Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color (2018)

The formula is supposed to have "intense colour" with a hydrating base that includes things like jojoba and mango butter as well as hyaluronic acid (and gugul resin) to "help to smooth and plum up lips." I would describe the formula as somewhere between semi-opaque and opaque, often buildable, with a luminous sheen that seems like there's very, very fine pearl but less distinctive shimmer (except for the shades that are actually shimmery).

I find that the magic of the formula is in its finish--it's shiny, luminous, and absolutely smoothing on the lips without compromising wear (four to six hours, sometimes longer). The formula is very hydrating and comfortable to wear. They have a sweet, floral scent but no discernible taste to me. The updated shade range seems to have a stronger emphasis on mid-tones in coral and red and less beiges than before.

The Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Colors have been updated but mostly with respect to packaging and the shade range, as the formula itself has not been changed (per the brand). The lipsticks are now available as refills for $32.00 each, and then one can pick from an assortment of cases ($15.00 each), though each refill comes with a small, plastic cap that keeps the refill from drying out while waiting to be sold. The refill cap seems like it would be sufficient to keep the lipstick long-term, but I can't say from experience. I have not tested each shade for wear, but the shades I have tested, initial swatches and applications, and the like make the formula seem the same as before.

The old Rouge G cases do not fit on the new refills as the case doesn't stay on without a magnet (it just slides right off). I don't yet have any of the cases as they weren't available to me to purchase yet, but I plan to pick one or two up merely to see how they feel (probably the Original, to see if there was any weight change, and then something new).

A big upside to the refillable packaging is that they're actually significantly less expensive buying them piecemeal than buying it all-in-one. The original Rouge Gs were last sold at $58.00 for 0.12 oz., and now, the all-in-one price is effectively $47.00 for 0.12 oz. -- that's a nearly a 19% reduction in price.