I make no bones about my LOVE the YSL brand. The makeup is beyond amazing, and the skincare pure luxury. Yes, the products are on the pricier side, but I really think they are worth the splurge if you’re a true makeup lover. A while back, I was sent some lovely goodies from the makeup collection to play around with – all of which have become makeup bag staples.
First up is the YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Duo Stick (R415). Essentially it’s a creamy blusher that can also be used on the lips. I received the “From Cute To Devlish” N°3 which has two tones: a delicate coral, and a rich, warm orange.
The outer packaging is bright, bold and super cute, while the rounded edges on the actual blusher make it easy to apply the colours together or individually. I like the texture, which I’d describe as semi-matte, and find it blends really easily. The creamy, almost balm-like consistency allows you to apply a sheer veil of colour, or build up the tone intensity. I use mine mainly on my cheeks, using both shades, with the lighter shade placed above the apple of my cheeks and the darker one on the apple itself. I then blend them together using my fingers. I wasn’t actually expecting much longevity from this blusher, but was pleasantly surprised at how well it lasted (a good 5 hours). When I wore it on my lips, I was amazed to still see a subtle stain of colour after eating.
By the way, that gorgeous peach coloured blush in the to-die-for packaging was super limited edition and is no longer in stock locally 🙁 However, If you’re traveling internationally keep an eye out for it. It’s from ‘The Street And I’ collection and is called ‘I Have A Blush On You’. While the shade brilliantly bold, it has a great translucent quality that allows you to create a subtle or more intense cheek – depending on your mood.
If you’re wanting to achieve a proper false lash effect, then the YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils The Shock (R520) is for you. It gave my lashes curl, length and major volume while still keeping them separated.
The brush is an hourglass shape that allows the the formula to grab hold of lashes. I find one coat is ample for day, but for night, I apply two and like how easily each coat melts into the previous layer. The formula is super creamy, and I didn’t experience any clumping. Because this is a long wearing mascara, I suggest you use a bi-phase eye makeup remover to get it off effortlessly.
I’ve been meaning to post about the YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vinyl Cream Creamy Stain (R550) for a while now, because I just love it so damn much.
I received the 410 Rouge Vinyle – a deep red, and the 405 Explicit Pink – a bold pink with a blueish undertone.
Essentially a liquid lipstick, this beauty has the softness of a cream and the dazzling shine of a gloss. In addition, it’s long wearing (up to 10 hours) but still hydrates and nourishes the lips. The diamond shaped applicator has a pointed tip that allows for perfect lip contouring. To apply, I press the tip onto each side of the bow to emphasize the shape. I then sweep the flat side of the applicator from each corner – top and bottom – up to the middle again. This ensures a perfect application. But honestly, the reason I love it so much is the satin it leaves on my lips after I’ve removed it. I kid you not, this lippie delivers a better ‘just sucked a popsicle’ look than any lip stain I’ve ever tried. More often than not, I apply it, then remove it with wipe ,and just rock the stain (which lasts the whole day!). So, if you like full colour and high shine, you’ll love this. If you prefer more of a stain on your lips, this beauty is for you too.
You’ll find the Yves Saint Laurent store in Sandton City Johannesburg.
Contact the store on 011 783 5212 (ask for the YSL Boutique). You can also call the Consumer Advisory on 0861001085 should you need more details or have any queries.
