Let’s talk lips today guys! There is an exciting new launch from one of my favourite luxe brands, Armani, and when the company with such a great reputation is involved, expectations are high! I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary box from @influenster to try a new Ecstasy Shine Lipstick, so let’s get to it and not waste any time!
Packaging
First of all, let me start by saying that the packaging is absolutely gorgeous. Vibrant red lipstick with a minimalistic silver logo detail and a magnet lock are a definition of chic to me, and it is a pure pleasure to take it out of your bag to do some touch ups. At a hefty price point - Ecstasy shine retails for 38$ in the US, - you want to have something sleek and elegant that will make people around you wonder what kind of a little treasure you have in your arms - and Armani successfully delivers a statement piece for your makeup bag.
Formula
With a lot of mattes and comfort mattes on the market, that tend to terribly dry my lips out in a matter of a day, Armani’s new launch feels like a breath of fresh air. Its weightless balm-textured formula offers high shine and long-term hydration. It reminded me one of my all time favourite lipsticks - Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - both in terms of feel on the lips and the colour pay-off. I would even say that Ecstasy Shine in Smile (#100) is actually a dupe for Coco Shine in Boy. It's a versatile nude with a bit of a pinky undertone that will suit absolutely every skin tone. It has a little bit of shimmer to it but it doesn't look sparkly and just makes your lips look plumped.
Coverage and longevity
In terms of coverage, I’ve seen some claims online that Ecstasy Shine is extremely sheer, so I was expecting something like a tinted balm, to be honest. But how wrong were those claims though! Even though this lipstick is not highly pigmented and doesn’t provide much of longevity (I would say you need to reapply every 3-4 hours for a fresh shiny look and it's definitely not safe to kiss if you're wearing bright colours;)), but it's not transparent at all! For example, Ecstasy Shine in #400 - classy red with a cold undertone - can be bold with just two-three layers!
A little tip: don't use the liner with a bright colour - it will give you this vavavoom effect of naturally full and effortlessly done lips :)
 |
| Armani Ecstasy Shine in #100 (left) and #400 (right) in daylight (2 layers) |
 | |
| Armani Ecstasy Shine in #100 (left) and #400 (right) in artificial light (2 layers) |
Other thoughts
Ecstasy Shine does have a little bit of a scent to it - it's kind of like some sort of perfume but a little bit artificial. I'm not a fan but luckily in about 5 minutes after application the smell disappears.
Overall, I'm quite happy with the product, and it will definitely stay in my make up bag.
Ecstasy Shine is a lipstick for someone who wants to keep the makeup routine low-key but still #ShineOutLoud and look put together. I’m already eyeing those gorgeous plum shades for the fall season :)
