This lipstick is becoming a red-carpet favourite – just ask Margot Robbie

When it comes to lipstick, there’s certainly no shortage of options out there – from high-shine to softly glossy and heavily pigmented inks. There’s also no denying its transformative power, or the intimate space it fills in our makeup routine. 

Like lingerie for our lips, it gives us the green light to feel empowered, confident and flirtatious. Not only that, but the shade we choose is an outward reflection of our mood in that given moment. All of which is to say, there’s a lot riding on finding the perfect bullet that boasts longevity, comfort and French-Girl cool. 

That’s why the latest lipstick launch to capture our imagination is from the ultimate French fashion house, Chanel. Building on the six iconic red shades of Rouge Allure Velvet that launched in 2011 are 14 chic new hues ranging from soft beige to intense crimson. The formula positions itself as a semi-matte that hits the elusive sweet spot “between matte and luminous” and has a texture not unlike velvety rose petals.  We couldn’t wait to put it through its paces…

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous-Matte Lipstick at a glance

• The Pros: Delivers long-lasting colour, great shade range and you don’t get that dry, chalky feeling that some mattes create after swiping them on a few times.
• The Cons: The price means it’s not an impulse buy. 
• Price: £35
• Our verdict: Worth your hard-earned cash as there’s a shade to suit everyone and a little goes a long way.
• GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5 out of 5

Meet The Reviewer: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR’s Acting Associate Beauty Director

Although I try all manner of makeup for a living, my signature look is bronzer and eyeliner. So it takes a lot for a lipstick to earn its place in my makeup bag. That said, I have tested 100’s of lipsticks in my career so if I really like something, you can trust that I have reached that opinion by vetting it against everything else I’ve ever tried. I usually lean more towards nude shades but am keen to try the combination of Intuitive and Éternelle that makeup artist Pati Dubruff mixed together for Margot Robbie at this year’s Golden Globes.

The Product Details:

While the original Rouge Allure Velvet Lipsticks were different shades of red – from coral to red orange and fire engine red – the 14 new shades offer scope for all skin tones and moods. There are plenty of neutral red, pink and nude hues, as well as complexion-enhancing brights that thankfully fall short of being neon.