Guerlain Berry Alchemy & Fascinating Ruby Rouge G Velvet Lipstick Reviews & Swatches
Berry Alchemy (777)
Guerlain Berry Alchemy (777) Rouge G Luxurious Velvet Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark raspberry pink with cool, bluish undertones and a semi-matte finish.
- Semi-opaque, buildable coverage
- Lightweight, thin (but not clingy), more silicone-like glide
- Applied evenly but emphasized texture slightly
- Long-wearing (5.5 hours, plus stain) and non-drying (brand claimed 16-hour wear)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Smashbox Jam On It (P, $21.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Wasted (LE, $27.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Laura Mercier Plum Sublime (P, $32.00) is more muted, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Phoebus (LE, $9.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Fly (P, $20.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Gifted (P, $7.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Ultra Pulse (870) (P, $37.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Stellar Beauty Wicked Aura 01 (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- Chanel Muted Fuchsia (124) (P, $40.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Miss Argentina (P, $20.00) is warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.12 oz. - $300.00 Per Ounce
The new finish is described as a "velvet matte" with "exceptional softness, color depth" and is "long-lasting" with "16-hour comfort and wear." The color coverage is supposed to be "highly pigmented" and will "glide on effortlessly."
The majority of the shades available were highly pigmented, as marketed, with even, smooth coverage that wasn't prone to emphasizing lip texture, lines, or imperfections. The texture was smooth, moderately dense but not thick, so they felt lightweight on (but not clingy). Most of the shades--at the time of review--are more mid-depth or deeper, but the lightest shades I tested were a little prone to settling into my lip lines over time.
The big "downside" is that they don't wear anywhere near 16 hours; that would be a tall ask for any lipstick formula, let alone a traditional, bullet formula like this one. They have longer wear than average with many shades achieving six hours of solid wear with slight stains left behind. The formula was comfortable to wear and lightly hydrating overall.
They hare a floral scent that was noticeable applied to the lips, and I had slight taste of floral perfume when eating/drinking.
Please note, Rouge Gs are now refillable, so the price reflects the cost of the lipstick itself but not the lipstick holder (which is $37.50 and available in different designs). I personally keep mine with the refill-only cap, which is suitable for being kept at home but would not be ideal for someone who keeps it in their bag or travels frequently.
Browse all of our Guerlain Rouge G Luxurious Velvet Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Berry Alchemy (777)
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
Fascinating Ruby (880)
Guerlain Fascinating Ruby (880) Rouge G Luxurious Velvet Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a vivid, medium red with neutral-to-cool undertones and a mostly matte finish.
- Opaque coverage
- Lightweight, thin (but not clingy), more silicone-like glide
- Applied evenly but emphasized texture slightly
- Long-wearing (5.5 hours, plus stain) and non-drying (brand claimed 16-hour wear)
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Dragon Girl (P, $34.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Maybelline Red for Me (P, $7.49) is darker (95% similar).
- Lancome Rouge Pigalle (82) (P, $32.00) is more muted, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Riot (LE, $27.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Red Pocket (LE, $7.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Revlon Lip Boom (P, $12.39) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Always Red (P, $14.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Camelia Rouge (357) (LE, $40.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC High Heels (LE, $21.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Red Wishes (LE, $34.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.12 oz. - $300.00 Per Ounce
The new finish is described as a "velvet matte" with "exceptional softness, color depth" and is "long-lasting" with "16-hour comfort and wear." The color coverage is supposed to be "highly pigmented" and will "glide on effortlessly."
The majority of the shades available were highly pigmented, as marketed, with even, smooth coverage that wasn't prone to emphasizing lip texture, lines, or imperfections. The texture was smooth, moderately dense but not thick, so they felt lightweight on (but not clingy). Most of the shades--at the time of review--are more mid-depth or deeper, but the lightest shades I tested were a little prone to settling into my lip lines over time.
The big "downside" is that they don't wear anywhere near 16 hours; that would be a tall ask for any lipstick formula, let alone a traditional, bullet formula like this one. They have longer wear than average with many shades achieving six hours of solid wear with slight stains left behind. The formula was comfortable to wear and lightly hydrating overall.
They hare a floral scent that was noticeable applied to the lips, and I had slight taste of floral perfume when eating/drinking.
Please note, Rouge Gs are now refillable, so the price reflects the cost of the lipstick itself but not the lipstick holder (which is $37.50 and available in different designs). I personally keep mine with the refill-only cap, which is suitable for being kept at home but would not be ideal for someone who keeps it in their bag or travels frequently.
Browse all of our Guerlain Rouge G Luxurious Velvet Lipstick swatches.
Love Berry Alchemy, but definitely have other nicer looking lipsticks in the same type of shade. First thing I thought of was PML Executive Realness. On the lips? Very, very close!
Not really feeling the love with these ones.