Call me old fashioned, but I like to buy my beauty products in person. Reading a scent description online is not the same as smelling it in person. The same goes for swatching lipsticks or colour-matching a foundation. Skincare, fragrance and makeup demand to be touched, felt, tried on. At least, that's what I believe.
The experience is made even more special when the retailer in question is luxurious, curated and adds to the brand experience (just think of the Khaite boutique in NYC, or the much-photographed James Turrell install at The Row's London store). In fashion, this is pretty common. But with beauty, not so much. That's why the brand new YSL Beauty boutique in Melbourne's Chadstone is exciting. It enables us to shop the product line in a way that's uniquely YSL – and not in the context of a department store. There's reading material and iconic photography, plus exclusive extras like gift-wrapping, engraving and access to the Le Vestiare collection IRL.
In celebration of the opening (and my inaugural visit), I've rounded up five YSL Beauty favourites below that found their way into my cart. And I have to add, my usual aversion to shopping centres doesn't exist in the context of Chadstone. It's glossy, luxe and made for retail therapy.
1. YSL BEAUTY Tuxedo Eau de Parfume
This perfume is modelled on the allure of a classic YSL tuxedo — sleek, sexy, masculine. It's dry and amber-y; there's patchouli, spice, sour berries, smoke. I love the way it dries down, it's undoubtedly my favourite YSL fragrance. It feels very sophisticated, timeless and androgynous. One for the extroverts among us.
2. YSL BEAUTY Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils
I read somewhere this is Mary-Kate's favourite mascara? Accuracy aside, it's the best formula for an inky black lash look. I like using the brush to slightly push my lashes together for a spidery effect. Best paired with a little black liner and raw skin.
3. YSL BEAUTY Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick
There is a shiny new iteration of this lipstick on its way to our shores (keep your eyes peeled for Love Shine) but I do love the original. It's the ultimate low maintenance lipstick: more pigment than a balm, but not so much you need to keep tabs on it all night. Also, it's hydrating, slightly glossy and the shade range is superb. If you're shy when it comes to bold lipstick, Volupte Shine is a great place to start. Personally, I love the hue Chestnut Corset.
4. YSL BEAUTY Touche Éclat Illuminating Highlighter Pen
Concealers don't get more iconic than Touche Éclat. It's incredibly light, melts into the skin and works like a charm to brighten up under-eye circles. It can also be used on high points to illuminate your favourite features. I'm never without it.
5. YSL BEAUTY Tuxedo Candle
I have this candle on my coffee table, it's heaven. The vibe is similar to the personal fragrance – smoky, warm, incense-y – but a little softer. It's cosy but not cloying, and feels like a grown up way to scent your space.
Want to visit YSL Beauty Chadstone? Find store location and opening hours on the Chadstone website.
