DETAILS
indirect sunlight on bare, light skin (foundation matches here). please note colour expression may be affected by undertone, lighting, blue light filters, camera, etc.; some photos were taken at different times of day and my skin texture varies slightly (from multiple washes between swatches).
for reference during reviews, please note i’m ethnically asian and do mostly korean or chinese style makeup; some terms may be more commonly seen in asian beauty reviews.
master swatch post compilation.
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TIME STAMPS
0:00 - packaging
0:02 - swatches
0:17 - close ups
0:35 - wiped with tissue
0:37 - with bullet lipstick comparisons
YSL VINYL CREAM LIP STAINS are glossy lip stains that have two components - a glossy layer, and a stain. they have a highly glossy finish, adhere beautifully to the lips, and wear down to an even and distinct stain true-to-colour. they're pretty pigmented and are easy to build and sheer. i find the texture to be a bit gel-like; it's also very moisturizing and extremely beautiful on the lips, especially with the edges blotted down into a gradient - this was the first formula that converted me from a diehard matte lip fan to a glossy lip lover too. they do have a fruity scent that i don't really like, but i think the applicator is really good and very helpful in getting the colour to adhere well to the lips. they do transfer unless blotted down; they are quite long lasting, and the stain will last through light eating and drinking, but not full meals. i've never tried the glossy stain, so i don't know how they compare, please don't ask me.
407 CARMIN SESSION is a warm muted mlbb with plum, mauve, red bean, brown, red, and pink undertones. it deepens a bit a few seconds into sinking into the lips, and is a gorgeous shade that's extremely wearable while still adding a really pretty mood to the look. this is one of the most famous lipsticks in korea and china. it's swatched next to the ysl rouge volupte shine in 89 rose blazer.
409 BURGUNDY VIBES is a classic deep burgundy red with some wine and pink tones. it's quite vivid and a little vampy, it's a beautiful statement lip especially in the evening, and it stains the most strongly of the three vinyl stains. i feel like this shade is flattering on a lot of people. it's also quite popular in korea and china. it's swatched next to the ysl rouge volupte shine in 84 red cassandre.
416 PSYCHEDELIC CHILI is a dark, vivid but toned down warm red with strong orange and brown undertones. despite having neutral-cool undertones, this one is actually my favourite shade - it just makes your lips look so beautiful!! it's the kind of colour i'd apply and then spend all day trying to catch a glimpse of in passing reflections lol. also an extremely famous lipstick in asia. it's swatched next to the ysl rouge volupte shine in 80 chili tunique.
YSL WATER STAIN is a water-gel stain. it leaves behind a bit of a layer but mostly sinks into the lips to give a beautiful stained effect with a very lightly glossy finish; it imparts pigment while maintaining a transparent texture, so it looks more natural despite the colour and it just makes your lips look very naturally beautiful. it is transferproof and longwearing, but will rub off with excessive eating/chewing. also it tastes really fucking bad. like really bitter. it's not so bad once it dries down, but i blot it off anyway.
613 CASCADE BORDEAUX is a muted burgundy red with some berry tones and it's a super pretty colour that makes your lips looking bitten and pretty. it looks dramatic and intimidating in the tube, but it gives the loveliest buildable wash of colour and is great for gradiating or layering; the formula makes it very wearable. this shade is extremely famous in korea (and i think china as well), along with 610 and 617. it's swatched next to the ysl rouge volupte shine in 85 burgundy mood.
YSL TATOUAGE COUTURE MATTE STAIN is a matte liquid lipstick. it goes on quite creamy and takes a minute to dry down so it's quite forgiving and you don't need to rush to get it perfect immediately - it also touches up, layers, builds, and blends well, and the pigmentation is mostly opaque. it dries down to a classic hard matte, so it's transferproof and can be safely worn under a mask, but i find it's not as tenacious as most other matte liquid lipsticks, so it will wear off with some eating more easily than say, maybelline superstay matte inks. but the trade off is that it's so lightweight and comfortable, it's not that drying at all and it's really easy to use. i find the gold paint on the cap chips off this really easily and it looks unsightly, so be wary if you like to toss your lipsticks into your bag.
16 NUDE EMBLEM is a rose pink mlbb with very prominent warm undertones without pulling orange. this is another shade that's extremely popular in asia and it's easy to see why - it's very flattering and easy to wear, and adds a warm, rosy mood to the look. it makes you look brighter yet softer all at once. it's a tiny bit warm for me, but overall still easy to pull off. it's swatched next to the ysl slim leathermatte lipstick in 12 nu incongru.