Shiseido Code Red, Ginza Red, Shizuka Red VisionAiry Gel Lipsticks Reviews & Swatches
Code Red (221)
Shiseido Code Red (221) VisionAiry Gel Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a bright, medium red with neutral-to-cool undertones and a cream finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation in a single stroke, which covered my lips with even, smooth coverage. The texture was creamy and lightweight, which enabled the lipstick to skate across my lips with ease. The formula is extremely comfortable to wear but does eventually wear down to a more satin finish that has light tackiness (but doesn’t lift the color or create patchiness) that I imagine helps this shade last well for nearly eight hours while still being very hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- YSL Rouge Unapologetic (151) (LE, $38.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Bite Beauty Gemini (Right) (LE, $26.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Buxom Provocateur (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Margot (LE, $34.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Carmin (LE, $37.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Clinique Roses are Red (P, $19.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC MAC Red (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- L'Oreal Enamel Red (P, $9.99) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Mind Control (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior 999 Matte (999) (P, $35.00) is lighter, cooler, less glossy (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.05 oz. - $520.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "high levels of pigment" for "cushiony, comfortable, weightless color" that lasts for "six hours." They had rich color coverage in a single stroke, just as promised, and they were creamy and emollient, which made them comfortable and easy to apply on my lips.
The formula has a slight set to it where it is less emollient and clings slightly (but not uncomfortably), so it loses some of the initial slip, which ultimately helps keep the product in place better and for longer. Over time (about an hour or so), the shine wore down a bit and the consistency felt a little tackier, but most of the shades lasted for six to eight hours and some of the mid-tone and deeper shades made it through a meal adequately.
The formula remained comfortable to wear, kept my lips hydrated while worn but they often felt quite good even a few hours later after a shade wore down. There was no discernible scent or taste.
The biggest downside to the product is that each tube contains a mere 0.05 oz., which is absolutely tiny relative to most traditional lipsticks (contrast this with the also-just released ModernMatte lipstick, which is the same price but contains 0.14 oz.).
Browse all of our Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Water, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Isododecane, C9-12 Alkane, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Lauroyl Lysine, Jojoba Esters, Silica, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Mica, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Phenoxyethanol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Agar, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Propylene Carbonate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Simethicone, BHT, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Code Red (221)
PPermanent. $26.00.
Ginza Red (222)
Shiseido Ginza Red (222) VisionAiry Gel Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a vibrant, medium orange-red with warm undertones and a creamy finish. The pigmentation was fantastic, while the color applied evenly and smoothly on my lips without dragging. The lipstick had a lightweight, moderately creamy consistency that felt wet going on but had a subtle, setting process where it developed a light tackiness and felt like it adhered better in place but wasn’t clingy. It lasted nicely for six and a half hours, and it kept my lips moisturizing over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Hourglass Lover (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Future Red (LE, $26.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Jungle Red (P, $26.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced 90210hhh (DC, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Showstopper (134) (DC, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay F-Bomb (DC, $18.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Do Not Disturb (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Margot (LE, $34.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel No. 04 (LE, $45.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Fiction (222) (P, $37.00) is more shimmery, lighter, more muted (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.05 oz. - $520.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "high levels of pigment" for "cushiony, comfortable, weightless color" that lasts for "six hours." They had rich color coverage in a single stroke, just as promised, and they were creamy and emollient, which made them comfortable and easy to apply on my lips.
The formula has a slight set to it where it is less emollient and clings slightly (but not uncomfortably), so it loses some of the initial slip, which ultimately helps keep the product in place better and for longer. Over time (about an hour or so), the shine wore down a bit and the consistency felt a little tackier, but most of the shades lasted for six to eight hours and some of the mid-tone and deeper shades made it through a meal adequately.
The formula remained comfortable to wear, kept my lips hydrated while worn but they often felt quite good even a few hours later after a shade wore down. There was no discernible scent or taste.
The biggest downside to the product is that each tube contains a mere 0.05 oz., which is absolutely tiny relative to most traditional lipsticks (contrast this with the also-just released ModernMatte lipstick, which is the same price but contains 0.14 oz.).
Browse all of our Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Water, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Isododecane, C9-12 Alkane, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Lauroyl Lysine, Jojoba Esters, Silica, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Mica, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Phenoxyethanol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Agar, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Propylene Carbonate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Simethicone, BHT, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Ginza Red (222)
PPermanent. $26.00.
Shizuka Red (223)
Shiseido Shizuka Red (223) VisionAiry Gel Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a medium-dark copper with warm, rusty red undertones and a cream finish. It had rich color coverage that applied evenly and smoothly in a single layer. The consistency was lightly creamy, velvety, and comfortable to apply and to wear. I found that this shade was denser and a bit “heavier” in a way it looked (not felt) compared to other shades. This shade wore beautifully for seven hours on me and was nicely hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- YSL Chili Tunique (80) (P, $38.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Shiseido Sleeping Dragon (227) (P, $26.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Gallop (P, $10.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC It's All Me (P, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain Wild Kiss (509) (P, $39.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Golshan (P, $25.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Sephora Girl Gang (36) (P, $13.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- YSL Fiery Red (83) (P, $38.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Business Casual (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Who Run This (P, $6.00) is lighter, cooler, less glossy (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.05 oz. - $520.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "high levels of pigment" for "cushiony, comfortable, weightless color" that lasts for "six hours." They had rich color coverage in a single stroke, just as promised, and they were creamy and emollient, which made them comfortable and easy to apply on my lips.
The formula has a slight set to it where it is less emollient and clings slightly (but not uncomfortably), so it loses some of the initial slip, which ultimately helps keep the product in place better and for longer. Over time (about an hour or so), the shine wore down a bit and the consistency felt a little tackier, but most of the shades lasted for six to eight hours and some of the mid-tone and deeper shades made it through a meal adequately.
The formula remained comfortable to wear, kept my lips hydrated while worn but they often felt quite good even a few hours later after a shade wore down. There was no discernible scent or taste.
The biggest downside to the product is that each tube contains a mere 0.05 oz., which is absolutely tiny relative to most traditional lipsticks (contrast this with the also-just released ModernMatte lipstick, which is the same price but contains 0.14 oz.).
Browse all of our Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Water, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Isododecane, C9-12 Alkane, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Lauroyl Lysine, Jojoba Esters, Silica, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Mica, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Phenoxyethanol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Agar, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Propylene Carbonate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Simethicone, BHT, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Oh, Nooooo! No wonder I adore Shizuki. I have three dupes and have been talking myself out of Golshan since it came out. As an wonderful old gent I knew once said: “Think it over and forget it!” Silly, but highly applicable advice, frequently. Especially here. Nevertheless, love!
Thank goodness for dupes!
The colors and formula are WOW.
The formula is sooo good, but I’m so mad it isn’t more product, lol!
True. I just realized that if I buy this, then this would be the most expensive lipstick I’ve ever purchased by value (and I do own Guerlain and Cle de Peau lipsticks).
All very pretty, but I’ve put the cap on buying red lipsticks because I have way too many.
Good call!
Wow all three are stunning and also look beautiful on you. I struggle applying lippies with this shape but I’m very tempted to splurge on code red for the holidays.
Thank you, Terumi!
I feel the same way about that shape, especially with a dark or red lipstick.
Up until just today, I didn’t realize how TINY these are! $26 for. 05 oz? Seriously?
However; Shizuka Red is certainly unique enough and beautiful enough to warrant it. I have nothing like it. Shades like these do look stunning with my coloring, too. So…maybe??
These look lovely. The red/black look to their new packaging gives off such a sleek and cool Japanese vibe, like the look of lacquered wares. It’s interesting though that it is almost the same as the NARS aesthetic, which also has a Japanese influence, especially in its brushes, but also in using black and pops of red.
I am also curious about the new Shiseido eyeshadow palettes. Those have been getting great reviews on Sephora.
I looove Shiseido. I looove red lipsticks. And I loooooooooooooove these in particular! I bought one of these sight unseen, without ample research, which is not how I usually roll. I wouldn’t be surprised if more of them come home with me.
Love, love and love these reds – especially Shizuki. It is absolutely stunning.
I really like Shizuka Red…haven’t seen many lipsticks quite like it (which is saying something for a shade of red)
Christine can you compare shiseido visionary gel lipstick formula with Guerlain Rouge g ? I am looking for a replacement for Guerlain Rouge g as the new 2018 Rouge g are giving me dried out lips which is not the case with previous ones? Also how pat McGrath luxetrance compare to old Rouge g lipsticks?
They have a different texture and wear than the Rouge Gs. The Rouge Gs are very slippery, wet, and thinner than either Shiseido or Pat McGrath, which are heavier, more cream-based formulations.