Makeup Review: Rouge Dior Voluptuous Care Lipcolor in Zemire Amber (539) vs. Chanel Lipsticks

As the weather is finally becoming drier, I was attempted to purchase Dior Rouge de Serum, more or less because of the word serum. But the makeup artist at Dior Beauty told me that the serum has actually diluted the pigments in the lipstick and the color will look lighter on the lips than how it appears in itself. So to speak, the coral that I spotted probably won't stand out against my rather dark lip undertone. Too bad...To help me overcome the disappointment, he tested out Rouge Dior in Zemire Amber (539) on my lips.

As you can see from the swatches (or can you???), it's almost identical to Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Liberte (46), but more intense. For your information, the swatch of Zemire Amber (539) was only done with one stroke. And it's definitely more orangey than Rouge Allure in Désinvolte (86). So how is Zemire Amber (539) different from Rouge Coco Shine in Liberte (46)? Rouge Dior in Zemire Amber (539) stays longer and although my low-quality swatches look pretty similar, Zemire Amber is a relatively bold coral on my lips. It feels as rich as Rouge Allure, but looks more sheeny; yet less slippery and glossy than Coco Shine. The shade matches the latest makeup trend which draws substantial focus to the luscious pouts.

From left: Coco Shine in Liberte (46), Rouge Dior in Zemire Amber (539) & Rouge Allure in Désinvolte (86)

The golden rule for a trendy makeup look this fall is to sync the colors you wear, say wearing blush and lipcolor of the same shade. The matching blush for Zemire Amber is Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral (01). But if you find that too heavy, NARS Blush in Deep Throat will also be a perfect match. 

A Plumy Fall: Chanel Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79)

Plums are everywhere this fall! Many beauty brands have included a plummy shade in their latest F/W collection. Of course, Chanel is in the picture too. The newly launched collection features a Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79), a plum-rose shade, along with the compatible Levres Scintillantes in Pampille (156). But even being a BIG fan of Chanel makeup, the lipgloss is not appealing at all, especially if you already own other shades of Levres Scintillantes. All Pampille does is to intensify the color of Plumetis, which is itself already quite eye-catching.

Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79) does worth some special attention. I gasped when the sales representative removed the cap and revealed the brownish stick...How can it be plummy?!...But DON'T be fooled! As you can see from the swatches below, the plummy rosy shade looks like a sister of Rouge Coco in Cashmere (04), but more rosy and livelier. A swipe on the pouts gives a touch of sophistication. Honestly, now that the weather is still hot and sticky, I find Plumetis too intense to go with most summer clothes. For now, Dior Addict in Nude (333) (HERE), Rouge Coco Shine, and my favorite Rouge Allure in Desinvolte (86) will give a more refreshing and summery finish. But I'm sure it will be a perfect shade as wintry weather sets in.

From top left: Rouge Coco in Cashmere (04), Plumetis (79), Rouge Allure in Desinvolte (86), and Instinctive (78)

From left: Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79) and Dior Addict in Nude (333)

Review: Giorgio Armani Rouge D'armani vs. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine/Rouge Allure

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for Chanel makeup, especially their lipsticks and lip glosses, which are practically the only ones I use because my beauty experiments told me it's truly the most moisturizing lipsticks! Of course, the most moisturizing line in the entire Chanel lipstick collection is Rouge Allure. I can write an essay on why I adore Chanel lipsticks soso much, but hey, I'm supposed to show you a comparison between Chanel and Giorgio Armani lipsticks today! So let's get started!

You may already know that I'm one of my recent favorites are GA Lasting UV Silk Compact. This passion tempted me into giving GA Rouge D'armani a try! I can hardly remember my last time purchasing any lip color other than Chanel's. After a makeup consultation at the GA counter, I purchased Rouge D'armani in Beige 103.

The Pros:

Strictly speaking, it's a nude pink-beige that's like a more baby pink version of Coco Shine in Boy 54. The color subtly adds a bit of life to your natural lip tone and can definitely be worn as an everyday color. There's a tiny little bit of shimmer, but I shall say the finish is rather matt (which also adds to the nudeness), especially when I think of Chanel Coco Shine. 

The texture is very sheer. At a closer look in the mirror, the pigments look very evenly spread and velvety. Perhaps I'm too primed with the fashion & garment background of GA, their makeup products always remind me of a fine piece of silk, intricately and delicately woven, smooth and flawless. 

On a more surface level, I was and I am again thrilled by its sleek packaging. The gorgeous black-lacquered case is kinda ergonomics-friendly, impressively fitting for you to grip on! And don't forget the signature magnetic closure! It's a demonstration of exquisite craftsmanship rather than just a lipstick.

The Cons:

Besides the above pros, I however think that it's slightly less pigmented than Coco Shine, and definitely for Rouge Allure. It takes roughly 2-3 strokes of Rouge D'armani to give the same intensity of just one stroke of Rouge Allure. 

Another thing I don't really like that much is its hydration level. Rouge D'armani is supposed to be the most moisturizing range in GA's lipstick collection, but it still dries out my dehydrated-but-prepped lips. Coco Shines don't (not to mention Rouge Allures)! 

The verdict is, GA Rouge D'armani is a fantastic summer lipsticks if you're fortunate enough to have hydrated pouts. But for the 'unfortunate' me, my tick still goes to Chanel.