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). 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). Christian Louboutin Beaute Altressa (P, $85.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Punch Drunk (DC, $26.00) 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.

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