Yves Saint Laurent Beauty has some amazing new launches this year and I have had the chance to try few of the new launches this fall including one from the Fall 2018 Yconic Purple Collection. The limited edition Yconic Purple Collection is the first makeup collection designed by Tom Pecheux. There are a number of new launches from the house including base makeup which I am so excited to share with you guys.
Yves Saint Laurent Couture Palette Collector Yconic Purple
Couture Palette Collector Yconic Purple is a limited edition eyeshadow palette and is the first Couture Palette created by Tom Pecheux. The inspiration behind the palette is a salute to femininity, the bold “Y-shape”, embossed in glitters, magnifies the palette.
The compact is rendered even more eye-catching thanks to the iconic YSL Cassandra in silvery shimmers of diamante. This palette is launched this autumn to dare unexpected contrasts for an ultimate sensual and daring look.
There are some leather & nude shades warmed up by the femininity of purple & intense blue. The formula is very smooth and finely milled, it applies and blends beautifully without any fall-off. The shades are pigmented and easily buildable, for me, I prefer a sheer wash of color most of the days but for sure, I can try some intense looks with these pigmented colors this season, most probably with the beautiful colorful Indian outfits. The staying power of the formula is good. The purple and intense blue is very unique and gives some nice looks with the nude and leather.
Yves Saint Laurent Le Compact Encre de Peau
Yves Saint Laurent Le Compact Encre de Peau is the 1st bouncy melting compact from the house, to wear as a foundation or as a finisher, for a flawless complexion all day. The unique powder formulation is double-coated, which enables it to be used for either foundation or as a finisher, allowing you to create your ideal customized complexion morning or night. It can be build up for daytime or stow it away for touch-ups until the night when additional coverage is required.
The powder is very finely milled and lightweight. It gently mattifies the complexion, it draws a soft veil over visible pores. The powder has medium coverage when applied with the accompanying complimentary dense sponge. With powder or kabuki brush, I was able to get very little product on it, so a light coverage. Dabbing the dense sponge on the face during the day for touch-ups is another thing I have been loving lately, and when the packaging is this sexy, I am all in for it. It did not emphasize my problem areas but did create a soft blur on the skin. I prefer using it as the base for my good-skin days and on the other days, it works great as a finisher over my foundation. The staying power is good, I feel my skin is mattified, but to the extent that it still looks radiant. By the midday, I can see a bit more glow as my skin’s natural oils and the powder mix. I touch up in the evening if I am heading somewhere, otherwise, I love the natural radiant glow even until at the end of the day. I have swatched shade B50 which is a perfect match for me during the fall and winter.
Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Concealer Encre de Peau
Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Concealer Encre de Peau is defined as an ultra-pigmented full coverage concealer which instantly camouflages under-eye circles and imperfections. It is a lightweight creamy formula which does not crack, cake or crease. The concealer has a nice creamy fluid consistency and blends in well into the skin. It is quite pigmented and provides a medium coverage which is buildable to high. The finish is satiny matte on me which looks very natural with a nice staying power.
It works nicely as an under eye brightener or to conceal my pigmentation or redness and imperfections. It did not settle into the problem areas. It is described to be waterproof and transfer-resistant finish which I have not tested in the water yet but does look forward to doing that on my vacation next month. There are 22 shades available from light to dark. I have swatched shades 5.25 Praline which is more like my shade and 7 Coffee which is very dark for my medium skin with golden undertones.
Yves Saint Laurent Dessin Des Levres
Yves Saint Laurent Dessin Des Levres is a multi-use styling liner with a modern twist pen with a built-on sharpener. It has a creamy, glide-on formula, with a precision liner and a smoothing primer in one. At one end, the pencil tip empowers with a precise application; at the other, a flexible lip blender blurs and smooths. It has a matte finish. It is available in 12 shades. It works nicely as a lip liner as well as lipstick, with staying power of over 5 hours on my lips as a lip liner. It does work well to style the eyes too. I have swatched two new shades 6 and 26.
Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Metallics
Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Metallics is a high pigmented lip stain with a matte metallic finish. The formula is lightweight and it gives the perfect metallic radiance to the lips without looking shimmery or sparkly, just lustrous metal sheen. The formula is long-lasting, and as mentioned already it is very pigmented. The formula is creamy but lightweight and glides on easily on the lips. I have swatched 103 Tribal Copper.
There are more new launches from YSL Beauty this year worth checking out. I am really impressed with the Le Compact Encre de Peau and All Hours Concealer Encre de Peau which are on rotation in my everyday natural makeup. Couture Palette Collector Yconic Purple has beautiful shades which I am happy to have in my collection.
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty is available at yslbeauty.ca, Sephora Canada, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue, Net A Porter, Hudson’s Bay, and Nordstrom.
*Press samples
When it comes straight from the skincare expert of Loreal and Lancome, and Senior editor of highly valued journals on dermatology and has been on positions in various boards related to education, research, and more, with three Harvard University degrees, a BA from Harvard University, MD from Harvard Medical School, and a Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard University, I am referring to Dr. Macrene Alexiades. Dr. Macrene Alexiades had a scientific background and medical experience which helped her formulate highly active, plant-based skincare, to create an all-in-one, toxin-free anti-aging skin care solution.
“I strived to raise the bar in skincare with plant-derived, toxin-free actives, eco-conscious packaging, and proven science. 37 Actives maintain 100% antioxidant activity up to six months after opening the jar and maintains all its actives to three-years after manufacture, while using mainly plant-based preservatives. No other brand goes to the lengths of post-market testing of 37 Actives. Our science is unprecedented.”, Dr. Macrene Alexiades. The 37 Actives skin care collection is free of parabens, phthalates, plastics, sulfates, mica, talc, animal and human-derived ingredients, and propylene glycol; in recyclable glass and paperboard using USDA-certified organic plant-derived ingredients; with post-market testing showing full activity and stability out to three years; and 100% Made in the USA with US-sourced ingredients.
I have been using the 37 ActivesHigh-Performance Anti-Aging Cleansing Treatment and 37 Actives High-Performance Anti-Aging & Firming Serum for over two weeks. I know it might be a few weeks and months to come to the conclusion but I have my initial thoughts and impressions which I wanted to share with you guys.
37 Actives High-Performance Anti-Aging Cleansing Treatment is formulated to cleanse and treat your skin, the 37 Actives Cleansing Treatment is an organically plant-derived cleanser. It is designed to keep the skin blemish-free, its proven to improve redness, pigmentation, sun damage and wrinkles. The Key Anti-Aging Actives include
Pentavitin – 100% natural, plant-derived active that ensures deep hydration and generates a moisture reservoir that lasts for 72 hours. Strengthens skin barrier function
Vitamin B7 – Biotin helps to regulate sebum, which controls the skin’s moisture balance
Provitamin B5: Panthenol stabilizes the skin barrier function, reducing the amount of water lost through the skin, and acts as a natural skin healer and protectant. It also offers relief from itchiness and reduces redness
Vitamin B3: Niacinamide increases production of ceramides and fatty acids, two key components of the skin’s outer protective barrier. Helps soothe, moisturize, and even skin tone, reducing the appearance of acne
Glycerin: With wonderful cleansing, emollient, and soothing properties, glycerin acts as a humectant, attracting water to the skin to restore suppleness
Organic Spearmint Extract: Mint contains high levels of salicylic acid which helps loosen dead skin cells to prevent them from clogging pores. Anti-pruritic properties help soothe and calm infected or itchy skin
Organic Peppermint Extract: Known for its anti-acne properties, peppermint is also helpful in increasing blood flow to improve dull skin
Organic Green Tea: This powerful ingredient has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with studies suggesting green tea extracts can help prevent ultraviolet radiation damage
Organic Pomegranate: High in vitamins and antioxidants, pomegranate also has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties
Organic Aloe Vera: This desert plant is packed with active compounds that benefit the skin such as mucopolysaccharides, which fight bacteria and help to rebuild new tissue, along with flavonoid antioxidants to protect skin cells from damage
Organic Olive Leaf: Extracted from the leaves of the olive tree, oleuropein is a superb antioxidant for cleansing skin; Proven to reduce reddening of the skin and dehydration as much as 35 percent better than vitamin E
Plant-derived surfactants: Sulfate-free gentle foaming based on shea and cocoa to gently cleanse and nourish
This is a nice second cleanser for evenings and a great first cleanser for the mornings. The texture is creamy and applies well to the skin, it has a mild spearmint scent which is very uplifting. I apply it to damp skin, lather gently, and rinse with lukewarm water. It is gentle, does not irritate, my skin looks and feels pure and clean without being dry or stripped.
37 Actives High-Performance Anti-Aging & Firming Serum provides over 37 anti-aging ingredients in one lightweight serum formulation for firming and toning the facial skin. Featuring high concentrations of peptides, hyaluronic acid and anti-pollution and anti-glycation anti-oxidants, 37 Actives serum is designed for those with oily or acne-prone skin who want to fight skin aging. May also be applied on top of your regular cream to areas that need extra tightening such as the eyes, jowls, or to the entire face for extra firming.
Fortified with 37 anti-aging ingredients, including Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Organic Coffee Seed, the silky serum absorbs quickly into skin to moisturize and hydrate, whilst delivering toning and tightening properties to reveal a youthful-looking visage.
Antioxidant Resveratrol helps to defend against the damaging effects of pollution and environmental aggressors. It is ideal for acne-prone or oily skin types that are showing signs of aging, you can expect a plump, revitalized complexion with restored bounce and resilience.
Fo my mid-30s combination skin, my first concern is congested acne prone skin, so I have to be very picky for my anti-aging products as they tend to be so rich for my combination skin that they sometimes break me out. When I saw that it is suitable for acne-prone and oily skin types, it made me more interested in testing this out. I apply it twice daily to clean face and around eyes and gently massage into skin until fully absorbed. The product absorbs completely into my skin leaving no residue, there is a natural glow underneath my makeup without looking shiny or greasy. There is no detectable smell to the serum. I did not experience any irritation or breakouts but do notice healthy skin which looks supple and radiant.
37 Actives High-Performance Anti-Aging Skincare Collection is available at www.drmacrene.com , Net A Porter, Space NK, Neiman Marcus, Lookfantastic.com and SkinStore.
*Press samples
Since I shared the Sisley Paris Stylo Lumiere cushion pen on my blog and social handles, the product most of you guys requested me to share my thoughts on were the new Sisley Paris Le Phyto-Rouge lipsticks. So here I am with my thoughts and swatches of few of the beautiful shades from the new lipstick collection. Sisley Paris has introduced the new Le Phyto-Rouge Collection which aims to continuously infuse moisture to preserve and protect the youthful look of the lips. The lips are not protected by a hydrolipidic film, they are naturally delicate and vulnerable to external aggressions such as pollution, UV rays, and cigarette smoke. The new collection helps provide daily protection, nourishment, and instant hydration, lasting for up to eight hours, and results in smoother, plumper, and more beautiful lips.
Sisley Paris Le Phyto-Rouge Lipstick Collection comprises of 20 dynamic and colorful shades in four color families ranging from barely there to bright hues. The new ‘First Kiss Technology’ releases a wave of sensory comfort every time lips are pressed together. The lipsticks have zebra-striped packaging paired with elegant gold with modern black that closes with a practical magnetic click.
The two active ingredients Hyaluronic Acid and Konjac Glucomannans deliver filling microspheres which absorb moisture from the dermis, expanding, and boosting the lips water content. The cocktail of natural oils – jojoba oil, camellia oil, a trio of esters, oils, and waxes nourish while keeping lips soft and comfortable, provide an ultra-soothing film on the lips, in turn, giving a perfectly balanced combination of a glide-on texture and balm-like effect. Padina Pavonica Extract hydrates and plumps lips by promoting hyaluronic acid synthesis and boosting the hydric layer.
Out of the 20 radiant shades from four color families – Beiges, Pinks, Oranges, and Reds. I have one from each family:
14 Beige Copacabana
26 – Rose Granada
33 – Orange Sevilla
40 – Rouge Monaco
With 20 radiant shades to choose from, most of them are suitable for all of the skin tones. From the formula, shades, and packaging, everything is perfect in my opinion. Someone with dry lips, I am always looking for something that stays put on my dry lips without making them drier or settling into the dry flakes on the lips but instead provides long-lasting moisture.
The lipstick formula is highly pigmented and a single swipe from the bullet imparts enough color to the lips, and as per the need, the intensity is easily buildable. The texture of the lipstick is smooth and creamy, glides on nicely on the lips. It is very comfortable on the lips and my lips stay moisturized, supple, and still have the color even after few hours. the moisturizing effects stay on long after the lipstick has worn off the lips. It is truly a balm plus lipstick in one bullet.
Sisley Paris Le Phyto-Rouge Collection is available at Holt Renfrew, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom.
*Press samples
Clarins has a new addition to the Joli Rouge family of lipsticks called Joli Rouge Velvet. Clarins Joli Rouge Velvet comes after Clarins Joli Rouge and Clarins Joli Rouge Brilliant. To give you a little background, I am sharing some information on all the three formulas available.
Clarins Joli Rouge is a rich and creamy formula that leaves the lips with intense color and a delicate satin finish. Joli Rouge is enriched with organic Salicornia extract and mango oil, it intensely moisturizes the lips for 6 hours and provides suppleness and comfort. The long-wearing color stays on for 6 hours. This Clarins’ timeless lipstick goes for an ultra-feminine and modern tube.
Clarins Joli Rouge Brilliant is a delicious formula that hydrates lips while providing flexibility, comfort, and brightness. It provides the glossy effect is obtained with a perfect dose of fine pearls, imperceptible on the lips, that glisten with finesse and a new Shine Booster + complex which multiplies the reflection of light on the lips.
Top to Bottom – Joli Rouge, Joli Rouge Brilliant, Joli Rouge Velvet
Now, coming to the new Clarins Joli Rouge Velvet, Clarins has put a new matte finish on its legendary lipstick in a luxuriously hydrating formula that strikes a seamless balance between non-drying lip make-up and a flawless velvet look. Its velvety texture is light and creamy, gliding gently onto the skin for extremely easy application: the intense matte color instantly illuminates the lips and cares for them too.
Left to Right – Joli Rouge, Joli Rouge Brilliant, Joli Rouge Velvet
After testing the three formulas, all I can say is the formulas are very comfortable and moisturizing on the lips. The main difference in all three is the finish. Joli Rouge has a satin finish, Joli Rouge Brilliant has a glossy finish, and Joli Rouge Velvet has a matte finish.
So depending on what time and occasion you are wearing the lipstick, you can have the same shade but a different finish altogether. The staying power of the lipsticks is really nice does not dry the lips but instead is moisturizing. The formula is smooth, creamy, and glides on nicely on the skin.
Clarins products are available at Clarins.ca, Hudsons Bay, Beautyboutique.ca by ShoppersDrugMart, Sephora, Sephora Canada.
*Press samples
Giorgio Armani Beauty introduced this year – Neo Nude range for skin, cheeks, and lips, with the promise of ‘no-makeup makeup perfection’ – ‘INVISIBLE MAKE-UP. VISIBLE PERFECTION’. As is clear from the name, the entire collection is focused on creating that no-makeup makeup look with a luminous sheer glow. If you like natural makeup, like me, this Giorgio Armani Neo Nude collection is going to be right up your alley. I have been playing with two products from the range – Neo Nude A-Blush and Neo Nude Fusion Powder which I think are a must-have if you want to indulge in this collection.
Giorgio Armani Neo Nude Fusion Powder contains a high-performance color fusion emulsion with advanced pigments that maintain a skin-matching veil, which stays true no matter how many touch-ups you make throughout the day. It is available in 12 shades. Floating weightlessly onto the skin like a cloud, the secret to its brilliance lies in Giorgio Armani beauty Laboratories’ new patent*: the water memory formulation process. During formulation, water within the powder evaporates, leaving a powder texture behind. Upon contact with the natural moisture found within the skin, the process is reversed: the powder transforms into a veil-like liquid that becomes one with the skin, avoiding harsh lines, smears or caking over time. A second patent* allows a soft weightless powder – so thin it appears invisible.
Neo Nude Fusion Powder has a medium coverage, I use it mainly on the days I need a very natural look, like a simple touch up to brighten my skin and blur the imperfections and I am good to go. Other days, I am using it as a setting powder. I have Shade 5.5 – Beige which is perfect for my skin when I am not tanned.
The finish is very natural and luminous without looking oily. Skin looks radiant and healthy, I do notice it blurs my problem areas and does not emphasize them. The application is easy, the finely milled powder blends in seamlessly into the skin and does not look cakey. My combination skin, with some part being dry and another oily, it does not cling to the dry areas and overall, the skin looks smooth and luminous. The packaging of the powder is so elegant, the touch and feel are so luxurious.
Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Blush gives a wash of color gives skin a healthy flush, so natural it looks like you – but better. The water-based product instantly fuses with the skin, comforting and hydrating whilst simultaneously adding radiance. So light, the products promise to blend seamlessly with one another. The new pointed applicator of all three collects precisely the right dose of formula to accentuate your most natural beauty.
It is a beautiful addition to my blushes, very unique yet very natural. I have shade 51 – raspberry which is a natural pink flush on my cheeks.
It is very lightweight and blends in nicely into the skin, giving the most natural dewy flush to the cheeks. The applicator works nicely to apply both on the cheeks and also on the lips. It stays on my cheeks for almost the whole day, around 7 hours.
Top – Neo Nude A-Blush 51 Raspberry, Bottom – Neo Nude Fusion Powder 5.5 Beige
Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Blush and Giorgio Armani Neo Nude Fusion Powder are a must-have for you to check if you are more into the natural look, like me, who loves makeup and prefers a very natural look every day, it has become a part of my everyday work makeup. They are both very much travel-friendly and are in my bag since I started testing them. Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Blush and Neo Nude Fusion Powder are available at armani-beauty.ca, Sephora, Sephora Canada, Nordstrom, and Saks.
*Press samples