Clarins Joli Rouge – Royal Plum*

On a day-to-day basis, I’m queen of the nude lip. I can’t tell you how many variations of pinky neutrals I own, but I can say it’s a lot! As much as I love a subtle lip though, recently I’ve been lusting after a really dramatic, vampy look. So, when Clarins’ new Joli Rouge lipstick in Royal Plum, I couldn’t wait to try it out!

Before I even get started on the formula, I have to draw attention to the gorgeous packaging. Like all of the new Joli Rouge Lipsticks, Royal Plum comes in a stunning golden tube. It’s terribly glamorous and grown up, and it looks so pretty in my makeup bag!

Royal Plum is a really stunning blackened red shade. Before applying, I made sure to thoroughly exfoliate and moisturise my lips to keep the colour as smooth as possible. Then I applied the lipstick straight from the bullet. Unlike a lot of super dark shades I’ve tried, the hint of red in the formula gave Royal Plum a brightness which is super flattering, and stops me feeling too washed out. It’s this hint of colour which also keeps teeth looking bright and white, a must when wearing these sorts of shades!

The texture of the Joli Rouge lipstick is absolutely perfect for the deep shade – the lightweight and creamy formula just glides onto lips without any tugging, and the colour is wonderfully even. The lipsticks have the yummiest fruity scent, and the lasting power is really something – I got over three hours before I needed to reapply!

Clarins Rouge Joli in Royal Plum is priced at £19.50 and is available here (UK) and here (US)