The new Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Refillable Lipstick is the most luxe thing in my handbag right now. Housed in a sleek gold applicator that feels like a tiny sculpture in my makeup pouch, this lipstick promises “creamy, saturated, long-wearing color with a satin finish, without smudging or feathering.”

Does this lippy live up to its claims, or is the launch all style and no substance? Influenster sent me a complimentary tube to review, and after a week of having it in regular rotation, I’m ready to share my thoughts.

First thing’s first: I haven’t met an Hourglass product I didn’t like. The brand is known for its “luxury performance makeup” and innovative formulas that create the illusion of a flawless, glowing-from-within complexion. Their light-diffusing pressed powders are pure magic on the skin; I use the shade ‘diffused light’ to set my under-eye concealer almost daily. And the Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint is one of the first things on my wish list to buy when I get through some of my foundation stash.

This is the first Hourglass lip product I’ve tried. The Confession Ultra Slim Refillable Lipstick comes in 30 shades, ranging from pale nudes and mauves, to bold pinks and berries, to deep reds and plums. It retails for $34 with the gold applicator, which includes one .03oz slim lipstick. The applicator can be used interchangeably with the refills, which are $22 each.

I received the shade ‘I Lust For,’ a peachy beige nude. Here were my first impressions from the initial application:

• I loved the color. I’ve been on a search for a great peachy nude for a while now, and this shade worked well with my light golden skin tone and didn’t wash me out.
• The slim gold applicator was easy to hold and control for precise application.
• The lipstick glided on in one opaque swipe; it gave full-coverage color that didn’t streak or look patchy. I was super impressed with the color payoff and pigmentation.
• The formula felt hydrating and comfortable, and the satin finish wore well for hours without fading, flaking, or drying out my lips.

So all-in-all, a great review! There’s just one thing that makes me hesitate to give it an A+ recommendation: the price. Fancy golden applicator aside, you only get .03 oz of product in each refillable tube. That makes the Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Refillable Lipstick one of the most expensive lipsticks available per-ounce. As a comparison, one of my favorite creamy satin lipsticks with big color payoff, the NARS Audacious lipstick, contains .14oz per tube for the same price.

If you really love makeup and you want to splurge on a statement item, or you find you never finish a full lipstick and you feel there’s value in a great formula, the Hourglass Confessions may be up your street! They’d also make a lovely gift for someone who appreciates these kinds of little luxuries.

To see un-retouched photos of all 30 shades, check out Temptalia’s swatches. While you’re there, give her a bookmark. She’s one of my favorite resources for honest, reliable makeup reviews, and I often check her site before I make a purchase.

* Lipstick bullet image via Hourglass.com