You've probably seen the press, heard the buzz and spotted the Instagram shots: YSL's newest product launch is causing quite the stir. It helps that Cara Delevingne is the 'face' and the formula was developed using NASA inspired technology (yep, the space dudes) but YSL's Fusion Ink Foundation claims to deliver flawless coverage that lasts up to 24 hours, while still feeling ultra-light on your skin. They claim the staying power of the formula prevents the need for touch-ups, blotting or even powder to set it in place - but does it really live up to the hype? Are the 12,000 women apparently on a waiting list set to be pleased as punch or overly disappointed?
![]()
Firstly, lets tackle that issue of the '12,000 person waiting list' that seems to be popping up in every magazine, newspaper and online article around. I hate to burst the bubble, but this is no doubt actually the quantity of bulk pre-orders YSL retailers have made to stock the product, rather than eager women putting their name down on a list. Unfortunately it's become common practice to manipulate numbers and facts for media stories, because it works; you've seen the articles and read the hype! This drives me insane and I think the ASA should tackle the issue industry-wide to prevent consumers from being sucked into hype that's really the result of a clever PR story.
Now for the NASA-inspired technology. According to YSL, lipophilic actives were first used to capture stellar dust particles in outer space (who knows why,) and are now being used within the foundation formula to absorb four times their weight in sebum. This theoretically keeps your face looking fresh and your makeup as if it's just been applied, negating the need for powder touch-ups throughout the day. The formula absorbs the naturally occurring sebum from our face without turning cakey or streaky, which is a godsend for those that suffer from an oily complexion or greasy t-zone. I can testament to the fact that the foundation does stay in place and is mattifying without removing any radiance from the skin - often the compromise we make.
So how does it apply? The texture is incredibly lightweight and non-greasy, being comparable to the Bare Minerals BareSkin foundation but without the oiliness the inclusion of serum brings. Although it can appear streaky upon first application (it has a tendency to stick to my foundation brush bristles,) once you layer it up and buff into the skin it creates a pretty good finish. Although it's not the best foundation I've ever tried, nor does it provide serious coverage, it's perfectly pleasant and definitely evens out skintone. I normally apply a dusting of powder over my base to fix it in place and prevent slippage, but with the Fusion Ink Foundation that wasn't really necessary - I can definitely get away with wearing it solo.
The feeling on the skin is incredibly comfortable, although it doesn't feel 'invisible'. It's light enough for daily use, for taking on holiday or even for those that aren't traditionally fans of foundation. Importantly, it's available in 16 different shades that cover the majority of the skintone spectrum - ensuring it's a foundation that pretty much everyone can buy into. (I know how frustrating it can be when there are only five or six shades available!) Basically, the Fusion Ink Foundation is pretty good and definitely delivers on most counts... But it's definitely not the best one I've ever tried, nor does it really justify the hype that has been built.
I often find that brands that hype a product launch often do themselves a disservice, building expectations to such a level that they can never be met - the customer will always be disappointed when they don't walk out with the complexion of Cara Delevingne. It's definitely worth checking out (especially as you can get colour matched and walk away with a free sample from YSL counters right now,) but just be cautious of the hype you're buying into. It's not a wonder product, it won't change your life and you won't drop ten years after the first application. Fusion Ink Foundation is a great little product, but it won't work miracles.
![]()
![]()
The YSL Fusion Ink Foundation is available now from Debenhams and online, priced £30.50 and available in 16 different shades.![]()
Firstly, lets tackle that issue of the '12,000 person waiting list' that seems to be popping up in every magazine, newspaper and online article around. I hate to burst the bubble, but this is no doubt actually the quantity of bulk pre-orders YSL retailers have made to stock the product, rather than eager women putting their name down on a list. Unfortunately it's become common practice to manipulate numbers and facts for media stories, because it works; you've seen the articles and read the hype! This drives me insane and I think the ASA should tackle the issue industry-wide to prevent consumers from being sucked into hype that's really the result of a clever PR story.
Now for the NASA-inspired technology. According to YSL, lipophilic actives were first used to capture stellar dust particles in outer space (who knows why,) and are now being used within the foundation formula to absorb four times their weight in sebum. This theoretically keeps your face looking fresh and your makeup as if it's just been applied, negating the need for powder touch-ups throughout the day. The formula absorbs the naturally occurring sebum from our face without turning cakey or streaky, which is a godsend for those that suffer from an oily complexion or greasy t-zone. I can testament to the fact that the foundation does stay in place and is mattifying without removing any radiance from the skin - often the compromise we make.
So how does it apply? The texture is incredibly lightweight and non-greasy, being comparable to the Bare Minerals BareSkin foundation but without the oiliness the inclusion of serum brings. Although it can appear streaky upon first application (it has a tendency to stick to my foundation brush bristles,) once you layer it up and buff into the skin it creates a pretty good finish. Although it's not the best foundation I've ever tried, nor does it provide serious coverage, it's perfectly pleasant and definitely evens out skintone. I normally apply a dusting of powder over my base to fix it in place and prevent slippage, but with the Fusion Ink Foundation that wasn't really necessary - I can definitely get away with wearing it solo.
The feeling on the skin is incredibly comfortable, although it doesn't feel 'invisible'. It's light enough for daily use, for taking on holiday or even for those that aren't traditionally fans of foundation. Importantly, it's available in 16 different shades that cover the majority of the skintone spectrum - ensuring it's a foundation that pretty much everyone can buy into. (I know how frustrating it can be when there are only five or six shades available!) Basically, the Fusion Ink Foundation is pretty good and definitely delivers on most counts... But it's definitely not the best one I've ever tried, nor does it really justify the hype that has been built.
I often find that brands that hype a product launch often do themselves a disservice, building expectations to such a level that they can never be met - the customer will always be disappointed when they don't walk out with the complexion of Cara Delevingne. It's definitely worth checking out (especially as you can get colour matched and walk away with a free sample from YSL counters right now,) but just be cautious of the hype you're buying into. It's not a wonder product, it won't change your life and you won't drop ten years after the first application. Fusion Ink Foundation is a great little product, but it won't work miracles.
The YSL Fusion Ink Foundation is available now from Debenhams and online, priced £30.50 and available in 16 different shades.