Yves Saint Laurent Launches New African Colors Collection & Everlong Mascara Waterproof

Yves Saint Laurent, in keeping with their tradition of exoticism, is introducing a new collection of makeup for the summer this time inspired by Africa. YSL, the former great couturier (see also images of his funeral), is well known for having loved to read richly illustrated books about distant lands and derive creative ideas from them, without even having traveled to the places depicted. This trait of his is considered part of his stylistic genius. 

This summer of 2008, Val Garland, the Make-Up Artistic Advisor for YSL is offering a strikingly colored line of makeup which includes in particular, a bronzer, Soleil d'Afrique (African Sun), an eye-shadow palette titled Palette Couleurs d'Afrique, a Tinted Veil Tan Booster. These items are limited-editions. As part of the summer 2008 Look is also Everlong Mascara Waterproof which reportedly allows you to dive into the sea without any resulting smudges!...


The colors look very saturated wanting to evoke "...the tones of the sun-burned African earth..." yet at the same time the press release promises that the pigments have a transparent effect on the skin; the collection is meant to compliment all skin tones even though it may look like a color palette for darker-toned ladies. From the press release,

Palette Couleurs d'Afrique

"A  SCORCHED EARTH HARMONY

Intense brown and burnt orange, along side softer beige and ocher form a geometric pattern inspired from traditional African fabrics. Shade and structure, temper and vary the shades to suit your desired look - to ensure visual pleasure, the pattern remains intact to the very end, thanks to a multi-compacting process exclusive to Yves Saint Laurent. Two intense colors - brown and burnt orange - to shade and structure. Two softer shades - beige and ocher - to temper and vary them.


A TEXTURED POWDER

A blend of composite powders gives the texture exceptional cosmetic qualities. Silica microspheres make it infinitely soft and silky. This powder adapts to every desire and is ideal for layered looks. Moisturizing hydracaps provide comfort and long-lasting hold."

Soleil d'Afrique

Like many other Yves Saint Laurent packagings, the powder compact is inspired by a collection object from YSL, here a jewel.

"A CHAMELEON-LIKE FORMULA

Nestled within this jewel, POUDRE DE SOLEIL reveals the secret of a customized tan. The Ampli Light + radiance-boosting pigments have an optical smoothing effect, giving the complexion a sun-kissed veil of natural-looking, radiant color. Enriched with moisturizing hydracaps, the silky, protective (SPF 10) formula ensures long-lasting fidelity. With an even, transparent finish, the skin positively glows.


A FAVORITE SHADE

SOLEIL D'AFRIQUE COLLECTOR POWDER FOR THE COMPLEXION is offered in the star shade of Yves Saint Laurent bronzing powders: N° 2 Golden Sun, the ideal shade that compliments all skin tones.



ADVICE
Apply the bronzing powder alone or over VOILE DE SOLEIL. To create the stunning effect of skin glowing with the first rays of the sun, use the applicator to apply a dusting of powder on the prominent areas of the face that naturally attract the sun: the cheekbones, forehead, chin and tip of the nose. For a more tanned effect, follow by blending the powder over the entire face and décolleté."


Voile de Soleil

A CHAMELEON-LIKE FORMULA

Nestled within this jewel, POUDRE DE SOLEIL reveals the secret of a customized tan. The Ampli Light + radiance-boosting pigments have an optical smoothing effect, giving the complexion a sun-kissed veil of natural-looking, radiant color. Enriched with moisturizing hydracaps, the silky, protective (SPF 10) formula ensures long-lasting fidelity. With an even, transparent finish, the skin positively glows.


A FAVORITE SHADE

SOLEIL D'AFRIQUE COLLECTOR POWDER FOR THE COMPLEXION is offered in the star shade of Yves Saint Laurent bronzing powders: N° 2 Golden Sun, the ideal shade that compliments all skin tones.



ADVICE
Apply the bronzing powder alone or over VOILE DE SOLEIL. To create the stunning effect of skin glowing with the first rays of the sun, use the applicator to apply a dusting of powder on the prominent areas of the face that naturally attract the sun: the cheekbones, forehead, chin and tip of the nose. For a more tanned effect, follow by blending the powder over the entire face and décolleté.


Everlong Mascara Waterproof

"A WATER - RESISTANT FORMULA

What makes it so outstanding? A formula that is more water-resistant, thanks to a series of innovations in each of its three phases, developed by Yves Saint Laurent Research.
A polyester polymer forms an invisible, impermeable layer that fixes the color on the surface of the lashes. A blend of waxes and silicone covers the lashes with a glossy, water-repellent coating. In addition, a specific layer waterproofs the pigments and ensures stay-true color for hours and hours.

Ideal for sailing through every situation, EVERLONG MASCARA WATERPFOOF stands up to humid weather, tropical climates, swimming and even the most extreme emotions.

A SIGNIFICANT ADVANCE, EVEN UNDER WATER

EVERLONG MASCARA WATERPROOF offers the lashes the double lengthening action of EVERLONG MASCARA: an innovative formula that lengthens and beautifies them day after day, combined with a new generation, molded* brush specifically designed to maximize the lengthening effect.

LASHES IN TOTAL IMMERSION

With their flat shape and unique arrangement, the combs on the cylindrical brush act as mini reservoirs of mascara that coat the lashes from root to tip. Even the shortest lashes are totally immersed for maximum lengthening. Perfectly separated and coated along their entire length, the lashes fan-out for a gorgeous effect.

DOUBLE LENGTHENING

The instant lengthening effect is achieved with the nylon micro-fibers the brush deposits evenly on the entire surface of the lashes and act like extensions at their tips. This spectacular, instant extension effect is reinforced by the long-term action of LASH GROWTH BOOSTER, an exclusive Yves Saint Laurent complex that stimulates the lashes' natural growth."


Soleil d'Afrique Collector Powder for the Complexion is priced at $72; Palette Couleurs d'Afrique for the Eyes retails for $60; Voile de Soleil is available for $38; Everlong Mascara Waterproof in black, brown, navy blue and burgundy is priced at $27,50. You can find them on the Yves Saint Lauren website and at Nordstrom.

Via Yves Saint Laurent press release