Giorgio Armani #501 Uptown Ecstasy Lacquer ($38.00 for 0.20 fl. oz.) is a medium, pink-coral with warm undertones and a creamy, lightly glossy finish. It darkens quite a bit on lips and appears pinker as well. It had semi-opaque coverage which went on evenly, and it was somewhat buildable (it’s supposed to be buildable). The color wore for six hours and left behind a strong stain. MAC Never Say Never (LE, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Salamanca (P, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar). Guerlain Candy Stripe (P, $30.00) is warmer (85% similar). Make Up For Ever 205P Pearly Rose (P, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). NARS Paris Follies (LE, $26.00) is warmer (85% similar). Dior Tropiques (379) (P, $35.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). Revlon Papaya (DC, $7.49) is warmer (85% similar). Guerlain Nahema Smack (P, $30.00) is warmer (85% similar). Dior Wonderland (575) (P, $35.00) is lighter (85% similar). Dior Rose Tricheuse (669) (LE, $35.00) is warmer (85% similar). Chanel Vibration (LE, $34.00) is cooler, glossier (85% similar). Hourglass Nectar (P, $28.00) is warmer (85% similar). MAC Drawn in Chic (LE, $21.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Revlon Kiss Me Coral (DC, $7.99) is warmer (80% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Paint It (202) (DC, $28.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (80% similar). Gucci Beauty Crushed Coral (DC, $32.00) is warmer (80% similar). Illamasqua Mistress (P, $22.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Giorgio Armani #601 Plum Vinyl Ecstasy Lacquer ($38.00 for 0.20 fl. oz.) is a medium-dark plum with subtle, cooler undertones and a lightly shiny finish. It had semi-opaque color coverage in one layer and could be built up to mostly opaque coverage (but always with some translucency) with two to three layers. The consistency spread across the lips well and left even color that didn’t gather into lip lines (not an easy feat for deeper shades like this). The color wore for almost eight hours with the shine fading after five hours. MAC It's Never Ending (P, $24.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Lust for Life (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Exotica (P, $54.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Maybelline Caviar Couture (050) (P, $8.99) is cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Exposed (P, $54.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Revlon Embellished (DC, $7.49) is warmer (90% similar). Chanel Distinction (21) (P, $34.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). MAC Preserving Passion (P, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Vice (DC, $26.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sephora Plum Fiction (19) (P, $12.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Jouer Bond (P, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Cherry Up (P, $8.00) is darker (85% similar). MAC 10s Across Da Board (LE, $21.00) is darker, more muted, less pigmented (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Red Corset (P, $54.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Chanel Crushed Cherry (DC, $30.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar). MAC Peer Pressure (LE, $20.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

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 Uptown (501) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Uptown (501) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Uptown (501) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Uptown (501) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Uptown (501) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Uptown (501) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Plum Vinyl (601) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Plum Vinyl (601) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Plum Vinyl (601) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Plum Vinyl (601) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Plum Vinyl (601) Ecstasy Lacquer

Giorgio Armani Plum Vinyl (601) Ecstasy Lacquer