Sculpt, Blur and Hydrate With YSL's New Elite Nude Lip Combo
I am the Content Manager here at Adore Beauty. I have been a makeup artist for over 6 years now and love all things beauty.
In Partnership With Yves Saint Laurent
When it comes to lip products, I'm admittedly hard to impress.
During my 13 years as a makeup artist, I've tested countless lip liners, lipsticks and glosses, so it takes something exceptional to earn a permanent spot in my kit.
While I expected to like YSL Beauty's new Lovenude Lip Duo, I wasn't expecting both formulas to work so seamlessly together. After taking them both for a spin, here are my honest thoughts...
Yves Saint Laurent Lovenude Kiss Shaper, $52
Let's start with the liner, because this is the one that made me go "wow". Available in 11 shades and retailing for $52, here are some fast facts:
Key features of the Yves Saint Laurent Lovenude Kiss Shaper
- Shapes and defines lips with up to 12-hour wear
- Ultra-creamy texture for smooth, effortless application
- Creates the appearance of fuller-looking lips
- Soft-focus, blurred matte finish
- 12 versatile nude shades designed to suit all skin tones
- Can be worn alone or layered with other lip products
My Yves Saint Laurent Lovenude Kiss Shaper review:
The formula glides on with almost no drag, which sounds like a small thing until you've fought a stiff, tuggy liner that catches and pulls, making it look like your three-year-old niece volunteered to do your makeup (speaking from experience). It's soft enough to overline with total confidence, but also delivers a defined tip once sharpened, making precise, clean lip lines easy to achieve.
What impressed me most, though, is how well it plays both sides. Left as a hard line, it holds its shape. But feather it in with a finger or a small synthetic brush and it diffuses beautifully, melting into a soft-focus edge instead of a harsh outline.
Then there's the transfer test, and this one actually has a story behind it. I was on FaceTime with one of my besties when I first opened these and of course swatched them on the back of my hand mid-conversation. I immediately ran a clean finger over the freshly applied liner, expecting at least some transfer or smudging but it simply did not budge.
No smudging, no transfer, no feathering, just two very shocked (and impressed) 30 year olds wanting this liner in every shade. I opted for shade 109 as I like to go slightly darker when lining my lips, however there are 12 amazing shades to choose from, making your perfect match pretty easy to find.
Yves Saint Laurent Lovenude Lip Blusher, $72
If the Kiss Shaper Sculpting Lip liner is the quiet overachiever, the Lip Blusher is the one that makes a Beyonce-worthy entrance.
The packaging alone (a dreamy blush pink case with a rose gold lid) feels like it belongs on a vanity, not shoved in a makeup bag, and the formula opens with a sweet gourmand fragrance.
Texture-wise, this sits closer to a cream blush than your traditional matte-finish lipstick, and that's very much the point. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid, black nigella sativa seed, coffee oil and blueberry extracts, so instead of that stiff, drying finish you get from a lot of matte lip products, it feels quite comfortable and hydrating while still delivering a soft-matte, blurred wash of colour.
Key features of the Yves Saint Laurent Lovenude Lip Blusher:
- Sheer, buildable nude colour with a soft-diffused matte finish
- Up to 24-hour hydration
- Balmy, lightweight texture that feels comfortable on lips
- Visibly smooths and blurs the look of lips
- Formulated with Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid
- Suitable for sensitive lips
Why you'll love it:
The best part is how flexible this lip blusher is depending on your mood. Want more coverage? Simply build it up with a few extra swipes.
Barely-there, bitten flush more your vibe? Lightly blot it across your lips and then press a kiss onto the back of your hand or a tissue for a soft, diffused finish that looks like your lips, just better. I opted for shade 4, however, there are 10 shades available.
How I Wear Them Together
I always start by prepping the lips with a hydrating balm, letting it sink in for a minute before blotting away any excess. This gives the products a smooth base to grip onto without feeling slippery.
Next, I lightly outline the lips with the Kiss Shaper Lip Liner, paying a little extra attention to the cupid's bow and the centre of the bottom lip if I'm after a fuller-looking shape. Before the liner fully sets, I'll gently soften the edges with my fingertip for a more diffused finish.
To finish, I tap the Lip Blusher over the top rather than swiping it on. Pressing the colour into the lips creates the prettiest soft-focus effect, and if I want an even more blurred finish, I'll sometimes blot my lips onto a tissue afterwards.
Matte lips not really your vibe? Simply pop your favourite gloss, oil or balm straight over the top and enjoy the staying power of the matte prods underneath whilst living your best glossy-lip-life.
My Verdict
This lip duo genuinely exceeded my expectations and is one I'll be recommending to anyone that will listen.
Whether you're a complete makeup beginner or someone who knows their way around a beauty counter, it's an easy-to-use pairing that delivers long-lasting lips without compromising on comfort.
Effortless enough to wear everyday yet elevated enough to earn itself a spot during life’s special occasions, adding this lip duo to your makeup world is a no brainer.
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