Shiseido Shimmering Rouge Lipstick RD 601 in Golden Dragon

Throughout this entire post, I've been blasting Sky Ferreira's Red Lips (Mmmm/Wash out your mouth) and wishing that I looked half as zombie-sexy as Sky in her tarantula MV. Alas.

RD 601 is a dark cool-toned berry red infused with a generous smattering of gold sparkle. It's definitely not a lipstick for the timid (which is why I have yet to wear this out in public). I think the most accurate shade is the picture swatched on my hand. The finish of the lipstick is glossy and wet-shine, so make sure your face is flaw-free.

Lipstick application: I have pigmented lips, so I add a layer of foundation to my entire lip area to nude them out if I'm wearing lipstick that isn't sheer or a neutral shade, just to help the colour show up better. Then I carefully paint on the lipstick with a lip brush, accentuating the cupid's bow.

See the shade in yellow lighting and white lighting. I think the lipstick looks much darker in real life...more like the swatch on my hand.

Staying power: Even though this lipstick is very emollient and glossy, it stays on and on. Even after several swipes of Bioderma (which takes off everything!) my lips were still slightly stained. And I could see remains of the gold glitter.

Overall: 4.5 / 5
Repurchase? Probably not because it is a bit of a hassle to apply... I have to be very careful as the lipstick is so pigmented. I have to admit, I have so much fun daubing the product on... reminds me of this scene from Silence of the Lambs (Buffalo Bill primping in front of the mirror)

This is a great holiday lipstick! Not only is it festooned with glitter, it has amazing staying power, which makes it a super choice for fancy family meals and dressed-to-the-nines events.
I recommend doubling up on foundation and really lining the eyes so the lipstick and liner really pops against your skin, creating a glamorous and elegant effect.