the cherry on the cake if you like that packaging detail like me; makes for a good IG shot and vanity table goals if anything!
I love the fact that these lipsticks contain no plastic so they are more friendly to the environment and best of all ... are REFILLABLE!! This means you can actually USE the lipstick (all you hoarders out there, me included) and refill it for less.
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
There are two formulations ... Matte and Satiné. I chose one of each so I could give you better feedback but I love to wear both formulas anyhow. If you love Hermes fragrances (yep!) then you'll appreciate the light scent that they lipsticks have as the brand's perfumer has created a custom blend scent that is just light and pretty without being too much, yet again adds a nice touch.
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
SHADES
As I mentioned there are more bright tones than nudes within this collection, who knows, more may come but I like that as I am such a brights fan. It is so nice to see such colour for a change as I think it makes you choose a shade that you may keep for a special occasion like a knockout red for when you want to go all glam or just fancy wearing a red lip to lift your mood.
For my first purchase, I knew I needed to choose a statement red because if you know me, you know I love a red lip and being as one lipstick was not cheap, I wanted to keep it special and opted for a matte, orange-toned red which is my ideal red lip. I did, however also fall for one of the limited edition shades as it was, in fact, the casing that lured me, then the shade sold me is a bright coral with a satin, creamy finish that is so my kind if summer shade! So having tried out both textures, I can tell you more.
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
Rouge Casaque is a dense, bright, orange-toned red and for a matte, it is super creamy and most definitely non-drying. It is so comfortable, hydrating and feels like silk on your lips. It has a very velvety, powdery finish with a strong pigment that glides onto your lips ... very much like the Lisa Eldridge Velvets, but even creamier. This shade does, in fact, come in both textures (ie matte and satin) should you want a lesser intensity of colour with more shine and is just such a perfect red for many.
The TIP! You will also notice that the matte lipsticks have a pointed tip so you can get a neat and precise application without a liner, and this really does work and I love the thought that has gone into that little detail.
WEAR/RESULT
I love the shade, love the application as you get full coverage in just a few swipes and love how it wears without drying out the lips. It doesn't fully set or dry like other mattes do which is why this isn't a typical matte as you keep that light creamy feel and look so those who like dry matte, may find this too creamy. I would actually call this a Velvet rather than a Matte, however I love it and would buy more of this formula without a doubt. It lasts well, doesn't slip about but can be taken off with a cleanser with ease. If you like a matte that doesn't dry out lips out, this is it.
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
Within the range, there are Limited Editions which had me sold by the casing but thankfully I loved this colour! Corail Fou reminds me of La Favorite from Chanel which is my summer staple for me. This shade is a Vibrant Coral with the Satine finish and again the texture is creamy, hydrating, rich and comfortable.
The TIP! Where the mattes have a pointed tip, the satinés have a rounded tip which means you can get a full application in a few swipes.
WEAR/RESULT
I was so surprised by how pigmented this was for a Satin finish and the colour pay off is just a dream; I love it. It did, in fact, stain my lips quite a lot which could be a plus for the summer months as it adds to the wear time but if you hate staining then just be aware of that. This was in fact the last one in stock in the store and I am so glad I got my hands on it so expect to see a lot of this on my lips over the coming months! I am not sure if the Limited Editions will have refills? But I guess you can change up the bullet and keep the case.
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
I do have to say that both textures are in fact very very similar, as in they are both very creamy with a similar full colour payoff. They even look a similar finish as you can see from my images so if you didn't know I think you would assume they were all the same. I don't mind this but I know some people will.
It is safe to say I personally am thrilled with the shades I chose and have unexpectantly fallen in love with these lipsticks which bugs me because I didn't want to being as they are very expensive. I do however feel that the fact you can refill them softens the blow a bit as the refills are less expensive (€42 vs €62) plus it means you can get on and wear it as intended rather than simply admire them.
Probably not but this is not to say you wouldn't still buy them if they are in budget! You are of course paying for the brand name as remember this is a luxury item but regardless, these are gorgeous lipsticks. They aren't essential, they won't change your life and there are so many other amazing lipstick brands out there that are just as good, if not better but it's all down to personal preference. The colour range will be a big deciding factor here anyway as like I said, the majority of the shade choices are bright. I really didn't expect to love them as much as I do which is why I am so pleased that I opted for staple shades that make perfect additions to my collection. If you love luxury lipsticks and you can afford to splurge on one, then treat yourself. Just be prepared that if you love that one, you may want another 'one'!
It is not only Hermes that are branching out but Jimmy Choo and Gucci too have also launched lipsticks so I am very intrigued to see how they compare. Christian Louboutin obviously started a trend but even in my book, €85 for a lipstick is insane.
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
NEW IN FRAGRANCE
I love Hermes accessories and would love to own more in the future, although a Birkin bag has never really done it for me, yet I really admire their Boots, Scarfs, Jewellery and absolutely love and own a few fragrances. Hermes Fragrances are definitely some of my favourites and used to love Kelly Caleche purely because I felt it was named after moi but I have to add in how much of a fan I am of Twilly de Hermes Edp (this is my second bottle) and recently added the latest version into my collection, Twilly Eau Poivree Edp and I was given a few samples of the newest addition, L'Ombre des Merveilles Edp which is just gorgeous.
I love Hermes accessories and would love to own more in the future, although a Birkin bag has never really done it for me, yet I really admire their Boots, Scarfs, Jewellery and absolutely love and own a few fragrances. Hermes Fragrances are definitely some of my favourites and used to love Kelly Caleche purely because I felt it was named after moi but I have to add in how much of a fan I am of Twilly de Hermes Edp (this is my second bottle) and recently added the latest version into my collection, Twilly Eau Poivree Edp and I was given a few samples of the newest addition, L'Ombre des Merveilles Edp which is just gorgeous.
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
The dangerous news is that Hermes plans to release more into it's makeup line, rumoured to be foundations and more colour every six months from September 2020 until a complete line of make-up is created .... and skincare too?! Better start saving!
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| Rouge Hermes, New lipsticks |
You can check only check out Rouge Hermes in selected Hermes boutiques and online here!
Let me know, what do you think???
