Guerlain Illusion (660) Rouge Automatique ($35.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “subtle sparkling plum.” It’s a fuchsia-plum with violet sparkle. When swatched on the skin, it had more of a fuchsia coloring, but when applied to the lips, it looked more reddish-fuchsia–a bright plum–with violet sparkles and shimmer. It had a softly luminous sheen. Revlon Sorbet is a bit lighter, sheerer. Guerlain Girly is brighter, darker. Milani Raspberry Rush is more fuchsia, frosted. MAC Lickable is more fuchsia. Guerlain Gigi is similar but redder. Guerlain Shalimar is pinker. See comparison swatches.

It is one of two new and limited edition shades for the holidays (I don’t have the other, which is Reflex, yet, but hopefully will buy it when it becomes available online). I haven’t spied the entire collection online for purchase yet, though Sephora had a few pieces up (so maybe the rest will follow shortly!). I imagine one of the first things readers noticed was the packaging, which is glossy black with tangerine accents. It doesn’t work as well on the Rouge Automatique, because it is already such a lightweight feel, so the orange does look quite plastic. I’m reminded of Halloween, which for me, is kind of fun, but I can understand why some readers feel like it doesn’t work with Guerlain’s image.

Illusion had mostly opaque color coverage; there was a definite tint and coloring, but you could see an outline of my lip freckle slightly. The color looked lightweight (and felt that way, too) because of that subtle translucency. Sometimes really opaque colors are also thicker or creamier, so they can look a bit heavier. Though, if you have more pigmented lips, your natural lip color will impact the way this looks on you more as a result. It wore well for five and a half hours and left behind a soft stain. It was lightly hydrating while worn, and it applied evenly and easily, though I did feel some of the sparkle when I was applying it from the tube–not gritty or scratchy, just could feel the texture. I didn’t notice this when applied, though, or as the color wore away. It is violet-scented.

Guerlain Illusion (660) Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Illusion (660) Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Illusion (660) Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Illusion (660) Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Illusion (660) Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Illusion (660) Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Illusion (660) Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Illusion (660) Rouge Automatique (with Chanel Accent on cheeks)