Have you heard? Christian Louboutin is launching a new line of lipsticks at Saks, and each lipstick — as in each single tube — is ninety freakin’ dollars. OMG!
I mean, I totally get the allure of high-end, exclusive makeup (Hello, Chanel!), but $90 for a single product makes a $50 Tom Ford lippie look like a freakin’ discount. That’s craziness.
The funny thing is that I would spend that much (or more) on a single skin care product if I loved it and knew it worked for me, like Skinceuticals C + E Ferulic Serum (which basically saved my skin when I was experiencing terrible hormonal chin acne), which is $162, but that’s skin care, and the way I look at it, I live with my skin day in, day out.
But a lipstick is more temporary, and I can’t see myself wearing a $90 lipstick, or any lipstick for that matter, every day for long because I change my mind about color so often. Plus, IT’S $90 FOR A LIPSTICK! My mom, the lovable cheapskate that she is, could very well kill me if she ever found out, LOL!
No, really. She would kill me with a long-@ss lecture on frugality and the importance of saving for a rainy day.
This was my long-winded way of saying that I’d go for the latter option, aka the bunch of products. No $90 Loub lipstick for this girl.
How about you? Which one would you pick? The $90 Loub lipstick, or $90 worth of other products instead?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. TGIF!?
Elena says
I love the packaging! I hope it comes to other retailers like Sephora and Nordstrom. See, if I had a $20 Nordstrom note (or more) it would make the cost better (but not by much to be honest). And I thought Tom Ford was expensive! I would be curious to see if the Louboutin line expands. I can only imagine the price points for other products if nail polishes are $50 and a lipstick is $90…
I want to see them in person! I would only invest if the reviews for the formula were outstanding. I love that it can be worn as jewelry too! But I am allergic to nickel and I want to know that it is nickel free because I hate testing jewelry and finding out it isn’t nickel free so I break out in a rash. Blegh. For that price point it should be…
We will see. I’m curious to see some blogger reviews…
Connie says
Here’s my justification for purchasing it…I purchased it for my birthday!We do so much for everyone else and it’s OK to pamper yourself sometime! I cook everything from scratch,I don’t spend money on me, I don’t smoke or drink! My car is paid for and I’m basically debt free! Enough said…;-)
Cherie says
Holy Smokes, Batman! I just broke down and bought Tom Ford sheer lippie in Skinnydip and that is the most I could ever spend on a lipstick. The packaging on these Louboutins are gorgeous and I’m guessing that’s what you’re paying for along with the name. I’m with you on skincare – I use the same serum and I’ve recently started using Neocutis products – I love their eyecream and I spent a pretty penny, but that was 8 months ago and I still have a ways to go. Plus, skincare products generally in someway help to maintain the health of the largest organ of your body. If I ever spent 90 bucks on lipstick, it better friggin have some super anti-aging properties and make my lips look petals…;P
Lauren says
90 bucks?! Is the packaging real gold?! I couldn’t do it. I spent $40 on an Armani lipstick and felt guilty but it’s gorgeous. 90 is extreme! Like tou, Karen, I’ve spent over that on skinceuticals!
Emilee Senkevitch says
I mean, let’s get real here people. The only reason it’s $90 is because of the name. Same thing with Tom Ford. It’s not like it’s better quality than Revlon, or Urban Decay, or Clinique, 3 brands that I am loyal to, and love their products, and are affordable! No normal person should, or could afford to, spend $90 on one single lipstick.
Ana says
Hate to break it to you Emilee, but Tom Ford formula is in fact superior to most lipsticks on the market, even though I also consider them ridiculously overpriced. Marc Jacobs, and other designer makeup brands have their hits and misses, and some are definitely not better than Revlon, Maybelline, or Clinique, but Tom Ford is legit.
Emilee Senkevitch says
Still not spending $50 on a lipstick, sorry! Not worth it ever. Not all of us are privileged enough to waste $50 on a lipstick. We got bills to pay.
Julia says
Amen, Emilee. I am guessing it is probably better than drugstore lipsticks and the name is a good part of the cost. No thanks! Keep the name. It is better to invest in good quality skin care rather than makeup.
Noirojos says
For $90 I could buy a full face of good makeup! This is crazy…but it’s probably for those who don’t mind dropping a month’s rent on shoes, I bet. $90 is petty change to them.
Tulipthecat says
I’ve seen instagram photos of those lipsticks. I could never buy a 90 dollar lipstick. If I did I would never wear it. I could hear my mom lecturing me. She already thinks I spend too much money on make up.
@Pinklacedpoppy says
I’m dying at the percentage of nope! It’s 96% hahaha! But I am with the vote,I would much rather get a bunch of other products instead. Although. .
I’ll be reading reviews for the hell of it
Lien says
All you’re paying for is the brand name… I’d rather buy a few Nyx or Mac lipsticks for that amount!
Tatiana says
I’d rather spend that amount of money on my skincare. There’s just something obscene about spending that much money on one lipstick. There are plenty of other lipsticks in wonderful formulas and gorgeous colors out there for less money. You could buy one less expensive lipstick and send the remainder of the money to a charity of your choice.
Laurissa says
Well… I won’t say never, as there are a few colors that I am interested in. That said, the colors/formula need to be awesome for me to invest that kind of money in a lipstick. Also, I dislike oddly shaped products. I like my products to be stored as uniformly as possible. I don’t like the packaging, either. Too much.
Allison says
Couldn’t agree more! And maybe I’m weird, but the tapered tubes don’t really appeal to me. I get that they are supposed to be associated with the Louboutin taper, but I was expecting a black & red tube rather than gold. And $90 for a lippie, that’s just wrong
Byanka Johnson says
If it’s an undupable shade and limited edition and promises to love me back then the lipstick, but I’d rather buy a $90 perfume over a lipstick for sure.
Rachel R. says
The packaging is gorgeous, but to me, these are collectors items or status symbols. I’d get $90 in other stuff.
Shawna says
After your review, I bought Tom Ford Negligee and I was not sorry at all! Totally worth the $50. But it was a big deal to splurge that much on lipstick. If my husband ever found out he would FREAK OUT. For $90 it would have to be the most amazing shade ever that couldn’t be replicated/duplicated in any way ever.
As far as the hormonal chin acne, the struggle is REAL. I face (no pun!) the same issues and haven’t really found the holy grail. My derm prescribed an oral medication but I just hate taking pills that have other side effects. : ( I may have to try the SkinCeuticals you mentioned!
Kiss & Make-up says
Beautiful as it is, forget the damn lipstick!!! 🙂
Amoure Jones says
Definitely, the $90 worth of products over one lipstick. Quite frankly you’re simply paying for the brand name because the packaging is probably worth pennies and the lipstick about as much. Unless this lipstick intends on improving the quality of my lips for many years to come I don’t see the difference in a drugstore brand (aside from the gorgeous packaging). Albeit I am somewhat of a brand/label snob to some degree this is just not on my level.
Indya says
I mean usually, I wouldn’t even think twice about this… I’m not a huge fan of the Louboutin red bottom trend. I mean it’s nice, but seeing everyone with them kind of turned me off. I would only buy this for myself as a luxurious gift. The packaging and keepsake box is so pretty… it reminds me of the potion used in one of my favorite movies, Death Becomes Her! I know you wipe it off everyday but this is something I’d like to treat myself to. 🙂 And I’d totally wear it around my neck like a sacred amulet!
Erica says
Lord knows I’ve spend my share of cash on lipstick, from Milani to Tom Ford. However, $90 on a perishable lipstick is crazy. It better be hydrating, full of healthy minerals/vitamins/anti-aging properties and real gold flecks incorporated in the lipstick. It must also be a limited edition one-of-a-kind shade that will never reappear in the 21st century. If it reappears, consumers get a refund (deadline: 1/1/2100). Now other high end companies will join the bandwagon. Next year: $100 lipsticks.
MM says
Depends on the formula…if it is LE, a totally unique color, has a fantastic formula and wears well, yes I would spend that! If it is easily duped and nothing special color-wise, meh.
Lisa says
I’m way too fickle with lipstick to spend that kind of money on a single tube. If I were the type to own just one lipstick at a time and IF I actually liked the packaging … I still couldn’t justify it.
gio says
Definitely a bunch of other products! Lipstick is so temporary to justify that kind of money. The packaging doesn’t appeal to me much either. It just looks weird.
Tracy says
It better be a lipstick that applies itself for that price. I’ve definitely spent that much on skincare and I love my lippies but I can’t justify spending that much on one item. The packaging is gorgeous though!
Noon says
I’d want other stuff, as nice as these are they seem to be more “buy for the package” than “buy for the lipstick” and I’m here for good lipstick, not gimmick.
Iris says
I’d get at least one if they were available in Canada. Those look gorgeous and the packaging reminds me of daggers, which is cool. The necklace part appeals to me. I’d trick myself into thinking I was getting a necklace (I have a few which are over $100) with a built in lipstick.
Gigi says
For ONE lipstick?! After it is applied, does the heat of my lips turn it into the PERFECT color of red on me?
Does it transform into a Transformer? An Autobot – preferably Bumblebee?
Can I hock the tube container because it’s made of some kind of gold?
No? To all of these?…
Then, “Other”.
Angela Bonanza says
Ahh, I really want to say the “other products” option, but I can’t honestly guarantee that I won’t someday just go “whatever, yololol” and buy the $90 lipstick hahaha. I guess I’ll see how the formula is in reviews – but it’s such a precious, sculptural object that I could go for one in, IDK, a year or so haha
Kristin Mc says
I voted for $90 worth of other stuff, but honestly, I’m the guy who probably would spend $90 on a tube of lipstick. But I like to treat myself to one nice thing like that, every now and again. Not regularly or often, so that it stays a nice treat! 🙂
Dawn says
I probably would not spend 90 bucks on a lipstick. Note that I said”probably” – HA! But I also wouldn’t pay 160 bucks again for a serum that I can make at home myself, that’s superior in every way, because it’s completely fresh. I’ve been making my own for the last few years with ingredients I buy at skinactives.com. Note that I said “again”. I have tried Skinceuticals serums – and I think the ones I make are better. I see more results, and can tailor serums to my skin’s needs, according to the seasons, and times my skin needs HELP, like the week before TTOTM. And the cool thing is that anyone can do this! I spend about 50 bucks A YEAR on ingredients – and I am pretty regularly mistaken for my daughter’s sister rather than her mother – I’m 51, she’s 33 – and by people who ought to know better, too! Two products I do spend money on are Retin A, which I’ve been using for about 15 years now, and sunscreen, which I wear every minute of every day. But man – makeup wise, I could get quite a bit of mileage out of 90 dollars.
Emmy says
They are gorgeous but $90?!?! It’s insane! That lipstick better not rub of ever! Lol. Drugstores please come out with similar packaging with a MUCH lesser price tag please! Imagine what we can buy with $90……….
Trude says
Daaaang! They’re definitely targeting a very slim portion of the market. The only single item I’d spend $90 on is skincare (and only something with a proven track record like Tata Harper!), because it makes a long term, visible difference. Well, besides fragrance I suppose. 😉
Lisa says
Heck NO! LOL! I don’t even pay more than $22 on a tube of lipstick & cringed when I heard MAC went up to $17.00! Of course, I’m also the person who has a wicked fetish for designer bags, wallets & eye glasses but I draw the line at makeup products.
Michou says
See, this is a hard one. I told myself years ago I would never, EVER spend $50 on a lipstick. Then I fell in love with Guerlain, and that changed. However, just realizing I could buy 2 Burberry or almost 2 Guerlain Rouge G lipsticks for the price of ONE of these lippies… yeah, I’d rather have 2 of the other luxury brands than just one of these.
At least… for now. With my luck the reviews will have this off the charts in how this is perfection in lipstick, hah!
Jen says
Gosh, these look gorgeous and I really am a true lipstick fiend, but I just don’t think I could drop $90 on these! I own a few Tom Fords and I think that’s my upper limit 🙂 I just ordered a ColourPop order where I spend $100 and got 20 items- so that dos put things into perspective 😉 Have a great weekend, Karen! xo
Jaclyn says
Here’s the thing… As of the time I voted, 19 people wanted the lipstick and 375 wanted to spend that money elsewhere. 19x$90=$1,710. 375x$5 cheap lipstick = $1,880. CL nearly wins. Just thought it was interesting to do the calculation!
Aditi says
For me these are pretty eye-candies only, I would never spend that much money on lipsticks! I am also more a skin-care person that makeup so this one doesn’T stand for me either… 😀
xx Aditi
Mel says
I would never spend this, but I showed it to my co-worker and she says she is totally going to buy one. She said she can’t afford Louboutin heels but she can afford this!
Jaclyn says
Good point! The definition of “luxury” changes person to person.
JAN says
I would not spend $90- on lipstick. I would buy other products or skin care. My mother didn’t raise a fool.
Jennifer says
I wouldn’t spend $90 on lipstick but like you, I will get spendy when it comes to skincare. I think the most I’ve spent on a lipstick is maybe $40 or $45.
Of course, I would love to at least try on this $90 lipstick. It is Louboutin, those people do know what they’re doing in shoe world.
Meghan says
$90??? Nooooooooo. Heck no. I won’t even spend $50 on a Tom Ford lipstick. I bought one of his blushes once and the remorse haunts me to this day, even though I really like the blush and wear it often. I love high-end makeup and splurge often, but need to draw the line somewhere! I mean, $90 will get you a handful of MAC lipsticks!
cncx says
I get around twenty to thirty dollars in coupons every quarter…if the reviews for the formula were outstanding, i would maybe splurge on one with my coupons because that would push it into rouge g prices here. I get luxury makeup but i think 90 dollars is a little exaggerated. I think louboutin could have still had the high end appeal at the sixty dollar mark. People barely buy tom ford and rouge g because of the price and those two brands have really great formulas so let’s hope louboutin delivers on quality.
Lori says
All you Nordie gals need to be seeing my husband just outside of Chicago — he works there. That means I get a discount on (yes) everything and NO I still would not buy this! I’m biased — I loathe Christian Louboutin, a man I feel has a real dislike for women but a love for making money off of them.
I don’t wear a lot of lipstick though I own a few Chanels, some others and my most expensive is a Guerlain Rouge G (which is soooo divine and I think was north of $70 & worth it). I’m right there with you though, I spend much more on skincare (and shoes) that I ever do cosmetics.
Maggie says
Whoa. I have now discovered my limit on amount spent on lipsticks. I mean, Cle de Peau lipsticks (refill + holder) get a raised eyebrow from me but I still think it’s worth it if it’s an HG color and formula. $90 for a lipstick. Um. No.
Celia says
I could get the Naked Smokey AND a bite hand cut lipstick for that- can’t imagine that a $90 price tag is truly reflective of some magical-unicorn-non-fading-super-plumping-perfect-color lipstick goodness. Heck, I could go to the bite lab and have multiple custom perfect lip colors mixed for me! I think even if money wasn’t an object, it would still offend my delicate sensibilities, hahaha. I would probably buy the $36 dollar lipstick and give the other $54 away to someone who needed it.
Laura says
Well, I’m going to get utterly destroyed here but quite frankly, internet, I don’t care.
I’m going to buy one for myself. And it’s going to be the satin finish of the iconic CL Rouge Louboutin. That’s a classic red that can be worn for any occasion, and I’m curious. The tubes are like art (and I actually display my mini collection of the polishes on my vanity like an art display).
Yes, $90 is obscenely expensive. Yes, I know it’s for the brand. But I’m sure everyone who is wagging their fingers at me for this comment has an indulgence or two. I work hard for my money, so I can treat myself to something like this every now and then. I won’t be buying a pile of these for everyday use in all shades and finishes, but I’ll buy one and enjoy it. And not feel one bit of guilt for the price.
Jenny says
Woohoooo Amen sister!!!! Y the hell not? Right!! CL is my guilty pleasure since i was 15 im almost 32 with a better budget than back then so yes i will endulge my self!!
Nellie says
Amen Sister!’
Anastassia says
Too much for me.
Windie says
If money was no object, complemented my skin tone and enhanced overall appearance, then I would purchase it.
But realistically, I would splurge on skin care.
Have you ever tried Paula’s choice for skincare? (I’m not promoting peodict or anything. Just have been on a long search that doesnt leave a deep hole in my pocket.) One in particular has tamed my chin and jawline breakouts. They offer trial packets as well.
Jenny says
Call me crazy!!! Ive been a fan of CL since i was 15 and back then no one knew who he was and i was wearing his shoes i am almost 32 and somehow he changed and raised my expectations of life… No i was not privileged nor daddy bought it for me i went to school and worked and saved my money to buy my shoes…. Today im happily married i have kids i have responsabilities that are met and YES i still buy my CL because y the hell not? and this lipstick feels like a dream i bought the red sattin and the nude matte to match my nail polish.. oh by the way he also has the lip liner at $40.00…. Live a little girls we never know when its our last day and when it comes for me ill go fabulous on my CL…
Nellie says
Let’s be honest ladies..if we had the $$$ to purchase a nice collection of LBs, a few matching handbags, and some nail polish we certainly wouldn’t think twice about this drop in the Bucket lipstick:) Im keeping it real. I’d love to whip this sexy dagger out of a 2k handbag, twist it sideways and smear it all over my smackers like no tomorrow if I could. This is BAD BITCH material! I’ll take it over a foundation and some blush any day:))
Maria says
I say buy what makes you happy!!! It won’t feel bad if you absolutely love it!!!!!