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The first thing that comes to mind when I think of luxury is Yves Saint Laurent. In fact, their Black Opium Eau de Parfum was my first true "grown-up" scent, a big step up from the overly sweet teen perfumes. After that, though, my affair with YSL only got more intense, from their classic heels to the couture eyeshadow palettes. So, of course, when they launched their “The Inks Liquid Lipstick”, I had to get my hands on them.
Most lip releases these days appear to be either heavy, drying mattes or greasy glosses that vanish within minutes. YSL, as always, has upped the ante. The Inks Liquid Lipstick provides rich colour with a creamy, moisturising texture and the real bonus? You get to pick from a sleek matte or a glossy finish. With 15 rich colours to choose from, this exciting new range at last offers beauty enthusiasts the best of both worlds: long-lasting, soft and bold colours that really feel and look good on your lips.
Packaging Goals
Gurl, honestly, these lipsticks were my definition of love at first sight when I first saw the Yves Saint Laurent The Inks Liquid Lipstick. Housed in a high-gloss and matte, all black tube accessorised with gold (the YSL embossed on the cap was GIVING), every little detail cooed luxury. Brilliantly thought out, the finish of each case mirrors the lipstick within – vinyl cream formulas have a high-shine, sleek tube, and the blur versions come in matte packaging. Also, not to forget the YSL engraving to their doe-foot applicator, absolute luxe. It's these little details that make YSL stand out. Adding a twist, a tiny heart motif graces the side of the bottle, giving it an irresistible coquette-core feel. Presented in a gold box, the lipstick feels less like everyday makeup and more like a miniature objet d'art and naturally, I’m utterly obsessed.
Gloss Icon: Vinyl Cream
I tried the Fuchsia Dimension shade, a clean, creamy rose colour that smells as new-fangled as the packaging. The texture slid beautifully over my lips, leaving behind a buttery, gentle feel that lasted me through the workday without the slightest whisper of dryness.
The smell? Sweet and luscious, like a fruit cake, brings a very Regina George glam vibe. Light but rich, it's the ideal everyday accessory. I catch myself putting it in my handbag without hesitation, poised to provide a splash of colour whenever the office day demands a rapid, unobtrusive pick-me-up, whether in a meeting or even in a cab.
Matte Genius: Blur
Not a gloss finish girl? Fret not, because YSL got your back, babe. Their inks also feature an amazing array of soft, velvety matte colours that offer up serious longevity. I, of course, was drawn to a hot pink, a dramatic shade, but totally in keeping with my love for pink lipsticks.
This isn’t your typical drying matte either. Think of it as a luxurious lip stain that effortlessly blurs the lip line, creating that soft-focus, smoked effect we’re all chasing right now. YSL has somehow cracked the matte paradox: delivering a featherlight, bare-lip sensation with up to 12 hours of wear and 24 hours of hydration.
Their shades are these deep, fall-ideal colours that can make anyone’s eyes stand out and completely change the depth of literally anyone’s entire look. Also with their formula, from endless coffee runs, cheeky eats, and meeting-after-meeting marathons, my lipstick remained flawlessly in place without an even touch-up necessary. With YSL's fresh ink formula, one thing is clear: reapplication has left the chat.
Key Takeaways
If you're set to bring in some change to your lipstick collection this year, then Yves Saint Laurent's The Inks range is an absolute must-have. With its perfect marriage of comfort, wearability, and intense, high-fashion colour, it's a real game-changer. With a soft matte blur or luminous gloss finish, there's a spot-on shade to revolutionise your daily look. Trust me, once you've tried this luxe formula, no other lipstick will do. It's an essential that simply needs to be in your beauty bag.
FAQs
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Is the YSL The Inks Liquid Lipstick suitable for all-day wear?
The formula is designed for up to 12 hours of wear while keeping your lips hydrated for up to 24 hours. Whether you opt for the matte or gloss finish, you can trust it to stay vibrant through meetings, meals, and everything in between, no constant reapplication needed.
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Does the matte version feel dry on the lips?
YSL has mastered the "matte paradox", offering a blurred, velvety matte look without compromising on comfort. The formula feels featherlight, nourishes the lips, and delivers a soft, blurred effect without any tightness or flaking.
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Which finish should I choose: Vinyl Cream Gloss or Blurring Matte?
If you love a juicy, high-shine finish, the Vinyl Cream is perfect for you. If you're after a more sophisticated, softly diffused matte effect, the Blurring Matte is the way to go. Either way, both finishes promise bold pigment, luxe comfort, and effortless chic.
