A beautiful matte lipstick is like the holy grail of beauty. There’s something about its alluring, velvet texture that looks, and feels, super luxe. How bougie can we get? Let’s talk Gucci.
Creative director Alessandro Michele’s vision for Gucci Beauty is one that pays homage to the past, in particular, the golden era of cinema and the shades worn by Hollywood actresses of the time. What’s more exquisite is that the lipstick cases themselves look and feel vintage; you’ll first set your sights on the gilded tubes engraved with decorative patterns, from a time when lipstick cases were envisioned as art and decorative items, and then later on, feel the proper weight of each tube as it rests in your hand. It feels expensive, is all we’re saying.
So, after a series of satin and sheer finishes, we’ve been holding our breaths in anticipation for the mattes to make their debut — and damn right, Gucci delivers. The Rouge à Lèvres Mat lipsticks give off an intense hue and a long-lasting matte finish, where we were able to get rich, bold colour on the first stroke. Beyond that, the formula’s made to be effortlessly glided on (can vouch for that!), and comes with a mix of pigment and gelling waxes that’s saturated enough, yet of a lightweight feel. Some of these 28 shades come in the oddest colours too, but if you can rock a deep brown or emerald green, you deserve this!
Here’s how they look like worn on our lips:
In 25, Goldie Red.
“That classic red lip. Gucci’s star shade is a hot-favourite for good reason. The very balanced red — or rather, Gucci red — is bright and intense, more warm on my skin tone, and seriously flattering. I’ve already got so many red lipsticks, but come on, I have to grab this, it’s gorgeous.” — Amelia, Deputy Editor
in 106, Tacey Hazel.
“Angle it with finesse and you’ll get a dark and bold lip that can make any onlooker weak at the knees. This warm brown brings back a 90s vibe, with a flattering shade that’s surprisingly wearable.” — Shaz, Writer
In 201, the painted veil.
“Going nude feels even better with this — I like the rosy, woody tones of this nude shade. It’s a neutral MLBB shade that gives life to your face, in a subtly glam way.” — A
in 103, Carol Beige.
“Although nude lipsticks are one of the most versatile lip colours in the world, choosing the right one that suits your skin tone (and one that doesn’t make you look more pale than you already are) is important. This shade can be a little tricky to wear, but I have to say that it’d look better on darker skin tones.” — S
In 302, agatha orange.
“My love for coral lipsticks continues with this bright orange-red. Not everyone will like this shade, but I genuinely believe that most Asians can pull this off. Fans of k-beauty would be into this as well. It’s a vibrant warm tone that isn’t just you know, orange.” — A
in 506, Louisa Red.
“Prepare yourself for this, dare I say, life-changing lipstick in Louisa Red. The colour payoff is absolutely remarkable, and it’s a dark red tone that’s my favourite of the ones I tried. You might want to keep it in your pockets when you’re out though, since it’s a deep shade that needs a little touch-up every now and then.” — S
In 402, vantine fuchsia.
“The shade I was least willing to try. Do I have the personality to pull off fuchsia? I don’t think so. Still, I have to say, it looks better worn than expected. The colour comes off true to how it looks in the tube, so kudos to the payoff, and though it looks more muted here, really pops in real life.” — A
in 704, Valentine Verdante.
“Wearing odd-coloured lipsticks can add a courageous pop of colour to your look and what better time to whip this lippie out than the festive season. I would say it isn’t a shade that’s meant for all, but if you’re daring enough to try it, go for it.”
Gucci Beauty Rouge à Lèvres Mat, $53, in 28 shades. Available 15 December at Takashimaya Department Store, L1.
All photos shot with the Nikon Z50.
You must be logged in to post a comment.