Review & Swatches : YSL Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain

I know I have mentioned YSL Glossy Stain several times but I just never got around to writing a full review.  So finally, here it is!  I'm at home bedridden with a really bad cold.  So since I can lie in bed with my laptop, I thought I work on this long overdue post. :)

From the first time I heard of these to the first time I purchased my first YSL Glossy Stain, there was a long gap, cuz I just didn't think $32 was worth it for a lip product. But boyyyyyy was I wrong!!!

If you have not heard of the YSL Glossy Stain, this is the info from YSL.

WHAT IT IS: A revolutionary new lip product that combines the texture and shine of a gloss with the long wear of a stain.

WHAT IT DOES:
Coat your lips with this lip color that offers a lightweight texture, which immediately melts onto lips. Glossy Stain delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting shine.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
The applicator's unique slanted tip and short soft bristles allow for flawless application with perfect precision.

MY THOUGHTS:
I'm still kicking myself in the butt about why I took so long to get my first glossy stain.  It really is a revolutionary lip product.  It is nothing like I have used before.  Although now that these have been out for awhile, there a lot of dupes or alikes, like the L'Oreal Caresse Shine Stain (Aqua Lacquer) and other lip stains.  However, I still don't think anything is better than the YSL Glossy Stain.
1. The richness of the colors are just lovely.
2. The color and the shine lasts all day.
3. It hydrating on your lips.
4. Did I mention it lasts all day? LOL
5. Not much of it transfers

It feels very wet and it smells like wine or a bit like grape juice.  I like to apply two layers of this.  The first layer, I like to apply a little bit and rub it and let the stain settle.  Then I'll apply a thick coat to really get the color and shine.  Ohhhhhh and it is just so beautiful.  And because of it's almost like jelly like texture, when you eat, the color doesn't come off.  Multiple times while wearing the red Glossy Stain (#9 Rouge Laque), people have asked the same question.  "How is your lip color not coming off after you've eaten?"  I didn't know other people noticed something like that, but even they were amazed.  Honestly, I can wear this through coffee, lunch, and afternoon and make it to dinner without re-applying and the color and shine will still remain.

I will mention that depending on the color you may choose (the darker colors especially), the color can get darker as it stains.  This is the only downside....  I'd recommend trying out the colors first and wait at least 10 minutes before determining the actual colors.  I have returned 2 of my glossy stains because the colors changed on me after I have applied.  For example, I bought #10, Rouge Philtre which was supposed to be true red color.  After 10 minutes I have noticed that the lines on my lips had turned darker and darker.  Then it turned into a really dark almost vampy red.  Which I did not like.  You can see the picture below.  Top is right after application and the bottom is about 10 minutes later.  You can see the change in color.  This is in comparison to #9, Rouge Laque which does not change color.

I now proudly own 4 Glossy Stains. #29, Rouge Forreau (one of the newest colors released recently).  This is the only color that is more "natural looking".  The other three I own are quite bold.  Honestly I think Glossy Stains are the best for dark, colorful shades since dark colors are hard to manage, but due to the staying power, YSL glossy stains are god send.
Because this color isn't as bold, it's also not as shiny.

With flash (please excuse the black dot smack middle of my lips) This is after I ate, and I obviously left something behind. >.<

#26, Poupre Preview.  This is a slightly purplish pink.  This one turns darker in time to a purplish wine color.  This is my second favorite color!
Without flash

With flash

#12, Coril Fauve.  This is coral, reddish color.  It's not an opaque color.  It's very sheer but shiny.  This one does settle into your lips, but not really visible to the naked eye.  This is a very zoomed picture.  I promise you.

Without flash

With flash

#9, Rouge Laque.  This is an opaque slightly coral red.  This is my favorite! When you want to wear red, this is so easy to wear, very flattering to different skin tones, and maintenance free.  And just beautiful.  I wear this one a lot.  If you saw my new year's eve picture on facebook, this is what I was wearing. :)

Without flash

With flash

I think I have all the colors I want from YSL.  I'm happy with the 4 colors I have.  But if they come out with more I'd definitely keep my eye out for them.  And I'd definitely repurchase these.  These Glossy Stains have made me have faith in colorful lip colors that I used to dread, because they are so hard to manage.  Glossy Stain is definitely a game changer! I love Glossy Stain!!!

I also did a post of the L'Oreal Colour Caresse Aqua Lip Lacquer aka Wet Stains aka Shine Stains back in Christmas. I'm not quite sure of the official name yet. :)  I'll do a full review on that and do a comparison of both of these products.  

Hope everyone is having a wonderful 2013! 

FOUND! L'Oreal Caresse Aqua Lacquer Shine Stain (YSL glossy stain dupe)

I had to do a quick post from my phone cuz I got super excited when I spotted these!

As you may know, L'Oreal owns YSL. I heard that L'Oreal released their version of glossy stain in Paris, France couple months ago and I have been waiting for their release in the US, which I wasn't expecting till next year spring. But while perusing at Walmart I found L'Oreal Colour Caresse Aqua Lacquer for $7.97 ( compared to YSL $32)!

I grabbed 4 to test them out. So far they smell very similar to YSL glossy stain. It has the wine grape smell. I put them on right after purchasing it. So far the staying power is good.

I wiped the swatch off and the stain remained! (See last picture)

I can't wait to test and try out all the different colors!!!!

I'm so excited!!! It's like a Christmas present!!! Hahaha

Happy Holidays everyone!!!! ❤

Review: YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation

I have been trying the Yves Saint Laurent's newest foundation, Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation ($55) for the last two months.  And I thought it was about time I review it.

WHAT IT CLAIMS:
For the first time, the magic light of Touche Eclat is in a foundation with the added benefit of SPF 19 sun protection.  Infused in a weightless fluid, this foundation targets shadowy areas and highlights the contours of the face.  Free of opaque fillers, its perfecting texture evens the complexion and helps conceal imperfections while enhancing your skin's natural beauty. Available in 17 shades with SPF 19 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Free of
-Parabens
-Sulfates
-Petrochemicals
-Phthalates
-GMOs
-Triclosan

I was quite excited about this foundation when I first heard about it.  It's a foundation version of the Touche Eclat Radiant Touch ($40) which has been a cult favorite for decades.   A lot of people use the Radiant Touch underneath their eyes or as an illuminator.  Personally I think the foundation is worth it considering the Radiant Touch is only 0.1 oz for $40 while the Foundation is 1.0 oz for $55.  You do the math.

COLOR: I picked this up in shade Beige 30.  I'm about MAC NC25, MUFE HD #120, Clinique Even Better Foundation Buff #25, Urban Decay Naked #4 for reference.  The shade looks a lot darker through the bottle than the actual product when dispenses.  One of the reasons I was quite happy with Beige 30 was because it had a yellow undertone to it.  I have problems with so many foundation claiming it to have yellow undertone, yet when I put it on, I still see the pink undertone.  I think this is perfect for light colored asians like myself.  However, you have 17 different shades to choose from.

PACKAGING:  It's in a heavy glass bottle with gold writings and gold cap.  Very Yves Saint Laurent signature packaging if you ask me.  It comes with a nice pump and the lid fits perfect over the pump.  It is a little heavy to be carrying around everywhere, but personally I don't carry my foundations except when I'm traveling.  And this bottle is not cheaply made glass that will easily crack.  However, I'd be devastated if I broke this!  It has 1 fluid ounce of product, which is a pretty standard foundation size.

COVERAGE AND FINISH:  Slightly dewy, glowy but dries semi-matte.  I know Allure recently gave this a Best of Beauty Award in the medium to full coverage foundation category.  At first, I thought it was going to be a sheer light to medium coverage because of the natural coverage and finish it has.  However, after some thought I'd agree with Allure.  The consistency appears to be very sheer at first, but it's quite pigmented and it gives decent medium coverage with one pump and one application.  I was quite happy with one pump, so I have never tried layering.  It has a dewy and slightly glowy finish at first, but once it settles it turns into semi-matte.  Also it absorbs into the skin quickly making it look sooooo natural and sooo beautiful and probably easy to layer flawlessly as well.  Even after many hours of wear, it stays on really well and makes it look more and more natural.  It also surprisingly has good oil control for a dewy/glowy foundation.  I personally like to wear this on it's own because it is so beautiful without the powder, but when lightly powdered, my nose doesn't get shiny utnil the 9th or 10th hour.  It also does not settle into fine lines and make you look older.  It actually reflects light to give you the lifted radiant appearance.  Also it does not dry out my face throughout the day as some foundations do (even glowy ones).

THIS FOUNDATION IS LIKE:  I'd say similar product to this foundation from what I've used is NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is the closest comparison, but I'd say YSL has much better coverage.  It's also similar to the Urban Decay Naked Foundation, however Naked foundation dries more matte, and it tends to dry my face more than the YSL.YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat is unique and much better.

APPLICATION:  I like to either use a buffing brush (Real Techniques), paddle foundation brush (Bobbi Brown), or my fingers.  I think they all apply beautifully.  When I apply with my fingers, it almost feels like a tinted moisturizer, but with really good coverage.  I just love the radiance it gives. ♥  And this foundation, YOU MUST SHAKE BEFORE USING!  Don't forget! :)

GREAT FOR:  Women of all ages.  I'd say all skin types, but I'm guessing people who have oilier skin tend to stay away from glowy/dewy type foundation.  For those, I'd say skip moisturizer and just put this on. 

Here are some pictures of before and after in different lighting.  Also I had a lot of time before I did this review, so luckily I had a lot of pictures. :) 

This one is with natural lighting and with no makeup, with just foundation, and full makeup.  With just foundation, it did an awesome job of covering up the discoloration underneath my eyes, giving it that nice lifted look.  Also you can see that the coverage is quite good without any concealers.

In this picture, I had put on my eye makeup and brows, so you don't get distracted by me not having any makeup on.  In natural lighting, I did just eye makeup & brows, and then I added foundation, and then full makeup.  You can see all of my redness and freckles disappear and giving but also giving it a nice natural finish.

This picture is the same but with flash photography.  No flash backs or ghostly white face with flash. Yay!

MY THOUGHTS:  I am more than satisfied with this foundation.  Even with the hefty price tag of $55, I think it's worth every penny.  It really gives you that nice glowy but not overly glowy, healthy skin look.  It has good coverage.  Also I thought maybe this would be a better foundation for the winter, but it has good stay power even in the month of September in Southern California, I think this would do just fine in the summer.  It does not dry out my combination dry face.  I think it's perfect for someone looking for a natural finish foundation but still looking for coverage.  Also I really love the scent.  It has almost a cucumber but a light oil smell?  Sorry I don't know if that makes sense, but that's how I'd describe it.  It photographs well even with Broadspectrum UVA/UVB coverage of 19.

WOULD I REPURCHASE: Absolutely YES YES YES!  I'm so happy with this foundation.  It's so light, that I can see myself wearing this every day!

YOU CAN BUY IT AT: Sephora, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Sorry for this long post.  I'm still trying to figure out what kind of format to have when I'm reviewing, so I'm trying out different formats.  And this foundation, I obviously had a lot to write about. :)  And if you have any thoughts on the type of reviews I've done, please let me know!

ANNNNNDDDD.... This is my 99th post! Yayyyy!!!  Next one will be my 100th post and a giveaway announcement!!!  Please subscribe, LIKE my facebook page, FOLLOW me on Twitter for my next post and more chances to win!  Thank you all!

Current Wishlist (October 2012)

Wow, just checked my stats, and I'm at exactly 51,000 views.  Kinda cool...  :)  Thank you for those reading!  I don't really get anything out of blogging other than just pure enjoyment... but that's a lot... So thank you!  It's kind of good to know that there is someone reading this. :) :) :) 

So, I always have something I want to buy next....  and I feel like I have been buying up more than usual amount of makeup, or more pricier ones these days, so I thought I cut down... but now wishlist is piling up! So here are some things that I'm looking to buy, or kind of hesitating..

Velour Mink Lashes:  Aren't these gorgeous???  Even tho these are made of 10% mink, it's actually PETA friendly.  They were brushed off the minx (?) and they are from fallen out furs/hairs.  Not killed to make eyelashes.  These are pricey, so I have been hesitating.  But I hear they are great quality and you can wear them over 30 times.  And they are comfortable!

Are Those Real? ($29.99) very natural looking

You Complete Me ($29.99) a little oomph for that perfect cat eye   (I feel like these will really complete me... hahahaha)

With my red lip obsession, this list is growing with pricier lip products.
YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain in Color 9 Rouge Laque ($32.00)
I can't even get this even if I wanted to.  It's only being sold on-line through Sephora (exclusive color) and it's SOLD OUT!  I hate it how I want it even more when I can't have it!

hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Raven-Orange Red ($28.00)  It's a liquid lipstick that dries matte, so it stays on your lips.  It's perfect for me!

MAC Ruby Woo ($15.00).  This is a vivid blueish red, matte lipstick.  Probably a cult favorite/ classic red color.

MAC Russian Red ($15.00).  This is a intense blueish red.  I hear Gwen Stefani wears this color a lot.

MAC 219 Pencil Brush ($25.00)  I have been searching for a perfect pencil brush forever!  I still haven't found one that will fit my small eyes.... so this was my number two choice... so I'll get this one at some point....

And lastly, Living proof Prime Style Extender ($20.00).  For those of you know me, I preach about the Living proof products.  Especially their Volumizing sprays, hairspray, and their full thickening mousse/cream (can I say... holy grail status....) are freakin awesome... These are always stocked up in my bathroom.  Anyhow, Living proof just came out with Prime Style Extender, which is basically a primer for your hair, so your styles will last.  And if I know them well, I'm guessing it has heat protectant built in just like their thickening mousse/cream.  I'm holding off on buying these because they are currently giving away deluxe samples through their facebook page.  They are giving away 1,000/a day until they reach 25,000.  From what I hear, it takes 58 seconds to give away 1,000.  I tried on the weekend when no one was on. It worked.  So before I buy this sucker, I'm gonna try using my deluxe sample Yay!  If you want in, go to their facebook page (I think it has to be on the computer) and go to the prime style extender app.  I recommend trying this at 9 AM sharp saturday or sunday is your best bet!

So these are on my current wish list... What's on yours?  Please share with me!!!! Pleaseeeeee~~~