L'Oreal Rouge Signature Liquid Lipstick: Review and Swatches

When I’m rushing out the door in the morning and battling rush-hour traffic from one meeting to the next, I don’t usually have time to break out a lip liner and carefully apply a fresh coat of lipstick. On hectic day I need low maintenance, bombshell color that stays put, looks fabulous and applies evenly with no fuss.

For busy fashionistas who never compromise on color, L'Oreal has created the Rouge Signature Liquid Lipsticks ($13.99 ea). The formula is 2X thinner than regular lipstick with a non-drying, weightless finish.

With 18 vibrant hues to choose from there is something for everyone. The spectrum ranges from bright to nude with pops of pink, sassy red and deep burgundy. The doe-foot applicator is tapered to perfection so you can manoeuvre around the lip contour to define and shape.

The thin liquid-y color glides on like a sheer vivid lacquer and spreads evenly for buildable coverage. I use about 3-5 layers and apply the last one very lightly with minimal blending to maintain an opaque coat. The finish is matte but it takes a while to dry and transfers easily if you don’t let it set.

Throughout the day I ate a couple meals, managed to consume 8 glasses of water, completed a few errands, attended an evening event, and worked well past quitting time. There was gradual fading and transfer during meals (especially in the center of my lips) but the lipstick held up quite well and I totally forgot it was on. The amount of wear you get really depends on your lifestyle. If you drink a lot, sweat or consume greasy food that loosens the color, chances are it will come off but not as quickly as most lipstick.

The texture is comfortable and flexible with just enough moisture to prevent dryness. I only needed one minor touch-up and there was no flaking or smudging.

At the end of a long day, removing stubborn makeup can be a drag but this formula doesn’t leave behind a heavy stain. Most of it can be wiped away with a makeup cloth or lifted off with a cleansing cream/oil.

I also have a few of the new L'Oreal Color Riche Ultra-Matte Lipsticks ($9.86). This collection was curated with lip tone shades to enhance your nature hue.

Shades (left to right) - 980 Rebel Rouge, 989 Berry Extreme and 977 Passionate Pink

Over the last few months I’ve full embraced the neutral trend because like it or not, it isn’t going anywhere. The trick is finding a nude lipstick that enhances your complexion with undertones that don’t wash you out or dull your glow.

These gorgeous colors are blended with pink, mauve, chocolate and berry pigments that provide a soft-focus powdery matte finish. The consistency is smooth, light, creamy and moisturizing with great color payoff .

L'Oreal is available at drugstores nationwide.