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Is It a Gloss or a Stain? Actually, It’s Both! The New Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stains

February 15th, 2012 by Karen 33 Comments

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain (7)
Wearing Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain in Fuchsia Dore as a gloss

Not that I really needed to fall for another $32 lip product, but I guess I wasn’t completely averse to the idea. 🙂

Even though my tongue twists saying their lengthy name, my lips love Yves Saint Laurent’s new Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stains, and my grubby little paws want every single color.

Available in 20 profoundly pigmented shades, many of them exclusive to Sephora, these lycanthropic lippies start as intensely bright, pigmented glosses that transform into long-wearing lip stains as they fade.

You know I lurves me some flexible products, and these, like my favorite pair of Pajama Jeans J Brand skinny jeans, totally fit the bill. They’re easy to dress up or down. One layer lends lips a natural, softly radiant stain; two turns up the color and the glaze for lips that look glossy and bold.

Either way, one layer or two, doesn’t require using much of the product, which makes the $32 price tag a little easier to bear.

And the texture sure doesn’t hurt. Lightweight, non-sticky and not at all drying, the Rouge Pur Coutures are like a perfect pair of jeans (eminently comfortable).

Oh, but that’s not my favorite thing about these gems from YSL. I really love the way they fade throughout the day. I can only describe it as elegant, and not at all like other long-wearing lip products that start to look a little janky (i.e. thick and separated) after a few hours of wear.

These last between 6-8 hours on me, and I like the way they look the entire time. Both as a brighter gloss, and then as a stain as they fade, they manage to steer clear of lip lines and flakes.

I’ve been wearing Fuchsia Dore, Orange De Chine and Pourpre Preview for the past few days, and I’m smitten with all three shades.

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain (8)
From the left: Fuchsia Dore, Orange De Chine and Pourpre Preview

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain (6)
Swatches from the top to bottom: Orange De Chine, Pourpre Preview and Fuchsia Dore

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain (5)
Orange De Chine worn as a gloss

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain (2)
Orange De Chine worn as a stain

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain (3)
Pourpre Preview as a gloss

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain (4)
Pourpre Preview as a stain

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain (1)
Fuchsia Dore as a stain

As for flavor and scent, these have both. The fragrance, oddly enough (or perhaps not), reminds me of that first whiff that hits me when I walk into an Anthropologie store — fancy, frou-frou floral candles and expensive Japanese cherry blossom hand creams. It’s different, but I like it. The flavor, however, tastes faintly of vanilla to me, and both it and the fragrance fade quickly.

Even at $32 each, I think these bring their A game. Potent pigments in a comfortable formula that looks fab all day long? It’s official: these glossy stains are my latest lip crush. 🙂

PRICE: $32 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Sephora stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+

Also in makeup and beauty news…

Today the FDA announced that it had found traces of lead in 400 lipsticks, many of them from major brands.

In no cases did the amounts exceed U.S. legal health limits, but there is no level of lead considered completely safe. It’ll be interesting to see if/how the big brands respond, and I’ll be following up on this story over the coming months.

Whoa, we’re halfway there (Whoa-oh! Livin’ on a prayer!)

Seriously, is it Friday yet? Anywhere in the world? I love the weekends because 1) El Hub is home and 2) there’s some great TV (now, Downton Abbey and The Walking Dead).

Today was a pretty good day out here. I mean, Tabs didn’t bite or scratch me once, and really, what more can I ask? Now, I’m planning to watch some Justified while I paint my nails. 🙂

What about you? How was your day?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Is It a Gloss or a Stain? Actually, It’s Both! The New Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stains / Originally published February 15th, 2012

There are 33 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Lips, Makeup, Product Reviews, Yves Saint Laurent Keywords: yves saint laurent

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Adrienne says

    February 15th, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    #1, WANT multiple shades in that YSL glossy stain!! A gloss that leaves behind a non drying stain, now that’s worth 32 big ones!!

    #2, yuck, I’m sad to see some favorite shades on that list (Lancôme Berry Noir, I still love and will eventually buy you/get you in gratis!) I’m interested to see how the companies respond as well. Luckily for me , Lancôme doesnt seem to be as frequently featured on the list, and many of the shades they mentioned are old formulas, so if customers ask, at least Im armed with that knowledge! Thanks Karen, for keeping us in the know 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 15th, 2012 at 9:53 pm

      What colors are you thinking about trying, Adrienne?

      Reply
      • Adrienne says

        February 16th, 2012 at 12:32 pm

        Out of these three I’d really like to check out Pourpre Preview and Fuscia Doré and see how they look on my ghostly complexion, but I’m also def going to have a little swatching party at my sephora with the rest of the shades in the line!

        Reply
  2. jen. says

    February 15th, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    I’m painting my nails now too… what color(s) are you doing? Essie’s Little Brown Dress for me.

    I have definitely not spent over $30 on a lip product before…. but I am tempted. Fuchsia Dore looks really good, and I clicked over to see the other colors. Rouge Gouache looks awesome as well. I might need a splurge if I hit my running goal for the month.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 15th, 2012 at 9:53 pm

      I’m deciding between the new Khol colors from Dolce… although truth be told, I’m so tired that I may pass out soon!

      What is your running goal for the month?

      Reply
      • jen. says

        February 16th, 2012 at 4:47 pm

        I’m trying to make sure I run at least 4x a week. So far, so good!

        Reply
  3. Emi at Project Swatch says

    February 15th, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    The orange one is really gorgeous – I’m not a gloss person, but I am a stain person and I bet I could just blot it to make it more stain-like right away. All three look lovely on you!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 15th, 2012 at 9:52 pm

      You could also apply a wee tiny bit to get a stained look right away. No need to blot, yay!

      Reply
  4. dani@callitbeauty says

    February 15th, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    You look extra cute in these photos, Karen! And your skin looks lovely :).

    That FDA announcement is seriously scary. I’m surprised that they found lead in some of the most popular lipsticks. But I’m especially shocked they found traces of it in a Burt’s Bees product. =/

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 15th, 2012 at 9:51 pm

      I was surprised to see Burt’s on there, too. It’ll be interesting to see how this will play into the beauty world over the next few months.

      Reply
  5. Tracy says

    February 15th, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    I really want one of these! Or two. Or three. 🙂
    You look amazing in these pics!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 15th, 2012 at 9:50 pm

      I want all of them! I’m saving up for some corals next. 🙂

      What colors are you thinking about getting?

      Reply
  6. Rosanna says

    February 15th, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    I love how these are so pigmented!

    On another note: I’m heartbroken NARS Red Lizard is high on the FDA list but there seems to be discrepancies among traces of lead across the actual lipstick ranges. There doesn’t seem to be a consistent pattern across the lipsticks ranges from a brand. Why do certain colours warrant more traces? One MAC lipstick colour will be a lot lower than another one. Curious. =/

    Reply
  7. Sunny @ Mostly Sunny says

    February 16th, 2012 at 12:27 am

    Did you see the clip they made for these? It’s cute (and just a liiiiitle creepy). As usual, you look great with all three but my personal favorite is the fuchsia!

    And yes, I would very much love to see follow-ups about this lead business. I am surprised, shocked, and a little angry to see so many brands up there, including brands that are touted as all natural and high-end ones. I’ve always thought customers are getting quality by paying more, but apparently this is not the case. Thanks for keeping us posted Karen! I’d love to find out more about this!

    Reply
  8. Danijela says

    February 16th, 2012 at 3:04 am

    Wow, they are my favorite brand. I love these!

    Reply
    • Adrienne says

      February 16th, 2012 at 12:39 pm

      If you love YSL and live in the US, keep an eye out for a store called The Company Outlet (Lancôme) in outlet malls. Since L’Oreal owns YSL, my outlet has been carrying a lot of YSL lately. The one by me often has YSL fr 50-65% off already reduced outlet prices!!! (we’re talking $12 for a mascara!!!)

      Reply
  9. Helen says

    February 16th, 2012 at 4:05 am

    I love those glosses, well I generally prefer glosses over lipsticks. But these can use as a lip stain, which is cool cause I eat and drink alot through out the day, so these would be great for myself to try. Thanks for introducing them.

    Im pretty upset with these cosmetics companies and their products, cant wait to see what they got to say about this. Is it really necessary to put lead in a lipstick?!

    Reply
  10. Cacau says

    February 16th, 2012 at 5:48 am

    Does it transfer? I love stains because I can kiss my boyfriend without leaving him with huge lipstick marks….

    Reply
  11. Nina says

    February 16th, 2012 at 6:11 am

    gorgeous lippies/glosses! love love!

    Reply
  12. Ines says

    February 16th, 2012 at 6:45 am

    Want. I guess I’m having Kraft Dinner and ramen until my next paycheck 😛

    Reply
  13. AK says

    February 16th, 2012 at 7:30 am

    Karen I would love to see you review the YSL Vintage Candy eye palette! xoxo

    Reply
  14. kalcedon says

    February 16th, 2012 at 8:08 am

    Oh God, I just didn’t need other stuff on my make-up wishlist… now I’m drooling over all three shades (especially the orange one)…

    Reply
  15. Antonia at Swedish Love Affair says

    February 16th, 2012 at 8:35 am

    It looks amazing a stain!!

    Reply
  16. Sarah S. says

    February 16th, 2012 at 8:59 am

    Oh, scary, lead? 🙁 Thanks for informing us! That said, these glossy stains look amazing on you! Yours is the first blog I”ve seen to show them as a gloss and a stain separately. I love that we can always count on your blog to be thorough and informative, so thanks, Karen!

    Reply
  17. Cara says

    February 16th, 2012 at 9:09 am

    How does the consistency of these compare to Rouge Allure Laque glosses that Chanel had last fall? (darn limited editions!)

    Reply
  18. Jean says

    February 16th, 2012 at 9:38 am

    Karen, thank you for swatching and reviewing the YSL stain glosses!! I am waiting for stores in the US to get them. Also thank you SO much for talking about the lead in beauty products. You’re the only beauty blogger (that I read) that has mentioned it. It’s scary because I found tons of high end products I use on that list!! As always, awesome blog girlie!!

    Reply
  19. Chris25 says

    February 16th, 2012 at 9:40 am

    When I saw Orange de Chine, my heart leapt! 🙂

    Annabel has finished eating breakfat, and she wants me to let her out of the living room so she can go steal Rocky’s food. I can’t believe the tiniest girl in the house is the biggest bully… Tsk, tsk……

    Reply
  20. Kim says

    February 16th, 2012 at 11:19 am

    These are lovely! They look great as gloss and when they fade into stains. What a cool product! That’s pretty scary about lead in the lip products. I guess having bare lips 99% of the time has an upside! In other good news, it’s almost Friday! 🙂

    Reply
  21. Katrina says

    February 16th, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    Your lips look so nice and smooth! How do you keep them so moisturized in the winter?

    Reply
  22. Elle says

    February 16th, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    Great – gonna toss out some MAC lipsticks now…sheesh. Thanks for linking to this page.

    Reply
  23. peach_ says

    February 16th, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    These sound like must-haves! I love Orange de Chine on you. Thanks for sharing the FDA news; it’s interesting that they’re in certain colors and not the entire line of a lipstick. Would love to know how these companies respond, too.

    Reply
  24. corallista says

    February 16th, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    Gloss+stain has to be my favorite combination! I loved all the 3 colors!

    Reply
  25. Rica says

    February 23rd, 2012 at 7:15 pm

    Definitely have to check these out… and btw re: Livin’ on the Prayer, I sing that at least twice a month lol

    x Rica

    Reply

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