The products: Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand in Açai Berry, Cerise Noire, and Red Delight

I’m re-watching Avatar: The Legend of Korra again. It’s my fifth or sixth re-watch, but I still find something new to examine every time. Right now, it’s the sibling bonds that drive the show. Even though it’s a bit of a stretch, I’m going to do my best today to set up Korra as an analogue for lipstick collections: any good collection acts like a “family,” sharing similar genetics but deviating just enough to create a complete picture. The Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand lipstick “family” is no different.

Korra’s story arcs change every season, but each one is propelled forward by a relationship between siblings. I’m partial to seasons three and four, which focus on the family of Korra’s airbending master (season three) and Toph’s daughters (seasons three and four). The writers behind the series manage to blend a coming of age story in season three with some pretty heavy undertones about PTSD and trauma recovery in season four, which are really gutting to watch as a viewer with a chronic illness.

Obviously, a makeup range isn’t going to go into that much detail—but there are still “threads” running through it. Lise Watier’s lipsticks all very clearly come from the same brand: they have a similar texture, packaging, and scent. Even the formulations are clearly derivations of the same values; they take about the same amount of time to settle, and most of the brand’s products will emphasize the same ingredients. (Lots of Labrador tea extract!)

The Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand formula

The Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand formula is the cornerstone of their lipstick range, so I thought I’d focus on it first. The Rouge Gourmands are the brand’s “traditional” lipsticks: cream finish, strong opacity, and bullet formula. I’ve tried most of the brand’s lip products (with a review of two other lipstick formulas coming on Thursday), but this one is my favourite.

The Rouge Gourmands smell a little bit waxy and floral, but not enough to both me. They’re on the thicker side, with a formula that just feels… right. It’s not drying, but it’s not slippery, either. Instead, Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand lipsticks fill a textbook-perfect middle ground, with complete opacity in just one swipe and an incredibly comfortable finish.

I eat a lot of small meals throughout the day, so I’m not sure how long these wear for—but I know that when I remove my lipstick after two hours to have a snack, it shows no signs of wear. On my lips, this formula does not feather, and it clings very well to the inner rim of my lips, too. All three of these shades have a soft, low-shine cream finish.

Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand “Red Delight” swatches, review

Rouge Gourmand Lipstick review: “Red Delight”

Lise Watier Açai Berry, Cerise Noire, and Red Delight swatches and review

I’m completely in love with all three of these shades for different reasons. They’re all variations of red, but different enough to justify owning all three.

Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand in Açai Berry is the shade that caught my eye first, with its deep purple undertones and moody finish. It’s slightly sheerer than the rest, which makes its purple lipstick bullet wearable in the workplace. Cerise Noire came next, with its almost brick-red colour and drier, more matte finish.

Finally, Lise Watier Red Delight is what stole the show for me. It’s the one I can’t stop wearing—and I’ll have it on for hours without noticing that it’s even there. It’s so lustrous and bright, with just the tiniest bit of warmth that makes it pull just to the right of a “true” red.

Lise Watier Acai Berry swatches

Lise Watier Cerise Noir swatches

Rouge Gourmand The Nudes, Rouge Gourmand, and Rouge Fondant Suprême lipstick swatches

The Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand lipstick verdict?

The Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand lipsticks are my favourite lipstick formula of the moment. They offer a simple formula that does it all: flattering shades, full opacity, and zero feathering or bleeding around the edges. They’re extremely comfortable to wear, and make even my super dry lips look and feel hydrated and plump.

Availability: $26 CAD at Lise Watier and Sephora.

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These lipsticks were gifted to me by the brand in 2017 and 2018 with no expectation of a review.