Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer ($38.00 for 0.20 fl. oz.) is a bold, bright orange-red with warm undertones and a creamy, high-shine finish. Maybelline So Hot (P, $7.99) is lighter (95% similar). Revlon Fire (DC, $7.49) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Flash Drive (LE, $20.00) is lighter (95% similar). Maybelline Signature Scarlet (020) (P, $8.99) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Mineshaft (P, $26.00) is lighter (95% similar). Revlon HD Fire Opal (560) (DC, $8.99) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). Anastasia Runway Red (-, $16.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Christian Louboutin Beaute Altressa (P, $85.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Punch Drunk (DC, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Forever Darling (P, $24.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Russian Red (P, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty No Vacancy (P, $54.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Push Some Buttons (LE, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar). Laura Mercier Poppy (P, $25.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty True Coral (P, $54.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty No Vacancy (P, $54.00) is lighter (90% similar). Jouer Shibuya (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Fortune Red (LE, $21.00) is more muted, cooler (85% similar). NARS Special Force (LE, $28.00) is darker (85% similar). Shiseido Lust (RD305) (P, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
#402 Red to Go was nearly opaque in a single layer, though perhaps you could use less and do a better job smoothing and evening it out to get that “subtle touch of color” in a single layer, as the brand mentions. It’s a buildable formula, which is interesting, I think. It does actually build-up well, despite having a water-like texture that dries to a thicker, more gel-like one. I think if you prefer your gloss to be more opaque, you’d like the coverage that comes right out of the tube. It dried down and felt smooth, hugging (but not uncomfortably clingy), and comfortable to wear overall. The color was still going strong after six hours with noticeable shine. It was lightly hydrating while worn.
FORMULA SUMMARY | The Ecstasy Lacquer formula is supposed to have the shine of a gloss, color and hydration of a lipstick, and the long-wear of a stain, though they say “applied in a single layer for a subtle touch of color … or in a layered application for a bold, statement lip.” It has a floral scent, which is noticeable in the tube and for an hour or so of wear (particularly strong when it is drying down). There is a slight taste to me, as well. Initially, the formula is thin and more water-like, but after you’ve applied it, the consistency thickens, levels out, and “adheres” to your lips in a very comfortable wear. The consistency is mostly non-sticky and gradually gets a lightly tacky about half-way through wear.
#402 Red to Go
PPermanent. $38.00.
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer
Giorgio Armani #402 Red to Go Ecstasy Lacquer
That’s a lovely red! I have one of the dupes (Revlon Fire) so I won’t get this but if I didn’t I would certainly consider it. ?
Fire is a good one to have 🙂
Wow, this color is stunning!! I love it, it’s a beautiful coral red orange
Agreed, Katherine!
This is a lovely red gloss! Very glam and winter apropos. If I didn’t already didn’t have Revlon Fire Opal, I would definitely buy this!
I have been seriously considering getting either Guerlain Red Strass or TF Hiro, though. Like really soon. Something about the red with gold shimmer.?
Oooh, that is going to be tough to pick between those two!
Gasp! Stunning! I just ordered Boudoir because I wanted a neutral-ish shade to go with my night Berry. I’m going to have to treat myself to one of these pretty reds soon.
Nice! Let me know how you like Boudoir.
Will do! 🙂
Ohhhh this is such a beautiful warm red! Well done, Giorgio! 🙂 And well worn, Christine, haha.
Haha! Thanks, Melissa!
I picked up #601 during the sale and it just arrived yesterday. Can’t wait to try it on!
Keep me posted on how you like the formula, Angelica!
My lips have been so dry in the last few weeks that even the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask has not help me very much. Finally, I tried the shade #601 and I like it! I didn’t at first. The formula feels very similar to YSL glossy stain but different. When I first applied it, I smacked my lips thinking that it will even out the product but instead it clumped up a bit and did not look pretty. I tried again and let it sit for a bit and it just got super glossy with not stickiness. The fragrance is a bit intense but not too overwhelming.
Fabulous!
It is!
Too orange for me but it’s a real stunner!
It is a pretty one!
Wow, what a bold red! Too warm for me but it does look very striking, suits you Christine!
Thank you, Claire!
It;s so shiny! How is the formula compared to the new Guerlain Maxi Velvet liquid lipstick? Which one would you say is longer lasting/more comfortable?
It’s very different, IMO. You are talking about a matte, thin liquid and a glossy, gel-like consistency! Really different products.
Red 402 looks beautiful on you! I own six of these & I just ordered four more…but I don’t have this color. I’m going to Nordstrom tomorrow, so perhaps I’ll swatch it. If it happens to find its way into my collection, so be it. LOL!
I hope you liked it, Kecia!