YSL Beaute AW08 Collection Review

Many fashion houses view the cosmetics & perfume market as an easy way to gain mass market appeal & extend their brand offering without necessarily giving much thought to the actual product. Yves Saint Laurent, however, is one brand whose cosmetics offering proves that investment in R & D can really pay off. Their much-loved Touche Eclat has definitely earned a place in the Beauty Hall of Fame with 1 reportedly being sold every 20 seconds globally & personally, I simply can't live without their Easy Liner so I always look forward to their new season collections with childlike excitement!

For AW08, the collection is spot-on.

For skin, there's Top Secret Flash Radiance (pictured above)- this is the product which originally caught my attention. Presented in YSL's signature easy-to-use packaging, this is a base product which promises to add a natural glow to even the most fatigued winter complexions. To use, it must be applied to cleansed skin, wait 2 minutes for it to dry then moisturise. I found the 2 minutes waiting time somewhat annoying but patience is rewarded as skin is left feeling velvety smooth. The formula contains pink micropigments which reflect the light to really flatter and I'd definitely recommend this as a good boost for skin if you are happy to go without make-up. For those who can't live without their foundation, however, I'd say stick with Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. It doesn't contain the pigments but for ease of application and a sheer base, you can't beat it.

I was more than impressed with the eyeshadow palettes which have been introduced. There are 6 new palettes to choose from, each containing 5 complementary colours. The gold compact packaging is totally fabulous & the pigments are a fantastic mix of everyday taupes to party brights, meaning there's something for everyone. I'm particularly lusting after the purple "Lilac Sky" combo and green "Garden of Eden".

Finally, there are 2 new lipglosses- a shocking pink which, in my opinion, is far too bright although is obviously packed with pigment so a good choice if pink's your thing and a much more wearable wine shade which goes on as a sheer gloss which is incredibly chic.