Hermès Rouge Vif vs. Rouge Casaque: What's the difference?

The Hermès Rouge Vif and Rouge Casaque lipsticks are two of the brand's most celebrated red shades, but they serve entirely different purposes. Rouge Vif is a vibrant, classic red with warm undertones designed to make a confident statement, while Rouge Casaque is a softer, more muted red with subtle blue undertones that offers a sophisticated, understated elegance.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right iconic red from Hermès for your makeup collection.

Hermès Rouge Vif Lipstick

Rouge Vif is the quintessential statement red lipstick from Hermès. It’s a bold, highly-pigmented, and energetic shade with warm undertones that provide a classic, confident look. This lipstick is designed for moments when you want your makeup to stand out, evoking timeless old-Hollywood glamour and modern sophistication in equal measure.

• What it is: A luxurious lipstick in a vibrant, warm-toned classic red shade.
• Key features: Rich pigmentation, comfortable wear, and a refined satin finish that provides a subtle sheen without being overtly shiny.
• Price: Around $75
• Formulation & Texture: Known for its creamy, non-drying formula that glides smoothly onto the lips, ensuring hydration and even coverage.
• Packaging: Encased in a chic, collectible, tri-colored lacquered metal case that is refillable.
• Pros: A universally recognizable statement red, incredibly long-lasting, beautifully pigmented, luxurious packaging feels substantial and expensive.
• Cons: High price point, bold color may be too intense for some personality types or for professional settings.

This shade is perfect for anyone seeking an eye-catching, confident red for evening events, special occasions, or just because you want to feel powerful.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/collections/beauty/

Hermès Rouge Casaque Lipstick

Rouge Casaque offers a more subdued take on red. This shade is a softer, medium red with subtle blue undertones, giving it a cooler and more versatile character. It delivers a polished and refined look that feels elegant and professional without demanding all the attention, making it an excellent choice for daily wear.

• What it is: An elegant and muted red lipstick with cool, blue undertones.
• Key features: Long-lasting color, moisturizing feel, and a sophisticated satin finish suitable for any context.
• Price: Around $75
• Formulation & Texture: The same creamy, comfortable, and smooth-gliding formula iconic to Hermès lipsticks.
• Packaging: Comes in the signature refillable, weighted lacquered metal case that personifies luxury.
• Pros: A very wearable and versatile red, suitable for office and daily use, sophisticated cool-toned shade is flattering on many skin tones.
• Cons: May be too subtle for those seeking a truly vibrant, statement-making red lip, premium price.

Its understated elegance makes it an ideal lipstick for those who want a touch of classic color in professional settings or desire a versatile red for daily sophistication.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/collections/beauty/

Hermès Rouge Vif vs. Rouge Casaque Comparison

Shade & Color

The most important difference lies in the shade and undertone. Rouge Vif is a true, vibrant red with warm, slightly orange undertones. It’s energetic, bold, and designed to be the focal point of a makeup look. You would choose this color to make a statement.

In contrast, Rouge Casaque has cool, blue-based undertones. This makes it a slightly deeper, softer, and more muted red. It doesn't scream for attention but rather provides a pulled-together, chic wash of color that feels more integrated and less of a standalone feature.

Formulation & Finish

Both lipsticks share the same high-performance Hermès formula. They are creamy, moisturizing, and glide on effortlessly with just one swipe. Each offers intense pigmentation and avoids a drying feeling, making them comfortable for hours of wear.

The finish for both is typically satin in the permanent collection. This gives a slight, healthy luminosity to the lips without being glossy. The key difference is how this satin finish interacts with the color. On Rouge Vif, it amplifies the vibrancy. On Rouge Casaque, it enhances its sophisticated character, ensuring the muted shade doesn't look flat.

Price & Value

Both Rouge Vif and Rouge Casaque are priced identically, retailing around $75. The value for both comes from the luxe experience: the weighted, beautifully designed and refillable case, the superior formula, and the prestige of the Hermès name. Since the case is refillable, the initial investment gets you a piece you can keep and reuse, which adds to the long-term value proposition.

Versatility & Best Use Cases

Your choice will likely come down to when and where you plan to wear your red lipstick. Rouge Vif is the ultimate special occasion red. It's perfect for parties, romantic dinners, weddings, or any time you want your look to have a dose of high-impact glamour. It’s less suited for daily office wear unless you work in a creative field or bold looks are part of your professional style.

Rouge Casaque excels in everyday elegance. Its muted, cool tone makes it perfectly appropriate for professional environments, casual weekend lunches, and events where you want to look polished but not overtly made up. It's a "your lips but better" philosophy applied to the red family - effortlessly chic and highly adaptable.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both shades are exceptional, but they cater to different styles and occasions.

Choose Rouge Vif if:

• You're looking for a classic, fiery statement red.
• You want a lipstick for evening wear, parties, and special events.
• You have warmer or neutral skin undertones looking for a pop of color.
• You believe red lipstick should be bold, confident, and energetic.

Choose Rouge Casaque if:

• You prefer a sophisticated, understated, and versatile red.
• You want a red lipstick you can comfortably wear to the office or during the day.
• You have cooler or neutral skin undertones that are flattered by blue-based reds.
• You seek an elegant, chic shade that completes a look without dominating it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Rouge Vif and Rouge Casaque?

The main difference is the undertone and vibrancy. Rouge Vif is a bright, warm-toned red for making a statement. Rouge Casaque is a muted, cooler blue-toned red for a more subdued, elegant, everyday look.

Which shade works better for fair skin?

Both can work, but Rouge Casaque’s blue undertones are often particularly flattering on fair, cool-toned skin, as they can make teeth appear whiter. Rouge Vif provides a beautiful, high-contrast pop of color on fair skin.

Which is better for olive or darker skin tones?

Rouge Vif’s warm, slightly orange undertones beautifully complement the golden hues in olive and deeper skin tones. Rouge Casaque can also be stunning, offering a more classic, rich shade of red.

Are Hermès lipsticks moisturizing?

Yes, one of the signature qualities of Hermès lipsticks is their creamy, comfortable formula that includes moisturizing ingredients to prevent dryness.

How long does the lipstick last?

These lipsticks are formulated for longevity, typically lasting around 4-6 hours without a lot of fading. Reapplication may be necessary after a meal.

Is the packaging refillable?

Yes, the iconic metal case is designed to be kept and refilled. You can purchase lipstick refills in various shades separately, which makes the initial high cost more palatable over time.

What is the finish of these lipsticks?

Both Rouge Vif and Rouge Casaque from the permanent collection come in Hermès’ signature satin finish, which provides strong color with a subtle, elegant sheen.

Are Rouge Vif and Rouge Casaque limited edition?

No, both Rouge Vif and Rouge Casaque are part of Hermès' permanent beauty line and are considered core shades in the lipstick collection.