Hermès Rubis vs. Rouge Grenat: What's the difference?

The core difference between Hermès Rubis and Rouge Grenat lies in their undertones and overall mood. Rubis is a timeless, classic red with subtle warm undertones, making it a versatile and bright choice for any occasion. Rouge Grenat is a deeper, more dramatic garnet with complex red and purple undertones, creating a mysterious and sophisticated statement lip ideal for evening wear.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right iconic red from Hermès.

Hermès Rubis

Hermès Rubis is the embodiment of classic Parisian elegance - a sophisticated, vibrant red lipstick that offers a timeless pop of color. Its formulation is designed to flatter a wide array of skin tones, thanks to its balanced and subtly warm undertones. Rubis is intensely pigmented, delivering full coverage in a comfortable, hydrating formula with a refined satin finish.

• What it is: A luxurious, deep red lipstick with subtle warm undertones and a soft satin finish.
• Key features: Intense, rich pigmentation, hydrating formula that glides on smoothly, long-lasting and comfortable wear, sleek, high-quality branded casing.
• Price: Around $75
• Materials/Construction: Formulated with nourishing emollients and antioxidants in a signature minimalist metal case that feels substantial and chic.
• Pros: A universally flattering classic red. Incredibly versatile for both day and night. Hydrating formula prevents dryness. Rich, full-coverage color payoff.
• Cons: A very high luxury price point. It can be considered a safe, traditional choice if you're looking for something more unique.

This is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a versatile, go-to red that flawlessly transitions from the office to a dinner date.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/product/lipstick-rouge-hermes-rouge-garnet-101

Hermès Rouge Grenat

Hermès Rouge Grenat is a deeper, more complex shade that channels a mysterious and rich, jewel-toned sophistication. Its garnet hue is infused with cool purple and red undertones, creating a bold, fashion-forward look. Like all Hermès lipsticks, it provides intense color saturation with a smooth, velvety satin finish that feels comfortable for hours.

• What it is: A deep, jewel-toned garnet lipstick with a blend of red and purplish undertones and a satin finish.
• Key features: Dramatic, highly pigmented color, comfortable, hydrating formula, sleek and luxurious metal packaging, long-lasting wear.
• Price: Around $75
• Materials/Construction: Made with high-quality emollients and vitamins in the recognizable, high-grade Hermès lipstick case.
• Pros: Creates a bold, sophisticated look. The unique jewel-tone is perfect for statement lips. Excellent for evenings and formal events. Exudes a modern, luxurious feel.
• Cons: The distinct cool undertones may not suit all skin tones. Less versatile for everyday or casual wear compared to Rubis. Ultra-premium price.

It's the ideal option for the beauty enthusiast who wants to make a sophisticated statement with a rich, unique, and dramatic lip color.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/product/lipstick-rouge-hermes-rouge-grenat-102

Hermès Rubis vs. Rouge Grenat Comparison

Hue & Undertones

The primary distinction is the color story. Hermès Rubis is a true, classic red with a slightly warm base that brightens the complexion. It's an approachable yet unmistakably luxurious red that feels elegant and timeless.

On the other hand, Hermès Rouge Grenat leans into a much deeper, cooler territory. Its blend of garnet red and purple creates a jewel tone that is more complex and fashion-forward. This nuance makes it appear more dramatic and commanding, less of an everyday red and more of a special occasion shade.

Versatility & Occasion

If versatility is your priority, Rubis is the clear winner. Its classic hue works beautifully for daytime meetings, casual lunches, and formal dinners. It’s a reliable shade that will elevate any look without feeling out of place. It’s the lipstick equivalent of a perfect little black dress - always appropriate, always chic.

Rouge Grenat thrives in specific settings. It is spectacular for evening events, festive occasions, and moments when you want your makeup to command attention. While beautiful, its depth and intensity can feel too heavy for casual daytime wear for some, making it a more specialized choice in a makeup collection.

Quality & Formulation

Aesthetically, these shades are different, but their performance and quality are identical. Both boast Hermès’s impeccable formulation - a deeply pigmented satin lipstick that provides full coverage in one swipe. The formula is non-drying and contains nourishing ingredients that keep lips hydrated and comfortable throughout wear. The wear-time is excellent for a satin-finish lipstick, and they both fade gracefully. Both are housed in the same luxurious, weighty metal lipstick case, so the high-end experience is consistent.

Price & Value

Both Rubis and Rouge Grenat retail for the same price, firmly in the ultra-luxury beauty bracket at around $75. The question of value comes down entirely to personal use. For someone seeking a signature red they can wear frequently, Rubis offers better value due to its versatility. For a beauty collector or someone who wants a unique lipstick for special occasions, Rouge Grenat provides value through its beautiful, standout color and dramatic effect.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both shades are an exercise in luxury, but your personal style and wardrobe will determine the right choice.

Choose Hermès Rubis if:

• You're looking for a timeless, classic red that never goes out of style.
• You need a versatile lipstick you can wear for any occasion, from day to night.
• You prefer brighter, warmer-toned reds that lift your complexion.
• This is your first Hermès lipstick and you want an iconic, universally flattering shade.

Choose Hermès Rouge Grenat if:

• You love deep, dramatic jewel tones that make a statement.
• You want a special occasion lipstick for evenings or formal events.
• You have a collection of classic reds and are looking for something unique and mysterious.
• You feel most confident in bold, rich, and sophisticated lip colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Hermès Rubis and Rouge Grenat?

The main difference is the undertone and depth. Rubis is a classic, true red with slight warmth, making it versatile and bright. Rouge Grenat is a much deeper garnet shade with cool red and purple undertones, creating a more dramatic and mysterious look.

Which shade is more versatile?

Hermès Rubis is significantly more versatile. Its timeless red hue is appropriate for a wide variety of occasions, from professional settings to elegant evenings. Rouge Grenat is best reserved for more formal or nighttime events.

Are these lipsticks long-lasting?

Yes, for satin-finish lipsticks, they have excellent longevity. The highly pigmented formula stains the lips subtly, allowing the color to wear down gracefully over several hours without becoming patchy. Reapplication will be needed after meals.

What is the finish of these lipsticks?

Both lipsticks have a luminous satin, or semi-matte, finish. They provide a soft sheen without being glossy or shimmery, giving the lips a healthy and plumped appearance.

Are Hermès lipsticks worth the high price?

The value is subjective, but the high price reflects the premium ingredients, exceptional pigmentation, luxurious packaging, and the status of the Hermès brand. If you appreciate high-end formulas and beautiful objets d'art, many consider them a worthy investment.

Do Hermès lipsticks dry out the lips?

No, they are known for their comfortable and hydrating formula. They contain nourishing ingredients designed to keep lips soft and moisturized, making them pleasant to wear for extended periods.

Which is better for fair skin tones?

Both can work beautifully. Rubis will appear as a bright, classic red on fair skin, making it a great statement. Rouge Grenat will look very deep and dramatic, creating a striking contrast that is very sophisticated.

Which is better for deeper skin tones?

Again, both are excellent choices. Rubis will pop as a vibrant, rich red. The deep undertones in Rouge Grenat are particularly stunning on deeper skin, appearing as a luxe, sophisticated garnet that doesn’t wash out.