Thursday 14 November 2013

Fave 5 YSL products

One of my favourite premium brands is Yves Saint Laurent (YSL). I love it for its sense of style, elegance and effortlessness. Not only is it an iconic brands but YSL has also produced some of the most iconic products since they first started with perfumes in 1964 and then later on skin care and makeup. Just think of Paris EdT - the perfect rose scent, Youth Liberator Serum which is market leading with its technology and Touche Eclat - apparently one is sold every 10 secs worldwide. So today I thought I would show some of my favourite products from this fantastic brand.

The first product of this glamorous fave five is one I did a review of not that long ago - it's the Lacquer Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain (£23.50) the latest of YSLs best selling products. Since I have already done a detailed review of this product I'll keep it short and sweet. This is a wonderful and light, creamy hydrating glossy stain that feels very glamorous to wear. It has a wide heart shaped applicator that easily traces the lip contours and that gives excellent smooth coverage with a stunning high gloss finish. After initial application it'll settle on your lips like a stain and last flawlessly for a good few hrs. The shade in the photo is 12 Corail Fauve which is a soft but energetic warm rose pink coral and I've used it so many times since I first got it - after all there's nothing that will glam up any outfit as sporting a perfect glossy lip.
Next product has also been reviewed in a separate post, and it's the ultimate de luxe of foundations - Youth Liberator Serum Foundation (£37). This foundation is enhanced with the cell renewing Forever Youth Liberator Serum so it reduces skin aging and thinning at the same time as it give your skin a beautiful medium to full coverage. Everything about this foundation feels luxurious, starting with the lovely, heavy glass bottle, to the amazing skin correcting radiance and plumpness it adds to the skin and just like I've come to expect from YSL it sits perfectly on your skin all day without any transfer or smudging. I love makeup products that include high technology skin care and it doesn't get any better than this.

Now on to the Baby Doll Mascara (£24.50) which out of the YSL make up range, is probably THE must try item. As with all YSL products the gold packaging is stylish and sleek and every time I see it in my makeup bag the glitzyness of it always cheers me up. I don't often say this, but the formula has exactly the right consistency for me. Often mascaras are too liquid when you first get them and then they dry into something you work better with or it's too dry and it just gets worse, but the YSL was perfect already from the start. The brush is long and thin and has thick bristles on one side and thinner ones on the other which means that you can use one side to give volume to the lashes and then twist and use the finer bristles to easily coat every single lash, including the smaller ones. The bristles also separate the lashes and create a very defined and extended look with a natural softness.

It comes in four shades - Fetish Black, Wheedler Brown, Audacious Blue and Indiscreet Purple. Since they say that black can look harsh on blondes, I actually got the brown shade to see if would make any difference at all to my look compared to black mascaras. The Wheedler Brown is a very dark, matte brown and it does create a softer look, so I love to wear it when I go for a more natural and neutral eye look. Even though it isn't a water proof formula, the mascara lasts really well, both on the upper and lower lashes and I haven't noticed any smudging or fall out. I hadn't tried the Baby Doll mascara up until a few months ago, and this has quickly gone from a must try to a must have and I will definitely add black to the collection as well.
I make no secret of the fact that when it comes to premium brand nail polishes, YSL is one my absolute favourites and I'm frankly surprised that they are not mentioned more often by bloggers. The YSL Nail Polishes (£18) have so much going for them. Let's start with a great range of shades - admittedly you won't find powder blue or neon yellow in the range, but there are so many other brands that do those. What you can expect from YSL is about 20 different shades that are all sophisticated, stylish and timeless and the 3 that I'm showing are examples of just that; 38 Gris Underground is a paired down, cool, silky, modern camouflage gray, 18 Bleu Majorelle is a stunning and sun kissed blue that just oozes vitality and strength, and the last one 21 Taupe Retro is a classy warm brown with a very faint pink undertone, suitable for any occasion.

Another great quality is the amazing wide brush that will cover almost all of the nail in one clean sweep for a gorgeous streak free finish.The formula is slightly thicker than most but creates the most wonderful opaque brilliant high shine. And last but not least, YSL polishes will last about 5 days before they're chipped which to me is good wear - and about 5 days longer than some other premium brand polishes, and I can't recommend them enough.
If YSL is one of the most iconic brands in fashion and beauty, Opium has got to be one of the most iconic fragrances. It was first launched in 1977 and the marketing ads caused a lot of controversy with claims that it was glorifying drugs use, and the scent is one of the top 10 most popular perfumes of all times. The original Opium is a very heavy oriental and heady scent, typical of the 70s and I've always avoided it since it's far too imposing for me. However all that changed when I came across the new version that was launched in 2012 - Opium Vapeur de Parfum EdT Légère (£37 for 30 ml).

The scent comes in a beautiful bottle of peach colored frosted glass with a slightly retro feel and that also of course nods to the bottle of the original Opium. The newer release of Opium is a compelling blend of Oriental and Mediterranean scents - you'll find sweet fresh orange flowers and mandarin, sensual jasmine, and warm, spicy nutmeg and pink pepper. It's a contradictory scent that's glamorous, alluring and cooly crisp at the same time. This version of Opium smells nothing like the original and for me that's also why it works for me. I love the mix of light spice, subtle florals and citrus that make it a warm and mesmerising but zesty and intriguing scent that really stands out, and it's by far my fragrance of choice for this A/W season.
YSL as a brand perfectly captures simplicity, uniqueness and timlessness and there's nothing like a spritz of your favourite YSL scent or a slick of your favourite YSL lippy to add instant luxury to your day. Have you used any of these products or do you have another favourite?

78 comments:

  1. I love YSL and I really like the opium perfume. Its such a unique scent!!

    http://welldressed25.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I completely agree with you, and it's so different from the original - die hard YSL fans might not like that, but for me it's perfect! Xx

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  2. Amazing post!! Plz check out my new outfit post :) tanks so much :)
    <3 chloe-anna
    Prettylildolls.blogspot.com

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  3. Great products!!! I love YSL!!!
    Have a nice day! my g+ and like in bloglovin for you!!!:)))

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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    1. They are so luxurious and make you feel so good - thank you very much! Xx

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  4. Those YSL nail polishes are such fab colours, and the great thing with YSL it lasts! xx

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    1. Absolutely, 5 days or more, which I think is pretty good :o). Xx

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  5. YSL is one of my favourite brands as well - I love their Rouge Volupte lippies!

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    1. I know they have a great range of shades available, I just haven't tried them yet :o). Xx

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  6. I've never tried anything from YSL, their products are so luxe though. Your post makes me want to spend ridiculous amounts of money!

    Hannah
    Girl+World

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    1. LOL - if you do, you can always blame me :o). Xx

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  7. I too love YSL, I have their amazing Le Teint Touche Éclat foundation!

    www.steffysworld.com

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    1. I haven't tried that, but have read really good things about it :o). Xx

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  8. The opium parfum always smells so great on others but I think it would be a bit heavy on myself. Great article!

    The Beauty Suitcase

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    1. Hello Elise, thanks for visiting and for leaving such a lovely comment - hope you'll visit again soon :). Xx

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  9. I love their Opium perfume ever since I was little girl :)

    xo's
    Laura
    Pink Frenzy

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    1. The original is a bit too heavy for me, but this newer version is amazing :o). Xx

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  10. I really need to find that foundation, I keep hearing about it everywhere and can't wait to try it! What a beautiful collection you have here

    Claire | AgentSmyth

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    1. Thanks a million, every girl deserves a few YSL products, so maybe something to add to the X-mas wish list :o). Xx

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  11. Replies
    1. It's wonderful and would be interesting to see what the black one is like :O). Xx

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  12. Adore all your choices this post makes me want to go out and buy some YSL straight away!

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    1. And so you should - celebrate that it's Thursday and only one day left before weekend :o). Xx

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  13. Want that selection of nail polish beautiful colors.
    http://tifi11.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks a million - Bleu Majorelle looks very bright, but it's actually very wearable :o). Xx

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  14. Replies
    1. Hello Alexis and thank you so much for visiting. I do like YSL - it's my little guilty pleasure :o). Hope you'll visit again soon :). Xx

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  15. Love YSL! Especially their lip products, so amazing! xx

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    1. Completely agree - I'm so looking forward to getting some more shades of the glossy stain :o). Xx

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    1. Ah, you should - it gives wonderful long separated lashes, gorgeous! Xx

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  17. Let me say I own no YSL products but I definitely want to.
    For me all their packages are so lovely.
    I would love to try the foundation you have and their popular concealer/highlighter.
    x
    Stella from a A Shiny Place

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    1. I haven't actually tried the Touche Eclat yet so I'm clearly not one of the every 10 sec buyers :o) - but you kind of have to try this one don't you. Xx

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  18. I tried the YSL mascara and I think is one of the best! It smells so good :)
    nice blog dear!
    If you want, let's visit mine :)

    http://lapetitetasse.blogspot.it/

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting - it's a wonderful mascara and will be fun to see if the black is that different from the brown. Following you and hope you'll visit again soon :o). Xx

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  19. I love the nail polish, great colors and the quality is very very good!

    http://strawberryleopard.blogspot.pt/

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    1. The quality is excellent and I'm tempted to try the shade Jade Imperial next :o). Xx

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  20. Wonderful YSL stuff. Like them all. :)
    fashionhappenss.blogspot.sk

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  21. YSL got gorgeous beauty products, love them and the one you reviewed are amazing. The mascara inspires me, Opium is really an iconic perfume. Have a good day, kisses! xo

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  22. I really want to try that mascara, glossy stain and foundation. I have one of their rouge volupte shine lipsticks and absolutely love it.

    katespitz.blogspot.com

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  23. Wow enjoyed reading this post ! I love YSL products specially their highlighter pen

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  24. great post!


    http://pinklemonincrystal.blogspot.kr

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  25. I've only tried lip products from YSL, I love their Glossy Stains! :)

    AddictedtoOPI

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    1. Oh yes, they are lovely to wear and they stay flawless so long! Xx

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  26. Those nail colours are beautiful!

    Grace @ polaroidsandpuds

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  27. Great post, can't beat the classiness of YSL! x

    http://absoluteellegance.blogspot.ie/

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    1. Thank you very much, that's so lovely of you! Xx

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  28. great article! we love it
    take a look at ours?following?
    http://www.we-heart-fashion.com

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    1. Thank you, that's very nice of you! Following you and hope you'll visit again soon! Xx

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  29. I have never tried YSL before and it's unlikely to change soon because of my budget, but I definitely hope to someday as I think their products have a great reputation :)

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    1. Ah, you should get a great lipstick since they last forever :o). Xx

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  30. I love YSL too, especially their lip products!

    xo, alison*elle

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    1. Hello and thank you so much for visiting! It's a wonderful brand for sure and everything is a real treat :o). Xx

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  31. Ah I want it all! However you have definitely convinced me to go out and buy their mascara. Been on the hunt for new one so this sounds awesome.

    xoxo One Stiletto At a Time fashion and beauty blog

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    1. Oh, I hope you'll love it, I'm so excited about getting it in black! Xx

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  32. babydoll...one of my fav mascaras...love the formula...not a big fan of the wand...
    xoxo

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    1. For me it's unusual to create so much volume with a thin brush like that, but somehow it works for me :o). Xx

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  33. Gris Underground is one of my favorite of all time!
    x

    lulus-siser.blogspot.it

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    1. It's a stunning shade, unusual and elegant at the same time :O). Xx

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  34. Love YSL products they are just soo good and I am such a sucker for packaging the gold is lush! I have a couple of the lipsticks such great quality.

    mybeautysleuth x

    www.mybeautysleuth.com

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    1. Aaah I agree, I must confess that the gold packaging adds to the whole experience :o). Xx

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  35. I love YSL, especially lipsticks! :) Some great picks here.

    http://makeupbycandlelight.blogspot.co.uk/

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  36. I absolutely love YSL products, they may be a bit pricier then other brands but its worth it.
    I do prefer the newer version of opium cause it is way lighter then the original, I don't feel like i'm drenched in perfume when I do wear it. It's a great Autumn perfume.
    As for the nail varnish, I think i'm gonna have to splurge on the 18 Bleu Majorelle cause the colour is absolutely beautiful.
    It's fresh, bright and so pretty.

    Great post and amazing blog :)
    Saki x

    http://www.chiczilla.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Hello Saki, thank you so much for visiting and your lovely comment. Majorelle Bleu is amazing, although not for the shy of us :O). Hope you'll visit again soon! Xx

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  37. I do not know this brand but the products look nice to me. You Can Enter For Leggings Giveaway On My Blog. Fashion Talks

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  38. Love there products !
    Especially the mascara and the nail polish
    X
    Somelikeitblonde.blogspot.com

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    1. The formula of both is great, really recommend them :o). Thanks a million for the comment :o). Xx

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  39. I soooooo need to try the Babydoll Mascara, it sounds amazing! I love the Faux Clis mascara, it's sooo good! xx

    Gemma // missmakeupmagpie.com

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    1. It's another good one for sure that gives great lash length :o). Xx

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  40. Love this post! I use Babydoll, the Nail Laquer and the Glossy Stain right now, and they're all fantastic. I am a huge YSL fangirl.

    http://www.lavieenmay.blogspot.com

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    1. That's so lovely of you - thank you very much! Xx

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  41. ooh I love the sound of opium! I've got YSL manifesto which is my everyday perfume but opium sounds like it is perfect for the winter months x

    yespleasebeauty.blogspot.com

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    1. It's a wonderful rich and spicy scent. Manifesto is lovely as well, but a bit fresher and more floral than Opium for sure :o). Xx

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