For Spring, Bourjois have released a new version of their Rouge Editions, the Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Lacque Lip Lacquers. After being impressed by the matte formulation, I had high hopes for these glossy alternatives. Promising a mirror-like shine and intense colour in a moisturising, non-sticky formula, I was excited to get my hands on Bourjois' new additions. Out of the eight shades on offer, ranging from subtle nudes to vibrant brights, I picked up three.
Whilst the liquid lipsticks have a smooth, hydrating texture, they feel weightless on the lips and aren't at all tacky. Similar to the YSL Glossy Stains, they start off as a lustrous lacquer and dry down to a stain. But, Bourjois' versions are nowhere near as thick or nourishing in texture as their high-end rivals. Whilst the consistency is so light, it doesn't feel watery and my lips don't end up dry and sore from a lack of moisture. Initially, they do have a high-shine to them but, disappointingly, it wanes very quickly and with that, so does the moisturising feel. Unfortunately, to hold onto that vinyl-shine for longer than an hour, you have to constantly reapply. 10hr hydration from one application? I don't think so.
Yes, they do have a good amount of pigment to them, but the lighter nudes are considerably more sheer than the brighter, statement shades. To get more of an intense, opaque colour, you can apply more product, without the original layer flaking off or becoming patchy. Once the glossiness has disappeared, lips are left with a tint of colour, but only the stronger shades really remain visible. One saving grace, is that the colour does fade evenly, so you don't have to worry about any dreaded tide-lines of product leaving just a harsh line around the lips, if you aren't bothered about retouching.
For the best result, it's crucial not too apply too much product at once, particularly with the stronger shades. Working in light layers and smooth strokes will prevent the product from looking blotchy. The doe-foot applicator is soft and the rounded edge makes it easy to draw a definite line around the lips, negating the need to use a separate liner first. I know a lot of people were put off the original, matte formula because of the odd scent that it had, but the Aqua Lacques have a pleasant, fruity fragrance to them.
01 Appechissant is a peachy-pink nude that's light, but not deathly pale. For me, it's a 'my lips but better' shade that pulls my makeup look together, without making my lips a focal point. As it's just a shade or so darker than my natural lip colour, it's so easy to wear and I can just swipe it on quickly, without needing a mirror. But, it practically fades into nothing once the shine has died down, so if you have a darker skin-tone than me, then it's a pointless purchase.
03 Brun Croyable is described as a caramel brown nude, but I feel its definitely got a slightly blackcurrant undertone to it. My swatch shows it as being significantly more purple than it looks IRL. Warm nudes like this one are what I tend to wear on a daily basis, as I find they suit me best. Darker than 01, this shade stains my lips enough to add definition and make my lips look fuller, whilst still looking natural.
05 Red My Lips is a bright, classic, pillar box red that makes teeth appear whiter, thanks to its blue undertone. Out of the three, this is by far the most opaque and the longest-lasting. I actually prefer how this looks once the shine has eased off a little, as it makes wearing such an in-your-face colour, less daunting.
For the best result, it's crucial not too apply too much product at once, particularly with the stronger shades. Working in light layers and smooth strokes will prevent the product from looking blotchy. The doe-foot applicator is soft and the rounded edge makes it easy to draw a definite line around the lips, negating the need to use a separate liner first. I know a lot of people were put off the original, matte formula because of the odd scent that it had, but the Aqua Lacques have a pleasant, fruity fragrance to them.
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| Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Lacque 01 Appechissant Swatch |
01 Appechissant is a peachy-pink nude that's light, but not deathly pale. For me, it's a 'my lips but better' shade that pulls my makeup look together, without making my lips a focal point. As it's just a shade or so darker than my natural lip colour, it's so easy to wear and I can just swipe it on quickly, without needing a mirror. But, it practically fades into nothing once the shine has died down, so if you have a darker skin-tone than me, then it's a pointless purchase.
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| Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Lacque 03 Brun Croyable Swatch |
03 Brun Croyable is described as a caramel brown nude, but I feel its definitely got a slightly blackcurrant undertone to it. My swatch shows it as being significantly more purple than it looks IRL. Warm nudes like this one are what I tend to wear on a daily basis, as I find they suit me best. Darker than 01, this shade stains my lips enough to add definition and make my lips look fuller, whilst still looking natural.
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| Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Lacque 05 Red My Lips Swatch |
05 Red My Lips is a bright, classic, pillar box red that makes teeth appear whiter, thanks to its blue undertone. Out of the three, this is by far the most opaque and the longest-lasting. I actually prefer how this looks once the shine has eased off a little, as it makes wearing such an in-your-face colour, less daunting.
After a few weeks of use, I like them, but I'm not bowled over. If you love juicy colour on the lips and hate traditional, sticky glosses, then the Aqua Lacques may warrant a purchase. At £8.99 each, they're neither a bargain, nor expensive. Great for a quick slick of effortless colour, they're fine for the average day if you don't mind them gradually fading or you have time to regularly touch-up. Alternatively, they pair well with longer-lasting lipsticks or a lipliner, in place of a regular lipgloss. I certainly wouldn't reach for them alone on special occasions, when I'd want my lip product to stay looking perfect, though. Unfortunately, they don't quite cut the mustard, so I won't be rushing to Boots to buy the rest of the shades in the line, but I'll get a decent amount of wear out of the three I purchased.
Will you pick up any of the Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Lacque Lip Lacquers?
AGB X
Will you pick up any of the Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Lacque Lip Lacquers?
AGB X
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