Guerlain Vega (125) Automatique Lipstick

 Guerlain Vega (125) Rouge Automatique Lipstick ($35.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a brightened ruby red with subtle ruby red micro-shimmer and a cool undertone. The shimmer is so fine that it makes the finish appear more like a traditional cream, but it adds extra reflection and gives lips a more luminous look. The color coverage is mostly opaque. Guerlain Liu is pinker and a bit darker. NYX Chic Red has more of a semi-matte finish and appears slightly cooler toned. Guerlain Garconne is redder, less blue-based.

Guerlain is a brand that knows how to create a lipstick formula. Though my very favorite formula remains its luxurious Rouge G, the newer Rouge Automatique is extremely comparable. I find Rouge Gs wear just a smidgen longer, feel the tiniest bit more hydrating, and the color range more nuanced–but these differences are minute. Rouge Automatiques wear from four to eight hours, depending on the color. Rich shades like Vega wear a solid six hours or longer and leave a soft stain behind even as they begin to fade. The formula is creamy and soft without feeling slippery or like it’s melting; it glides onto lips easily and deposits good color coverage in one pass.