Kisses with YSL Volupté Tint-in-Balm

Trending. 2017 has been all about the lipstick-boom. Or shall I say “all products related to lips”? It feels like there aren’t many brands today who doesn’t have a buffet of alternatives for us to choose from: regular lipsticks, matte lipsticks, lipgloss, lip balms, lipoils, lipstains…did I forget something?

Oh yes I did! The hybrids. Because why settle for one formulation when you can get two? YSL Beauty, always serving us with amazing lip products obviously didn’t drop the ball and out came Volupté Tint-in-Balm. 

At first, these were like the ghosts of Instagram: everyone had seen the super cute lip-shaped design and the playful names, but somehow, it was almost impossible to actually purchase them! They were either permanently sold out (quite fun for a new launch) or not even launched at all. Here in Dubai, we had to wait until summer arrived to see them in store.

And I waited.

Because being dead tired from all the recent matte lipstick launches, I just craved something that would actually work for my lips. My dry, chapped lips.

When CHANEL launched their Rouge Coco Shine I was in heaven. To this day, it’s the product I benchmark all kinds of new sheer lipsticks that enters the market against. I love lip balms. I need them and I have so many different ones, but I still want some shade and I often think that a regular balm can be a bit boring. Not luxurious or sexy enough.

That’s not the case with YSL. Luxurious packaging aside (yes, they are the most photogenic lipsticks on the planet next to Tom Ford’s) but when pictures of the Volupté Tint-in-Balm started spreading online, I think we all fell for the CUTE bullets. Hello teeny tiny lips!

I might as well admit it: I would have purchased them simply because of their packaging and design. Luckily I also got a product that I knew I was going to enjoy!

These are, as mentioned before, hybrids between the most wonderful lip balm and a sheer lipstick. The lip-shaped core, which runs all the way from top to bottom of the bullet is the balm, holding and promising nourishing and hydrating effect while the outer part of the stick gives you the shine and shade.

Let’s start by looking at some of the ingredients on this lipstick.

  • Apricot kernel oil: this very light oil is popular in cosmetics as it lubricates, balances and nourishes the skin without leaving a cast. Some say it’s a bit too light to provide a full on hydration effect. It holds GLA; Gamma linoleic acid which is one of the natural essential fatty acids found in our body. It also gives the lips a shot of omega-6. As we always look for anti-oxidant properties in our makeup and skincare, I’m happy to tell you that apricot kernel oil is filled with both Vitamin A and E. It is a soothing ingredient that fight premature ageing.
  • Passiflora Edulis oil: also more known as Passionfruit oil is actually an expensive and rare ingredient. Not only do it contain carotenoids and omega-6, it also holds GLA. With its healing effect, it is said to work wonders for itchy skin and I can see how it would be beneficial for chapped or sore lips. I love it that YSL are not being cheap with their ingredients!
  • Magnesium silicate: just like talc, it is a popular powder to add in cosmetics as it is not only adding to the right formulation, but also work as an ingredient carrier for all the nourishing oils.
  • Macadamia ternifolia oil: really targets those chapped soar lips as it is quite heavy and smooth. It is high in antioxidants to fight off free radicals and it contains a high level of our favourite: squalene. I need to tell you though: someone allergic to nuts shall always be careful to use products containing macadamia ternifolia oil. It is wise to consult your doctor – even though your not supposed to digest your lipstick, one can never be too careful!

Besides all of these ingredients you’ll also find coriander fruit oil and jojoba seed oil amongst others. I think the ingredient list is quite impressive and it matches the price range for the lipstick itself. You get what you pay for.

Scent- and taste-wise it is something of an internal joke in the industry: everyone knows about the fruity and delicious scent of all YSL lip products but we seem to disagree on the fruit! I’ve read everything from grapefruit to mango when the company itself claims it to be pomegranate. Me, it think it is definitely watermelon scent! Either way, it is a trademark of the beautiful luxury and certainly add to the lush feeling of applying the product.

There are 12 shades in the collection, divided into 3 different groups: Neutrals & mauves, Reds & corals and Pinks & Plum.s I had difficulties choosing but ended up with No.3 Call me Rose (neutrals & mauves) which looks rosy nude on my lips and goes amazingly well with a smokey eye and No.9 Tempt me Pink (Pink & Plums) a cold fuchsia pink with a bit of a temper.

Both of them are super smooth and creamy, with the slightest touch of a gel core. They are indeed unique with their “double-benefits effect”. My lips love them but I must say that sheer lipstick is not exactly the truth. The color payoff is very very light, at least compared to Rouge Coco Shine, and I would’t say that the shades are buildable either. What shade you’ll get depends a lot on the pigment of your natural lips.

You can definitely see your own lips through the stain and it is kind of the whole purpose; YSL tells us that these are “like your own lips – but better”. They are super nourishing but for hydration I need to re-apply every hour for the maximum effect. I don’t mind though, as it feels incredibly luxurious to take one of these babies out of the bag!

Would I buy more shades? Yes, there are 3 more that I really wish to have but as the shades are quite similar, I don’t really see the point of launching 12 shades. 6 would have been sufficient. Personally I also don’t think that the reds are as flattering as a regular red lipstick or gloss would ever be. But that’s just my opinion.

Have you had the chance to fall in love with these? Let me know in the comments or over at Instagram @thatluxuriousfeeling ♥

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10 Comments
  1. YSL is one of my favorite lipstick formulas. I like all the different formulas they make and the scent, I don’t know – I think MANGO! My other favorite is Tom Ford. I am a horrible addict and endlessly buy both of these lines. I just got a Coral shade of the Oil In Stick but the original formula of Rouge Volupte was my absolute favorite.

    1. Hello Darling Janine! I feel exactly the same; I don’t mind spending money on a quality lipstick as long as the ingredients, the shades and the design gives me that luxurious feeling ;). There are some high-end lip balms that I don’t think are worth the price tag but YSL never ever disappoints me!!! Thank you so much for always reading and commenting – I hope you understand how much I value it. Kisses, M

  2. Can you believe I haven’t tried any of their lip products? I don’t know where to start because this probably wouldn’t be a good option as I like something that is moisturizing but also wears well. Any suggestions on which range of lip products I should start with?

    1. Hiii Traci! It’s so wonderful to see you in here. I actually left you an identical comment regarding the Emma Hardie moringa balm hahaha. I haven’t had the chance to try it. Now, for lip products I shall be super honest with you: I can’t wear gloss, and I most definitely can’t wear any matte lipsticks. My lips are super dry and I tend to bite them. Therefore, I mostly wear tinted balms or Tom Ford, mac and CHANEL classic lipsticks. Those are my favourites in terms of rich pigments, but MAC is kind of drying…I’ve never found a full on rich lipstick that won’t dry out my lips, I always need to make sure I hydrate them well before any lipstick application. If you have access to SUQQU I recommend them a lot but I know they’re hard to find. xx, M

  3. Thanks to your review I feel more confident in getting a good product and not just a pretty lip balm. Will definitely go get one as soon as my salary hits my bank account. Or maybe two.
    One for me and one for work 😉

    1. HIIII Line!!! awe you’re so adorable! Of course you need one for your new fabulous work hahaha. You look like a model jetting around the world. I’m very jealous and so proud of you! Kisses, M (Come back to Dubai!)

      1. Hehe, gotta bring that luxurious feeling with me to work of course! Aww thank you, dear! Amazing what a good uniform can do 😉
        YES! Hope I can come visit you in Dubai soon. Kissies :*

        1. My beautiful Line!! I really hope so, we had so much fin last time you visited :). Take good care and keep up the good work darling! xoxo, M

  4. It’s totally a watermelon scent 🙂 I agree. I have the normal Rouge Voluptée Shines and love the formula. This sounds even better.
    Lots of love, Desi (stunnydesi_loves on IG)

    1. My Darling Desi!! I LOVE it that you thought I wouldn’t recognize you without your handle! hahahaha, you’re so funny sweetheart. Lots and lots of love, xx M

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