I know I’ve been promising this Battle of the Brands for such a long time, but I’m finally getting it done now! Today’s post will compare the Loreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains to the YSL Glossy Stains. These products are both supposed to look glossy like lip gloss, but provide the color of sheer lipstick and the lasting power of a stain. Unlike other lip stains, these are supposed to stay glossy the entire time, they don’t dry down to a matte finish. The YSL version came first followed by the Loreal (which is a parent company of YSL Beauty) version. Keep reading to see which version wins this battle!

Round 1, Packaging: Both of these products boast luxurious looking packaging with glamourous gold accents. They also both show the actual product in their respective “windows”. I prefer the look of the YSL version, just because I think it looks more classy, but it is really close. Also, I forgot to take pictures of the applicators, but they are very similar tear drop shaped applicators. However I like the YSL version better because it seems to pick up more product than the Loreal version. Winner: YSL

Round 2, Application: Both Loreal and YSL feel very watery upon initial application that allows them to be spread around the lips very easily. In a matter of a few seconds they thicken a little and start to grip your lips. Both of these should be allowed to set before applying a second layer to get the best color payoff. The YSL version requires less time before applying the second layer than the Loreal version. If you apply the second layer of the Loreal prior to allowing the product to set, I find that it moves around and can get a little goopy in some areas. I don’t really find that to be the case for YSL. Winner: YSL

Round 3, Performance: When applied properly to dry lips, the performance of both of these products is excellent. They live up to the claims of glossy, long lasting color that lasts up to about 5 hours for me (with light food and drink). However, the Loreal stains (in most cases) tend to be a little less pigmented and require a second layer. The second layer is optional with the YSL version. Also, the color variety and uniqueness of colors is much better with YSL than Loreal. This explains why I only have 3 Loreal, but 6 YSL. Winner: YSL

Round 4, Price: Loreal Colour Caresse Shine Stains retail for $9-11 depending on the store. Target and Walmart tend to be cheaper than drugstores. The YSL Glossy Stains retail for a whopping $35! Winner: Loreal

Champion: YSL Glossy Stains win for me. The Loreal Colour Caresse Shine Stains aren’t a bad product to try, but in this case the original was better. YSL offers better colors and feels better on the lips for me. The only downer is the price!

Have you tried either of these products? Who is the winner in your opinion and why?