Gucci Bitter Grape & Fever Audacious Color Intense Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Gucci Lipsticks
Gucci Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick ($39.00 for 0.12 oz.) is supposed to “grip the lips for bold, saturated color” while feeling “weightless.” It is supposed to have “incredible coverage in a single swipe.” I had a good experience (aside from taste) with one shade, and a less impressive experience with the other shade I purchased. Both were pigmented, though, and they wore for a good length of time (see below for wear times).
The formula is scented with “Blue Chocolate,” which I have no idea what that translates to (initially, I thought it was a scent they had, but I couldn’t find anything on it). It has a sweet, vanilla base with a little earthiness, but it has a “perfume-y” feel overall. The scent is noticeable applied, not just in the tube, and it created a constant taste of soapiness when I wore both shades. As in, for the entire length of time I wore each shade, I felt like I had a bar of soap in my mouth. I don’t normally have issues with taste on most products. You may be less sensitive to taste, or may taste more appetizing to you, so your mileage may vary.
You may be wondering what the difference is between the Audacious Color-Intense formula and the Luxurious Moisture-Rich formula. The description Gucci gives for the latter is that it “delivers bold color with an opulent finish” that “moisturizers” with “incredible coverage in a single swipe.” The reality is that the Luxurious Moisture-Rich formula really only seems to emphasize that it’s hydrating (and has an “opulent finish,” which could mean anything!). My experience was that the Luxurious Moisture-Rich formula is more emollient, thinner, and has a wetter feel overall; the finish is glossier, the wear is shorter (in comparison), and is slightly more hydrating (but both formulas are hydrating). I actually wore Bitter Grape on half my lips with Tiger Lily on the other half (they’re very similar in color), and the difference is fairly pronounced in that side-by-side, particularly when I pressed my lips together. The Audacious formula holds onto lips (but not in an uncomfortable, clingy way) and therefore tends to wear longer and has a less glossy finish.
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick ($39.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a purpled-berry with cool undertones and a light dusting of violet shimmer. The shimmer is fine and subtle enough that it doesn’t really seem to be present indoors–only under sunlight. It had semi-opaque color coverage with a noticeable translucency where the natural lip color did come through. It had a lightly glossy finish, and it wore well for five hours. It was lightly hydrating while worn. Gucci Beauty Tiger Lily (P, $39.00) is brighter, cooler-toned. Marc Jacobs Beauty Cabaret (146) (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter. MAC Primrose (LE, $16.00) is warmer. Inglot #293 Lipstick Cream (P, $12.00) is less shimmery. YSL Forbidden Burgundy (12) (P, $34.00) is less glossy, redder. Urban Decay Venom (P, $22.00) is brighter. MAC Rebel (P, $16.00) is brighter. Guerlain Flirt (LE, $35.00) is similar. Guerlain Bee (LE, $51.00) is more muted. See comparison swatches / view dupes.
Gucci Fever Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick ($39.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a brightened, coral-orange with with subtle, very fine gold shimmer. It had opaque color coverage and a luminous finish. I had a lot of application trouble with this one (and it doesn’t seem to show up as much in the photos as it does in real life), as it is overly-clingy so it clings to itself and clumps up on the lips and will catch on any imperfections on the lips. It tugged a bit during application, but it didn’t feel dry. This shade wore well for four and a half hours. Tom Ford Beauty Twist of Fate (LE, $50.00) is more orange. NARS Juliette (P, $32.00) is lighter, pinker, less shimmery. Too Faced Melted Coral (P, $21.00) is lighter, brighter, less shimmery. Bite Beauty Cin Cin (P, $24.00) is more orange. MAC Dreaming Dahlia (LE, $16.00) is sheerer. Givenchy Croisiere Coral (310) (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery. MAC Style Surge (P, $22.00) is similar. See comparison swatches / view dupes.
Bitter Grape
DCDiscontinued. $39.00.
Fever
DCDiscontinued. $39.00.
See more photos & swatches!
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Bitter Grape Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Fever Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Fever Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Fever Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Fever Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Fever Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
Gucci Fever Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick
As pretty as these colors are, a lipstick has to be perfect to go for $40 a pop. I can handle a certain amount of taste in my lip products, but soapy doesn’t really sound up there with ones I prefer. It’s a shame because I like the packaging on these – sleek on the outside with the more ornate inside.
I know that I noticed the taste particularly in the Dior Fluid Sticks and the Maybelline Color Elixirs, but in general I don’t notice too often…
Eww, I hate lip products with that bitter taste….so many have it.
Bitter Grape is pretty. Reminds me of an iridescent fuchsia/purple called Sea Fleur in the L’Oreal Colour Riche line. Which I don’t see in stores anymore so I hope it’s not discontinued!
Hope it didn’t get discontinued!
Tastes like soap (I’m taste sensitive; I’d find it off), $39 price tag, less than solid A grade for $39 price tag: A pretty obvious pass for me.
Yeah, even if it was really good otherwise, the taste is bad enough for me that it is a deal-breaker 🙁
Oh la la, Fever… 🙂
It is a pretty shade!
Both look very lovely on you! However, I do not think I’d be able to get over the soapy taste. 🙁 This is a pass for me. Thank you for all that you deal with in order to review products for us! You have turned me on to new products, and have helped me save money on others. (:
No problem, Lauren! 🙂
Love the first one on you! I mean I really love it on you! Gorgeous.
Thanks, Megan!
Hmmm.
They really did good copy for the moisture rich lipsticks on the site; their description makes it seem like You Need To Try This loll
They do sound good!
This article mentions the scent
(If we’re not allowed to insert outside content I’ll understand if the comment isn’t posted 🙂 )
http://www.style.com/beauty/people/2014/frida-giannini-gucci-cosmetics
Ugh! Tastes like soap! For hours! No thanks, a definite pass!
I guess that was my punishment for any and all swear words I’ve said in my lifetime, LOL!
That’s a shame about the soapy taste – I can’t imagine that anyone would find that pleasant. Yikes. Bitter Grape looks especially lovely on you, but a soapy flavor is pretty much a deal-breaker.
I know that a couple of products I’ve had problems with as far as taste goes, others don’t mind and vice versa. It was a definite deal breaker for me, lol!
Disappointed abt the soapy taste part! 🙁
Me too 🙁
Totally gross about the taste! I know exactly what you mean though. I’ve purchased a couple of lip products that I can’t wear because I can taste and/or smell them the entire wear time. Thanks for the heads up Christine!
Happy to help, Andie! 🙂
I’m looking at the ingredient list that you were kind enough to post and see a LOT of ingredients that have little to do with designer quality lipstick but a LOT to do with perfume. Beside the generic term “parfum/fragrance” I recognise:
(70+ letters of chemi-jibberish…)-cinnamate, ethyl vanillin, linalool, limonene, alpha-isomethyl ionone, benzyl salicylate, eugenol and geraniol. Yikes! No wonder these lippies tasted like Ivory soap dissolved in expired Chanel #5!
The colors and texture are to die for, but sorry, Gucci, if I want perfume, it’s going on my wrists, not my kisser!
I am so grateful to you, Christine, for testing these products and posting your honest reviews so cosmetic consumers like me don’t have to go through what you just endured (ptui!).
I was curious how many were fragrance-related, because it’s so heavy, haha.
They should ban perfume from lip products. In 90% of the cases, it makes them taste bitter and bad. Vanillin was enough.
A shame. Bad taste is always a deal breaker for me–no matter the brand.
Same here, Maggie!
They’re pretty but not good enough for the price. And the taste is a deal-breaker!
It was strong enough that it was a deal-breaker for me, too.
Not for me. I purposefully search out flavorless lip products.
Totally understand, Jan!
I think Tom Ford violet fatale can be a dupe for bitter grape, but bitter grape has more shimmer. I love this shade. Bitter grape is lovely on you Chistine!
Thanks, Melissa!
I was thinking of maybe picking up one of the lipsticks but soap, vanilla and perfume don’t sound like the best combination, lol. Maybe one day I’ll try them in an actual store! 🙂
Might be worth trying if you can see them in store!
Bitter Grape reminds me of a more glossy and purpley version of NARS Funny Face, my favorite spring lipstick.
I can see the similarity!
Hmm – not a fan of either colour, but they look great on you Christine.
Thank you, Genevieve!
I ordered Fever right before reading this post…just saw a swatch online and got absolutely carried away! The color is so beautiful!
Hope you like it!
Dont think Ive ever seen any makeup by Gucci before this! Love the packaging! The colours aren’t terribly unique IMO but you make anything look good Christine!
Debut 🙂
Both of these colours are pretty (especially the purple, obviously 😉 ), and they look quite nice and smooth, and it’s nice to hear that they’re hydrating…
…but the SOAP THING! 😛 I couldn’t do it…
I have to admit, I felt sick most of the day while testing, lol!
I love both shades on you, Christine! I can wear Fever I think. Does the soapy taste last long or just during the initial application?
oooops read it! yikes! that sux.
Until it’s removed, pretty much!
Do you think bitter grape can be a dupe for MAC riveting rose? Riveting rose is my favorite color. I been trying to find another lipstick shade similar to it. I am on my last tube!
It does seem similar to Riveting Rose!
These look really nice, especially bitter grape!
Happy you liked ’em!
these are beautiful colors and i love the packaging. however, who told them that scent/taste was a good idea?!
I just wonder if anyone who tested internally experienced it themselves!
Bitter Grape is gorgeous! The soap thing is weird though.
It was unfortunate!
Wow… The amount of times the Gucci symbol is embossed on the lipstick (and box packaging) is a little overkill. I wish they kept it a little more simple, like YSL lipsticks. As for the odd soapy taste it has, i’m probably going to skip out on this lippy.
You definitely won’t forget who makes this lipstick, ha!
I can tell the peachy one is cakey….for some reason, this kind of color is cakey most times. i have/had 2 peachy lipsticks and both do that.
It seems to pop up when they are creamier in finish.
Tastes like… soap. Um. EW.
Yup!
So when does the legal battle between NARS and Gucci over the “Audacious” name start?
I wonder if either trademarked!
I just ordered a red lippy and eyeshadow from Gucci. I hope I don’t get disappointed wit the products, pretty pricey. The packaging is so pretty and looking at their site they did a pretty big launch of was expecting only a few items. Anyways fingers crossed that kind like them.
Oops so many autocorrects haha this is why I shouldn’t use my phone to type lol
Keep us posted!
My lipstick and shadows came. Haven’t tried out the eyeshadow yet however I know what you mean with the ‘soapy’ taste. I love the finish its hydrating and I’m loving the smell of the lipstick lol they’re really have logo’d their gucci sign allllllll over the lipstick. They need to make some super matte lipstick. I bought wild amarena it looks matte when I forst looked at the lippy. Overall it’s not bad I like it however they can defo do better.
The lipstick formula definitely seemed weaker than you’d expect (at $39 and for luxury) – I think of all the types of products, a good lipstick is one of the easier types to find at any price, so I’m surprised!
I agree, I did have higher expectations for the lipsticks. It’s not too bad for a debut however for the price it’s a little too much, with that price Id expect more higher quality. Hopefully from this they can make the range better.
Very helpful in the difference between the formulas.
Glad I could help 🙂
I bought “Nude Satin” the week it came out on Gucci.com. I loved the moisture but the scent disappointed me. It smelled strongly like little girl’s perfume, like “Tinkerbell”. Nothing gourmand. I prefer Tom Ford’s gourmand lipstick scent 100x more than this!
Did you notice any taste? I like vanilla scented lip products over most other scents myself.
Yes. It tasted like cheap perfume. Nothing like “blue chocolate”. Without the taste, I would wear it everyday.
Good to know I’m not alone!
I wish they had gone scent/taste-free!
The grape one is the color of my lips if you add a hint of cherry. I won’t wear these.
Omg, you rock Fever.. It had to be said.
Thank you!
You’re super welcome! 🙂
How pretty your natural lip color must be!
It’s funny you say that. Thank you very much! I’ve only recently began cherishing it more. I grew up wanting to wear a pink lip. I couldn’t. Not much works on them and I used to be all out trying to find ways to cancel out, or neutralize to get a look that’s a even close to others’ lips! I envy pale lips. I’m see through pale, so it’s an odd combo that companies don’t cater to. So I really appreciate your compliment because it is something about myself I’ve learnrd to love slowly. Recently, the new dkin care has been helping the health of my lips and they really show through again, and I realized that I LIKE them. I love them. No, they won’t play the coloring book, and I can’t do many looks I like, but I never thought that someone who could would say how pretty that sounds. I’m very humbled and thankful for your words. 🙂 I get to enjoy your multiple lip colors a la blog, and you help me find colors that boost my color or shifts the tone, so you’ve been an integral part in my coming to terms with my big ol dark lips. Again, thanks. 🙂 You are so kind.
The first thought I had ws:” mmmhhh….they’ve tried to pull off a Tom Ford. But they failed”.
Ouch!!
I love the lipstick! I purchased bitter grape. The soapy “taste” doesn’t bother me…not trying to taste the lipstick but I love the scent the lipstick leaves behind when I rub them together. My lips feels smooth and hydrated.
I don’t actively try to taste it, but the taste was constant for me, unfortunately. Just… sitting there.
Ahhh another favorite beauty reviewer of mine said the same thing about them being nice but the scent making them unwearable
That seems to be the general consensus ;(