MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge in Light Rosewood (14) review + swatches

          If there was a makeup Olympics, MAKE UP FOR EVER would sweep the stands in the waterproof category. The brand takes waterproof makeup seriously and creates products with performers, including synchronized swimmers, in mind. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes, Aqua Shadows (reviewed here), and Aqua eyeliner are well loved staples in my collection. Now, MAKE UP FOR EVER is expanding their waterproof Aqua line again with twelve MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge Liquid Lip Colors. I'll show you #14 Light Rosewood for today's post!

           The MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge Lip colors have dual ended packaging. One end houses the color itself, while the other is a clear gloss. The two ends have a doe-foot and synthetic pointed  brush type applicators respectively (see photos below).

          MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge Lip Color is a liquid, but it's not wet or gooey like a gloss. It's more like liquid lipsticks that you may be familiar with. The color is very pigmented and dries very quickly. The feel is matte and definitely not moisturizing, however I don't find that it dries or peels my lips either. Once it's on, the color does not budge at all. Only a few minutes after application, I drank from a glass and there was no imprint left on it! I also took a hot shower and again, no budging or smudging. After eating a meal and some other things I re-examined the color. It was definitely there, though a bit weaker due to all the activity. The color clings to your lips like a stain, however there is actually a color layer on top that lasts through the water (i.e. it's not just a stain). (It's also worth noting that after swatching my arm (below) the color refused to wash off with water, soap, and even dish soap! I had to resort to using pure olive oil to dissolve all the color off my arm.) Hence, I feel pretty comfortable commending Aqua Rouge for its long lasting wear.

          MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge in 14 Light Rosewood is actually quite dark. I would say it's a deep rose. There's not too much burgundy or purple mixed in, which I like. I've swatched Light Rosewood below without the gloss layer so that you can see the matte finish the color itself has. I pulled out a few of my lip products for some comparison swatches. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Caline looks similar in the tube, but is lighter and pinker when swatched. Bobbi Brown Rich Color Gloss is a lighter rose. Bobbi Brown lip color in Brownie is a bit warmer and more beige.

           I'd say the new Aqua Rouge line is another gold for MAKE UP FOR EVER. The sheer staying power is impressive. It's obviously great for the pool, but I think it's nice as an everyday product. Normally I get nervous wearing darker colors like Light Rosewood, since accidental smudges are more obvious. However, since the Aqua Rouges don't seem capable of smudging, I'd feel comfortable wearing this around without constantly checking myself. The only downside is the Aqua Rouge formula isn't creamy or moisturizing, though I think this comes with the territory. It looks like the current collection is focused on basic beiges, berries, and reds and not as many brights or 'pretty' colors. They're great for fall; I'm hoping MAKE UP FOR EVER will release more pretty pinks and peaches come spring. Overall, color me impressed!

          Thanks for reading! Have you spotted MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge in stores yet? Would you wear lipstick to the pool if you could? What's your favorite long lasting lipstick formula?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.