Guerlain Paradis Exotique KissKiss Gloss

RRP: £16
# of shades available: 3 in the Paradis Exotique range (Pomme de Désir, Cerise Tentation, Orange Interdite); many more in the normal range

--What does the promo say?--
"Guerlain Paradis Exotique KissKiss Gloss Pomme du Desir is a delicate, non-sticky gloss that boasts lasting hold. Guerlain Paradis Exotique KissKiss Gloss Pomme du Desir is a pale golden green shimmer donating you a vibrant and fashion focused look veiled in sparkly transparency."

--Packaging--
The box this comes in is quite edgy, with gold and red pinstripes penetrating black. The lipgloss canister is disappointingly made of plastic (well, this has obvious benefits for travel and general carting around etc, but for the brand and price you sort of expect something more substantial), as is the screwtop lid, but the lid is nicely decorated with the Guerlain logo and with good use of a gunmetal-type sheen. The canister itself is see-through, and the brush is very fine and soft without feeling fragile or cheap.

--Application--
Stroke over lips, making sure you apply evenly and avoid tide marks at the edges of the lips.

--Scent--
None. Disappointing, that - with such a juicy name you almost expect something similar to bombard your senses in terms of scent and/or taste. Still, having it smell of nothing is infinitely better than the unpleasant smell or taste that some lip glosses can have (waxy/soapy).

--Texture--
The glitter particles in this gloss are quite large, and you can feel them on your lips. This didn't bother me, but it might bother other people, even though they're not really physically irritating.

--Appearance--
Provides a really unusual, pretty, and not-at-all scary sheen which is perfect for spring and summer time. The glitter is clearly visible without making you look like a disco ball either.

--Longevity--
Sadly not fantastic; expect to reapply every couple of hours.

--Value for money--
This is definitely at the upper end of expensive for a lip gloss. I only really bought this because the colour was so innovative (not to mention that I'm a sucker for anything limited edition), and on that score I was certainly satisfied. I'm equally sure that the Orange Interdite would fulfil expectations on that score. However, if you want a more commonplace colour, go for something a little less hard on the bank balance: there are plenty out there that are cheaper and that last longer too.

perfect partner
Guerlain Paradis Exotique Ombre Eclat 4 Shades Eyeshadow, £33