Next up in our lipstick trials, we have a pricey offering in a classic shade from the lipstick connoisseurs at YSL. Does this old faithful still hold up against newer offerings? There's only one way to find out...
Lipstick brand: Yves Saint Laurent
Lipstick type: Pure Lipstick
Lipstick shade: 137 Rouge Star
Price: £17 at YSL counters and online at Boots
Kisses out of five:
Colour: 5/5
Lasting power: 4/5
Texture: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Overall: 5/5
It's no real surprise that YSL's classic lippy gets a five out of five overall (just). If you're looking for a luxe lipstick that ticks all the boxes, this one is definitely up there in the higher echelons. Instantly recognisable from its boxy gold tube with the designer logo on one side, the packaging might seem a bit dated to some more modern, stylish young things, but I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
The colour I tried was the rich, classic red 'Rouge Star' - a tough one to pull off without guts, but a brilliant Hollywood red colour with loads of pigment that always gets comments. The super-rich texture means it's easy to apply and a joy to wear and my lips didn't feel dried out at all, which really surprised me. As a bonus, the red didn't bleed despite the fact I skipped liner (though remember to check your teeth after application and do the old 'finger in the mouth' trick to remove any excess). As for staying power, the lippy lasted through two drinks and most of lunch before I accidentally wiped my mouth and took half the colour with it! With some blotting and liner, it'd go a lot longer without budging, though.
Overall, it's hard to fault a classic lipstick that combines a dreamy texture with rich pigmentation, lasting power, an SPF 8 formula and pretty packaging. It is expensive, but it's also high quality.
Tested by Gemma Cartwright
