Dior Rouge Dior lipstick 999 review

Can we get anymore iconic than this? Today’s review will be all about an icon of the beauty world: the classic red Dior lipstick in 999. When Dior first launched a red lipstick it was called shade 9 and as the brand updated formulas and changed their makeup over time the ode to the original icon remained in the name. Hence the shade name 999. What’s more in this newest rendition, you not only have the choice of different finishes, but the packaging also comes in a refillable more sustainable option too. A true update for a true classic beauty product. Let’s review this Dior lipstick!

Review: Dior Rouge Dior Couleur Couture Refillable lipstick 999 Velvet

This being Dior you know it will be expensive. In fact, I think this may be the most expensive lipstick in my entire makeup collection. At a whopping €43 full price, this is one bougee option, but it is a really good one. It comes in packaging like this or a refil which is a little less expensive, but I often use coupon codes or get Dior when there is a 25% sale going on. So it’s easy to pay less if you want. This particular lipstick comes in four different finishes: Satin, Matt, Metallic and Velvet. Today I am showing you the Velvet finish.

What does this lipstick have to offer?

In all fairness, my experience with Dior lipsticks isn’t the best. Dior was one of the first makeup brands I bought from when I first got into wearing makeup on the regular. They were my go to brand, but their lipsticks weren’t my fave. In fact, I used to own 999 from one of the previous ranges, but it broke off after just a few uses and I had to chuck it as no method would allow me to stick it back in. When it comes to Dior lip products, I tend to prefer their glosses. Their lipsticks? Used to be a slippy, slidy mess that wouldn’t stay put. Have they changed their formula for the better?

What does this lipstick do?

Can we just take a moment to take in the prettiness? I mean, if you love your packaging then Dior has got your back every time. This lipstick comes in the iconic dark blue tube with the CD embossed onto the side as well as the iconic Dior pattern. New to this lipstick since I last tried them is the obvious velvet texture of the bullet itself and the brand name Dior stamped into it. Every part of this lipstick screams luxury and it’s definitely a nice treat yourself kind of gift.

Can we get a close up?

With this one I just had to. The velvet texture of the bullet very much reminds me of the Lisa Eldridge True Velvet lipsticks which is probably one of the first brands to give this kind of finish to their lipsticks and since then every brand has been copying it. I mean, even Catrice does this to their matte lipstick ranges by now, so it is not that unique any more, but it makes for a very satisfying look when the lipstick is still untouched. Yes it wears down quickly but if you are careful to only use the top part of the lipstick you should manage to maintain the prettiness that is this lipstick for some time to come.

What does this lipstick swatch like?

We haven’t discussed this shade yet at all. 999 is Dior’s take on a classic red. It is quite a neutral toned red, but I find that on me it pulls a bit more orange toned than I would like. I like a bit more blue in my classic reds and this is definitely on the warmer end of a classic red. I know, you’ll probably think: a red is a red, but once you swatch out several reds in a row you’ll see the nuanced differences. The texture here is what makes this lipstick: it has a very pleasant thin, but not too slippy formula that feels comfortable on the lips and lasts a decent amount of time. It’s not as longlasting as I’d like it to be, but it is definitely an improvement compared to the lipstick I used to have.

My final thoughts

We all know I love a good red lipstick and this Dior Rouge Dior Couleur Couture lipstick in 999 is a good one. I mean with my blonde hair, brown eyes and a cream sweater like I am wearing here, I just feel this lipstick is everything. If I didn’t already own so many red lipsticks I would definitely think this could be a favorite. But this lipstick has some steep competition and I think I’d like wearing a few of my others a bit more, but that’s nothing to do with this not being any good. It’s more to do with the fact that I prefer the undertones of my Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red and Lisa Eldridge Velvet Ribbon over this one. While stunning, I feel this is just a hint to warm toned against my fair skin with a cool to neutral undertone.

Would I recommend the Dior Rouge Dior lipstick in 999?

I think many people might enjoy this. If you are looking for that luxury present for yourself or a loved one than a Dior lipstick will definitely tickle that itch. Is this anything special compared to some of my other high end lipsticks? Not really. It is lovely though and just the fact the way this lipstick looks means it deserves a spot in my makeup collection, but I don’t think it has to be in yours. There are other lipsticks that are as good that cost less than this does. So I don’t think you need to run out to buy this.

What is your most expensive lipstick?