Splurge or save

These new rouge products are lipsticks and lip balm rolled into one.

SPLURGE

MAQUILLAGE DRAMATIC MELTING ROUGE

$46, from Shiseido counters

Glossy and bold lipsticks blended with natural rose oil. Available in 10 shades.

Review: I tried OR221, a peachy pink shade. The lipstick is very sheer and added just a hint of pink on my lips; I had expected the colour to be more pigmented. For a semi-sheer colour from the line, try RD526, a berry red.

This lipstick melts on the lips and is very moisturising; it would be perfect as a protective lip balm in wintry conditions. It has a non-sticky subtle shine that also plumped up my pout.

KOSE ESPRIQUE RICH ESSENCE ROUGE

$39, from Kose counters

Bright, pigmented lipsticks with high shine and a plumping effect. Available in 10 shades.

Review: I gave the rosy pink PK860 a shot. It is moisturising, non-sticky, and covered my lips in a semi-opaque shade with a subtle glossiness. It also made my lips look a little fuller.

The texture of the bolder shades in the line, such as the apple red RD460, is also semi-opaque.

SAVE

ZA VIBRANT MOIST LIPSTICK

$18.90, available at selected personal care stores and supermarkets from the end of this month

Vivid-coloured lipsticks that promise long-lasting moisturisation. Available in 14 shades.

Review: I picked RS371, a rosy pink for this road-test. It turned out to be semi-sheer with a subtle hint of sparkle and shine. While its texture is not dry, I had expected it to be more moisturising as promised. For a rich, opaque shade from this collection, go for RD555, a deep berry red.

This article was first published on Jan 02, 2015.
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