I’ve been in a makeup funk for a long time and I’m finally starting to feel like playing in it again. Who knows, maybe a vintage makeup look tutorial will show up again?

Today, I’m taking a brief break from fragrance and quickly reviewing a new lipstick that I bought last week.

First things first, I love Armani lipsticks. They make some of my favorite “nudes” and reds. I usually use Rouge d’Armani but hey, I couldn’t resist Rouge Ecstasy. I’m finally feeling some inspiration again. I’m so ready for something different. My vision is like a “Drew Barrymore in the 90’s dark brown”, dark brows, minimal eye makeup and dewy skin. Like “nouveau grunge”. I want a dark brown to replace my usual deep berry fall lips. Armani had the color that I wanted.

The claims: “With Rouge Ecstasy, the Giorgio Armani laboratories push the boundaries of the exceptional even further with the first “CC” lipstick. “Color & Care” – new innovative hybrid product that marks the start of a new era in lipstick”. They go on to say it has the softness of a lip balm with a wide range of saturated shades.

Is it that difficult to sell us luxury lipsticks anymore? We have to say “CC” now? Haven’t all lipsticks tried to sell us “color and care” for years? Oh, well. Obviously I bought it but it wasn’t because of the “CC” claim. I bought it because Armani makes good lipsticks.

The formula: It isn’t really “balmy” (nothing like Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter or Clinique Color Surge Butter Shine Lipstick). It’s really just a good feeling lipstick with good color payoff. It does feel lightweight. What I have is sort of semi-matte. It’s “medium long wearing”. After drinking, for example,  it fades to a more matte finish vs. the pretty satin finish of the initial application. – I get about 6-7 hours of wear before reapplying. Also, it has a faint “balmy” scent like a really, really faint Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream.

It’s a non-drying, smooth lipstick but not super moisturizing like a balm or “sheer” lipstick. For a lipstick with this much color payoff, it feels really good. For those familiar with Rouge d’Armani formula, Rouge Ecstasy isn’t as long-wearing but it provides more moisture.

Packaging, etc.: Geez, the packaging is so beautiful. It’s a hefty quality red “lacquer” tube with a magnetic closure. The lipstick is stamped with Armani logo. It’s just gorgeous, ya’ll.

The color 204 Caffe:  It’s a dark brown with some brick red undertones. More dramatic on my light complexion but that was what I was going for – a plum replacement. I bet it’s really pretty on dark complexions.

And here I am wearing it*…

In the pic above, that is about 2 hours into wear and after me yacking on the phone with my mom for like an hour and half. So as you can see on my natural lip color, the shade pulls more reddish.

I don’t need anymore lipsticks but I can’t resist them. I can’t. I’ve tried. I would buy other shades in this formula. It’s a more costly lipstick but I feel it’s worth it. It’s a good formula and the packaging has that “expensive” feel. It’s a worthwhile splurge.

This Armani lipstick retails for $34 at Nordstrom and Harrods (UK).

*Other products used: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard, AmorePacific Cushion Compact in 204 Tan Gold, NARS Matte Multiple in Altai, Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow in Taupe, Kiss Me Meganecco Mascara and two shades in  NYX Love in Paris Eyeshadow in Madelienes and Macaroons.

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*Product purchased by me. Post contains affiliate links. Thanks! All pics are mine.