The Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stains may be the most multi-tasking lipsticks to date – but do they live up to the hype? Today, I’m taking them for a test drive!
Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stains
According to YSL’s website, the Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stains offer ‘high-coverage liquid lip color’ topped with a unique, vinyl-like shine. They claim to provide 10 hours of wear and all day comfort. But probably the biggest selling point (at least for me), is that once the top layer of color fades, it’s supposed to leave behind a vibrant, lasting stain. Here’s the review from Kitsch Snitch that initially got me super excited to try them out –
The YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stains feature a handy diamond shaped applicator that allows for an easy application as it fits around the natural contours of the lips.
With 12 shades to choose from – including nudes, oranges, pinks, reds, and fuchsias – I had a hard time narrowing it down to one. But, ultimately I settled on Carmen Session, (a neutral, medium red-pink), which I’ll be testing out below.
Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain Review
First off, I’m loving the YSL Vinyl Cream formula. Initially, it hydrates like a balm, adds shine similar to a gloss, and offers the pigmentation of a lipstick. You can even be flexible with the coverage – apply lightly for a sheer, natural lip, or add a second layer for full-on coverage. The formula feels super comfy and hydrating on the lips for a good 2-3 hours, plus they add a more modern element of shine with the ‘vinyl’ look – two welcome changes after wearing matte lippies for a few days!
However, when it comes to the YSL Vinyl Cream’s longevity and staining abilities, I can’t help but be a bit disappointed. As you’ll see below in my wear test, the color didn’t last me past a meal. On top of that, I only noticed a small amount of staining on my lips once the formula faded away. I can only assume that that has something to do with the shade intensity – the more intense ones provide more stain.
YSL Vinyl Cream in the shade ‘Carmen Session’.
Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain Wear Test
First application
Two hours later, and after eating a quick lunch. The formula has pretty much worn away, and there is some staining left behind (though a bit uneven).
Four hours later. My lips started to feel pretty dry at this point, and there isn’t much of a stain left.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m really split on these Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stains. As a minimal makeup lover, I do love how they combine hydration, a unique looking shine, and flexible color, all-in-one step. However, the one I tried (‘Carmen Session’) falls short when it comes to longevity – it transfers too easily, fades unevenly, and doesn’t leave much of a stain behind. Reapplications are a must after eating and drinking. I’m curious to try out more shades, but that may be a while – at $36, these don’t come cheap!
Available at Sephora, Selfridges, Neiman Marcus, & Nordstrom,
SHOP THE POST
Have you tried the YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stains? What are your thoughts on these lippies? Do you notice a stain once the formula has faded?
