So the question on everyone’s lips (pun totally intended) is: Can we find a dupe? A legit, “fool-your-friends-and-yourself” kind of dupe? Let’s dive in, shall we?
First off, I gotta say, the YSL formula is *chef’s kiss*. It’s matte, but not that awful drying-your-lips-are-about-to-crack matte. It’s like…a comfortable matte. I know, weird, right? But that’s what makes it so sought after, y’know?
Now, the rumors on the street (aka, the internetz) point to the L’Oreal Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick as a possible contender. Especially for *some* of the YSL shades. I even saw one person suggesting the shade “I Radiate” as a dupe for the shade Violet Conviction (15).
Okay, hold up a sec. Violet Conviction is a *dark fuchsia*. “I Radiate” is… well, I haven’t personally swatched it, but the name makes me think it’s gonna be some kind of orangey-red kinda deal. Sooo… *maybe* not a perfect dupe for *that* specific color, but the FORMULA similarity? That’s what we’re after!
I mean, Think about it: L’Oreal owns YSL (L’Oréal bought Yves Saint Laurent’s Beauté division in 2008, in case you didn’t know). So, it’s not totally insane to think that the parent company might borrow some of that sweet, sweet formula magic, right? It’s like a family secret!
But here’s the thing: “dupe” is a loaded word. What one person considers a dupe, another person calls “meh.” It’s subjective, people! Like, I might think a certain shade of drugstore lipstick is a perfect match for my favorite high-end one, but my bestie might be like, “Girl, are you blind? That’s not even close!”
So, my advice? (and this is just my opinion, ok?) Go to the drugstore (or order online, if you’re feelin’ lazy). Pick up a few shades of the L’Oreal Rouge Signature Matte. Experiment! See what comes close to the *feel* of the YSL Tatouage Couture. Focus on the consistency, the finish, the way it wears throughout the day.
And honestly? If you find a shade you love, even if it’s not a *perfect* color match, who cares? You’ve found a killer matte liquid lipstick at a price that won’t make your wallet cry.
