Givenchy Le Rouge Intense Color Sensuously Matte Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.12 oz.) is supposed to be “an intense semi-matte lipstick” with “long-lasting” wear. The formula is incredibly pigmented and creamy; it glides on effortlessly never pulling or tugging at the lip, and it really does deliver opaque color in a single pass. The finish isn’t fully matte, more of a satiny sheen–definitely less shine than the regular Le Rouge range.  The formula is not as hydrating as the regular range, as I found Rose d’Exception to be neither drying nor hydrating and Rouge d’Exception only slightly hydrating.  It is floral-scented (too strong for my preference; felt like I was eating perfume when I was applying, but I’m particularly sensitive to florals!) and is housed in a leather-wrapped case. The leather is very thin, and it doesn’t feel particularly luxe for me; I could have done just as well as a regular metal tube.

Rose d’Exception (206) is described as a “soft rosy pink.” It’s a muted, neutral-warm rosy pink with a satin sheen. It had rich, opaque color coverage, and it wore well for five and a half hours. It was neither hydrating nor drying, though the original Le Rouge range is more hydrating. Urban Decay Naked is similar. Urban Decay Native is lighter. Bobbi Brown Nude Rose is darker. MAC Mehr is more matte. Make Up For Ever #4 is darker. See comparison swatches

Rouge d’Exception (308) is described as a “warm berry red.” It’s a rusty orange with strong red undertones. There’s a little brown in there, too, which keeps it from being as vibrant as a true orange-red. The pigmentation is opaque in one stroke, and the consistency just glides on and melts on the lips like butter. It wore well for six and a half hours and left behind a lingering stain. It was slightly hydrating. MAC Dangerous is more matte, redder. Giorgio Armani #300 is brighter. MAC Tomango is more matte, more orange. Maybelline Orange Edge and Maybelline Vibrant Mandarin are both brighter. MAC Lady Danger is more matte, brighter. Buxom Rogue is more orange, brighter. OCC Psycho is more matte but is the closest. See comparison swatches.

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rose d’Exception (206) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rouge d’Exception (308) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rouge d’Exception (308) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rouge d’Exception (308) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rouge d’Exception (308) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rouge d’Exception (308) Le Rouge

Givenchy Rouge d’Exception (308) Le Rouge