The YSL Lip Creme Vinyls — Charlotte Phoebe

It seems at the moment that every week there is a new lip launch. From liquid lipsticks to liners, from sheer tints to lip lacquers that pack a punch. The new launches are exciting and plentiful but one in particular has stood out to me and it's fair to say I have fallen head over heels. Welcome the YSL Lip Creme Vinyls, you best ally for bold lips this Autumn/Winter. It's at this time of year that I tend to incorporate bold lips into my makeup looks more frequently. From bright reds to deep berries, as the weather gets colder my lips get bolder. On an everyday basis or on a special occasion, a good vibrant lip can take even the simplest of all-black outfits from boring to chic in no time. Finding the right formula can be the struggle though. In the already drying weather you don't want a formula that will dry out your lips and leave them feeling anymore parched than they already are, equally you don't want something so glossy that your hair is getting caught every time the wind blows and it's transferring onto your scarf every time you snuggle up. You want something that packs a punch whilst staying put and delivering on colour all day long. It's this that leaves me loving the Lip Creme Vinyls so much.

The formula is almost water-like, it's so light and can be applied in seconds. There's no need for a lip liner and as it isn't a matte finish you don't have the fear of it setting before you get a chance to neaten the edges. The shape of the applicator is a little different to most I have seen, instead of being a rounded doe-foot shape this is a precise diamond so you can easily define your cupids bow and achieve a sleek lip line. It glides onto the lips easily with an even coverage and instantly delivers on the pigmentation so you're good to go within seconds. The real magic of these comes when you wait a few minutes and apply the second layer. Reapplying doesn't leave these patchy or 'bobbly' on the lips, it simply locks in the colour stain ensuring that it lasts for hours and whacks up the intensity that bit more. The end result is stunning and bold with a high-shine finish. Best of all? It actually lasts.

There are a number of reasons that I often steer clear of a gloss finish, from fears that my hair will get stuck in it, worries that it will look a little too intense but mainly because the last thing I want to do is be constantly topping up a bold colour, it's too high maintenance and who really has the time? The Lip Creme Vinyls have changed my mind ever so slightly though. The gloss finish is definitely noticeable, there's no denying it's vinyl finish on the lips, but somehow it doesn't look over the top or too intense. It looks classic and chic regardless of whether it's day or night. The lightweight nature of the formula also means that it isn't sticky, you can rub your lips together without feeling as though you will never get them apart again, almost as though they're a new-age gloss. The feeling is definitely one more similar to an oil than a gloss. Now the lasting power, the initial layer provides you with an intense stain to the lips, you only need to swatch these and leave them for a matter of seconds before you notice how intense this stain is. It's this that helps to give the formula it's lasting power. Despite being a gloss it doesn't slip around your face and the intense pigment does last. Do they last for a full 10 hours? No, but they're certainly low maintenance with only a quick slick of product being needed after eating a full lunch and maybe one at the end of the day if you're heading out for drinks after work.

Recently I've been moving away from the fully matte look and opting for a more natural and comfortable finish on the lips. These are the perfect choice with a selection of 10 shades to pick from. There are couple of nudes thrown into the mix but the real emphasis is on the bolder shades, the 401's and 411's that give the perfect red lip and 407 which can become your signature autumnal berry, whether you're looking for your signature power red or something that's perfect for the upcoming festive season.

Have you picked your Autumn/Winter staple lip product yet?