You might have seen my "haul" video when I bought these (I kind of hate that term but am at a loss for what else to call those videos -- shopping sprees? latest purchases? "help me I have addiction and need an intervention"s? I don't know...). If not, let me sum it up: I was annoyingly excited about getting my first YSL products and smiled a lot. Violet Edition, aka #1, is an deep berry color; which verges on purple with increased application. The great thing about these stains -- besides for the fact they don't budge, smell really nice, and feel really cool on your lips -- is that you can achieve dramatically different effects with intensified application. In the image above, I am wearing about 4-5 layers of product. At first layer, it's a somewhat sheer/somewhat opaque berry gloss (this is visible at the end of the video I linked above). Each additional layer brings the stain to a higher level of opacity and intensity. Knowing me, I added as many layers as it took to get my desired effect -- a bold, opaque lip.
I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend these YSL Glossy Stains. The price ($32) is a little steep for the average Joanne (or fabulous Joe. werrrk.), but look no further if you feel like indulging in a special treat. If you hate shine, and permanently looking like you just finished a juicy piece of fried chicken, look further -- these really aren't for you. Now for the "bad": Beware of dry lips, as the stain can cling to dry patches; and while they are long lasting through eating, they still have some stick to them which can cause food to cling and absorb some of the stain. I speak from specific experience eating spring rolls at dinner. Cute. But that's it for cons. All in all, an awesome product with a great shade range (I own two right now, but have my eye on more). Love em!
