Dior Sunset (660) Rouge Dior Couture Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “fiery red.” It’s a medium, pink-coral with strong, warm red undertones and a soft, golden shimmer, plus a glossy, luminous finish. Estee Lauder Defiant Coral (P, $30.00) is a smidgen lighter. Too Faced Bon Bon (P, $21.00) is lighter, pinker. Givenchy Rose Dentelle (203) (P, $36.00) is darker, less shimmery. Chanel Pygmalion (LE, $34.00) is sheerer. MAC Lady at Play (P, $22.00) is warmer, less glossy. MAC Hibiscus (LE, $16.00) is a touch darker. Guerlain Rouge Sensuel (LE, $49.50) is darker, redder. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

The look and feel of this shade is really where the luxury is; the consistency is incredibly lightweight, as it is creamy and glides on easily. It applies smoothly, evenly, and better yet, lips look soft, juicy, and lustrous. When a lipstick makes your lips look like they’re in better health–smoother, plumper, softer–you know the formula is a winner. Sunset had mostly opaque color coverage with a hint of translucency that kept it from reading too heavy. It wore well for four and a half hours, and it did leave behind a stain. The formula was nicely hydrating both during and after the color wore away, and I didn’t detect any scent or taste.

Dior Sunset (660) Rouge Dior Couture Lipstick

Dior Sunset (660) Rouge Dior Couture Lipstick

Dior Sunset (660) Rouge Dior Couture Lipstick

Dior Sunset (660) Rouge Dior Couture Lipstick

Dior Sunset (660) Rouge Dior Couture Lipstick

Dior Sunset (660) Rouge Dior Couture Lipstick