Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) combines sophistication with seduction for its spring cosmetic line, “Désir de Jour.” Designed by Lloyd Simmonds, YSL’s creative makeup director, the line features top model Cara Delevingne in a campaign inspired by the 1967 French film “Belle de Jour.”
Directed by Luis Buñuel, “Belle de Jour” stars Catherine Deneuve as Séverine Serizy, a frustrated housewife who begins working in a high-class brothel after experiencing sexual difficulties with her husband. Though the plot may still be considered risqué – a more complex, sophisticated antidote to “Fifty Shades of Grey” – the film depicts sex as an expression of Séverine’s femininity, rather than an exploitation of it.
The title is a play on “belle de nuit,” or “lady of the night,” a reference to prostitution. Since Séverine works in the afternoon, she is a “belle de jour,” or “lady of the day.” The “Désir de Jour” collection captures the two complementary faces of womanhood, something Deneuve herself alluded to in Valerie Steele’s “Fifty Years of Fashion:”
“Saint Laurent designs for women with double lives…(During the daytime) he helps her to go everywhere without drawing unwelcome attention…In the evening when a woman chooses to be with those she is fond of, he makes her seductive.”
Ombre de Jour Couture Palette
The limited edition face palette includes camel beige, golden brown, champagne and bright pink eye shadows and a black matte with pink sparkles to glamorize your look. Use the black matte as both an eye shadow and eyeliner. The product is housed in a gold case with pink crystals and finished with a gold YSL signature. $60.
Blush Volupté
This blush is designed to enhance your cheekbones. The case’s graphics are inspired by Saint Laurent’s 1965 Mondrian dress, made up of red, black, blue, yellow and white color blocks that recall the painter’s “Broadway Boogie-Woogie.” Available in two palettes – the No. 4 Baby Doll, a bold 1970s pink; and No. 6 Baby Passionée, a soft coral. Use the inner shade as a highlighter, $47.
Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Baby Doll and Baby Doll Liquid Eyeliner
A woman’s look is never complete without the proper mascara. YSL’s false-lash effect mascara, also available in waterproof, uses a brush with dual-length bristles to coat every lash. Housed in a shimmery gold case, available in “fetish black, wheddler brown, audacious blue and indiscreet purple,” to quote the brand’s copy. $30. To complete your look, use YSL’s Baby Doll Liquid Eyeliner for long lasting color, $34.
Rouge Volupté Shine
Bold lipsticks are hot in the cosmetic market right now. Available in a variety of colors, this lipstick uses special ingredients to keep your pout moisturized during these chilly winter months. In a gold case, stamped with the YSL signature, $35.
La Laque Couture
Attract attention to your nails with this new brand of polish for a finishing touch. It uses ingredients that prevent chipping and is housed in a glass bottle with a gold cap. Check out No. 58 Nuit Blanche, a delicate winter-white look; and No. 59 Nuit Noire, a tribute to the midnight sky, $27.
Yves Saint Laurent is available at Neiman Marcus Westchester. For more, visit yslbeautyus.com/makeup or neimanmarcus.com.
