Bourjois Rouge Velvet Review

As I mentioned from my recent blog ( Code Red ) my first encounter of the brand Bourjois was from Fivezero, if my memory served me right she made a comment regarding this brand. From there I understand that this was also with the same manufacturer as of Chanel. So does that mean they are sisters? The intriguing question hit me first before the Rouge Velvet. Thus came my little background check ( a short trip to history lane) and here is what I learned.

Bourjois started in 1863 and originated in the theater district of Paris. I believe it was intended for theatre purposes only until in the 1950’s that they carried their perfume line. It is on the 20th century, that the Wertheimer family, who is the owner of Chanel today took control of the makeup brand. But this was not mentioned on their site, I read it on Reuters. I also found out from that article dated Oct. 7, 2014 that

“Coty made a binding offer to buy French-makeup brand Bourjois from Chanel and give the family-owned French luxury company a stake in Coty worth an estimated $240 million.”

 Which just supported some of the theories from the forums that I read falsifying the ownership of Bourjois from that of Chanel because of the quality of the prior doesn’t match the latter. So I leave it there, though Coty and Chanel declined to comment. 

Fast track to my review. I know I should have asked for the Healthy Mix Foundation also ( next time, for sure!) but because of the obvious, Rouge Velvet Edition it is. I also want to have the Nude-ist but only got Grand Cru. Bourjois isn’t available yet in the Philippines, hopefully someone would hear me and send this here ( calling Rustans!) This was purchased in Watsons Singapore. You could find this at major Watsons branch only. From it’s website it says:

Matte finish and incredibly light. 

It’s soft, melting texture glides on the lips and turns into a matte, velvety and incredibly light colour. Lips are left smooth and soft as velvet.

Enriched with evanescent oil, it’s incredibly sensuous formula provides a soft, second-skin feel, without drying or fading lips.

The Claims

• Bold colour with matt finish
• Flawless hold
• Lightweight velvety texture
• Non-drying formula

My Experience

The product comes in a clear plastic bottle with a cap that matches its shade. This makes it easy for you to see the exact color of the content and is helpful for me in a way that I get to see it easily alongside with my other lipsticks. It comes with a slant foam applicator again is a plus  because it applies evenly on the corners of my lips. I’m just bothered with it’s strong chemical scent that reminds me of a paint it automatically sends negative signals on my brain but also fades eventually when you wear it. It has a mousse type of consistency so application of the product glides smoothly on my lips. It sets in for about a minute or two into a bold matte finish. No tacky feeling, or tightness on your lips and is non-drying. It it really lightweight as it claims to be. Though it has minimal transfer as oppose to it’s smudge-proof claim. Longevity wise, it stayed on my lips for four hours without any activity (eating & drinking) there is no fading and no feathering. I also suggest that since this is a bold red, application for first timers could be a bit tricky so outline your lips with a lipliner first. It also helps for the product from bleeding which could be the case for this type of lipstick. Because of it’s high pigmentation, there wouldn’t be a problem when the product starts to fade because it leaves a faint stain. Unlike any matte lipsticks, this could be easily removed by any makeup remover.

 

I applied lip balm prior to the application hence the glossy finish

 
 

with the lip product alone

 
My Thoughts

What makes this lipstick a thumbs up is because it has checked three out of four of it’s claims. I’m not sure about the Flawless hold though because for me there ain’t a matte lipstick yet that could hold a solid 8 hours or so, not even this. I love that it’s velvety matte because it didn’t hurt my lips. The lightweight feel is true which I believe is all we would want our lipsticks should be or else you’ll find discomfort all through out the wearing time. Though it is matte, my lips didn’t crack or chapped after which is my recurring problem with the matte liquid/creamy lipstick of today. Despite of the good points that it gave me, I have to give it a thumbs down. Remember that strong chemical scent it has, I come to think if it’s an indication of a really strong chemical component apparent in the product. I noticed that after a week of using, my lower lips darkened on the sides. For me, it only indicates that the product is strong  based on prior experiences. Sad to say that I have to discontinue using it. Unfortunately the ingredients is not available on the website or on the tube.

  

Bourjois Rouge Velvet comes in six colors and is priced at 25 SgD or Php 848.19 .