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Guerlain Rouge Saphir Rouge G & Rose Indien KissKiss Lipsticks Reviews, Photos, Swatches

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color
Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color ($56.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark pink-red with cooler undertones and a natural finish. ColourPop JujuRouge (LE, $7.00) is less glossy (95% similar). Chanel No. 03 (LE, $45.00) is darker (95% similar). Makeup Geek Elegant (P, $15.00) is darker (95% similar). Chanel No. 02 (LE, $45.00) is warmer (95% similar). Bite Beauty #009 (LE, $36.00) is darker, less glossy (95% similar). Estee Lauder Boldface (P, $32.00) is warmer (95% similar). Chanel No. 01 (LE, $45.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Naomi (LE, $36.00) is lighter (95% similar). Givenchy Rouge Insomnie (12) (P, $34.00) is lighter (95% similar). Shiseido Ruby Copper (RD501) (DC, $28.00) is darker, warmer, less glossy (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Jasmin Rouge (P, $57.00) is lighter (95% similar). Chanel Emblematique (147) (LE, $45.00) is warmer (90% similar). Chanel Memoire (224) (P, $37.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Burberry Poppy Red (309) (P, $34.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). YSL Light Me Red (119) (LE, $38.00) is more shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (90% similar). Urban Decay Sancho (DC, $18.00) is darker (90% similar). Maybelline On Fire Red (DC, $7.99) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Nyma Tang (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Guerlain #25 (P, $33.00) is lighter, warmer, less glossy (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Stiletto (P, $60.00) is less shimmery, more muted, less glossy (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

It’s a specially packaged Rouge G with a blue “jewel” as the clasp, while the rest of the packaging is the same signature Rouge G component. The formula is supposed to be hydrating and pigmented, which it is. The Rouge G formula has been a long-time favorite for me, and I wasn’t disappointed with the performance of this year’s holiday shade at all. I would like to see Guerlain introduce more shades of the Rouge G throughout the year and in more options than red, though! Rouge Saphir was creamy, lightweight, smoothing, and intensely pigmented. It did seem a bit denser and creamier than some Rouge Gs and had less of a pearly sheen. The color lasted for over six hours and was very moisturizing while worn, and it did not feather or bleed past the edges of my lips.

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) KissKiss Lip Color ($37.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium-dark fuchsia magenta with cool undertones and a natural sheen. Maybelline Hot Plum (DC, $7.99) is darker (95% similar). Givenchy Croisiere Fuchsia (309) (LE, $36.00) is more muted (95% similar). Estee Lauder Thrill Seeker (420) (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). Revlon Lollipop (DC, $7.49) is more shimmery (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Zelda (LE, $36.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Whip (LE, $7.00) is more muted, warmer (90% similar). MAC Daddy's Little Girl (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Pablo (DC, $36.00) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Crush (DC, $18.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Frenemy (DC, $18.00) is more shimmery, brighter (85% similar). Guerlain #73 (P, $33.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Anarchy (DC, $22.00) is brighter (85% similar). MAC Girl About Town (P, $19.00) is darker (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

The KissKiss formula is supposed to be hydrating, have a satin finish, and be long-wearing. It was comfortable to wear, but I found the consistency of the shade to be a little unforgiving on the lips, as it would catch on any unevenness on my lips. It had semi-opaque pigmentation, which was a bit less coverage than the line tends to deliver, and some of the color settled into lip lines–the brightness of the color made it less apparent, though. It wore well for four and a half hours and was moisturizing.

See more photos & swatches!

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color
Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color
Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color
Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color
Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color
Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color
Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color
Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color
Guerlain Rouge Saphir (821) Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color

Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick
Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick

Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick
Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick

Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick
Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick

Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick
Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick

Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick
Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick

Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick
Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick

Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick
Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick

Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick
Guerlain Rose Indien (563) KissKiss Lipstick

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation
  • Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
  • Guerlain Terra India Bronzer
On eyes:
  • Kat Von D MetalMatte Palette
  • Sephora Black Lace Contour Eye Pencil
On lips:
  • Cle de Peau #16 Radiant Rouge Liquid

38 Comments

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Celia Avatar

So agreed on your points regarding Rouge G. Yes, I will love every red in the line made to the usual excellent Rouge G standard. Yes, the holiday red this year is absolutely stunning and perhaps even creamier and more moisturizing than other Rouge G reds. I love it. BUT! It’s a pink-red Rouge G. I absolutely have enough of these from Guerlain, not to mention many other brands that don’t do pink-reds as well. Even for someone who is not a collector like me, there are so many options for reds and pinks from the line that you certainly don’t have to sweat the LE status of a Christmas red. This year we basically saw no other releases in the Rouge G line, their signature and best line. While I debate with myself before buying a Tom Ford lipstick for the same price, I know with Rouge G I’m getting something that will floor me with quality. All the Rouge G fans need Guerlain to make more colors in the line! I appreciate the variety of KissKiss, but the formula isn’t worth the purchase for me.

PLEEEASE Guerlain! Time for an expansion and more attention paid to Rouge G. Even some of the existing Rouge G colors could use more options like orange, plum, berry, etc which they have but need some variety (deeper oranges, more purple berries, truer browns and plums, etc). Of course I imagine they’ll keep the Rouge G line in fairly classic, more conservative colors so I’m not expecting blues or greens but more purple could certainly be added too.

Christine Avatar

As someone who really loves the Rouge G formula, Tom Ford Lipsticks don’t rise to the same level for me – I think that, for me, the finish of a lot of the Tom Ford shades was more dupable in other brands (though the more shimmery Lips & Boys shades made the Tom Ford range more interesting, but we are seeing more metallics/frosts return). I think that at the $50+ price point, Guerlain is one of the few brands that gives you truly decadent packaging (even if one is cool, ten of them is heavy and annoying to store, lol).

I’m honestly surprised that with as many higher price point lipstick ranges we have seen (even brands like NARS and Estee Lauder have their $30+ lipsticks!) that the Rouge G line is languishing instead of flourishing.

Celia Avatar

EXACTLY! Now more than ever people are willing to drop big bucks on worthwhile lipsticks. So many brands have high-end lines with great color variety now. Rouge G still holds the highest quality standard and for me is always worth the price, whereas I don’t feel that way about Tom Ford (too much variation in formula consistency, quality, pigmentation, etc. There are shades worth the cost, but not every shade by a long-shot). It’s bizarre to me that Guerlain isn’t capitalizing more on the trends that would work very well for it, more Extrait colors and more Rouge G colors. The Rouge G line has been neglected of late to great detriment.

Eileen Avatar

You ladies are definitely not alone in your opinion of Rouge G and I share your consternation over Guerlain letting it slide. I think the Petite Robe Noire lipsticks/balms were a fun thing for summer as they were light and easy to wear. KissKiss is a good formula (not for me, though, as it causes my lips to flake), but nothing great or particularly special. Rouge G is Guerlain’s crown jewel and deserves more love from the company. I’d love to see a release of four or five new colors.

Kate Avatar

Pretty much as expected… I don’t need this one at all, but I’m almost definitely going to talk myself into getting it. I do wish that they would continue to introduce colours seasonally (as they used to do) to the Rouge G line, rather than just introducing an entirely new lipstick formula once a year. But they made two formerly limited shades (Madame Reve and Provocative) permanent earlier this year and failed to mention it. I thought it was a glitch on the Canadian Sephora site until I found Provocative at a local counter. (And if they’re bringing back old shades, why not Gigolo, which isn’t close to anything in the permanent line or any of the limited shades they’ve released???)

Katherine T. Avatar

It’s on my bucket list to own a Rouge G, and I totally agree they should expand the color range. I mean, I’m not expecting 100 new colors from them, but 6 would be nice. And it mystifies me that Guerlain spent all this time and money reformulating their weakest product, their shadows (and they are STILL a disaster), but have completely neglected one of their shining stars, the Rouge G s 🙁

Shelley Avatar

I love, love, love, Rouge Gs. If one comes out at the holidays, I’m pretty well guaranteed to buy it. I must admit, I wish the “jewel” was a little more like glass and a little less plasticky on this one. It looked better in the photos. The color is gorgeous but pretty darn bold for me. I’m going to have to be brave with this one.

Speaking of storage — Christine and others with a, er, rather large collection of Rouge Gs — how do you store them? I have a Lux Box lipstick tower that I love but these don’t fit.

Celia Avatar

I do the same as Christine. Flat lay in large plastic trays. It takes a while to locate the intended shade to pull out each time ha. I try to keep more used ones closer to me and less used ones farther back on the tray. There’s really no fantastic way to store them once you have more than like…three.

Elena Avatar

Would you be able to compare the formula to any other less expensive offering? I heard that Clinique Pop Lip Colour was similar, but judging from your write up of both it’s entirely different. I am not concerned with long wear, but want to try something similar in formula and feel. I cannot bring myself to pay the price for Rouge G and its overly elaborate (and wasteful) packaging when their foundation is only 10 dollars more expensive here in Canada. Btw, I’ve been using and loving their foundation for years but increasing prices for their colour cosmetics are are keeping me away.

Christine Avatar

Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Envy Line has a similar creaminess and finish, though they are tackier and adhere more noticeably to the lips – I’d say clingy, but that sounds like a bad thing. The new Hi-Lustres really remind me of the pearly effect of a lot of the Rouge Gs (though Rouge Saphir doesn’t have as much sheen as most Rouge Gs). Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani is lighter weight and not as luminous. BUXOM used to make lipsticks that were more reminiscent of them, actually, but I believe they’ve been discontinued.

I think the hardest part about replicating the Rouge G formula is in the finish – it is a little more of a glossy finish than most lipsticks but does not slide around as easily as something with a similar finish.

Celia Avatar

I agree with Christine that the finish is the toughest part to duplicate. There’s no perfect formula dupe for it that I’ve run into that truly matches. But Pure Color Envy does have a similar creaminess, Hi-Lustres can mimic the finish of some, etc. A good match for longevity at a comparably reasonable price is Besame. The finish is only sort of similar, but the color options and ironlike-wear are comparable. Some options are much more matte, while others like American Beauty have some sheen. Plus they’re less than half the price of Guerlain. Because one of the most special aspects of Rouge G is its longevity while being hydrating, so a long-lasting and comfortable formula like Besame’s is a good alternative even if you’re not getting the same exact finish.

Lulle Avatar

What a gorgeous red! I do wish Guerlain would introduce more variety in their Rouge G line. I haven’t bought one in years. This one is absolutely stunning but I really, really don’t need more red in my collection.
As for the KissKiss formula, I know a lot of long time fans were very disappointed by the latest reformulation. Apparently it’s much thinner and not as opaque and creamy as it used to be. (FYI you have the name of the Rouge G in the beginning of the KissKiss description!)

Kecia Avatar

Yet ANOTHER absolutely stunning Rouge G lipstick that I HAVE to buy…because Christine made me do it. LOL! The last time this happened was when I stumbled upon your review of Garçonne. Never before had a lipstick made me salivate while rendering me speechless. Now, I need to make room in my vast collection of red lipsticks for Rouge Saphir because it’s happening again. My wallet & I thank you! ?

kjh Avatar

OMBFG that G is mighty fine. On you, it is ecstatically gorgeous. 2 dupe rule! Much as I would love to go there. Wonder if the 2 dupe rule applies to NARS Mona…..hope not. Have to set myself some parameters, and that is a sensible one.

Jyoti Avatar

OMG! That red is beyond gorgeous. Looks equally amazing on you! I haven’t yet got my hands on any Guerlain lipstick, but when I do, thats going to be my first. 🙂

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