Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Fusion Ink Foundation in Singapore + A Quick Review of YSL Liquid Foundations

The much-anticipated YSL Le Teint Encre de Peau/Fusion Ink Foundation has finally arrived on our shores!

With a reservation list of 12,000 (!) at Selfridges in London before it was even available for sale, and an hour’s wait to purchase a bottle when it launched at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC, this foundation is close to achieving iconic status, despite being new to the beauty market.

✒ “Feels like a feather. Wears like an ink.” ✒

This clever tagline for Fusion Ink says it all: With its lightweight texture, it feels soft and velvety on the skin. True to its promise of longevity, it holds up pretty well in our humid climate too.

I don’t quite like its applicator, though – it’s too fiddly for me and I have to be careful when I’m dispensing the product from the bottle. I guess it’s all part of the ink concept?

Another drawback is its low sun protection value (SPF18/PA+++) but better this than nothing. I know that some makeup brands tend not to fixate on UV protection for some of their foundations because they don’t want to compromise on texture and finish; I suppose it’s the same for YSL.

That said, the brand recommends that you use it with their new sunscreen, YSL Forever Light Creator UV Protection SPF 50 PA++++, for a glowy appearance.

Vogue UK has a nice review of this foundie, as well as an insight into its NASA-inspired technology.

From now till Sunday, this popular foundation will be exclusively available at Tangs Orchard, where you will receive a deluxe-sized YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lip Colour and a YSL Dessin du Regard Waterproof Eye Pencil when you purchase two YSL products, including any foundation from the brand.

If you’re unsure about splurging so quickly on the new foundation, you could visit the event space or the brand counter at Tangs for a personalised sample to try it before buying.

They’ll also have a stencil-tattoo for you to experience its texture and long-wearing quality.

Such a clever idea, no?

Do give the YSL liquid foundation range a go. I reach for them very often in my stash because they meet my different needs. Here’s a quick review of each one:

YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat SPF 19/PA++ (S$79)

I use this on days when my skin is behaving. It isn’t my favourite because of the fairly sheer coverage but it does lend a natural, subtly radiant finish. It’s good for people looking for a light, my-skin-but-better foundation.

YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat UV SPF 30/PA+++ (S$79)

One of my favourite foundations, this version differs from the original in that it has much higher coverage and sun protection. It’s rather hydrating too. It photographs beautifully, giving my skin clarity and a natural glow. It pairs nicely with its compact counterpart that’s perfect for touch-ups.

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation SPF 18/PA+++ (S$89)

Lightweight and long-lasting, this buildable foundie might have an unwieldy applicator but its natural mattifying effect is lovely for days when I want a more sophisticated, less dewy canvas. I like its 3-dimensional—not flat—matte finish. For additional radiance, it can be easily paired with illuminating primers. It seems to work better on well-hydrated skin, so I have to make sure my face is well-prepped as I have dry/dehydrated areas on my combination/sensitive skin.

YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation SPF 20/PA++ (S$99)

Infused with the brand’s reparative glycan-powered Youth Liberator Serum, this anti-ageing skincare-in-makeup foundation is incredibly lush and velvety on the skin. I love its silky touch and dewy finish. It’s especially lovely for days when my skin feels parched – it evens out dry patches and imbues my skin with cushiony comfort. It feels so soothing that it’s ‘comfort in a bottle’ for me. :)

This new addition will be permanent here and will launch at other Yves Saint Laurent Beauté locales come Monday, 16 February 2015.

In Singapore, YSL Beauty can be found at ION Orchard (the flagship boutique at B2-34), Tangs Orchard and Takashimaya.