Yves Saint Laurent • ROUGE PUR COUTURE • Lipstick

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*TOP REVIEWER* LibertyRose on 5/20/2013 12:15:00 PM more reviews by LibertyRose

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Not sure what is so special about this formula because I find it to be completely mundane. Therefore, outrageously expensive. Doesn't apply evenly and calls attention to the flakes when your lips are dry. After using Suqqu, no other lipstick feels as moisturizing and effortless, but Suqqu is in the top echelon by itself. It is probably more fair to compare YSL to, say, Burberry or Armani, and yet personal experience says YSL loses to both. I have #23 Corail Poetique, which swatches a beautiful (poetic!) shade of orange/coral, but the warmth has all but disappeared in real life, and I am left with a rather cold-toned fuchsia.

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susiej on 5/9/2013 1:48:00 PM more reviews by susiej

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This was an impulse buy for me- I have #6 Rose Bergamasque which caught my eye when I was repurchasing another YSL product.

This lipstick, in this shade, is gorgeous. Swiped on the hand it has quite a thin, almost gel like consistency. On the lips though I find it behaves quite uniquely- it goes on and then after a few minutes the initial shiny look dries off and it sets for a soft velvety finish. Sort of like how a stain performs only this doesn't stain in so much as the pigment doesn't penetrate the skin- you can wipe this off when you want to. I find it very comfortable, light and hydrating to wear. And it lasts longer than average on me- 4-5 hours, fading evenly with no nasty gathering at the edges.

The colour Rose Bergamasque is a pinky beige medium/pale nude. I really struggle with nudes. I have pigmented lips and it's just very hard to find a nude that doesn't fight my natural lip colour or doesn't have a horrible obviously heavy look on top of it. And there is also the problem of what nudes do to your overall complexion when you have strong reddish colouring in the lip area. Well this lipstick is the answer for me- it gives me a true, natural pale pinky beige nude without washing me out. I don't know how it does it, because I have tried so many different lipsticks of a similar colour and they don't work anywhere near as well as this.

There are only two drawbacks to this lipstick- like a lot of nude lipsticks it isn't the most forgiving on poorly conditioned lips. You have to make sure they are soft, hydrated and even before applying otherwise it will cling to dry skin you didn't even know you had.
And secondly it doesn't 'agree' with mixing with other lip products. If you try and put this over lips with a little vaseline or a glossy balm on them, it looks tragic. It needs to go on bare. I think this is something to do with the formula that likes to dry to set. Perhaps there are balms that work with this but I haven't found one.

I'd love to try more shades in the line to see if the formula is similar across the line but it would be a pricey experiment!

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foppery on 11/7/2012 12:10:00 PM more reviews by foppery

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I own this lipstick in #8, Belle de Rose, which is a gorgeous dark fuchsia/berry color. I tend to wear it as a stain to tone down its vampiness, but it looks beautiful either way; I'd especially recommend it for cool-toned people like me. It lasts a few hours on my lips and fades evenly. My only complaint is that it's somewhat drying, and I have to wear it over lip balm. However, I have very dry lips in general, so take this with a grain of salt. The smell is strong--I'd describe it as "wine and roses"--but I find it pleasant, and I'm usually sensitive to lipstick smells.

I've also tried on #1, Le Rouge, which is the most vivid blue-based red I've ever encountered. It's also more moisturizing than Belle de Rose. I can't bring myself to buy a lipstick that makes me look like I'm wearing those red wax lips, but if you want your mouth to look fluorescent, try Le Rouge.

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princesshorn on 9/9/2012 9:06:00 PM more reviews by princesshorn

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Wow this lipstick is perfect! (Except for the price, that is)
I bought mine in #7, Fuchsia. It's a very cute deep pink, and goes on perfectly. Its creamy and stays on well even while eating and drinking! Worth the price, but if you are on a budget I suggest staying with MAC's lipstick.

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avalonnj on 8/24/2012 4:43:00 PM more reviews by avalonnj

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I have #6, Rose Bergamasque. Lovely nude pink with a hint of coral. Very nice shade for fair blondes. If I use a bit of bronzer, my lips can look washed out. If I used a coral blush, my lips have a soft pink luminescence. If I used a more neutral blush, my lips can look a bit dead. I think your lip pigmentation has a large affect on this color. If your lips are pale, this color will brighten but not look garish. If your lips are pigmented, this color can make them look a pit opaque and pasty. The lipstick is not very long lasting.

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sealegg on 6/18/2012 8:37:00 PM more reviews by sealegg

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Curly   Eyes: Brown    

Love this color on my tan/dark skin. It's a nice toned pink but not quite nude... not too loud, but very noticeable. (Color #26)

This is a beautiful color, the texture is smooth so I don't put anything under this lipstick. The packaging is gorgeous. This very well maybe the best lipstick I've used, but only a slight first to second.

But yikes, the price tag is enough for me to say "It's not worth that much.". Pass. Luckily I got this in a swap.

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VanyKa on 5/22/2012 5:20:00 PM more reviews by VanyKa

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this after reading a review when I was searching for a red red...this is defenetively the redest red I own. Its a blue-tone based red, which makes your face look redder (accentuates the red) and having a very sensitive (rosacea) skin I tend to have red cheeks most of the time. So I usually just ignore this rule, use some make up or save this color for days when my skin is on its best. Back to the lippie, its a beautiful color, the design and packaging is gorgeous, very elegant, the lippie tube does get fingerprints all over it easily, and the tone has decolorated a little bit over time. Quality wise this is a very good, very pigmented lipstick, and just one layer is enough to be bold red on my lips. Its very creamy and has a very nice smell, and applies smoothly, it mosturizes my lips at first, but I do feel like my lips get a bit dry after a while, but I do have very dry lips so its not easy to keep em mosturized. I think due to its creamyness it runs out just a little bit on my lips, so Id recomend using a lipliner. And as far as the staying-power goes...its excellent! Leaves a stain and it wont come off easily. This is next to my Chanel Rouge Coco #19 my fave true red lipstick, this one being bolder then the Chanel one. Very classy, very elegant.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mariannepilgaard on 4/18/2012 3:33:00 AM more reviews by mariannepilgaard

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This review is for #17 Rose Dahlia. I love this colour. I was looking for a lipstick dupe for NARS lipgloss Frisky Summer (I believe it is discontinued) and this is spot on. The packaging is really luxurious, square gold metal packaging with the YSL logo embossed between the top and bottom (you can actually use this as a mirror if you do not have one handy). The formula is really comfortable and the finish is shiny. On my lips unfortunately I need to reapply quite often, which, in combination with the fact that it is SO expensive i probably will not re-purchase this particular formula.

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rsch94 on 1/25/2012 10:50:00 PM more reviews by rsch94

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Truly my perfect lipstick formula / colour.

I own this in #6, Rose Bergamasque, and it is a true pink toned nude. I reach for this a lot more often then my more peach toned nudes (like Revlon's Soft Nude) and lighter pink nudes (MAC Hue). This is definitely a universally flattering shade that leans on the pinker side and is darker than a foundation-y nude. This is very flattering with my warm toned colouring (I am a NC20 - 25).


The formula is very smooth and feels moisturizing on lips. I feel that it is more moisturizing than MAC yet still dry enough to keep the pigmentation from migrating on the lips. I do have very dry lips though so this may be a more slippery formula for others. These lipsticks also have a slight rose scent that is pleasant to me and I don't think it would bother someone sensitive to scents. You can't smell it while wearing it. Lasting power on me is a couple hours but probably longer with the darker shades.


I love the classy gold packaging - fingerprints don't bother me. I will repurchase this shade and look forward to trying others from this line.

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donegal11 on 1/23/2012 2:25:00 AM more reviews by donegal11

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

I love these lipstick. I have 1(a very true red) and 7 (a perfect fuschia) and the colours are just spot on. Often colours are a little 'not quite right' but these are perfect. The colour is also very saturated, so they last well. I think this is one of those expensive products that is actually worth the extra.

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reaperangelique on 1/7/2012 3:44:00 PM more reviews by reaperangelique

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is for the Golden Lustre line. Beautiful packaging (though it picks up fingerprints) and a great range of shades. Pricy, but nice to splurge on; I got Rose Boréale for myself and it's a 'my lips but better' nude that has a touch of golden shimmer and feels moisturising on the lips. Staying power is average for me. I ended up getting Rose Bergamasque for one sister and I can't remember exactly, but I think it was Fuschia Symbole for another sister- no complaints and they're both very pretty colours, a nude pink and a bright fuschia. Really lovely lipsticks but they have a smell to them that I wouldn't describe as bad, but sort of strange. Hardly noticeable unless you're actually smelling it though.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Bellona on 12/29/2011 1:42:00 AM more reviews by Bellona

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I love YSL lipsticks. They are imho the best out there. They give great pigment, lasting color, and don't dry out my lips. I have two from the rouge volupte line, and then one from rouge pur couture. I bought the red #1. It's the most beautiful wearable red I've seen yet. I get tons of compliments every time I wear it and it lasts all night. My lips stay moisturized and the color just looks amazing. LOVE IT.

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suliana on 11/16/2011 8:45:00 AM more reviews by suliana

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

This is amongst the BEST lipsticks that I've owned... and that speaks a lot because I own MANY lipsticks, which I can't possibly use up in this lifetime! The first lipstick from YSL that I owned was the older version, the Rouge Pur. That lipstick was DIVINE! I considered that the best lipstick in terms of staying power, moisturization and texture.


Like the Rouge Pur, this one is very light, moisturizing and lasts a long time. To be honest, the Rouge Pur lasted a little longer, but that really depends on the shade that you're using. Rouge Pur Couture is more moisturising. Both feel very lightweight and have a very light and pleasant scent which disappears within minutes. My favourite from Rouge Pur is 131 Opium Red, which is an intense, beautiful red. I have 2 lipsticks from the newer Pur Couture line: #4 Rouge Vermillion and #9 Rose Stiletto.


Rouge Vermillon is a dark raspberry shade while Rose Stiletto is a rosy pink which would likely show up on almost everyone. Both shades look very different when applied. When swatched, Rouge Vermillion looks like a much darker version of Rose Stiletto... But on the lips, they look very different! The best thing about these tubes of divinity is that they're super lightweight and very comfortable! Plus, the color shows up very well since they are very well-pigmented. They also don't dry out the lips.


Superb lipstick and really worth the price! Oh yes, they are definitely expensive... All YSL lipsticks are expensive, but they have the best quality! I will not hesitate to buy another shade if I come across one that I fancy! My only gripe is that the shiny gold tube tends to get dirty easily...Hmmm, fingerprint magnets! However, I can live with that since the lipstick itself is GREAT! By the way, the Rouge Pur tube seems a little heavier and of better quality. The Rouge Pur Couture tube looks nice but feels light and doesn't have the expensive feel... Still, I LOVE Rouge Pur Couture!


For reference, I use NC 25-30 in MAC and 2.5 warm Sand in Bobbi Brown.

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yaki on 10/19/2011 7:21:00 AM more reviews by yaki

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

So let's face it, it's really hard to find a lipstick for woc, we are all about Mac , cover girl or NYX. I just wanted to give a try to ysl, so I went to Sephora and try it. I went back home with 5. Lol. i bought the numbers 9 and 25. I am nw45 in Mac, Cappuccino in Revlon Colorstay. I m so happy with my purchase, the n 25 is the perfect pink nude and n 9 bright pink that is so beautifull you can wear it day or night. I've always been a ysl girl for their sunglasses or coat. By now Im gonna have the total look. For the texture, it's sweet, satin and stays put. I wear with cork lippencil.

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EmmaMo on 10/4/2011 1:26:00 AM more reviews by EmmaMo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I have this in #17 Rose Dahlia, a beautiful pinky-coral-rose which is strong enough to be somewhat of a statement lip yet subtle enough to not overpower your makeup/outfit. It's a very unique colour and it's a great alternative to a bright pink/red lip, especially during the day. I find it really lifts my complexion. It was the only colour that really stood out for me in this line: there are a lot of typical nudes, beiges and the obligatory red.

The finish is satiny and it feels nicely moisturising but not slippy on lips. It wears away evenly over a few hours (reasonably long-lasting) and leaves a pretty tint if you can't get to reapply in time. I kept smacking my lips when I first tried this as I loved the moisturised, slightly bouncy feel it gave my lips.

The packaging is the usual YSL shiny gold and while it looks luxurious initially the finish tends to dull. However in the early days it's great for using as a mirror to reapply. It has a rose/powdery fragrance which I didn't love, but didn't hate either.

I love lipsticks and to be honest this is probably my favourite one: interesting colour, wonderful finish, lasts well. The only downside is the price (around €30) which is a lot steeper than I'd like. However I would repurchase (I haven't found another lipstick quite like this one) and will be checking out other YSL lipsticks to see if they can compare to this.

If these are more expensive than you would be willing to pay then I'd recommend Bourjois lipsticks: great pigmentation and a decent satin finish with lovely packaging.They're especially good for red lipsticks.

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QueenPam on 9/28/2011 2:24:00 PM more reviews by QueenPam

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I noticed that Kourtney Kardashian wore a beautiful shade of an orange/red lipstick and once I found out it was YSL Rouge Pur Couture #13, I went to buy it despite it being so expensive.

I get so many compliments on the color, but it doesn't last at all. It has a smooth texture while applying, but it comes off so fast and then when I reapply it starts to flake a little and the color won't apply all over my lips. I have a really cheap Revlon lipstick that is just as a beautiful color and lasts 10x longer. I can actually fall asleep wearing it and wake up in the morning and it's still on. Kind of upset at the quality of this lipstick since it's pricey.

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Juno360 on 9/27/2011 9:12:00 AM more reviews by Juno360

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I love the color and texture of this lipstick. It feels marvelous, though I think the square case is a bit cheap looking. I have #3 Rouge Saadi, an absolutely gorgeous rose red that's bold enough to feel red and subtle enough to go anywhere. But it bleeds WAY outside my lipline, no matter how I line or prep. The staying power inside my lip line is sadly much less than the staying power outside it.
Now I understand why the SA was trying so hard to sell me a liner to match.
I still wear it, but I have to work it into my lip like a stain and use concealer outside and it still wanders. If you want a red that stays PUT, try Bobbi Brown Red 10, or Guerlain Rouge G in 21 Gala or Nars Jungle Red.

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egoldbau on 9/17/2011 10:56:00 PM more reviews by egoldbau

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I originally went for "le rouge." I was looking for the "perfect" red and hadn't found it yet. I think most red lipsticks are too blue for me and sadly, so was le rouge. On a whim i tried on "le orange" and I am so glad I did. It is a gorgeous orangey red on the lip, not fully orange at all. Even after eating food, a really complimentary stain remains. Love it and can't wait to go back for another color.

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so_siqqq on 9/16/2011 10:35:00 AM more reviews by so_siqqq

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

The Rouge Pur Couture l/s maybe expensive at $30 a tube, but I think it’s worth it. The formulation is very smooth and creamy and applies like a balm. I have this l/s in Rose Bergamasque 6 which is a pink nude. To me, this color is very different from the other pink nude l/s that I have (Crème d’Nude, Myth, Shy Girl, Revlon Soft Nude) and is probably most similar to Soft Nude. Rose Bergamasque actually shows up true to the color on my pigmented lips and does not make me (NC25/30) look like a corpse. Also for being a lighter colored l/s, the lasting power is pretty good. I can go about 3 hours without reapplying. The only downside for me is the smell, which reminds me of wine coolers for some reason. I'm definitely going to splurge on the other colors.

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*TOP REVIEWER* GucciDiva on 9/7/2011 8:12:00 PM more reviews by GucciDiva

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

My favorite lipstick formula. It is smooth and just creamy enough so that it glides on, but it lasts a long time. It is moisturizing and does not bleed. And smells amazing. I have 7, 14, 17, and 27. 7 is a gorgeous fuchsia, 14 is an amazing oxblood red for fall, 17 is a nice slightly muted red coral, and 27 is a light, bright fuchsia that is great on its own, but really comes alive with gloss pur in 9.

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