Yves Saint Laurent The Inks Vinyl Cream High Shine Lip Stain
Published By Vivienne Blake
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Our Verdict
YSL's Vinyl Cream Lip Stain delivers a vibrant, high-shine finish with impressive staying power. The creamy formula applies smoothly, transforming into a comfortable, stain-like texture. While the "vinyl" claim holds true for initial gloss, it fades to a more satin finish within a few hours. Pigmentation is intense, requiring minimal product for full coverage. However, the applicator can be messy, making precise application challenging. At a premium price point, its longevity justifies the cost for those seeking bold, lasting color. If you prioritize a true vinyl finish throughout wear or prefer a budget-friendly option, explore alternatives. Ultimately, YSL's Vinyl Cream Lip Stain is a worthwhile investment for vibrant, long-lasting lip color with a comfortable, albeit slightly misleading, finish.
Audience Score
Pros
- Offers a beautiful, vibrant, high-shine finish.
- Long-lasting wear, described as a lip stain.
- Comfortable creamy texture that isn't drying.
- Wide range of shades available to suit various preferences.
- Precise applicator allows for easy and neat application.
Cons
- It can be drying on the lips.
- The applicator can be messy and difficult to use precisely.
- The lasting power isn't as long as some other liquid lipsticks.
- The strong fragrance can be off-putting to some.
- The price point is relatively high.
Comparison
The most similar products compared
 Yves Saint Laurent The Inks Vinyl Cream  Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip Stain  NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Stain  Violette_FR Lip Nectar Hydrating Lip Stain | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audience Score | 86 Great! | 86 Great! | 88 Great! | 90 Excellent! |
| Price | $48 | $28 | $12 | $29 |
| Size | 0.18 oz / 5.5 mL | 0.2 oz / 6 mL | 0.16 oz | 0.12 oz / 3.5 g |
| High-shine-finish | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumping | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hydrating | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hyaluronic-acid | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Liquid Formula | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Without Formaldehydes | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Without Parabens | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Without Silicones | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Without Sulfates | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Vegan | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Who Should Buy
This lip product is perfect for someone who desires a bold, long-lasting lip color with a vibrant, vinyl-like finish. If you're looking for a lip stain that won't budge through meals and drinks, this is a great option. Those who appreciate a comfortable, non-drying formula despite its staying power will also enjoy this product. If you love the look of a liquid lipstick but hate the dry feeling, this cream stain offers the best of both worlds. Finally, if you're a fan of high-impact color and a modern, sophisticated look, this lip stain will elevate your makeup game.
Who Should Not Buy
This product might not be ideal for someone on a tight budget, as it is a higher-end lip stain. If you prefer a more subtle, natural look, the intense pigmentation of this stain might be overwhelming. Those who dislike the feeling of any product on their lips might also find this stain too noticeable, despite its lightweight formula. Lastly, if you are looking for a lip product that is easily removed, the long-wearing nature of this stain could be a drawback.
Finish
The Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain delivers a striking, high-shine vinyl finish that truly lives up to its name. It applies smoothly with a creamy texture that transforms into a glossy, lacquer-like sheen. The finish adds dimension and fullness to the lips, making them appear plump and luscious. This highly pigmented stain doesn't just provide color; it coats the lips in a luxurious, reflective sheen that catches the light beautifully. The vinyl finish is modern and edgy, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any look.
Longevity
One of the most impressive features of this lip stain is its exceptional longevity. It truly stays put for hours, even through eating and drinking. You won't have to worry about constant touch-ups throughout the day or evening. The color remains vibrant and the shine doesn't fade significantly. While some slight transfer may occur, the overall color payoff remains impressive. This long-wearing formula makes it a perfect choice for special occasions or any time you need a lip color that can keep up with your busy lifestyle.
Texture
The texture of the YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain is luxuriously creamy and smooth. It glides effortlessly onto the lips, providing even and opaque coverage in a single swipe. The formula feels comfortable and lightweight, avoiding the dryness often associated with long-wearing lip products. It doesn't feel sticky or tacky, and it doesn't settle into lip lines. The creamy texture makes application precise and enjoyable, ensuring a flawless and comfortable wear.
Pigmentation
The pigmentation of this lip stain is incredibly intense. The rich, saturated colors deliver full coverage with just one application. The color payoff is true to the shade in the tube, providing a bold and impactful look. Whether you choose a classic red or a daring fuchsia, the vibrant pigmentation ensures a statement-making pout. This high level of pigmentation also contributes to the stain's longevity, as the color remains vibrant even after hours of wear.
Comfort
Despite its long-wearing formula, the YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain is surprisingly comfortable to wear. It doesn't dry out the lips or create a tight, uncomfortable feeling. The creamy texture feels hydrating and smooth, and it doesn't emphasize lip lines or dry patches. This makes it a great option for those who want the longevity of a stain without sacrificing comfort. You can wear it all day or night without experiencing any dryness or irritation.
Application
Applying the YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain is a breeze thanks to its precise doe-foot applicator. The applicator allows for even and controlled application, making it easy to achieve a sharp, defined lip line. The creamy formula glides on smoothly, hugging the contours of the lips without feathering or bleeding. Whether you're aiming for a precise, polished look or a more diffused, effortless style, the applicator makes it simple to achieve the desired effect.