Lovely Lips Review: Guerlain Rouge Automatique #168, L'Heure Bleue

Okay, okay. So I know I made all sorts of promises recently to veer away from my comfort zone of brilliant red lips in an effort to find more toned-down shades, but when I saw Guerlain's Rouge Automatique #168, L'Heure Bleue at Sephora the other day, I just had to make an exception. It's such a pretty, pretty color, with lovely sparkles to boot, that I just had to try it. And I've found it to be a perfect holiday shade!

L'Heure Bleue is a gorgeous berry red with slight pink-blue undertones and tons and tons of ruby and gold shimmer. It literally glows, both in the tube and on the lips. I was transfixed the moment I saw it, especially since it's a unique red, unlike any of my (many, many) others. So although I'm making a concerted effort to add more neutrals to my collection, I found it necessary to take this little lovely home with me. I simply could not resist. 

Here's a shot taken in shade: 

Note the berry hue. I can almost convince myself it isn't really red, so I'm not actually breaking my vow!!

In sunlight, the golden shimmers stand out: 

Seriously, how gorgeous is THAT??!!??

As for the specifics of the formula, it's fantastic. It applies opaquely and with a creamy feel. Due to the high shimmer content, I do feel a bit grittiness, but it's nothing distracting or uncomfortable, and is much less apparent than I would have imagined. Wear time is outstanding. This lipstick made it through lunchtime and lunch itself, merely fading evenly to a bright berry shade. There was no glitter ring around my mouth as the color wore down...it simply became more subtle and drier as time went on. There was never a telltale ring around my lips, either. 

I did not find this lipstick moisturizing, nor was it drying. My lips were comfortable all day. The finish started off with a glossy shine and as the lipstick wore off it became more matte, ending as a deep, uniform stain. At no point did I catch a glimpse of myself and think "Oh, God, I've got to reapply NOW!!" 

Bottom Line: If you're into reds, this is a great one. It's not typical, and will be a standout in your collection. Even if you don't normally go the red route...it's the holiday season! When better to try one? Who knows, you might end up a fanatic like me! And crazy loves company.