Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain L'Extrait - New for Fall 2012

As the creator of the first tube of lipstick in 1870, Guerlain has continued to offer break-through lip innovations, and this fall the company's Rouge G L’Extrait ($48) is the newest to be unveiled. Liquid, creamy, consistent, ultra-pigmented, and velvety, this exceptional lip color is the perfect combination of a lipstick and a gloss and will ensure an incredibly sophisticated look. The liquid texture glides gently over the lips, and within a few moments, the silky color becomes matte. This non-sticky, non-drying, and non-feathering texture leaves your lips looking flawless for hours.

Rouge G L'Extrait features a soft, creamy texture for an easy and precise application. The matte finish is sophisticated, but not boring. It's not flat matte. The original Rouge G Lipstick case has been re-interpreted in a sleeker, longer version, but it's no lighter (one my my wishes). The mirror is incredibly handy on the go, but the product adds weight to my handbag. One you figure out how to open the case (following the directions on the overlay), turn the handle to reveal the product.

The formula, like a second skin, offers rejuvenating and smoothing benefits that increase with continued application.

• Hyaluronic acid - nature's sponge, to smooth and plump the lips
• Centella asiatica (Tiger Grass) - known for stimulating collagen synthesis and boosting the firming process
• Guggul resin (used in Ayurvedic medicine) - included for its smoothing action

There are seven shades, all named after the seven cardinal sins. Really!

• M06, Avarice, is beige for greed.
• M25, Colère, is red for wrath.
• M27, Luxure, is brown for lust.
• M41, Envie, is envious orange.
• M65, Paresse, my favorite, is pink for sloth.
• M69, Orgueil, is plum for pride.
• M71, Gourmandise, is raspberry for gluttony.

Still want one after those descriptions? Try to overlook the weird associations and concentrate on the colors. Most of the shades are intense - too intense for me.  There are four pink-rose shades and four warm orange-brown-coral tones on the Fall 2012 display. My eyes went straight to the pink-rose tones, and I found Paresse to be the one I could wear comfortably.

My two swatch photos of Paresse were taken in full sun. As you can see, the pretty rose color shines only slightly - mostly because of the direct sun exposure in my photos. The color is intense. That's why I can't wear the darker shades comfortably (I just can't lead with my lips). They aren't "me."

Rouge G L'Extrait feels great on the lips. It's not even slightly drying, as many matte shades can be. I'm glad to have it, but I won't purchase more shades. One is enough for this shiny lip color lover.

For those with more sophisticated tastes - and liquid lipstick lovers - a stop at the Guerlain counter to see the collection will be mandatory. The new fall shades of Rouge G L’Extrait are available at select locations of Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and at Bergdorf Goodman.I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

Photo at top courtesy of Guerlain; other photos by Best Things in Beauty