Gucci Wife vs. Secretary, Marina Violet, Goldie Red Sheer Lipsticks Reviews & Swatches
Wife vs. Secretary (602)
Gucci Beauty Wife vs. Secretary (602) Sheer Lipstick ($42.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium, cotton candy pink with strong, cool blue undertones and a luminous sheen. It had semi-sheer color coverage that applied evenly and smoothly across my lips without tugging.
The texture was lightweight, lightly creamy and thin (but not clingy), so it wasn’t too slippery but still offered noticeable shine. It stayed on well for three and a half hours and was lightly hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Gucci Beauty Vantine Fuchsia (402) (P, $42.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Tatcha Beautyberry (P, $55.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Laura Geller Dragon Fruit Sorbet (PiP, ) is more shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Millicent Rose (406) (P, $42.00) is more pigmented, cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain Pinktie (002) (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented, warmer (90% similar).
- YSL Rose Saint Germain (49) (P, $38.00) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Roman Holiday (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar).
- ColourPop Konichiwa (LE, $7.00) is more pigmented, less glossy (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Tahiti (LE, $29.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Sheer Anarchy (DC, $18.00) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$42.00/0.12 oz. - $350.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "moisture-rich" with a "luminous shine" that "delivers sheer color." The brand went further and described the coverage as "semitransparent color with luminous shine." The shades had semi-sheer to medium coverage, often slightly buildable, so it was enough pigment to look like something when applied but definitely let the natural lip color come through (so your mileage may vary if you have more pigmented lips than I do).
The texture was lightweight, thin but not clingy, and had a light creaminess to it; the formula didn't feel as luminous as it looked, which was a good thing as it prevented the product from sliding around too readily. The most impressive part was that most shades applied evenly and didn't settle into my lip lines initially nor over time. The wear time was as expected, but it was shorter than more pigmented and less shiny formulas; most shades lasted between three and four hours. The formula felt lightly hydrating but not what I'd call "moisture-rich."
They have a moderate, sweet floral scent (the brand says "floral fragrance with violet notes and a soft, fruity scent"), and I felt like I occasionally could taste the fragrance, though it was a lot less noticeable and present compared to Gucci's original lipstick range (many years ago). I could definitely smell the scent with the product applied, so it was stronger than some formulas where the scent is only noticeable in the packaging/tube.
Browse all of our Gucci Beauty Sheer Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Octyldodecanol, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Polybutene, Cera Microcristallina/Microcrystalline Wax/Cire Microcrystalline, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Polyethylene, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Triisodecyl Trimellitate, Mica, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Dicalcium Phosphate, Phytosteryl Isostearate, Propylene Carbonate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, BHT, Tin Oxide, [May Contain/Peut Contenir/+/-:Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 6 (CI 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Wife vs. Secretary (602)
PPermanent. $42.00.
Marina Violet (603)
Gucci Beauty Marina Violet (603) Sheer Lipstick ($42.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a darker–but muted–berry with moderate, cooler undertones and a soft sheen. It had more medium coverage, so it was a bit more pigmented than described and more pigmented than most shades in the range (which likely isn’t a deal-breaker for most).
The texture was lightly creamy, smooth, and lightweight without being too slippery–it looked glossier than it felt going on. The color applied evenly and didn’t emphasize my lip lines. It wore nicely for four and a half hours and felt lightly moisturizing over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Valentina (LE, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Disobedient (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Treasure Island (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Violet Fatale (P, $57.00) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Popsicle (P, $21.00) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Georgie (LE, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Hourglass Liberator (P, $32.00) is lighter, more pigmented, warmer (90% similar).
- Givenchy Purple Fiction (07) (P, $34.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Hourglass Protector (P, $32.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Larkspur (DC, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$42.00/0.12 oz. - $350.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "moisture-rich" with a "luminous shine" that "delivers sheer color." The brand went further and described the coverage as "semitransparent color with luminous shine." The shades had semi-sheer to medium coverage, often slightly buildable, so it was enough pigment to look like something when applied but definitely let the natural lip color come through (so your mileage may vary if you have more pigmented lips than I do).
The texture was lightweight, thin but not clingy, and had a light creaminess to it; the formula didn't feel as luminous as it looked, which was a good thing as it prevented the product from sliding around too readily. The most impressive part was that most shades applied evenly and didn't settle into my lip lines initially nor over time. The wear time was as expected, but it was shorter than more pigmented and less shiny formulas; most shades lasted between three and four hours. The formula felt lightly hydrating but not what I'd call "moisture-rich."
They have a moderate, sweet floral scent (the brand says "floral fragrance with violet notes and a soft, fruity scent"), and I felt like I occasionally could taste the fragrance, though it was a lot less noticeable and present compared to Gucci's original lipstick range (many years ago). I could definitely smell the scent with the product applied, so it was stronger than some formulas where the scent is only noticeable in the packaging/tube.
Browse all of our Gucci Beauty Sheer Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Octyldodecanol, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Polybutene, Cera Microcristallina/Microcrystalline Wax/Cire Microcrystalline, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Polyethylene, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Triisodecyl Trimellitate, Mica, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Dicalcium Phosphate, Phytosteryl Isostearate, Propylene Carbonate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, BHT, Tin Oxide, [May Contain/Peut Contenir/+/-:Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 6 (CI 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Marina Violet (603)
PPermanent. $42.00.
Goldie Red (25)
Gucci Beauty Goldie Red (25) Sheer Lipstick ($42.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a soft, reddish-coral with warm undertones and a natural sheen. It had semi-sheer color coverage that applied fairly evenly, but it could have went on even more evenly; thankfully, it didn’t settle into my lip lines as some more luminous formulas can.
The texture felt lightweight, creamy enough to glide on but was thinner (without clinging or emphasizing lip texture) that was comfortable to wear. It lasted well for four hours and was lightly hydrating while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Gucci Beauty Odalie Red (500) (P, $42.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Understanding (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild What's Up, Doc? (P, $0.99) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain #43 (P, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Cle de Peau Camellia (P, $65.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Margaret Ruby (516) (P, $42.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- YSL Coral Aviator (81) (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Dior Diorosphere (649) (P, $37.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Guerlain Poppy Cap (020) (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Cabana (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter, more pigmented (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$42.00/0.12 oz. - $350.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be "moisture-rich" with a "luminous shine" that "delivers sheer color." The brand went further and described the coverage as "semitransparent color with luminous shine." The shades had semi-sheer to medium coverage, often slightly buildable, so it was enough pigment to look like something when applied but definitely let the natural lip color come through (so your mileage may vary if you have more pigmented lips than I do).
The texture was lightweight, thin but not clingy, and had a light creaminess to it; the formula didn't feel as luminous as it looked, which was a good thing as it prevented the product from sliding around too readily. The most impressive part was that most shades applied evenly and didn't settle into my lip lines initially nor over time. The wear time was as expected, but it was shorter than more pigmented and less shiny formulas; most shades lasted between three and four hours. The formula felt lightly hydrating but not what I'd call "moisture-rich."
They have a moderate, sweet floral scent (the brand says "floral fragrance with violet notes and a soft, fruity scent"), and I felt like I occasionally could taste the fragrance, though it was a lot less noticeable and present compared to Gucci's original lipstick range (many years ago). I could definitely smell the scent with the product applied, so it was stronger than some formulas where the scent is only noticeable in the packaging/tube.
Browse all of our Gucci Beauty Sheer Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Octyldodecanol, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Polybutene, Cera Microcristallina/Microcrystalline Wax/Cire Microcrystalline, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Polyethylene, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Triisodecyl Trimellitate, Mica, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Dicalcium Phosphate, Phytosteryl Isostearate, Propylene Carbonate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, BHT, Tin Oxide, [May Contain/Peut Contenir/+/-:Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 6 (CI 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
The name “Wife vs Secretary” really puts me off. Do we really need to be putting women together over a man?
Thank you! I was wondering if I was the only one who found this kind of gross.
True. But I think the name comes from the 1936 comedy starring Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, and Myrna Loy., although I think the name is more suited to a retro red.
It’s probably named after the film, but how many, these days have heard of the film. And if named after a mid 30s film, it should be red, absolutely.
Scrolling down I saw that most who had made a comment reacted to the name and rightly so.
I do like seeing that there are other film lovers/likers here, and I mean old films.
I feel the same way! Even if it was supposed to be named after a movie, well, they could’ve picked a better movie name.
Totally agree.
Not crazy about the name “Wife vs. Secretary.” Really?
Love the lipstick and packaging of WIFE VS. SECRETARY (602), don’t love the name or the price 😉
Goldie Red and Marina Violet remind me of candy or stained glass. I really love both, but I know I don’t need either one right away.
I like all three of these shades and I’ve grown to like the packaging. But naming a product Wife vs. Secretary in the Me Too era? What were they thinking?
The choice of name for a lipstick ‘Wife vs Secretary’ is not only dated, but really obnoxious. Honestly, I thought Gucci was above all of that.
Wife vs secretary????? WTF??!?!?
I’m assuming Wife Vs Secretary is a reference to the movie of the same name, but it’s so obscure that it’s obviously going to read otherwise. Stupid choice on their part.
Wife vs. Secretary is so offensive.. I can’t even.
Wife vs. Secretary is beautiful in the the tube; I just wish it was actually that color on the lips, not a sheer pink. I wasn’t expecting that.