It has to take something pretty special to get me—and my fellow beauty editor friends—this excited about a lipstick. But the pro who has managed to do it is, of course, Lisa Eldridge. One of the most renowned make-up artists in the world, Lisa knows her way around make-up and its vast and rich history and she’s put all of that into her eponymous make-up brand. Her latest launch is a celebration of that, coupled with the future of modern make-up and her efforts for sustainability.
Today, I’m exploring exactly what makes her lipstick so brilliant—the existing legends and the new icons.
Tori wearing Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience in shade 178 Lisa
(Image credit: Tori Crowther)
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour
Launched in 2018 as a first for Lisa’s namesake brand, True Velvet became an instant hit (and by that, I mean it sold out immediately). The formula is so unique and is why editors and beauty buffs consistently rave about it.
It has impressive pigment with one swipe, meaning it doesn’t feel like you’ve overloaded your lips so that it leaves behind a uncomfortable feeling. It has a trompe l’oeil velvet texture embossing, unlike any other lipstick you’ve seen. This leaves the lips with a true velvet finish—as the name promises. It gives an almost blurred effect, that almost seems to naturally enhance the shape and fullness of the lips. It’s a matte lipstick but not as you know it.
True Velvet is available in 15 shades, ranging from neutrals for all skin tones to vibrant reds and corals, and comes in a chic gold bullet casing.
(Image credit: Tori Crowther)
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour Muse
An opulent deep red for the times when you want to max out your elegance.
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Blush
A stunning everyday pink berry.
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Ribbon
A vibrant pillar box red when you want your lip colour to be the main character.
Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience Refillable Lipstick
It’s fitting that Lisa’s latest launch—Rouge Refillable Lipstick—is a beautiful, refillable lipstick case, given her extensive collection of vintage make-up (seriously, she has thousands of pieces). Her impressive collection inspired her – choosing elements of her favourites and incorporated them into Rouge Refillable. One of her most prized pieces is Audrey Hepburn’s much-adored gold and sapphire lipstick case, which Lisa won at auction in 2018.
Inspired by the rich, beauty of vintage lipsticks, Rouge Experience aims to marry a world-first, recyclable aluminum, mono-material (meaning it’s one material throughout) refill with timeless history.
Each refill has its own cap, meaning you can keep your refills safe on their own, replacing them in your case as and when you feel like a change.
There is also the option to add etched initials, which makes one of the most special gifts—be it for yourself or a loved one.
Upon winning Hepburn’s lipstick at auction, Lisa was surprised to see a small amount of the lipstick still contained within the case. Naturally, she had to create her own shade, aptly named Audrey, inspired by the pink hue.
Now onto the formula, it’s a lightweight, ultra-creamy texture that feels easy to apply and comfortable on the lips.
The shades were selected carefully. Launching with only everyday shades that’ll actually be refilled, unlike other vibrant hues that are much less likely to be replaced quicker.
Consider this one of the slower-paced and most thoughtful beauty launches of the year.
Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience Refillable Lipstick 178 Lisa
The beautiful refill case, which is an investment piece that you can buy refills for once you’ve reached the end. This is designed to last and be a treasured item in your make-up collection.
Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience in 182 Simone
A tawny caramel that is calling out to become your everyday neutral.
Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience in 189 Audrey
Audrey is an iconic salmon-pink shade. Further inspired by Hepburn, who was Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, 25% of profits from the sale of this shade will be donated to the charity over the next year to continue Hepburn’s legacy.
Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience Lipstick Refill 185 Medici
One of those who like a cool undertone, Medici is a mauve berry rose that lasts well on the lips but also appears creamy.
