The long awaited L'Oreal Color Caresse Shine Stains have arrived! I found these little gems at the drugstores a few weeks ago (a few days after my YSL Glossy Stains review). I promised I would get all 12 shades available...and I did. My review's a little late but nonetheless, the consensus seems to be that they're nearly identical to the YSL Glossy Stains.

I only own the YSL Glossy Stain in #15 Rose Vinyl but there are some minor differences between the two formulas. The L'Oreal is a little less pigmented and thinner in formula so it requires an extra layer to achieve the same opacity as the YSL Glossy Stains. With the extra layer, the clingy feeling and dryness of the lips are increased. It's most noticeable in the lighter shades where 3-5 layers are required for color to show. The darker shades need only 1-2 layers to reach full potency. The L'Oreal ones seem to have a longer lasting and stronger stain than the YSL ones do. The stains last until the next day and are difficult to remove. The L'Oreal line has a more wearable shade selection; however, most shades darken significantly more (e.g. medium pinks turn into reds) and takes more caution to apply.

All in all, the L'Oreal Color Caresse Shine Stains are excellent alternatives to the YSL Glossy Stains at 1/3 of the price. They deliver the same longevity, vibrancy, and unique texture (and floral fragrance) in spite of the minor differences. These minor differences, however, might let those unaffected by price tag to prefer the YSL Glossy Stains. For me, my wallet couldn't be any happier.

** Did anyone catch the theme among the names of the L'Oreal Shine Caresses?

Shades: 182 Pink Perseverance, 183 Pink Resistance, 184 Rose On and On, 185 Lilac Ever After, 186 Berry Persistent, 187 Infinite Fuchsia, 188 Coral Tattoo, 189 Pink Rebellion, 190 Endless Red, 191 Stubborn Plum, 192 Everlasting Caramel, 193 Eternally Nude

                                                Price: $7-10 at local drugstores

                                                Texture: Applies watery and feels slightly sticky at first but quickly
                                                sets and becomes very smooth on the lips

                                                Longevity: 4-6 hours for the lighter shades; 8 hours for the darker

                                                Best suited for: Those who love long wearing potent lip colors
                                                without minding a little dryness
                                                Pros: low maintenance, doesn't feather or emphasize lip lines; isn't 
                                                very drying; not sticky, pigmented, long wearing; transfer resistant
                                                Cons: highly fragrant; colors darken significantly; application can be 

                                                a little tricky due to thinner consistency

                                                Overall: A-/B+, nearly identical to the YSL Glossy Stains though a 
                                                less in quality but for the price and more wearable range of 
                                                colors? Who cares!
                                                Detailed Swatches: Part 1 | Part 2