To Buy or Not To Buy : Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy CC Lipstick Review

You have heard of the CC cream...now there is the CC lipstick. Armani makeup is always innovating and they created this "Color & Care" lipstick. The goal was to provide a very comfortable texture, like a lip balm but with a great color payoff and luminous finish. 
As usual, I could not resist and I had to try it. I bought it in the color #300 "Pop", which is a beautiful vivid coral - almost neon - perfect summer shade. I also got a sample of the #400 "Red", an iconic shade of the brand.

***

+They come in 36 differents shades, so you have a huge choice
+The color payoff and finish is really good
+The packaging is red with a lacquered finish, which is very sophisticated and unique
+The enclosure is magnetic, with a soft click, which is really great and again very specific to Armani lipsticks. I wish more brands could do something like this

-The texture does not respect the promises : I did not find it particularly hydrating, especially compared to other lipstick like the Dior Addict or the YSL Rouge Volupté, so it is very disappointing
-There is no SPF protection, which is a bit ironic for a "CC" product
-It does not last very long and since it is not that hydrating you have to reapply it quite often, which tends to dehydrate your lips even more
-Pricey for what you get. Ok the packaging is nice, but you can get a Rouge Volupté from YSL with a gorgeous packaging and great creamy texture too!

***

So buy it or leave it? 
LEAVE IT
Honestly, I was expecting too much and I was quite disappointed. I love the color but I always have to wear my lip balm before applying this lipstick while it was supposed to be hydrating enough to not do so. This is not worth the money.