Less than a year ago Bourjois delighted us with the launch of Rouge Edition Velvet, a velvety textured and highly pigmented lipstick laquer. Next week the brand are releasing the sensational Aqua Laque from the Rouge Edition family. I was lucky enough to be sent these lovelies to review and believe me when I tell you they did not disappoint me. Let’s start with the product presentation, they resembled their big brother apart from the chrome metallic tops which I personally find prettier and more chic than the slightly plainer coloured top of the Rouge Edition Velvet. ( By the way doesn’t the model for the advert look like Bérénice Béjo star of the Oscar winning film The Artist ? )
They come with a soft doe foot applicator which I found ensured an even and precise application to the lip however as a makeup artist I always apply it to the back of my clean hand whith a brush or my finger and end up with quite messy multiple stained hands which does confirms their staying power ! The big surprise is the effect felt immediately on application, it feels watery in a refreshing moisture on lips kind of way, it is an slightly unusual but nice feeling. 
So how is this sensation created ? Well, it has a lot to do with clever science inspired by new technologies used to create emulsion-like effects foundation. Formulated with a high concentration of water and Nymphea extract, poetic sounding and apparently super hydrating. Then there is a maximum reduction of oil which gives its long staying power. Bourjois says it has a 10h hydrating power which I would agree to as I didn’t find it drying but I think if your lips were a little dry you would benefit from prepping the lips with a balm. I had to re-apply the product to get the lush wet look effect and the cool wet sensation which could really become quite addictive. What I love about the formulation is the lightness of texture and its super shininess which is delivered without the stickiness you’d get from a gloss. The flavour is a pleasant and lightly fruity flavour however I found it left a very slightly metallic feel after a while which is one minus point I found with this laquer.
Acqua laque Rosé on the rocks
Now about the colours, I have tested 4 but all I can say is they are very wearable colours maybe even more so than the Rouge Edition Velvet, particularly some of the stronger shades which are highly pigmented . I was going to do several lips tests on myself but as I have a rather unpleasant cold I decided not as the result would be far too scary so here is the back of my slightly cold arm. My swatches are from the top to bottom 08 Babe Idole, 06 Feeling Reddy, 03 Brun’croyable, 02 Rosé on the rocks.
There are several pinks, my favourites are No.03 Brun’croyable, a gorgeous nude pink with a hint of brown. No.02 Rosé on the rocks, another nude pink shade with slight Mauve undertones, and No.08 Babe Idole a real 60’s inspired pink. As always with the Bourjois brand all the names are fun and playful. These shades are perfect to get us in the mood for Spring and Summer. I am excited to say that I am planning to use the Aqua laque for a close-up beauty story on lips in a few days time and will share the resulting images very soon. There are 8 colours at present, they are £ 8.99 and will launch next week. AM x
