Spring Make-up Update: Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Shalimar

Remember how I mentioned that luxe lipstick I picked up recently as part of my two item monthly allowance? It's love, peeps. But before I get ahead of myself, we're talking Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Shalimar no. 166 ($35 for 0.12 fl oz or 3.5g) , a long-lasting, hydrating formula ensconced in some of the most gorgeous packaging available. So there.

The story of how this came about is that I had a Nordstrom gift card I received for my birthday (in September!) from a friend, the present accompanied by a remark that it was meant for a Chanel lipstick of my choice. The thing with Chanel though, I don't love their formula, at least from what I've tried. So I buried the gift card in a drawer until Kate from Drivel About Frivol posted about her all-time favorite lipstick formulas - and it was a done deal then.

As far as the most evident aspect of the Rouge Automatiques, the simple gold tube is simply stunning. To me, the design evokes a vintage, 1920's atmosphere, a slim bullet with beautiful, cursive engravings that would be produced from a tiny beaded clutch with a flourish. In terms of practicality, I was somewhat anxious to smush the tip of the lipstick into the automatically retracting top but of course, nothing like that has happened as the design is simply without fault.

Guerlain's Rouge Automatique lipsticks have 'an innovative formula [which] combines long-lasting hold with comfort and radiance'. And this, my dears, is actually the truth; this fantastic lipstick forms a veil rather than film of color on the lips but stays on just as well as the most clingy formulas. It cushions the lip with just the right amount of slip, looks faintly glossy and doesn't sink into the vertical lip lines. But best of all, it lasts (and lasts) without drying out the lips in the slightest; even at the 6 hour mark, my lips remain soft and comfortable without the need to reapply. It's perfection!

Shalimar no. 166 is a neutral cool hot pink with hints of strawberry, no shimmer. In the tube, it appears as it might contain just a whisper of sparkle but this doesn't really translate onto the lips, however the finish is quite glowy. The pigmentation is good but the formula itself is thinner so a couple swipes would be ideal to build up the intensity. The lightweight feel entails an effortless, more natural look as opposed to something more old-school like YSL's Rouge Purs.

L-R: Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Shalimar, Annabelle Twist-Up in Kinky Pink, Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Smitten, Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie

The past couple of weeks I've definitely been more discerning when it comes to my lipstick formulas and shades, maybe because I'd somewhat culled the collection and ascerned what I like and dislike in my lip products. I can honestly confess that nothing gets my heart beating faster than a beautiful cool pink lipstick with no shimmer in a hydrating formula, and Rouge Automatique in Shalimar is all that and more. I will be definitely picking up more colors in the near future; Champs Elysees and Nahema in particular are calling my name.

Have you tried Guerlain's Rouge Automatique formula? What is your favorite high-end lipstick?