Estee Lauder Genius, Unpredictable, Light Heart Illuminating Shine Lipsticks Reviews & Swatches
Genius (913)
Estee Lauder Genius (913) Pure Color Illuminating Shine ($32.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a muted, lighter red with subtle, warm undertones and a luminous finish. It had medium pigmentation in one layer, which could be built up to semi-opaque coverage with a second layer.
The texture was moderately emollient, creamy, and more balm-like, which made it comfortable to apply and to wear. Thankfully, it didn’t settle noticeably into my lip lines and gave my lips a smoother, plusher look. It wore well for four hours and felt moisturizing while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Laura Mercier Vivien (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Life's Blood (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Jasmin Rouge (P, $57.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Cle de Peau Red Carpet (LE, $65.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Givenchy Rouge Interdit (13) (P, $34.00) is brighter, less glossy (90% similar).
- Burberry Cherry Red (301) (P, $34.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Diana Amber (508) (P, $42.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Lancome Moderato (335) (P, $32.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Trophy Wife (P, $12.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Revlon Cherry Blossom (P, $8.49) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$32.00/0.06 oz. - $533.33 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "sheer to medium, buildable" coverage with "hydrating shine" while helping to "reduce fine, dry lines and lip flakiness." The majority of the shades had more medium, buildable coverage that could be built up to nearly opaque coverage.
The lighter shades were the least forgiving and sometimes emphasized or gathered around lip lines and lip texture, while mid-tone and deeper shades often applied beautifully with even coverage and in a way that made my lips appear smoother and plusher. The consistency was lightweight with moderate slip and felt like a lipstick-lip balm hybrid as a result, and the finish was glossier and more luminous (without being overtly shimmery/pearly).
They were comfortable and hydrating to wear, though they were shorter-wearing due to the amount of slip, so most shades wore for three hours with a few of the richer and deeper shades lasting almost five hours on me. They had a sweet, vanilla-like scent but no discernible taste.
Browse all of our Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Shine swatches.
Ingredients
Diisostearyl Malate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Ceramide Ng, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tribehenin, Polydecene, Hexyl Laurate, Cholesterol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Oleic Acid, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Palmitic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lecithin, Peg-10 Phytosterol, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sulfate, Saccharin, Vanillin, Fragrance (Parfum), Bht, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 27 (Ci 45410), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380), Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360), Carmine (Ci 75470), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Red
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Genius (913)
PPermanent. $32.00.
Unpredictable (914)
Estee Lauder Unpredictable (914) Pure Color Illuminating Shine ($32.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark red with warm, orange undertones and a luminous sheen. The texture was lightweight, creamy, and smooth with moderate slip, which helped it glide readily over my lips but it felt a little balm-like and less lipstick-like as it didn’t adhere as strongly.
It had semi-opaque color payoff that could be layered for full opacity, though this was more pigmentation than marketed. It lasted nicely for four and a half hours and felt hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora More is More (10) (P, $15.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Carmen (P, $34.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
- Chanel Camelia Rouge (357) (LE, $40.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Alicia (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler, less glossy (90% similar).
- Shiseido Firecracker (219) (P, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- YSL Scout's Red (124) (LE, $38.00) is lighter, cooler, less glossy (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Excite (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Lancome Sunrise Ruby (133) (P, $32.00) is darker, cooler, less glossy (90% similar).
- Rare Beauty Inspire (P, $20.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
- Hourglass I Crave (P, $34.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$32.00/0.06 oz. - $533.33 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "sheer to medium, buildable" coverage with "hydrating shine" while helping to "reduce fine, dry lines and lip flakiness." The majority of the shades had more medium, buildable coverage that could be built up to nearly opaque coverage.
The lighter shades were the least forgiving and sometimes emphasized or gathered around lip lines and lip texture, while mid-tone and deeper shades often applied beautifully with even coverage and in a way that made my lips appear smoother and plusher. The consistency was lightweight with moderate slip and felt like a lipstick-lip balm hybrid as a result, and the finish was glossier and more luminous (without being overtly shimmery/pearly).
They were comfortable and hydrating to wear, though they were shorter-wearing due to the amount of slip, so most shades wore for three hours with a few of the richer and deeper shades lasting almost five hours on me. They had a sweet, vanilla-like scent but no discernible taste.
Browse all of our Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Shine swatches.
Ingredients
Diisostearyl Malate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Ceramide Ng, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tribehenin, Polydecene, Hexyl Laurate, Cholesterol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Oleic Acid, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Palmitic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lecithin, Peg-10 Phytosterol, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sulfate, Saccharin, Vanillin, Fragrance (Parfum), Bht, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 27 (Ci 45410), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380), Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360), Carmine (Ci 75470), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Red
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Unpredictable (914)
PPermanent. $32.00.
Light Heart (917)
Estee Lauder Light Heart (917) Pure Color Illuminating Shine ($32.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a medium-dark copper with strong, warm orange undertones and a cream finish. This shade wasn’t quite as glossy in its finish as most shades in the range. The texture was lightweight, creamy, and smooth, which helped it apply comfortably across my lips without dragging.
It yielded nearly opaque pigmentation in a single layer, rather than the sheer coverage marketed, but those who don’t mind the boost in coverage likely will enjoy this shade. The color stayed on well for four and a half hours and felt moisturizing while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Fee Fi Fo (LE, $10.00) is lighter, less glossy (95% similar).
- Estee Lauder Persuasive (333) (P, $32.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Hourglass Only You (LE, $34.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- MAC Devoted to Chili (P, $26.00) is darker, cooler, less glossy (90% similar).
- Hourglass I'll Forever (LE, $34.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Fiamma (205) (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- YSL Rouge Libre (1966) (LE, $38.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Hourglass Loves All of You (LE, $34.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay The Big One (P, $19.00) is less glossy (90% similar).
- Lancome French Coeur (118) (P, $32.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$32.00/0.06 oz. - $533.33 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "sheer to medium, buildable" coverage with "hydrating shine" while helping to "reduce fine, dry lines and lip flakiness." The majority of the shades had more medium, buildable coverage that could be built up to nearly opaque coverage.
The lighter shades were the least forgiving and sometimes emphasized or gathered around lip lines and lip texture, while mid-tone and deeper shades often applied beautifully with even coverage and in a way that made my lips appear smoother and plusher. The consistency was lightweight with moderate slip and felt like a lipstick-lip balm hybrid as a result, and the finish was glossier and more luminous (without being overtly shimmery/pearly).
They were comfortable and hydrating to wear, though they were shorter-wearing due to the amount of slip, so most shades wore for three hours with a few of the richer and deeper shades lasting almost five hours on me. They had a sweet, vanilla-like scent but no discernible taste.
Browse all of our Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Shine swatches.
Ingredients
Diisostearyl Malate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Ceramide Ng, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tribehenin, Polydecene, Hexyl Laurate, Cholesterol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Oleic Acid, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Palmitic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lecithin, Peg-10 Phytosterol, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sulfate, Saccharin, Vanillin, Fragrance (Parfum), Bht, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 27 (Ci 45410), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 22 Lake (Ci 45380), Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360), Carmine (Ci 75470), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Red
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
It almost feels like these brands are teasing us with these lovely glossy lipsticks, doesn’t it? LOL. I mean, for right now, they are nearly impossible for us to wear due to what a mask would do to them, ie; Joker.
Anywho, I really do love Genius and will buy it whenever life returns to something that resembles “normal”.
All three are so cheerful, esp Genius, the only one without a T rec, lol. Personal choice would be Light Heart, and I’ve coveted many of the dupes. These are lovely and refined.
I really like Light Heart – it’s my favourite shade.