There are very few make-up items as eponymous, or that have stood the test of time, like the YSL Touche Éclat (one sells globally every minute). In line with Yves' lasting legacy to the world of fashion, which this very month will be celebrated in a new biopic, Yves Saint Laurent, the iconic gold pen has become the magic wand of choice for a generation of beauty aficionados in pursuit of skin perfection.

But what exactly is the best way to use it? Traditionally, we’ve concentrated the majority of efforts under our eyes, but a recent master class with Lloyd Simmonds, YSL's creative director of make-up, has taught us there’s a whole lot more we can do with this lightsaber for skin. Concealing, yes, but also brightening and highlighting too. After all, it’s not called a complexion perfector for nothing.

Luckily for us, Lloyd was kind enough to talk us through the five essential steps to Touche Éclat greatness. Think of yourself like an artist, your skin as a palette, and get busy. You’ll never look at the humble gold wand in quite the same way again.

 

Step 1. Work into the inner and outer corners of the eyes to conceal any darkness and discolouration around the underside of the eye.

 

Step 2. Trace all along the brow bone, just underneath the eyebrows, to highlight and define the brow arch.

 

Step 3. Starting in the inner corner of the eyes, trace down and around the outer edge of the area where shadowing occurs, then blend upwards to even out skin tone.

 

Step 4. Apply around the edges of the nose and blend in gently, to take down any redness.

 

Step 5. Finally, to highlight and bounce light around the face, trace down the centre of the nose, around the mouth and from the cheekbones out towards the temples.