Bite Beauty Kir Royale Luminous Creme Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.15 oz.) is described as a “bold wine/berry.” It’s a bold, medium-dark pinky-red with very subtle ruby micro-shimmer and a natural sheen. Estee Lauder Thrilling (P, $32.00) is darker (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Emma (LE, $36.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC By Special Order (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Vera (P, $34.00) is more muted (90% similar). Smashbox Red Rage (P, $21.00) is lighter, more muted (95% similar). Bite Beauty #009 (LE, $36.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (90% similar). Bite Beauty #012 (LE, $36.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Maybelline Rich Ruby (P, $7.99) is warmer (90% similar). Bite Beauty Winterberry (DC, $24.00) is lighter (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Leonardo (P, $36.00) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Roxo (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Besame American Beauty 1945 (P, $22.00) is brighter (90% similar). MAC Bloodstone (LE, $19.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

The Luminous Creme formula is supposed to be “lush, long-lasting, moisture-rich lip color.” It had nearly opaque coverage, but there’s a veil of translucency, as my lip freckle still peeks through slightly. The consistency feels light-to-medium in weight–noticeable but not heavy–with moderate creaminess. It is less emollient comapred to some of the other shades in the Luminous Creme range, and it doesn’t slide around. The color held on well for six hours and left behind a stain. I found the formula comfortable to wear and lightly hydrating over time. It has Bite’s sweet, lemony scent, but I didn’t notice much taste with it.

Bite Beauty Kir Royale Luminous Creme Lipstick

Bite Beauty Kir Royale Luminous Creme Lipstick

Bite Beauty Kir Royale Luminous Creme Lipstick

Bite Beauty Kir Royale Luminous Creme Lipstick

Bite Beauty Kir Royale Luminous Creme Lipstick

Bite Beauty Kir Royale Luminous Creme Lipstick