We told you about YSL's Beaute Holiday 2011 Collection (in great detail) when we first heard about it in September - and now we can show you it properly!
I got to play with some of the collection - inspired by the label's iconic Le Smoking Tuxedo - so I could show you a bit better (click the images to enlarge them). First up - the Palette Noir Terriblement:
Containing four variations of deliciously dark black shadows, I'm pretty sure this palette was made for me. Each shade is a little different: one is sheerer, one has multicoloured glitter instead of silver, one has a higher amount of glitter and one is a little more densely black. There's also a white, which I forgot to swatch because I got over excited, but it comes out in a soft frosty sweep.
Then there's the YSL Palette Smoking Blanc:
... which is, as I'm sure you'll agree, bloody amazing. Three shades of snowy highlighting powder, all in slightly different shades of tinted white - from left, shimmering silver, shimmering pink and shimmering violet.
Then, the piece I was actually most excited about, Manucure Couture in n°6 Duo Terriblement Noir...
... a set of black nail polish, with one matte and one glossy to mimic the contrast of satin with matte in the tuxedo and create really interesting manicures. That's me going for a basic French manicure type thing, but it would be really cool in a reverse manicure, or even more adventurous things like animal prints. The brush really lends itself to nail art too, with a slanted tip for more precise application. Such a good stocking filler.
Then more eyeshadow - the Ombres Duolumières palettes in °39 (gold lamé / velvet black) (right) and °41 (Silver moiré / Black Flannel):
The gold and silver come out a lot more sheer then you expect, but build up really nicely, so you can have a faint wash of sparkle, or build it up into a really statement metallic eye. The blacks are really beautiful too - soft and velevty.
Then the Golden Gloss:
... above are White Gold Topaz and White Gold Opal. I was a bit startled by the purpleness of Topaz at first, but actually it's more subtle then you think, although again, you can build it up to the intensity you like. White gold Opal is more for you if you're a bit less confident with colour. They're both non-sticky, and long-lasting.
A gorgeous collection, with really great standalone pieces that will make perfect gifts for Christmas as well as being a great base for your party makeup! Shop it here.