YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick
5/21/13

Until recently, I hadn't worn lipstick with any regularity since college. I love lip gloss, and Lancôme's Dreamsicle has been my pale pink, go-to shade for many years. Well, I decided to venture back into the world of lipstick and started at the top, of course. Why hello, YSL. While I'm no stranger to the brand, they have several lipstick formulations, not to mention glosses and stains. I went straight for their award-winning, top seller: Rouge Volupté. They offer about 30 glorious colors, and coveted limited editions. Each lipstick has a lovely, light rose scent. The formula allows for easy application and glides on with little effort. 

My first goal was to procure (surprise) a great, true red. N 17 Red Muse fit the bill perfectly, and I was hooked. Much like their nail lacquers, the Rouge Volupté lipsticks are highly pigmented and what you see in the tube is what you get. Red Muse is a bright, sexy red that manages to not give off a...working girl vibe. Sold. 

After such a bold choice, I veered toward the bounty of pink shades offered. From the nudest of nudes to über bright shades, I gravitated toward a lovely light and flattering shade: N 7 Lingerie Pink. It's the kind of go-with-everything, pretty pink that's modern and classic at once. 

Of course I didn't stop there. Bold Wendy took over again and scooped up a bright magenta pink: N 11 Rose Culte. Wow! This color blew me away. Shockingly beautiful. It's a blue-based red/pink that makes you feel extra girly and happy. You simply can't be sad while wearing Rose Culte. 

Then there's the case. Oh my, the case! Certainly the most luxurious, ornate lipstick case on the market. The signature YSL logo sits in a golden circle atop a band of color, matching the lipstick inside. The cases look gorgeous on a vanity tray, and they honestly make me feel happy during application. This killer gold case helps explain the $34 price tag. 

My verdict? A winner. 

Available at: YSL, Barneys, and Nordstrom.