A few weeks ago a small group of beauty editors hopped on a plane to Jozi for the launches of two exciting new boutique stores in Sandton City. I have already written about the first Urban Decay store on our shores, which caused complete mania when they finally opened their doors. Next to it, however, you’ll also find the first Yves Saint Laurent Beauté standalone in Africa, selling a wide range of luxury cosmetics that will have most beauty lovers drooling.
When I received the invitation for the store launch I actually replied in all caps and with a thorough excess of exclamation marks that I was seriously friggen excited and yes please I would love to join. The brand had a little hiatus from South Africa over the last few months so I was relieved when I heard they were returning and thrilled that they were doing so with their own store, which would mean more variety from the brand.
Like the fashion side of the label, YSL has become synonymous with luxury and edge. Your colour ranges stretch from the classics to more daring shades and the products always sport an innovative element like clever gloss applicators, dual lip and cheek colours, and popping eyeshadow palettes. They aren’t cheap but intense, quality pigment means you get so much bang for your buck. I would save up for it.
The store itself is small but beautiful with a simplistic design and various stations that show off different ranges. They also have makeup artists on site that will help you choose the right products.
Are you keen to drop in? Here are a couple of my top picks.
Where do you start? Here are my top core essentials:
1. Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick
(R550) My Rouge Pur Couture The Mats is one of my all-time favourite lipsticks and I have had my red for around four years! It lasts all night, through greasy party meals, drinks and plenty of talking, and it feels soft and comfortable on my lips.
2. Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
(R520) I recently reviewed this mascara for the first time (click here to watch the video) and was thoroughly impressed. It combs through easily and gives great length and volume on the first coat, and it lasts without dusting or crumbling. It is waterproof so you’ll need an oil-based makeup-remover to take it off. I recommend the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cleanser, Lipidol Cleansing Oil or the Dermalogica Precleanse.
3. Touche Éclat
(R600) If you know YSL makeup then chances are you already love this illuminator pen. It has inspired many copy-cat products and still manages to hold its head above the rest. You can apply this as a highlighter or use it to lighten dark circles. It works like a mirror to reflect light back and give you glowing skin.
New goodies I am excited about
1 Le Vestiaire fragrances
This unisex fragrance line consists of 5 unique scents that are unlike anything I have smelt before – they are completely different from the standard lavendar (for men) or vanilla (for women) based fragrances that are common right now. Each of the perfumes, Tuxedo, Caban, Saharienne, Trench and Caftan, interpret a centerpiece of the Yves Saint Laurent wardrobe. The one I loved most in store was Caban, a warm, spicy fragrance with notes of tonka bean and pink pepper.
2. Babydoll Kiss & Blush
(R590). Who doesn’t love a two-in-one product? The Kiss & Blush can be used on your lips and cheeks and intense, quality pigment means a light dab can go a long way. The product has been cleverly designed to have a finish that is between a lipstick and blusher, and it appears velvety on your cheeks, while a light-diffusing gel technology gives luminosity. They have also worked in oil-balancing powders for longer wear.
3. Top Secrets Oil-in-Balm Make-up Remover
(R550). I am a huge fan of oils and balms to remove makeup and this one works like a charm. The whole Top Secrets line is meant to support our modern, fast-paced lifestyles and this one will definitely help to get you into bed quicker. You rub a bit between your fingertips to soften it a little and then massage it onto dry skin. All your makeup will melt off with it. Follow with your cleanser.
Currently Yves Saint Laurent is only available at their boutique store. A selection of their fragrances – excluding the Le Vestiaire – can also be found in select department stores and online at redsquare.co.za
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