YSL Rouge Volupté Shine - #9 Nude in Private

I love the gloss-lipsticks hybrids that are currently dominating the market, especially the ones that are an even mix of bright pigmentation and transcluscent shine. They are such a great option for when you want to wear something really punchy, but without the fuss of precise application. The YSL Rouge Volupté Shine lipsticks are the latest contender in this increasingly saturated market.

I was sent one of the more demure shades to try out - #9 Nude in Private - which is billed as a "spicy warm beige" on the Sephora site.

The packaging is the same as that of the regular Rouge Volupté, which is ten kinds of fancy. There's just something about the detail of the interlocking logo letters and how they feel under your thumb that feels ultra-glam. It makes the price tag a little easier to swallow when there are similar products available from YSL's drugstore cousins in the l'Oreal family.

The formula is lovely - it feels hydrating going on, and the hyaluronic acid (seriously, what doesn't have this ingredient these days?) helps to achieve that smooth, plumped look. Though it is glossy initially, it fades to a soft, healthy shine as it's worn, and it doesn't travel or bleed. Compared to the Rouge Volupté formula, which can feel quite slippy, this feels lightly balmy. It's less thick than the Revlon Lip Butters, and not as creamy as the Dior Nude collection. It's not an innovative product, but it is a very well executed version.

I don't find this emphasized lines or settled, and it lasted a couple of hours before it started to fade, which is around the ballpark for these kinds of lipsticks. It does have a fruity scent, something like watermelon, which is not overpowering but definitely noticeable.

The shade itself is more pink than I anticipated from the description, though with enough of a beige undertone to register as a My Lips But Better shade. It pulls even rosier on my lips, but looks so completely natural, in a heightened way. Like an airbrushed, fantasy version of my actual lips.

I really love this for an everyday, super-wearable lipstick that doubles as a light balm. I'm definitely going to snag some of the brighter, on-trend shades on the range, like #5 Fuchsia in Excess. (Nudes and hot pinks, what else? Ha!)

Have you guys tried any of the shades yet? What do you think of the formula?

Availability: At Sephora, Nordstrom, the Bay. Price is 34$ USD and 39$ CAD.

Pros: Hydrating formula, translucent yet pigmented, feels smooth and lightly balmy. This shade in particular is very easy to wear.

Cons: Fragrance may not be to your taste.

(The item was sent to me by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)