There’s something poetic about Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick in Pink Lychee ($30) — how pretty yet fleeting it is, like butterflies, or a summertime tan.
By all appearances…
It’s one of two limited edition SPF 15 Pure Shine Lipsticks YSL released with their summer 2010 collection, the other being 
Blood Orange.
The first thing I thought after seeing it in the tube? — wow, that sure looks pale. I didn’t think I’d be able to wear it, but I’ve been surprised so many times before that I figured, who knows, right?
I really didn’t know what to expect and hoped it wouldn’t have that p0rn star opaque coverage we’ve seen from other light pink lippies.
First, the good news: it doesn’t. This blue-based pink goes on extremely sheer, and it’s almost transparent. The first layer is barely visible, like a wet cherry blossom petal, even under close inspection.
Now, the not-so-good news: wear time. It’s downright embarrassing. I get maybe 30 minutes from it, tops, and that’s being conscious of it on my lips (aka sitting quietly, taking up space, refraining from eating or drinking anything).
With all that said, despite how brief it lasts and how much it costs ($30, ouch!), I still think it’s kinda cool, and it has a few other things going for it…
Texture, scent and taste
Texture wise, Pink Lychee feels great, thanks to a hydrating formula similar to MAC Glaze Lipstick. It’s smooth, thin, feels light, and when I rub my lips together with it on they just glide back and forth — no resistance at all.
Plus, I like the scent, which reminds me of Granny Smith apples, and added SPF 15. It seems like a level of protection that actually might make a difference, compared to lippies with SPF 5 or lower. Nice! 🙂
An interesting twist
There’s also a little more than meets the eye about Pink Lychee. It does something I didn’t expect, flashing orange and gold in the light. Unfortch, this subtle iridescence doesn’t reproduce well in pictures (I tried to capture it!), but I kept seeing it in front of the mirror. I think it’s a cool unexpected twist that saves Pink Lychee from a less encouraging fate.
I first thought Pink Lychee might be a color that only cooler-skinned girls would be able to wear, but in a weird way I think the iridescence helps to balance the blueish tones in the pink enough to make the color pretty wearable for everyone.
Hello, fingerprints!
Packaging fiends, if you’re a stickler about fingerprints messing up your makeup, take heed: the gold lipstick cap shows every little mark.
Dang, if this would just last a little longer and cost half as much, I’d be singing its praises from rooftops! It’s a fun, interesting lipstick, dressed to kill in top-tier packaging. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B
You might like YSL Pink Lychee if…
- You REALLY don’t mind having to reapply often
- You like light, shiny lipsticks that dance in the light
- You like pretty packaging and don’t mind the price ($30)
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Looking at it before you apply it reminds me of a color Loreal had back in the 80’s. Frightening thought that I used to wear it all of the time. *shudder* Love this though!!! Very pretty. 🙂
LOL, the same thing happens to me when I see certain colors I used to wear back in the day.
I used to wear Sealily. OMT!!! I look at it now and think “What in the heck was I thinking???” Oh the joys of youth. LOL
Awww…that looks way too sheer. (So it probably won’t show up on me at all…)
.-= Citrine’s last blog post… Coral Lipsticks Side by Side (Swatch Comparison) =-.
Good thing there’s plenty other of YSL to get distracted by, right? 😉
Too bad that this is so darn expensive!!
I know! I wouldn’t mind reapplying so much if it wasn’t so pricey.
pretty! but i think that the best YSL sheer lipstick is gloss volumpte sheer sensual gloss stick! its my FAVE!!! have u tried it karen? and are you watching V?!
Hi Emma,
I don’t think I’ve tried that one. Do you have a color to recommend for me?
About V — I tried watching it when it first came out but I didn’t really get into it. I was around when the series first came out and remember it being a lot more terrifying, go figure! Are you liking the show?
personally i like chilled raspberry becuase i have cool undertones in my skin. all are pretty though.
and yeah i love v! i think it has gotten better and its sorta creepy haha but its really good for satiating my sci fi craving!
Looks way too sheer but it looks so pretty in the tube! And that picture of you is waaaaaay gorgeous. 😉
Hi Maggie,
Happy Friday! What are your plans for the weekend?
it’s pretty, and i love the name, but the price and lasting power are a no for me. i did end up getting my mac-lovin’ hands on lychee luxe over the weekend. BUT, was at a nordie’s beauty show, and tried the lancome counter for my makeover, and fell in love with beige everyday color fever lipstick, bronzelle liner, and sheerfully sweet juicy tube. been wearing those daily…
Hi Nancy,
Yay! How are you liking Lychee Luxe?
It looks really nice on you, Karen. I’m glad you could wear such a shade with your super beautiful darker skin.
.-= Trisha’s last blog post… Ultimate Beauty Day 9: Learn More About Beauty =-.
Thanks, Trisha. Do you think you might try this color?
That’s too sheer even for me! Cute name though. How was your day, Karen, feeling better? I really do hope so! I’m sending good vibes over, hope you receive them 🙂
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Experiments, Part V – Turquoise Bubblegum =-.
Hi Marce,
It’s been a rough week, but I’m feeling better.
How are you? Are you excited about your new job?
I like how you write short bullet lists at the end of reviews about “you might like to buy this if…” It helps summarize the goods and bads a lot. =]
Hi Melanie,
Glad to hear you find it helpful! It’s always nice to hear good feedback. 🙂
Hope you’re having a wonderful Friday!
ohhh what mascara are you wearing in this?
Disappointing, it looks amazing in the tube though
.-= knownever’s last blog post… Murad’s Lustrous Loser =-.
I know! I love the packaging.
Too expensive for what it is for my price range, but it looks lovely (I bet I’d enjoy it), and it looks really pretty on You. And Karen, you’re stunning in that shot, seriously!
Aw, thanks Petra! I think I was thinking about chocolate when I took that picture, LOL!
Pretty, but spendy. Id have to think long and hard about this…since im also wanting a Dior Show Extase after ive used the sample for a week.
Looks amazing on you and the orange and gold reflects is something im curious about…
It’s very subtle, but it’s there. That’s one of the things I like about YSL — they handle color in interesting ways!
BTW, I’ve been using Extase lately too. 😀
Thanks for the review. The color looks beautiful in the tube but I’m disappointed of how sheer it looks on the lips and that the staying power is so poor! 🙁
.-= gio’s last blog post… QOTW: Do you use every beauty product you own? =-.
I hear you. I wish it lasted longer too!
Pretty color but probably too pale for me
Hey, you never know! Maybe give it a try just for fun.
Karen, your post about this lipstick is so detailed and full. It was a pleasure to read it. my first thing about this lipstick was how pale it was. but now, after your post, I would like to take another look at it.
You and Tabby are doing great job! Have a nice weekend!
Thanks Mariya. 🙂
I hope your Friday is going well so far. Do you have any plans for the weekend?
Oh, so far, so good. I had my running this morning, which always makes me feel better and more energized.
Talking about plans for the weekend, I am going to put my makeup on, and have a good time outdoors with my husband.
Good for you! I have to hit the treadmill today and log in some miles.
BTW, kind of off topic, but do you have a favorite running/sports bra? All of mine are on their last legs, and I have to re-stock. 🙁
That is funny (well, maybe not that funny at all) I am in the same situation. Lately I’ve been using bebe and lei bras, and I have to say that I like lei more than bebe because they are more supportive (I don’t have that big bust, 34B, but still). I am going to try nike. I do prefer bras with soft elastic band on the bottom. If it is too tight it hurts me and makes those unpleasant marks on skin.
this is the one I would like to try:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3058802/0~2376776~2374327~6010810~6010819?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6010819&P=2
And these two look very comfortable, but are pricy
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2764868/0~2376776~2374327~6010810~6010819?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6010819&P=1
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2909145/0~2376776~2374327~6010810~6010819?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6010819&P=1
Should I hide in a closet now because I rather like that opaque “porn star” look? *hides in shame*. Anywho, I’m very surprised at how sheer that lipstick looks in pictures. Veeery pretty, LOVE the packagin..but not for $30. Especially if you have to reapply that often.
P.S. GORGEOUS picture!
LOL… naw! That’s awesome that you can pull it off. I must say, I can appreciate it when it’s paired with a killer smokey eye. 🙂
You are so pretty, Karen 🙂
Do you think this colour is dupable… say, with MAC? The price is a little steep for me and my kitties… =/
But wow, that packaging is TDF and I love the name of the shade!
I love the name Pink Lychee and it looks super pretty in the tube but the sheerness would look like nothing on my pigmented lips. I love the SPF 15 too. Oh well, I will stick to Bobbi’s new lip shines. I got one in Raspberry Pink and I love it!
After seeing these pictures, I may go ahead and spend the money. I have a similar skin tone to yours and was worried about how it looked in the tube. I do have the Blood Orange and love it.