After discovering that one of the most popular posts (in the top twenty) from last year was my review of YSL’s Rouge Voluptes from 2008 (!), I wanted to go back and bring the post up-to-date. Luckily, all but one shade of Rouge Volupte that I’ve reviewed previously is still available. I’ve always dreamed of being able to redo swatches from years ago, and though time will not permit me to do such things in general, it seems like it makes sense to update posts that are still popular, even after six years!

Rouge Volupte is still one of the more popular lipstick formulas on the market, and it’s a range that YSL has continued to expand and release additional shades for since it initially launched. (And fun tidbit, they haven’t changed price at all in six years.) The formula is very creamy with a high degree of slip, is medium-weight and slightly thick compared to the average lipstick, and is typically opaque on lips. Because of their creaminess, full color coverage is possible in one stroke with many shades. The finish is glossy and shiny, which gives lips a smoother appearance. One of the primary traits of the formula is that lips look drenched in color and very, very smooth–almost plumper. The formula is moderately hydrating, and the wear time is about average, but it can depend on the shade.

YSL Nude Beige (1) Rouge Volupte Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “creamy neutral beige.” It’s a pinky-beige with warm undertones and a soft shine. It had mostly opaque color coverage and lasts three and a half hours on me. Too Faced Taffy (P, $21.00) is warmer. MAC Pret-a-Pretty (LE, $16.00) is lighter, less glossy. Urban Decay Native (P, $22.00) is darker, pinker. Revlon Pink Lemonade (P, $7.49) is sheerer. Tom Ford Beauty Blush Nude (P, $49.00) is more beige, less pink. MAC 3N (LE, $16.00) is more beige, darker. Buxom Nudist (P, $21.00) is less pink. See comparison swatches.

Lingerie Pink (7) Rouge Volupte Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “light creamy pink.” It’s a light-medium pink with subtle warm undertones and a creamy, glossy finish. It had mostly opaque pigmentation, and it lasted for three hours on me. This one can take some patience to get even, as the thicker formula makes it easy for the color to overlap onto itself and show lines. MAC Vivid Image (LE, $16.00) is less glossy. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Femme (P, $18.00) is slightly darker. See comparison swatches.

Fetish Pink (8) Rouge Volupte Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “vibrant pink.” It’s a light-medium, blue-based pink with cool undertones and a luminous shine. It had rich, opaque color coverage, and it applied evenly and smoothly. It wore well for four hours. NARS Villa Lante (LE, $25.00) is less blue-based, more muted. NARS Goodbye Emmanuelle (LE, $26.00) is darker. MAC Steady Going (LE, $16.00) is more matte. MAC Playtime (LE, $16.00) is darker. Maybelline Pink Pop (P, $7.49) is not as glossy but very similar in color. MAC Divine Choice (P, $22.00) is sheerer. MAC Naughty Saute (LE, $16.00) is cooler-toned. See comparison swatches.

Just as an FYI, YSL’s own e-commerce website seems to have the largest selection of shades.

YSL Nude Beige (1) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Nude Beige (1) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Nude Beige (1) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Nude Beige (1) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Nude Beige (1) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Nude Beige (1) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Nude Beige (1) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Nude Beige (1) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Lingerie Pink (7) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Lingerie Pink (7) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Lingerie Pink (7) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Lingerie Pink (7) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Lingerie Pink (7) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Lingerie Pink (7) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Lingerie Pink (7) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Fetish Pink (8) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Fetish Pink (8) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Fetish Pink (8) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Fetish Pink (8) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Fetish Pink (8) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Fetish Pink (8) Rouge Volupte Lipstick

YSL Fetish Pink (8) Rouge Volupte Lipstick