From Guerlain’s fall collection, we have an “intense, daringly bold, real red” called Garconne (25) ($47.00 for 0.12 oz.). It was chosen for its timelessness as a color. It’s a rich, luxurious shade of red–there is depth to it, so it’s not too bright but it’s not brown-toned red. There is a subtle cool undertone running through this blue-based red, but it isn’t too strong. Blue-based lipsticks make teeth appear whiter, while orange-based lipsticks cause teeth to look yellower.

NARS Muscate is similar but has a matte finish. Guerlain Gwen is browner and a touch darker–less vibrancy. NYX Hero is not quite as dark. Guerlain Gala is brighter, while Guerlain Greta seems less intense. (I wish I had more hours in the day, because I really want to re-do all of my Rouge G lip swatches.) The reality is… it is actually quite close to Chanel Dragon–I would say that is the closest shade to Garconne.  Dragon might be a smidgen darker.

Rouge Gs are one of my favorite lipstick formulas, because they’re long-wearing (anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on the shade–something like Garconne tends to wear around eight or longer, because it’s so richly pigmented), moisturizing, and always enhance the way your lips look. The formula is creamy enough to glide on but not so creamy it bleeds and slides around. They are scented with Guerlain’s signature violet fragrance, but I don’t find it overpowering in the Rouge Gs.

Guerlain Garconne Rouge G Lipstick

Guerlain Garconne Rouge G Lipstick

Guerlain Garconne Rouge G Lipstick

Guerlain Garconne Rouge G Lipstick

Guerlain Garconne Rouge G Lipstick

Guerlain Garconne Rouge G Lipstick