La Bouleversante (51)

Chanel La Bouleversante (51) Rouge Allure Velvet ($36.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a slightly muted, medium red with neutral-to-warm undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff with a very smooth, thin consistency. The finish had a fair amount of shine--more than "velvet matte" would have as defined by most would be my guess! Though it's not touted as hydrating, it is supposed to be "non-drying" and long-wearing, but my experience with it was that it was somewhat drying over the five hours it lasted. Something about the consistency made it seem like it didn't really adhere to my lips that well. Dior Diva (LE, $40.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Brave Red (LE, $30.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Steam Heat (LE, $19.00) is more pigmented, better quality (95% similar). NARS Jungle Red (DC, $28.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Carmine Rouge (LE, $30.00) is brighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC Reddy to Go (P, $20.00) is darker (90% similar). NARS Mysterious Red (P, $27.00) is more pigmented, less glossy (90% similar). NARS Flamenco (DC, $28.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Bite Beauty Candied Maple (LE, $24.00) is brighter (90% similar). MAC Nutcracker Rouge (LE, $19.00) is cooler, less glossy (90% similar). Chanel Ultrarose (257) (LE, $45.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Illamasqua Maneater (P, $24.00) is brighter, more pigmented, less glossy (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview, which is a detailed review of the range as a whole.

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