I always get so excited to see summer collections- they are my favorite out of any season and Yves Saint Laurent always has such a sophisticated spin on their collections. This one is no different- with what I like to describe as a modern chic meets poolside beach babe- still very summery and colourful, but classy and mod too. I have a few pieces from the collection, but if you wish to see the whole collection with prices and photos, click here.  I’ll be reviewing the La Laque Couture collection separately, so make sure to check that out too!

Yves Saint Laurent Summer 2012 Collection & La Laque Couture Polishes

The Bronzer

The Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector ($50 USD / $60 CDN) is the masterpiece of the entire collection. Available in three shades (shown here in shade Nº 2 Sunkissed), the python-printed bronzers each feature three complimentary shades (one shade that is larger that the rest).  This shade is more of a bronzy-peach blush to me, because when you look at the other two shades they are much more ‘bronze’.

The compact comes in the tradition gold YSL packaging and nestled in a velvet pouch.  The compact itself is actually nice and sleek, with little ‘wasted’ packaging. This bronzer features a dusty rose, a deep brown and a light peach within the compact- with the peach shade taking the majority of the powder.  You could use them individually if you really tried, but I find it best to mix them all together, leaving you with a golden peach bronze.  It leaves a gorgeous color on the skin, but too warm to actually “tan” with.  I think this shade would be particularly good for fair and light skin tones, because finding a natural-looking bronzer is usually quite a difficult task.  This one adds a summery glow without looking over-bronzed.  Medium to dark skin tones may find one of the other shades (particularly Nº 3 Bronzed) would be a better match for them.

The powder itself is super silky- I was amazed and how creamy it felt to the touch.  It actually has a unique polymer in it to maintain that moisture level.  The powder itself isn’t shimmery, but reflects light and helps to blur imperfections (sort of similar to the effect I found the Milani Illuminating Powders to have).  One thing that is particularly interesting about this powder is that it is formulated to provide a long-lasting hold especially at higher temperatures and humidity levels. Containing SPF12, it also provides a hint of sun protection, however I wouldn’t rely on that tiny amount (especially since the amount of bronzer you would use isn’t really effective).  I found the powder to be very light- almost sheer, yet buildable.  I was happy I was able to actually see it on my skin after about 2 layers, but I do have a feeling that the other “deeper” shades would appear much more easily on my skin tone.

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed (Swatched shades individually)

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed (Swatched all blended together)

The Mascara

I’ve always been a huge fan of the Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof ($28 USD / $36 CDN), so I was happy to see it in the collection. I had never tried it in a coloured formula though, and while I don’t particularly like coloured mascaras… I do like to play with blue every now and then. This shade in Nº 4 Bleu Majorelle is one of the iconic YSL shades, and I was surprised and how pigmented it was. Usually I find blue mascaras to be almost non-detectable, and while this one is still subtle enough to require a second look or catch a little sunlight, it’s still apparent enough to make an effect.

The formula itself is volumizing and lengthening, I really couldn’t rave enough about the mascara itself (and I think many of you agree because of its cult classic status).  It’s buildable, from simple definition to thick and luscious.  I like pairing this striking blue shade with a golden bronzy eyeshadow, to really make it pop! The waterproof formula gives it extra hold and is wonderful for those with pin straight lashes like myself.  I do find it a bit harder to remove then my regular everyday waterproof mascara (L’Oreal Voluminous)… it requires a few rounds of using a dual-phase eye makeup remover and still it’s quite difficult. At least it will really hold up on hot, humid days.

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Nº 4 Bleu Majorelle

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Nº 4 Bleu Majorelle

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Nº 4 Bleu Majorelle

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Nº 4 Bleu Majorelle

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Nº 4 Bleu Majorelle

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Nº 4 Bleu Majorelle

The Lipgloss

This gloss is definitely my favorite piece in the collection, and I know i’m totally going to be using it all the time this summer. It’s the Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss ($30 USD / $34 CDN) in shade Nº 51 Golden Shell, and I fell in love at first sight.  The base is a bronzy pink and it’s full of pink and gold shimmer, giving it a super glam look. I love extra-shimmery lip glosses in the summer, the way they catch the sunlight and glow is so beautiful, so they got the texture of this one just perfect.

The scent is very similar to the YSL Rouge Volupté lipsticks… I don’t really know how to describe it.  The formula itself is pure luxury- silky smooth, thick enough to stay on the lips but not so much to leave a tacky finish, and just totally moisturizing and comfortable overall. I haven’t tried the YSL Golden Gloss formula before, but I’m totally in love after trying this one out. It’s no surprise though, because I haven’t met a YSL lippie that I haven’t loved yet.

It’s pretty long-lasting for its texture, but the only thing I dislike is the taste in my mouth I get after about an hour or so of wear… again, hard to describe, but I get the same taste with the lipsticks. Obviously, try not to eat the lipgloss, but a little bit of consumption is inevitable… and the taste it leaves in my mouth is less than pleasant. The look and feel of the gloss totally trumps that con though in my mind.

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Nº 51 Golden Shell

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Nº 51 Golden Shell

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Nº 51 Golden Shell

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Nº 51 Golden Shell

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Nº 51 Golden Shell

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Nº 51 Golden Shell

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Nº 51 Golden Shell

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Nº 51 Golden Shell

The Nail Polish

The collection include a few shades of polish from the new Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture line ($20 USD / $27 CDN each)- and since I also have a few shades that are not in the collection, I decided to review them separately. Please click here if you wish to see my review on the nail polishes! I have included a few photos and swatches of two of the shades that are found in the collection, Nº 4 Coral Colisée and Nº 21 Taupe Retro.

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 4 Coral Colisée and Nº 21 Taupe Retro

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 4 Coral Colisée

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Nº 21 in Taupe Retro

Ingredients

Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Collector in Nº 2 Sunkissed Ingredients

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Nº 4 Bleu Majorelle Ingredients

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss in Nº 51 Golden Shell Ingredients

See More

• Look Book: Terre Saharienne
• Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture Review, Photos & Swatches
• Video Review
• Full Collection Information

Summary

• Price: Terre Saharienne Collector ($50 USD / $60 CDN), Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils ($28 USD / $36 CDN), Golden Gloss ($30 USD / $34 CDN) and La Laque Couture ($20 USD / $27 CDN)
• Availability: Coming May 2012 to YSL and other YSL retailers
• Selection: View the entire collection here
• Overall: I’m totally in love with the luminescent (yet not shimmery), silky formula of the bronzer.. however the shade is quite light for me.  I would use it more as a blush instead of a bronzer, but it would make an excellent shade for fair skin tones.  The mascara is a gorgeous, striking blue and I love the formula… I did find it a little more difficult than usual to remove though. The gloss is my favorite out of the collection, super shimmery and comfortable. Not a fan of the taste it leaves in my mouth, but the shade is so beautiful I will happily live with it. The nail polishes are reviewed separately here.
• Rating: Terre Saharienne Collector (A-), Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils A-), Golden Gloss (A) and La Laque Couture (A)