Love: L'Oreal Color Riche Collection Star Matte Reds

There's something about red lipstick that says, "You can't touch me." Perhaps this is why some people feel that they can't pull the color off. It requires a certain badassness, a pronounced distance from what is weak and boring. If you can't summon that aloof attitude then red lips will just make you feel like a clown who is ungainly and overdressed. That's what I think anyway!

Red lipstick is often additionally intimidating because there's a perception that it's hard to find a flattering one for your skin. Well, it's true that it's hard to find the most perfect possible match, but it's not going to be significantly better on you than the next flaming red. It all comes down to preference and the prevailing trend. Right now, the reds are as matte and as deep and shocking as the brands can make 'em. Right now, if you're going to wear red, you must turn heads!

That's probably what L'Oreal was thinking when they came out with the Color Riche Collection Star Matte Reds (P525). This line of seven lipsticks in Asia features intense reds that have a solid matte finish. These go on opaque after just one swipe, and even though they have the dry texture typical of most matte lippies, they're not drying. They're not hydrating either so do use a lip balm as needed.

I have three shades with me: Pure Ruby, a bright red with pinkish and bluish undertones; Pure Rouge, a warm, fire-engine red; and Pure Garnet, a deep wine red. It's easier to see the difference when they are swatched side by side, but when worn, there's not much of a marked distinction between Pure Ruby and Pure Rouge (unless your eye is sharp and trained to see it that is).

Here are full face swatches. Pure Rouge looks just a tad warmer than Pure Ruby. Pure Garnet is deeper, plummier than the other two. My favorite would have to be Ruby because it really stands out. Like its name, come to think of it! Garnet I like on principle. It's dark and dramatic just the way I like it.

The staying power of these matte lipsticks are pretty good at about four to five hours. They don't fade away in streaky rings. Instead, they leave a nice, even stain on the lips. For the fairly cheap price it's like you're getting something from a high-end brand! I'm pretty happy with the formula and colors, but yes, if you're buying several you have to loo closely to avoid getting ones that are too similar.

Go grab a tube or two from the L'Oreal Color Riche Collection Star Matte Reds if you're hankering for a new loud lip. I think you'll be pleased with these. ^_^

Rhetorical question: How many red lipsticks do you need in this lifetime?