I decided to review the Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture ($20 USD / $27 CDN each) separately from the Summer 2012 Collection Review, simply because only two of the shades I have are from the actual collection and the other two are from the regular line. Also, since it’s a new formula launch…I might as well give it it’s own review in full.

The Packaging

Yves Saint Laurent wins time and time again for packaging. They look the most luxurious, the most expensive (well they are, so they should look it) and the most elegant/timeless too. The signature gold packaging and accents are always executed so beautifully, for a classic look that never goes out of style.  The bottles of polish themselves are chic, square glass bottles with a square gold cap adorned with the YSL logo. The cap pops off to reveal a black screw-top, which the nail polish brush is attached to. The brush itself is amazing- it reminds me a lot of the Nicole by OPI Perfect Stroke Brushthat they are introducing into their line- a sort of flattened out, fanned out brush that contours to the nail bed perfectly and can cover the entire nail in a single stroke (well, my nails at least- I have tiny nails)!

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture Collection Packaging

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in (left to right) Nº 1, Nº 4, Nº 21, Nº 18

The Product

The formula itself is gorgeous- it’s super creamy.  The colors are just even themselves out on the nail- it’s hard to describe. I didn’t experience any streakiness with any of the colors… and if I did while applying them, the streakiness disappeared as they settled on the nail. The polish is a good thickness to work with, and although they claim to be highly pigmented, I did experience some shades that were a little more sheer. All of the shades I tested were good to go in 2-3 coats (usually 2, the only one that took 3 coats was Coral Colisée).  It also claims extreme shine and hold… I believe they are pretty good and being chip-free for at least 3 days, but typing 24/7 puts quite a bit of extra strain on them. As for high-shine, well, nothing really compares to my Gelish shine, so until I find a polish that is just as glossy as Gelish… I won’t be impressed by the shine haha. After even a day, I’ve found that the shine dulls down quite a bit.

One thing that is pretty cool is that they are each formulated with rose oil and calcium to reinforce, protect and strengthen nails (and boy, do I need all of that I can get)! With 30 gorgeous shades, you’re sure to find one that is perfect for you and for the season.  The shades I have are:

• Nº 1 Pop Art Rouge: My favorite red now! I can’t wait to get this one on my toes, just because it’s the perfect red and I’ve got a cute pair of navy polka dot peep toes that I’ve been trying to find the perfect red to go with.  Classic and timeless, this one is sure to be one of the most popular!
• Nº 4 Coral Colisée: A gorgeous orange-coral shade that is perfect for Spring. I did find this one to be a little more sheer than the other shades, but it is gorgeous none-the-less.
• Nº 18 Bleu Majorelle: A stunning, inky blue. One of the signature colors of YSL (and perfect to match my the blue mascara from the Summer 2012 collection), this shade is definitely perfect pairing for a little black dress.
• Nº 21 Taupe Retro: A deep brownish taupe- I was surprised to see this one in the Summer 2012 collection, however it’s a nice change. I would wear it more in the Fall, however its a stunning shade none-the-less. Super modern and chic! This one also had the most pigment out of all of them- pretty much perfect after just one coat.

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 1 Pop Art Rouge

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 1 Pop Art Rouge

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 1 Pop Art Rouge

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 4 Coral Colisée

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 4 Coral Colisée

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 4 Coral Colisée

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 18 Bleu Majorelle

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 18 Bleu Majorelle

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 18 Bleu Majorelle

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 21 Taupe Retro

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 21 Taupe Retro

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 21 Taupe Retro

Ingredients

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture Ingredients

See More

• Look Book: Terre Saharienne
• Yves Saint Laurent Summer 2012 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches
• Video Review
• Full Collection Information

Summary

• Price: $20 USD / $27 CDN for 0.34oz / 10mL
• Availability: YSL
• Selection: 30 shades
• Overall: I’m really impressed with the new formula- it evens out over the nail with such ease, I never experienced any streakiness. The shades are really beautiful, and with such a large range, you’re sure to find one you love. Some are a little more sheer than others, but overall I found 2 coats was sufficient. I also adore the new brush- it makes such a perfectly shaped manicure, especially at the nail bed for a salon-quality look. I wouldn’t say they are longer lasting than OPI or China Glaze, and the high shine finish did dull quite quickly, but overall the polishes are a new favorite of mine.
• Rating: A