Giorgio Armani #524 Flash Lip Lacquer ($29.00 for 0.22 fl. oz.) is a muted, pink-plum with a glossy finish and subtle, warm undertones. Urban Decay Wallflower is more beige. NARS Oasis is more shimmery. MAC Curvaceous is lighter. MAC Deelight is darker. See comparison swatches.

Giorgio Armani’s recently released Flash Lip Lacquer formula is supposed to provide “the highest reflection ever achieved, even after blotting lips” with a “pure pop of color.” It has a medium-weight, gel-like consistency with a light tackiness (I wouldn’t call it sticky), and no noticeable scent or taste. It almost feels like your lips but smoother, softer, plumper–like a second skin but not clingy. It’s incredibly comfortable to wear, because it really does hold and molds to your lips but in the best, most comfortable way (because all those things make me think of clingy, drying lipsticks). On me, this is probably not-so-exciting to see swatched, because it’s really just a better take on my natural lip color, so it gives my lips a more even appearance and coloring. It has semi-sheer to semi-opaque color but a fair amount of translucency, so the natural lip color will come through.  #524 lasted four and a half hours on me and was hydrating while worn.

Giorgio Armani #524 Flash Lip Lacquer

Giorgio Armani #524 Flash Lip Lacquer

Giorgio Armani #524 Flash Lip Lacquer

Giorgio Armani #524 Flash Lip Lacquer

Giorgio Armani #524 Flash Lip Lacquer

Giorgio Armani #524 Flash Lip Lacquer