The beauty world is no stranger to iconic lipsticks. From the perfect red to the universally flattering nude, certain shades transcend trends and become timeless staples. Among these, YSL's Rouge Pur Couture lipstick in the shade 123, affectionately known as "Maris' Nude," holds a special place. Its reputation as a sophisticated, everyday nude with a touch of radiant matte finish has made it a sought-after product for years. But the allure of Maris' Nude extends beyond its beautiful color; it's also deeply intertwined with a collaboration that elevated its status even further: the Yves Saint Laurent x Zoe Kravitz Rouge Pur Couture collection.
This article delves deep into the world of YSL Maris' Nude, exploring its unique characteristics, the impact of the Zoe Kravitz collaboration, its position within the broader YSL lipstick universe, and even addressing some of the more unexpected search results that occasionally surface alongside its name.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Nude: What Makes Maris' Nude Special?
Finding the perfect nude lipstick is a quest many makeup enthusiasts embark on. What works for one skin tone might wash out another, making the search a frustrating endeavor. Maris' Nude, however, seems to defy these odds. It's a shade that's often described as a "your lips but better" color, meaning it enhances the natural lip tone without completely masking it.
Here's a breakdown of what contributes to its unique appeal:
* The Color Profile: Maris' Nude isn't just a beige or a brown. It's a carefully calibrated blend of warm and cool undertones, giving it a complexity that allows it to flatter a wide range of complexions. It often leans towards a dusty rose or a muted mauve, preventing it from looking too stark or lifeless. This balance is crucial for a nude lipstick to avoid making the wearer look pale or washed out.
* The Radiant Matte Finish: The "radiant matte" description is key. While many matte lipsticks can be drying and flat, Maris' Nude offers a subtle luminosity. This isn't a shimmer or a gloss, but rather a diffused light that reflects off the lips, making them appear fuller and healthier. This finish is what sets it apart from other matte nudes, adding a touch of sophistication and dimension.
* The Formula: The YSL Rouge Pur Couture formula is renowned for its creamy texture and comfortable wear. It glides on smoothly, providing even coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. The lipstick is also infused with hydrating ingredients, which help to prevent dryness and keep the lips feeling moisturized throughout the day. The SPF 15 is also a bonus, offering a degree of sun protection.
* The Pigmentation: Maris' Nude offers buildable pigmentation. One swipe provides a sheer wash of color, perfect for a natural, everyday look. Two or three swipes deepen the intensity, creating a more defined and polished appearance. This versatility makes it suitable for various occasions and makeup styles.
The Zoe Kravitz Effect: A Collaboration that Amplified the Appeal
The collaboration between Yves Saint Laurent and Zoe Kravitz was a strategic move that significantly boosted the popularity of Maris' Nude. Kravitz, known for her effortless style and her role as a YSL Beauty ambassador, curated a collection of Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks, and Maris' Nude was a central piece.
Here's why the collaboration was so impactful:
* Authenticity: Zoe Kravitz embodies the YSL brand's cool, confident, and independent spirit. Her personal style resonates with a younger audience, making the collaboration feel authentic and relatable.
* Curated Selection: The Zoe Kravitz collection wasn't just a random assortment of lipsticks. It was a carefully curated selection of shades that reflected her personal taste and her vision of modern beauty. Including Maris' Nude in this collection served as an endorsement, solidifying its status as a must-have shade.
* Limited Edition Packaging: The Zoe Kravitz collection often featured special edition packaging, making the lipsticks even more desirable. These limited-edition designs added a collectible element, further fueling the demand for Maris' Nude.ysl maris nude
* Increased Visibility: The collaboration generated significant buzz in the beauty community. Reviews, tutorials, and social media posts showcasing the collection flooded the internet, introducing Maris' Nude to a wider audience.
Maris' Nude in the YSL Lipstick Universe: A Comparison
YSL offers a vast array of lipsticks, each with its own unique texture, finish, and color range. To fully appreciate Maris' Nude, it's helpful to compare it to other popular YSL lipstick lines:
* Rouge Volupté Shine: This line is known for its hydrating formula, glossy finish, and sheer to medium coverage. While Rouge Volupté Shine offers a similar level of comfort, it lacks the matte finish and the depth of color that Maris' Nude provides.
* Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream: This line features a liquid lipstick formula with a soft matte finish. It's more long-lasting than Rouge Pur Couture but can feel slightly drier. While Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream offers a similar matte effect, it doesn't have the same radiant finish or the subtle sheen that Maris' Nude possesses.