While in more civilized parts of the world, people can already enjoy the new YSL Pop Water Glossy Stains, here we’re still stuck with the original Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain collection (I will not use this name again, I have no idea who YSL insists on torturing us like that). This is not such a tragedy, however, as the good old Glossy Stains are one of the best lip products ever.

I am a big advocate of dark lips and of statement lips in general, but I do understand why some people hesitate when it comes to bold lip colour. It’s not only that it’s too in-your-face, it’s also that the stakes are higher. If your modest nude lipstick moves or fades or even gets on your teeth, you will not die of embarrassment. If the same happens with a poppy red or fuchsia, you’ll most likely feel uncomfortable.

That’s where Glossy Stains come in. They give a very high impact result and there are some truly daring colours, but they are also safe to wear. Not foolproof, nothing is, but I can put these on in the morning and not check until after lunch. They stay put, fade evenly (important!) and are reasonably comfortable on the lips. While some care is still needed when applying them, the applicator is excellent and will help. Incredibly, the glossy finish lasts for several hours and then turns gradually into a nice stain. If you’re not a big gloss fan, you can blot right after applying and wear it as a stain from the get go.

There have been so many lip product launches recently, but for interesting, long-wearing colour I have found nothing better than Glossy Stains. In its full glory, these look incredible. That’s why I own six, from the left:

101 Nude Provocateur. This one is from the Rebel Nudes collection and while I usually don’t bother buying neutrals in this formula, they do look good. This one’s very modern and non-boring for a nude.
8 Orange de Chine. One of the very few oranges I own and wear. It’s also appropriately named, as it does remind me of Chinese lacquer cabinets and imperial opulence. Refined juiciness.
10 Rouge Filtre. Rouge Filtre is the closest to a true red among the ones I own, with possibly some raspberry in there. It’s also missing in action and therefore not pictured.
16 Pourpre Preview. My absolute favourite, this is a unique high-impact lilac pink. I have worn it to see the President, I regularly wear it to work and I wear it here. It may look a bit scary, but if your colouring is similar to mine, I highly recommend trying it out.
26 Fuchsia Cubiste. The darkest of the bunch, a slightly vampy berry. Good for evening, lovely as a stain. This was my first Glossy Stain and I’ve worn it for years.
28 Grenat Acrylique (main picture). I bought this one yesterday, it’s a rosy warm red with a touch of brown. Somewhat counterintuitively, it looks great with light greys and powder blue. Great for everyday.

If you decide to get one, do try these on the lips first, if you can. They tend to look different on different people (and also different from the colour in the tube) and the result depends hugely on how much you use – just one coat or 764, as I tend to do.