Rouje “Le Rouge” Lipstick

There’s truly nothing as glorious as an impulse purchase that turns into a staple in your wardrobe or beauty bag. I won’t pretend that I needed a new tube of lipstick when I decided to place an order from Rouje. The situation was simple: I was a bit bored, a bit stressed and in need of a pick-me-up. Nothing fills that need quite like something I don’t need at all – another lipstick.

I’ve coveted the iconic palette a levres from Rouje for years. But knowing that it could go one of two ways – I might love it, or I might loathe sticking my finger in it – I decided it was only logical to add a lipstick to my order, too. Just in case. It was silly and unnecessary. But it was also deeply satisfying… particularly because it turns out that I absolutely love the lipstick. (The jury is still out on the palette. It’s gorgeous… but I don’t love sticking my finger in it.) At this point, I think it’s pretty safe to say that there’s no one who really needs a new lipstick. That doesn’t mean we don’t want them, too. And a lipstick from Rouje can be the perfect impulse shopping pick-me-up, if you find yourself in need of one.

What it is: A creamy, matte lipstick that glides on easily but leaves a powdery finish. I chose the shade Andrea, a rosewood hue with a  nineties vibe.

What to do with it: Apply, blot, and go.

What it costs: $38 USD from Rouje.com

Why it’s fabulous: Let’s start with the formula. So many brands promise a creamy lipstick, but Le Rouge by Rouje really delivers. The colour glides on easily, with no pulling, right from the very first use. That means it’s delicate – be careful that you don’t nick the stick with the edge of the lid, it can happen. But it’s worth a little risk because its just so easy to wear. You can put it on in a flash, almost without a mirror, and be good to go.

And go, and go – because not only is the formula soft and easy to apply, but it lasts. Even after blotting, you’ll still be left with a substantial (albeit lighter, softer) amount of colour on your lips. It will continue to kiss off on cups of coffee throughout the day, but at the same time, continue to leave a stain, so you don’t need to worry about reapplying when you’re busy with more important things. The same shade you applied in the morning isn’t the one that you’ll see in the afternoon, but some colour lasts all day, which is more than can be said for lipsticks from many brands on the market.

Easy-to-wear formula and excellent staying power aside, there’s the tube. While a beautiful container obviously can’t make up for a product that doesn’t deliver, thoughtful branding and lovely packaging do enhance one that works. And when it comes to branding and packaging, Rouje is spot on. The two-tone pink box conceals a sturdy but elegant, vintage-inspired gold tube, because this lipstick isn’t just meant to be worn; it’s meant to be displayed. It’s clear that the team at Rouje carefully considered every detail, from the embossing to the not-too-brassy gold tone. And they got it so right. If you love attention to detail, Le Rouge is truly the lipstick for you.