In partnership with YSL Beauty
A touch of light — that's Touche Éclat; in both its translation and its purpose in our beauty kit. Is one complete without it? Having enjoyed cult status (and maintaining it) since its inception 30 years ago, when it comes to the iconic Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen from YSL Beauty, we can safely say no. From beauty obsessives to those less so, and especially in the case of YSL Beauty National Educator an Makeup Artist Laura Dixon and YSL Beauty ambassador Cartia Mallan, you're bound to find that chic golden tube peeking from their makeup bags and purses. It's a true classic.
But what is it about the Touche Éclat pen that's so enduring? For YSL Beauty National Educator and Makeup Artist Laura Dixon, the answer is a simple one: "because healthy glowing skin never goes out of style". But if we dig a little deeper, she tells me it's to do with its duality. "As a makeup artist, the most precious thing a beauty product can do is nourish our skin whilst enhancing our natural features," Dixon explains.
"This is exactly what makes the Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen a must-have. Beyond being a natural radiance booster, the formula is infused with soothing Marigold from the YSL Beauty Ourika Community Gardens, and an anti-fatigue complex of Vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant whilst Ruscus Extract fights the visible signs of fatigue and boosts microcirculation. Light is the essence of Touche Éclat, but so are these treasured skin caring benefits."
If we're reading between the lines, it's that the Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen can do it all. We mean it. It sculpts, defines, blurs and highlights, and was the beauty workhorse we needed to get us through AAFW 2022. As Dixon says, "One pen, for eight hours of beauty sleep in one click!" Who wouldn't want that?
For many of us, the magic of Touche Éclat is in its fuss-free application. Simply twist the tube, swipe the brush across the area you're focusing on and dab in with your fingertips. And if you're curious to other methods of applying the illuminating pen, Cartia Mallan shares a tip she picked up from her time getting ready with Laura Dixon. "Laura showed me this great trick where you can apply Touche Éclat just under your cheekbone to add a shadow effect in place of a bronzer for a natural, defined look. Now I’m obsessed!"
"Another trick I love is to apply a small amount of Touche Eclat to the cupid’s bow to create the perfect pout, whether you’re wearing lipstick or not," Mallan explains.
Plus, considering its reputation, one supported by 30 years of admiration, it's hard not to feel a little sentimental about Touche Éclat. I remember the gentle click of it as my aunty applied it at her bathroom vanity and for Dixon her first memory of Touche Éclat is tethered to her personal journey at YSL Beauty. "I was presented with my first Touche Éclat Pen, on the 25th anniversary of its launch. I felt like I was being gifted the most luxurious, couture accessory piece, and from first application I was spellbound. Not a day has passed that I don’t reach for my Touche Éclat to bring a little magic to my day."
With so many uses, see how Laura Dixon applies Touche Éclat on Cartia Mallan below for inspiration.
