Guerlain Holiday 2011: Nuit d’Amour Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Nuit d’Amour (170) Rouge Automatique ($35.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “black red that reveals an intense plum color.” It’s definitely a shade that will intimidate at glance; it looks burgundy-brown-black with twinkles of ruby shimmer in the tube, but it’s so, so different when swatched or worn. The description sounds like they did this deliberately (“reveals”). It’s reddish-pink burgundy with hints of plum and ruby micro-shimmer. Even though the shimmer is there, it’s so fine and sparse that it’s rather subtle.  MAC Rebel is redder and brighter. Guerlain Bee looks quite similar on, but it has less red in it (and more opacity). YSL Forbidden Burgundy is a little brighter and redder but still rather similar.

The formula felt creamier than a lot of other Rouge Automatiques I’ve tried; it glides on effortlessly, but it has more of a stained look when worn, so it does look uneven in places and settles into lip lines. I didn’t have any problems with the color bleeding, though, and I wore it for six hours before removing (it held up quite well over that time period, too). It has a light violet scent but no taste, and it’s moisturizing without being too slippery.  Both the unevenness/settling are more minor than major, because they’re not noticeable from afar (well, a normal viewing distance, rather than close-up and larger-than-life)–as seen here.

Generally, Rouge Automatiques are comparable to the Rouge G lipstick, though not as thick or as opaque but still similar enough. They’re $11 cheaper than the Rouge Gs, and the colors still have the same depth and nuanced shade range that makes Guerlain lipstick always standout to me.  This particular shade and its formula seemed more like the Rouge G Brilliants, though.  To see more photos of the packaging, check out this post. I did find the slider on this particular shade to be on the stiffer side.

Guerlain Nuit d’Amour Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Nuit d’Amour Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Nuit d’Amour Rouge Automatique

Guerlain Nuit d’Amour Rouge Automatique