Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, 405 Sultan & 406 Orient (all Limited Edition)

Following the huge success of the Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy range that launched in Fall 2013 (reviewed here and here), a product that marries lip colour with skincare and comfort – think of it as the lipstick version of a CC cream – three new and limited edition red shades have just been released. Inspired by richly hued precious spices from around the world, each lipstick bears a unique and lush tone – a veritable voyage of red.

Each Rouge Ecstasy lipstick comes in a cylindrical convex-shaped tube with the brand’s initials on the bottom portion, and which snaps firmly shut with a magnetic closure (I love this feature; caps stay in place with no fear of them coming off & disappearing into the bottoms of purses/makeup bags). Another instantly recognizable feature is the signature red hue of the outer casing – very Armani. There is a soft and pleasant floral scent to these lipsticks (rose, perhaps?) and the texture is what makes them unique: a slightly thick (but still quite easy to apply) ultra creamy formula that bears excellent pigmentation, and which literally glides across the lips, leaving a soft shine at the finish. The 3 hues featured today, are intensely colour saturated, which seems in contradition to the balm-like properties they offer, but nevertheless that’s exactly what they provide – super rich colour with an incredibly comfortable feel, that is quite long lasting and which leave lips feeling totally hydrated and nourished. Staying power on all: averaging 9-10 hours, less with eating & drinking.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, 405 Sultan & 406 Orient (all limited edition)

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, 405 Sultan & 406 Orient (all limited edition), ingredients list

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, 405 Sultan & 406 Orient (all limited edition)

Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, Limited Edition (CAN $38.00) | A vivid crimson/carmine red hue and even though the base holds blueish undertones, this is a shade that will suit a wide range of skin complexions. One swipe gives amazing colour saturation, but 404 Spice can also be easily built up for even stronger impact. Leaves a deep rose light stain on the lips long after the majority of product has worn off.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice

Rouge Ecstasy 405 Sultan, Limited Edition (CAN $38.00) | A rich brick red hue that leans more warm than cool, and a wonderful compromise for those who don’t want an ‘in-your-face’ red, but still desire impact. By applying 1 swipe of 405 Sultan along the lips then pressing them together, you get a nice wash of colour – although this shade is super easy to build up for more intensity and depth of tone. Leaves a light coral/orange stain upon the lips long after majority of product has worn off.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 405 Sultan

Rouge Ecstasy 406 Orient, Limited Edition (CAN $38.00) | A deep burgundy hue with blue undertones in the base. Obviously the darkest of the three shown, 406 Orient also displays hints of berry which lighten up the colour somewhat and give it a flirty side. The beauty of the Rouge Ecstasy formula, is that you can take a colour as highly concentrated as this, and sheer it out by simply applying one swipe then pressing lips together to spread it out – or alternately apply with your finger for more control. Leaves a light cerise stain behind long after the majority of product has worn off.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 406 Orient

I’ve said it in previous posts, but it bears repeating: red lips are so totally IN this year. The intensity of this particular shade, however, can be daunting for many although you cannot deny how powerful, fierce, feminine, confident and sexy a red lip can make you feel. Giorgio Armani Beauty has been redefining red hues since the brand began, and what makes the Rouge Ecstasy range such a standout, in my opinion, is the formula. Price-wise, these lipsticks lean towards the steeper end of the scale, although getting such rich colour along with super hydration, makes them definitely worth a look.

Available now through Holt Renfrew and select Hudson’s Bay stores (Canada). Find more information via the website