YSL Beauty Must-Have Lipsticks and Fragrances | Summer 2020

As the world slowly begins to recover from the pandemic, it is finally starting to feel like summer. We still have to be careful and practice physical distancing but this weekend I am going on a road trip to enjoy nature and soak up some vitamin D.

Like most people who have been cooped up in quarantine for weeks, I can’t wait to show-off my new makeup including YSL’s latest creation – Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Lipstick ($49).

These gorgeous pigments plump and moisturize with a supple, cushiony formula that makes lips look plush and seductive. Online they are described as “high coverage” and “matte” but the color payoff is sheer to medium and the finish has a glossy topcoat that creates a voluminous pouty effect. I expected an opaque matte cream but this texture is comfortable and easy to apply. The deeper shades seem to have more color payoff and look great with most eyeshadow.

The Tatouage Collection has sexy shades for all skin tones including deep reds, browns and nudes that compliment tanned complexions. I love the square tip angled applicator. It glides around the lip contour to outline and define with incredible precision.

For collectors YSL has created the cutest polka dot packaging ever! The Limited-Edition Rouge Pur Couture Slim Stud Collectors ($50 on sale for $30) are available in 4 must-have hues. My spring/summer faves are 21- bright sultry red and 13 - a bold orange that is perfect for lounging by the pool.

The powdery matte finish glides on smooth, opaque, creamy and highly saturated with a touch of moisture to revitalize dry lips. If you love vibrant, eye-catching color make sure to get these before they’re gone!

The lipsticks on the outside are the Limited-Edition Pur Couture Stud Collectors ($49 on sale for $34.30). They have a beautiful satin finish with brilliant shine and vivid color that glides on rich and buttery. Shade 99 is a flashy pink and 01 is bright red with an orange undertone.

Light up your lips with the Rouge Volupte Rock N Shine Lipstick ($49). This is the most comfortable, hydrating formula YSL has created! The juicy color applies effortlessly and keeps skin healthy, smooth and soft for hours. The star provides a hint of glitter (no chunky particles) and the texture feels more like a glossy, rejuvenating balm – I’m obsessed!

The caps also have a touch for sparkle and brand’s iconic logo.

Swatches from left to right (my favorites have a star* beside them): Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Lipstick - 212, *206, *216, and 201. Limited-Edition Rouge Pur Couture Slim Stud Collectors - *21, and 13. Limited-Edition Pur Couture Stud Collectors - 01 and *99. Rouge Volupte Rock N Shine Lipstick - 6 and *10

Since we’re talking about fabulous new products I should tell you about YSL’s summer fragrances which look as good as they smell.

The Mon Paris perfumes have become a staple in my collection (I have quite a few and I love giving them as gifts). This version is called Mon Paris Intensement ($50 - $90) because the scent is robust, mysterious and powerful. The dark fuchsia bottle and elegant black bow reflects the dark woody essence within.

The top notes are: black currant, raspberry, pear, orange and bergamot essence rounded out by floral accords – rose absolute, Bulgarian rose, white peony and freesia. The base is musky with a hint of patchouli to tame the sweetness. When I breathe it in deeply I smell a faint trace of honey from the flowers.

The new Libre Eau De Parfum ($38 - $168) is sweet, fruity, playful and feminine – great for everyday wear. French lavender, mandarin, black currant and Indian jasmine compliment a sensual base of Moroccan orange blossom, creamy vanilla and cedarwood.

YSL Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sears, Sephora and yslbeauty.ca

YSL Beauty | The Slim Sheer Matte Lipstick Review

Yesterday Toronto experienced its first snowfall of the season and I attended my first Christmas event. It was the perfect opportunity to test YSL's Slim Sheer Matte Lipstick ($50.00) infused with jojoba oil and fruit extracts. To complete my festive look I also used the new YSL face primer, mascara and liquid liner with a touch of deep emerald eye shadow.

The slim, elegant tube fit perfectly in my evening bag and the gorgeous shades are appropriate for work, date night, parties and everything in-between.

These lipsticks are fabulous for winter because the rich, balm-like texture clings to skin for hours of wear while moist layers of supple color deeply hydrates to prevent chapping and dryness. You’ll love the lush, comfortable formula. It applies consistently with gradual fade and after the pigment wears away, my lips still feel smooth, nourished and healthy.

The lightweight, feather-proof finish is semi-matte with a hint of shine. Even though the swatches online appear opaque, don’t expect a lot of coverage. The effect is soft and pouty – like a revitalizing lip treatment with a sheer tint that softens and heals.

Swatches left to right: 109 (bright pink), 111 (orange), 112 (red with neutral undertones), 101 (true red)

I always wear deep black liner to accentuate, lift, and widens my eyes. The YSL Couture Eyeliner ($46.00) has an ultra thin tip and gorgeous satin finish that lasts all day with no smudging or running. I can draw a vivid line in one simple stroke and the felt applicator is easy to use.

The Volupte Plump-In-Color Lipstick ($49.00) drenches your pout in luminous shine with a pop of sheer color. It also protects, moisturizes and softens with a nutritious blend of coconut, pomegranate oil and peppermint.

The tubes are stylish, the scent is delectable and I love the little heart design!

For a radiant glow, the Touche Eclat Blur Primer ($60.00) is infused with gold flakes that diffuse light. The particles disperse into a few glittery flecks and the velvety gel minimizes pores, smooths skin texture, blurs lines and helps foundation last longer. It also makes my skin look and feel flawless with no greasiness or shine.

The Volume Effect Faux Cils Mascara ($41.00) is one of the best I’ve used from YSL. The dense brush elongates, volumizes and thickens in 2-3 coats for a false-lash effect with minimal clumping. I usually layer it with another mascara for more drama but I love the way it defines every hair.

YSL Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sears, Sephora and yslbeauty.ca

YSL Vernis À Lèvres Water Stain | Review and Swatches

As someone who has hundreds of liners, lipsticks and lacquers, I know that lip gloss can seem a tad boring. How can they make a sheer, shiny formula any better – add more moisture? Change the scent? Who cares!

Well YSL Beauty has created something wonderful - a versatile stain, gloss, lacquer formula that looks gorgeous and feels incredibly comfortable.

The Vernis À Lèvres Water Stains ($49.00 ea) are available in 18 stunning shades that make your lips appear juicy and plump. The unique moisturizing base is composed of 40% water for smooth glide and even layers that drench dry skin in supple color.

The finish is non-sticky but the stain adheres well and hugs the lip contour to prevent feathering. I love the lush texture, it feels like a soft, replenishing balm that repairs and accentuates. The light, luminous finish can be amplified from sheer to medium coverage and I was able to achieve amazing opacity.

You may need to reapply after eating or drinking but the applicator distributes the perfect amount of color that usually lasts for hours.

I have a few of the red, pink and orange hues but there are flattering shades for every skin tone including nude, wine, violet and deep berry.

The only shade that lacks saturation is 605 Bain De Corail because the color is quite light. If you prefer bold pigment, stick to the bright and deep tones.

I love wearing these while traveling because they hold up well during long flights and actually make parched lips feel soft and healthy. 

YSL Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sears, Sephora and yslbeauty.ca

YSL Beauty | Holiday 2018 Collection

Over the last few days I’ve been wrapping gifts as quick as an elf, stuffing stockings, and planning a festive feast with my family. My birthday is on Christmas Eve so I’ll be partying well into the night wearing glamorous holiday makeup.

The Limited Edition Gold Attraction Makeup Palette ($100.00) is packaged in a glittery black book with shades that “light up your face.”

I expected more vibrancy for the holiday season but the shimmery gold, champagne and pearly black are definitely radiant. You get 3 shadows, silver eyeliner, two pretty blushes and a cream highlighter with good pigmentation and silky textures. The palette is small enough for travel and creates simple one color looks but there isn’t enough variety for anything more extravagant. You’ll probably need shadows from other compacts if you plan to mix colors, contour the crease and create more drama or contrast.

The Rouge Pur Couture Gold Attraction Lipsticks ($44.00 ea) are available in beautiful shades that compliment all skin tones. The black cap can be personalized with an engraving and is decorated with sparkly gold letters. As the buildable color glides across the skin, it drenches lips in luminous shine, antioxidants and conditioning emollients that protect, soften and prevent dryness.

If you plan to attend any Christmas events glowing skin is a must! YSL has two holiday highlighters – Touche Éclat Gold Attraction Edition ($51.00) and a mistake-proof Face Highlight Stick ($40.00). The pen is a favorite among makeup artists and can be used to banish signs of fatigue around the eyes while illuminating the nose, cheeks and lip contour. Blend it lightly for a natural pop of radiance or layer generously for more intensity. The mini stick has 2 shades (bronze and champagne) which can be applied individually or swirled together for a gorgeous candlelight glow.

I’ve seen the commercials for Black Opium Eau de parfum ($112.00 / 50 ml) and at the Shoppers Drug Mart Holiday Party they surprised me with a beautiful engraved bottle! The aroma is sensual, exciting and edgy with an intoxicating balance of sweetness and warmth. The main accords include vanilla, coffee, white flowers, orange blossom, cedarwood and patchouli which blend to form a bold scent.

YSL Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sears, Sephora and yslbeauty.ca

YSL Beauty | Fall 2018 Collection

During the Toronto International Film Festival I attended the YSL Beauty Hotel Party which was a dazzling night of makeup, cocktails, games and music. This year the fall collection is inspired by high-fashion runway trends and pops of vibrant color. The polish is jewel toned, the lipstick is bold and there is enough shimmer to transform your complexion from dull to radiant.

The Limited-Edition Couture Palette Collector in Yconic Purple ($71.00) features a sensual combination of leather and nude contrasted with vibrant purple and intense blue. The compact is small and elegant making it perfect for travel and I love the glittery letters embossed on the outer lid. The shadows are rich, velvety lightweight and supple but I still recommend using a good primer to enhance color payoff and longevity. Generous layers may be required to achieve dramatic effects but the pigment blends wonderfully and the colors compliment all skin tones.

Seductive reds are my favorite fall/winter shades and these sultry hues are perfect for parties. The Tatouage Couture Metallics Lip Stain in 102 Iron Pink Spirit ($44.00) is a gorgeous burgundy with a bronzy sheen. The wide applicator evenly distributes pigment while the angular slanted tip helps outline and define. For complete coverage, apply in layers and allow the color to dry after each coat. Although there is some transfer, the stain adheres for hours before fading.

If you’re looking for the perfect festive red try the Rouge Pur Lip Couture in Le Rouge ($44.00). This iconic bombshell red evokes Hollywood glam with intense pigmentation, silky hydration and effortless glide. The Gold Edition Caps have sparkly letters for the holiday season and you can get them engraved for gifting.

For more precision, try the new Dessin Des Levres Styling Pencil ($37.00). Use it with lipstick or by itself to define and fill in the entire lip. The creamy pigment is rich and full-coverage for easy outlining plus the flexible blender attachment blurs and smooths to create a variety of stylish effects. I like that the pencil is retractable (no sharpening) and there is a shaping tool to reform the tip when it dulls.

The Couture Blush ($54.00) and Couture Highlighter ($54.00) are silky, weightless and iridescent. The blush transforms from satin to frosty shimmer for a beautiful fusion of color and radiance. It also revives dull skin and applies seamlessly without accentuating lines. The luminous highlighter contains reflective particles that create a soft candlelight glow.

The Full Matte Shadow ($37.00) is impressive if you’re looking for eye makeup that sets quickly and lasts all day without fading, smearing or smudging. For a cream shadow the formula is outstanding! Application is neat and the texture is easy to work with but the color selection is underwhelming. This pale beige does nothing for my complexion and looks rather dull. Most of the shades are nude (with the exception of a bright blue) so it would be nice to see some shimmers, glitters or metallics.

I know what color I’ll be using for my next mani! The La Laque Couture Nail Polish in 108 Mauve Alternatif ($32.00) is a stunning jewel tone purple with refined shimmer. This tantalizing shade is sophisticated, dark and alluring but the formula is a bit thin so you definitely need two coats for opaque coverage. I have yet to test its durability but I hope it lasts at least 4-5 days without chipping (fingers crossed).

I never leave home without spritzing on one of my favorite fragrances and Mon Paris Couture ($123.00 per 50 ml) is intoxicating, youthful and fun. Inspired by the city of love, this captivating scent is infused with litchee, raspberry, bergamot, mandarin and grapefruit. The middle notes include rosebud, orange and peony contrasted by a sultry base of patchouli and white musk. The aroma is light, refreshing and feminine - the kind of perfume you can wear to work and on a romantic date. It smells very similar to Daisy Love by Marc Jacobs and the bottle looks beautiful on my dresser.

YSL Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sears, Sephora and online at yslbeauty.ca