Rare Beauty launched a new blush called the Soft Pinch Luminous Blush ($26 each at Sephora) and they’re so beautiful. They’re shimmery blushes with the softest silky texture I’ve ever felt. I bought 4 of them to try but also ordered the other 2 (coming in the mail).
Cheer is a pale pink
Happy is a cool pink
Joy is a soft peach
Hope is an iridescent rose
I shared a Reel applying these last week. I really love these alone or layered on top of a cream blush, but I want to preface this by saying I love a good shimmer in blushes. I was chatting about these with a friend last week and her first question was “does it emphasize the pore situation?” and my answer is “yes it can, but it’s not as pore emphasizing as some powder highlighters I have (like the ones from Hermes, Becca or Benefit)”.
The texture is super smooth and the shimmers are UNREAL! These truly feel lightweight like there’s nothing on the skin. They have a beautiful finish and the shimmer is very soft and glowy without being frosty. This makes me want to try the Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighters although I am pretty shopped out with everything I hauled from the Sephora sale.
If you have a lot of texture and large pores I do think this could emphasize it. I do not have perfect skin but I don’t have large pores (except my nose area). These went on smooth for me and I had no issues. If you’re conservative on the glow in blushes then I’d recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic which have a more subtle shimmer to them.
I really love these. I think the colors are fun, youthful looking but not too trendy. I am 42 for a few more weeks and I think they are wearable for any age. The only downside is they do seem a little delicate/fragile.
You can still take advantage of some savings with the Sephora Savings Event using YAYSAVE (20% off for Rouge, 15% for VIBs and 10% off for Insiders, with 30% off all Sephora Collection).
I don’t know that I will have time to post my full haul here before the sale ends, I will try to round up everything by Monday. If you want to see my IN-STORE SEPHORA HAUL you can check it out here. I’ve saved some snippets to my SEPHORA RECOMMENDATIONS highlights on Instagram too @beautylookbook.
The Sephora Savings Event starts today for Rouge Beauty Insiders! By popular request I’m sharing an updated roundup of the best in makeup for every category. Use code YAYSAVE if you’re shopping online to save:
Rouge members 20% off: 4/5-4/15
VIBs 15% off: 4/9-4/15
Insiders 10% off: 4/9-4/15
All Sephora Collection 30% off: 4/5-4/15
This is a pretty large list but I’ve split it by category for face, eyes and lips. Here are the best things in makeup I’ve tried in each category.
Base Makeup Favorites
Best Primer – Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is a great multi-tasking moisturizer and primer in one, wears really well under makeup and a formula I’ve repurchased numerous times
Best Glowy Primer – Tie between Dior Forever Glow Star Filter and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. I think the thinner texture of the Dior Forever Glow Star Filter makes it easier to wear all over the face if you layer on foundation + concealer etc. The Charlotte Tilbury is still a classic I think I will be using forever though
Best Tint Moisturizer – Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer – I love this sheer Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 because it’s not too dewy. Has sheer to medium coverage that isn’t too sheer. I wear 24N.
Best Tint with SPF – Supergoop! Protec(tint) SPF 50 – This is another great skin tint with sheer medium coverage and high SPF. Has sheer coverage and great lasting power. I have 24N and 26W.
Best Natural Looking Tint – Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint – This is a great no-fuss skin tint without SPF. Coverage is similar to the Rare Beauty, just slightly more coverage. Looks very natural and sets beautifully. I wear Shade 9 or 10.
Best Medium Coverage Glowy Foundation– Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – Best medium coverage glow foundation I’ve used. I wear Shade 6.5.
Best CC Cream – It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow – Best CC+ Cream with medium coverage and a natural glow. I wear Medium Tan.
Best Foundation Stick – Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick – My go-to foundation stick perfect for everyday, and also really convenient for travel. Depending on how tan I am, I wear Shade V, VI or VII.
Favorite Classic Finish Foundation – Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation – Another classic formula you can’t go wrong with. Love this for an everyday staple. My match is Light Medium 14.
Best Brightening Concealer – YSL Touche Eclat hands down is the best of the best. I use Shade 3.
Best Medium-Coverage – NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (Macadamia or Ginger) is a cult classic and even to this day still is the best creamy under eye formula for me. I also still really like the Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Concealer for a creamier finish and a little more coverage.
Best Full Coverage – Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer is the best of the BEST for concealers. It’s creamy, opaque, easy to blend, long lasting and does not crease. I wear N6, 7, 8 or 9 depending on how much I want to match or brighten. The Armani Luminous Silk Concealer is another great option, I wear 6.5 or 7.
I am currently looking for a new bronzer since the ones I’ve used I’ve used for YEARS. I’m ready for something new but nothing has caught my eye yet. I’m hoping new formulas and shades will pop up this summer!
New Favorite – Dior Forever Glow Maximizers are really stunning, I like Peachy and Rosy the best (new shade Nude just popped up online, I just tried it and it’s almost identical to Gold, Nude is just more champagne in undertone)
Best Eye Makeup
The best eyeshadow palettes and formulas are from Natasha Denona, Too Faced and Pat McGrath. Here are my favorites right now.
The Sephora Savings Event starts on April 5th for Beauty Insiders and I’m rounding up my absolute favorites in every category starting with my Hair Care favorites. Dates and details for the event, use code YAYSAVE if you’re shopping online:
Rouge members 20% off: 4/5-4/15
VIBs 15% off: 4/9-4/15
Insiders 10% off: 4/9-4/15
All Sephora Collection 30% off: 4/5-4/15
A little background on my hair: I have thick unruly hair prone to frizz from humidity. I color treat with root touch ups every 2-3 months. I almost always blow dry as air drying leaves my hair frizzy. Even though my strands are thick I had a lot of hair loss and shedding about 2 years ago. The shedding has thankfully stopped and it’s started to grow back in baby hairs (natural growth).
I’ve split my recommendations of things I tried and loved by category to help you sort through my list. There are lots of great HAIR CARE SETS available and a wide range of items are available in MINI SIZES which are great to try.
Hair Tools
I love really love the Dyson Supersonic and Airwrap. I’ve had the Supersonic since 2017 and it still works perfectly just like the day I got it. I’ve used the Airwrap since 2020 and really love it too. I think they’re game changers for the way I style and dry my hair. Yes they’re a huge ouch to the wallet, but they were both well worth the splurge. They recently added a Ceramic Pink and Rose Gold color (limited-edition) and I decided to upgrade both my tools with this new color.
The Dyson Airwrap has been updated since I bought it the improvements have made it noticeably better! Attachments have slight changes in the design to make them multi-functional.
(new demo with the new airwrap coming soon, but here’s the original below)
If you don’t curl your hair I’d recommend sticking with the Supersonic. It has stronger air flow with the nozzles for faster more efficient drying. It’s easier to travel with (if you don’t use the case).
That being said I think the Airwrap is amazing. It allows you to do so many different things in styling and drying. I will say that the curls take more time than a regular curling iron because you’ll need to use it on damp hair, use the heat and cooling options and add hair spray. For me it’s easier to use than a regular curling iron for me because of the wrapping feature. With the Airwrap I can get more relaxed beachy waves which is what I prefer, but with a hot curling iron your curls will definitely last longer.
The ghd Platinum+ Styler is my go-to hot tool for straightening and curling. It is technically a flat iron but I use it to curl my hair. The temperature is set to a constant 375 degrees and has sensors to maintain constant heat. This leaves my hair looking smooth and sleek. It goes with me on every single trip. I’ve done a few reviews and demos with this tool. 100% recommend. Smooth sleek hair in action HERE. Easy waves HERE.
Shampoo + Conditioner
I’ve been absolutely obsessed with Oribe and Kerastase lately. They’re the formulas I keep going back to.
Kerastase Premiere Line is new and incredible! It is exactly what I needed to help clarify and clean my hair of buildup from hard water in Florida. Even with water softeners the water is still very harsh on my hair here. Most detox and clarifying shampoos almost always strip my hair or cause my scalp to become irritated. This Premiere line is the formula I have been looking for to clarify and restore my natural shine.
I do think you need the full system to see the best benefits. I tried this with just the shampoo and conditioner but the Pre-Shampoo Treatment made a HUGE difference. My hair hasn’t felt this healthy and clean since I left California. If you don’t want to splurge on the entire line, I would say stick with the Pre-Shampoo Treatment, Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner. The Serum is incredible for smoothing and protecting from heat and humidity. Since this is a repairing line I don’t think I would use these everyday, these would most likely be a 1x per week routine.
I’ve tried nearly every Kerastase formula on virgin hair, hair with bleached highlights and now on hair that has root touch ups. They have a formula for every hair type.
Nutritive is the line great for dry hair and I really loved it.
Resistance is great good to help strengthen weak hair from heat styling
When I had bleached hair and highlights the Blonde Absolu was my go-to line
I also still think Olaxplex and the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair formulas are great. I just used up some bottles of Olaplex. I haven’t used Briogeo in a while but it’s one I would repurchase in a heartbeat.
Shu Uemura Essence Absolue is another great hair oil for added shine, but it can feel a little heavy if you use too much
Best Heat Protectant / Blow Dry Primers
I’ll mainly use a primer heat protectant on damp hair for blow drying. There are other heat protectants designed to use on dry hair for heat tools like irons.
That wraps up my hair care favorites post! I know there’s a lot but I hope this helps give you some recommendations if you’re looking for any new hair care.
If you have any ride or die favorites, let me know in the comments! Stay tuned for a roundup on the best makeup and skincare.
Sephora’s Fragrance For All Event is here with 20% off full-size fragrances for Beauty Insiders! The event runs through 12/24 with code FRAGRANCE20 at checkout (one-time use). They carry a wide range of perfume brands so if there’s something you wanted to try or stock up on this is a great time to save! Some exclusions apply. If you’re not a member you can sign up for free here.
Scent is seasonal for me so I rotate depending on time of year, but here are few that I really love.
Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt is my go-to for the best year round scent. It’s the best earthy woody scent with ambrette seeds, sea salt and sage. Nothing else compares and I love that it can also be unisex.
You girls know my love for Phlur and I would say my most reached-for scents are from this line. Missing Person is the best skin-like musk scent. It’s warm, cozy, skin-like with a tiny bit of spice. It has a soothing comforting feel to me with white musk, bergamot, blonde wood, orange blossom, jasmine.
Phlur Somebody Wood is another one I love for a warm cozy sandalwood amber musk mix. I like layering this with Missing Person, but it’s great on its own too.
The Phlur Skin, Hair and Body Mists are beautiful. I think Vanilla Skin is one of the best cozy vanillas ever made. It’s sweet but not too sweet. Has a soft warm feel I think I could definitely wear year round.
The Sephora Fragrance For All Events runs now through 12/24 for Beauty Insiders. If you’re not a member yet you can sign up for free here! Use code FRAGRANCE20 at checkout for 20% off full-sized perfumes!
If you’re shopping for last minute gifts they are offering same day delivery for select areas with Free Same-Day Delivery using code GETGIFTS (for beauty insiders only, ends 12/24 at 12pm PT.)
Today’s the last day of the Sephora Savings Event! If you had anything on your wishlist today is the last day to save for Beauty Insiders! Use code TIMETOSAVE to take advantage of the 10% to 20% savings depending on your tier.
I hauled some of the new lipsticks from YSL Beauty and think the formulas are among the best they’ve launched. I picked out some of the new Rouge Pur Couture Caring Satin Lipstick ($45 each) and a few of The Bold High Pigment Lipsticks ($45 each, not new but there are new shades).
Rouge Pur Couture
above left to right: N1, N3, N5, N8 and N12
The YSL Rouge Pur Couture Caring Satin Lipstick is one of the best lipstick formulas I’ve tried. They are scented like the fruity lipsticks from YSL but it’s not quite as strong. I posted an Instagram Reel last week with a try-on haul of this formula and you girls seem to LOVE these tones! To me they are like a more pigmented less glossy version of the Rouge Volupte Shines. The new Rouge Pur Couture is creamy, smooth and opaque.
Based on the online swatches and stock photos, these look very different on me compared to what I see swatched online. N8 and N12 pull a lot warmer on me. Out of all of these I like N3 and N5 the best.
Also please keep in mind these may look very different on you if you’re cool or warm, lighter or darker. Neutrals are tricky with undertone and lip tone. I have a neutral golden undertone with pigmented lips.
N1 is a neutral beige nude
N3 is a pinky peach beige
N5 is a light cool pink
N8 is a warmer pink
N12 is a nude with slight mauve tones
A lot of you wanted swatch comparisons to the Rouge Volupte Shine so I pulled what I still have to swatch for you below. Some of them have been discontinued and I don’t remember the shade names but I have listed the numbers. Also added a couple of the Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick.
Swatch comparisons:
The Bold High Pigment Lipsticks
I picked up a few of The Bold High Pigment Lipsticks and really love the formula. It’s a satin almost matte finish (not quite matte). Super opaque and full coverage. Shades are indeed bold and more on the dramatic side. 12 Nu Incongru looks like a soft pink online but it’s a bold cool pink and I kinda love it. 13 Nude Era is a neutral-cool tone beige nude and kinda makes me look like a corpse but if I added darker liner I think I could make it work. 1968 is described as a nude pink but it’s really more of a warm pink almost reddish.
I did a Sephora haul online and in store! I received most of the items (one package is still in transit) and while I won’t have time to test or review them before the sale is over, I’ll share them below. Some of the items have sold out or are only available in store but if you missed out not to worry – I think there will be plenty of great holiday sales coming up soon!
Haul Picks Linked
I’m pretty excited to try the new Huda beauty picks and the Urban Decay moondust shadows! Did you splurge on anything exciting during the Sephora sale? What did you pick out?
The Sephora Savings Event is here starting with early access for Rouge Members! I’m putting together a few updated “best-of” shopping guides and today’s roundup covers the Top 5 in Lips for every category from lip liners, lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, glosses and more. If you’re not a Beauty Insider you can sign up now for free here to get access to the Savings Event. Use code TIMETOSAVE during these dates (exclusions apply):
There are so many good lip liner formulas these days. My top 5 favorites are below.
Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 ($21, color Pinky Brown shown) has the best long-wear lip liner formula. They glide on with full coverage pigment and I love that they’re packaged in a twist up format with a removeable sharpener at the base. My favorite shades are Pinky Brown, Terracotta, Honey Beige and Sandy Beige.
Pat McGrath Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil ($29, color Structure shown) is another great formula with the best colors. Structure is the perfect neutral brown, Nude Venus is a perfect peachy nude, Buff is the best nude pink.
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil ($22, Wherever Walnut shown) is another great classic pencil. The formula can be used on eyes, brows and lips – they are easy to blend with a matte finish. Wherever Walnut seems to be the most popular color, but I also really love Up & Down Tan and Anywhere Caffeine. They launched a really cute Mini Artist Pencil Set ($35) which has their best-selling shades.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($25, Pillow Talk shown) is my most-worn lip pencil. Pillow Talk is my lips but better shade. I also love Pillow Talk Medium and Iconic Nude.
Sephora Collection Lip Liner To Go ($6, Light Brown shown) is a mini lip pencil perfectly sized for the smallest clutch or pouch. I have a couple colors and Light Brown is my favorite everyday neutral.
Best Lipstick Formulas
Sephora carries so many great lipsticks. Narrowing down my top 5 was really hard as I can list at least a dozen formulas I think are excellent. Here are the best ones I reach for the most.
Armani Lip Power ($45 each, Shade 109 shown) is one of the best creamy opaque smooth lipstick formulas I’ve tried. There are lots of great colors but 109 is the best everyday pink in my opinion. They also launched this in a Matte Formula too (lots of great nudes, I love Shade 111 Matte).
NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Hydrating Lipstick ($32, Orgasm shown) is my favorite formula for a shine lipstick. Pigment is impressive for a shine formula. They have a comfortable hydrating feel that feels like a balm. My favorites are Orgasm which is a peach pink gold, Breathless a beige nude and Dolce Vita which is a classic rose.
Gucci Care Glow and Shine Lipstick ($47, Sally Soft Honey shown) is another great shine lipstick formula. Pigment is very good with these and I love the glossy finish. Sally Soft Honey is the best everyday pinky nude. Call It a Day is the best mauve (great for fall). I also love Julie Blush for a bright peachy shade.
Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick ($39, Nude Venus shown) is hands down the best matte lipstick formula I’ve tried. It’s smooth, opaque, doesn’t look dry on the lips and the color selection is outstanding. They have a good range of neutrals, reds, bolds, browns – my top 3 shades are Nude Venus (peachy nude), Christy (pink nude) and Divine Rose (rose pink).
YSL Rouge Pure Couture Caring Satin Lipstick ($45, N5 Tribute Nude shown) is a new formula and after trying a few shades I have to say I am REALLY impressed. It has an ultra smooth formula that glides on the lips with absolute perfection. I’ll have a full review on the shades I picked up soon.
Best Liquid Lipstick Formulas
Gucci Transfer-Proof Matte Liquid Lipstick ($47, Grace Cinnamon) is a beautiful formula. Grace Cinnamon is the perfect nude pink shade with smooth coverage and a super lightweight texture.
Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick ($27, OG Backtalk shown) is the best long-wear liquid lipstick in the sense that once it sets it does not budge or transfer. OG Backtalk is a really pretty mauve. I also think Text Em is the best rose pink shade ever made.
Tom Ford Lip Luxe Matte ($59, Naked Haze shown) is another exceptional formula. I’ve only tried one shade in Naked Haze which is a great everyday nude pink. I plan on picking up one or two more during the Sephora Savings Event. Texture is lightweight and coverage is smooth and really good.
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer Liquid ($45, Shade 100 Forever Nude) is another great long-wear formula that is also transfer proof. I have this in a couple shades and they really do stay put without transferring. Shade 100 Forever Nude is perfection.
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick ($15, Shade 70 First Date shown) is a budget-friendly Liquid Lipstick with an impressive color selection. Formula is full coverage with a creamy satin finish. I love that these feel super lightweight on the lips and they don’t look dry. All Sephora Collection items are 30% off during the Sephora Savings Event.
Top 5 Lip Glosses
I’m 100% a lip gloss girl at heart. Here are the best top 5 formulas I reach for the most.
Lawless Forget the Filler ($26, Cherry Vanilla shown) is the best smoothing lip gloss that plumps without any tingle. I like the darker/bolder shades for a lush lip look. They are on the thicker side but I love the finish. Cherry Vanilla is the best sheer red I’ve ever tried. Juicy Watermelon is the prettiest bright pink. They also launched a few shades in a Jumbo Size ($38 each) and for holiday they have a cute Mini Dreamy Darlings Plumper Set ($27).
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss ($40, 12 Rosewood shown) is my most-worn lip gloss formula for the color and texture. I splurged on nearly all of the shades and can easily say they were 100% worth the splurge.
Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($21, Fenty Glow shown) is another favorite. It’s been a favorite since the day they launched Fenty Glow. Every color is wearable and super flattering. I love the smooth texture and shine. I think every color is a must-have.
Pat McGrath LUST Gloss ($29, Nude Venus shown) is another great smooth texture gloss. Nude Venus is the best peachy pink color with pretty good coverage. Flesh Fantasy is a pretty beige pink. Divine Rose is a stunning plum pink.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss ($33, In the Buff Shown) offers hydration, color and shine in one. Finish is very comfortable and they are great for vacation (or beach) no-makeup days where you want a little bit of color to look polished.
Most-Worn Tinted Balms/Sheer Lips/Oils
Last we have a look at the best tinted balms. A lot of these double as sheer lipsticks.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump ($24, White Peach shown) is a formula I always have in my bag. Every single color they’ve launched is super wearable. They’re smooth in finish and I love how they feel on the lips. During the holiday season they have a lot of great value sets and limited-edition shades. If you’re a fan of the Maracuja Lip formula definitely check out the 2023 Best of Maracuja Juicy Lips Set.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter ($24, Vanilla Beige shown) is another formula I carry in every single purse. I also have the clear one on my night stand. Each shade has a different scent to match the color name but they aren’t overpowering. Love the cute Mini Lip Butter Set too which I think would make a super cute gift.
Kosas Wet Lip Oil ($22, Revealed shown) is one of my favorite tinted lip oil formulas. It actually doesn’t feel thick like you’d expect from an oil. Every single shade is beautiful. The one I get asked about the most is Revealed which I’m wearing in this post.
Last but not least, I really love the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine ($43, Shade 162 shown) and YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick ($39, 15 Showcasing Nude in hand, 13 Flashing Rose in background). Both have a balm-like formula. The Rouge Volute Shine has more slip with a sheer glossy finish while the Candy Glaze is thicker and feels like a jelly finish. Both are really phenomenal for formula and color.
That wraps up my extensive best-of lip shopping guide! If you’re looking for the best of the best in lip formulas I hope you found this round up helpful. Happy Shopping!
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Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsored this post.
Sharing an updated roundup of the best of the best in makeup from Sephora! Today’s roundup focuses on favorites for the face, eyes and cheeks. I’ll have a dedicated lip roundup going live tomorrow because it’s going to cover the best in every category.
Primers
I’m not really into primers because with skincare layering and SPF I don’t really want another layer of product on my face, but here are two that I love. Both are available in minis if you want to try a smaller size before committing to the full size ones.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is the best multi-tasking moisturizer and primer in one. It’s hydrating, smooths out the skin, and doubles as a foundation primer. It’s the one I have used up multiple times and keep going back to.
I have so many foundation and base favorites. I’ve tried to split my recommendations by type/coverage/finish level because I know some of you like super light coverage while others need satin finish or full coverage.
Hydrating Tints/Bases
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint is one of the best sheer skin tints (emphasis on sheer). Coverage is very light and finish is dewy and glowy. It does have enough pigment that you need to find a good match but it looks very natural on the skin. I wear Shade 4.
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops is the best glowy hydrating base. It’s the best for dry skin in my opinion but on the sheer side so you definitely need to add some concealer for more coverage (or layer a stick on certain areas you need more color). I found the shades of the drops match the stick formula.
Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation is a great hydrating foundation with medium coverage. It’s not so hydrating that it looks too dewy or emollient but it is definitely on the hydrating side. I wear N280 or W310.
Natural Looking Bases
Too Faced Born This Way Healthy Glow Skin Tint is my favorite new base of the year. It has natural medium coverage, lightweight feel and looks like skin but better. It has a nice satin dry down with a subtle glow. If it’s separating on you I highly suspect it’s your moisturizer that is not compatible with this formula. I wear Warm Beige.
It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Foundation is the best CC Cream I’ve tried (aside from the Chanel one that is temporarily discontinued). I like that it’s not super thick but has substance to it so it’s still creamy. I’ve tried all the It Cosmetics foundations and this is the best one in my opinion. I wear Medium Tan.
Patrick Ta Major Skin Crème Foundation Powder Duo is the best solid cream foundation I’ve tried. I really like the powders that come with this too because the pigment level is low so it acts as a natural setting powder without adding color (also does not oxidize). Colors run darker than described in my opinion. I’m typically a medium or medium tan but in this formula I wear Light Medium 1 or 2.
Medium Coverage
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick is the best natural looking foundation stick I’ve tried. It’s easy to blend and evens out the skin perfectly. I wear Shade V, VI or VII depending on how light or tan I am. Most of the year I wear Shade VI. See it in action in this reel here.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a classic formula I think everyone needs to try. Has a natural glow and the perfect amount of coverage. I wear Shade 6.5 most of the year.
NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation is a favorite but I don’t think it’s universally loved. It does have medium coverage that is a bit more opaque than most so a little goes a long way. It’s easy to blend and doesn’t take much work to buff out. I do think your skincare needs to be good though (ie don’t apply this on super dry skin, make sure it’s well moisturized). I am a match to Santa Fe right now, but also wear Sahel and Vanuatu.
Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation is another classic. Anytime I wear this I wonder why I don’t wear it all the time. Has natural finish and whenever I think of a classic solid foundation this formula is THE one. I wear Light Medium 14.
Concealer
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam is THE BEST CONCEALER I think I’ve ever tried. If I had to use only one the rest of my life this would be it. Coverage is really good and texture is still easy to blend (which isn’t the case for all opaque concealers). I have several different shades I rotate depending on how bright I want to go. I can wear Shade N5 to N9.
YSL Touche Eclat is the best lightweight hydrating brightening concealer. It’s great for under the eyes to brighten and bring the complexion back to life. Very expensive but 100% worth the splurge. I wear Shade 3.
Givenchy Prisme Libre Concealer is another favorite. It live up to the hype 100%. It’s creamy and the wand picks up a good amount of product so you don’t have to layer or swipe a million times to get good coverage. In action here.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is the concealer I think I’ve used the longest. It’s for sure a classic and one I think is universally loved. By comparison to other formulas though I do think the sponge applicator could use an update. It’s small which is nice for detail application, but sometimes I feel like I have to really pump the product to get enough on the applicator.
Gucci Multi-Use Concealer is one of the best new concealers I’ve tried this year. Full review + swatches of lots of shades in this post here.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Pressed Powder is my holy grail pressed powder. It has the perfect amount of color to give the skin a flawless finish. I wear Medium. I hope they never change the formula and that it stays around forever.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is the setting spray I’ve been using the most lately. There are lots of great formulas from Gucci, Urban Decay, Omorovicza etc. I’m not really committed to one single formula, but the Charlotte Tilbury is one I’ve been using a lot.
NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder is another favorite. I don’t think it will be everyone’s cup of tea because it has a stiff finish. I really love it for a natural finish – when you swipe it on the skin you will literally see your face transform into a smooth finish. It’s like magic.
Cheek Bronzer/Contour
I love a good bronzer and there are so many great formulas. Here are the ones I love from Sephora.
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick is one of the best creamy bronzer sticks. I wear a couple shades and really like the formula and undertone. They’re creamy, satin in finish and easy to blend. I wear either Happy Sol or Always Sunny.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick is another great natural contour. I wear Truffle which is a nice neutral-warm brown shade. It’s easy to blend, natural looking and smooth. If you’re new to Westman Atelier I highly recommend checking out one of her Holiday Trio Sets (one has Biscuit, one has Truffle).
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light is the best naturally glowy bronzer. I do recommend opting for the Ambient Lighting Cheek Palettes though because they have a bronzer included. I like Jellyfish or Leopard the best from this year’s options.
Dior Rosy Glow Blush is another powder favorite. I like Pink, Coral and Rosewood. You can read the full review here. I wear the pink one the most out of all the shades.
NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush is my favorite natural looking liquid blush. I like that the pigment isn’t too opaque so it’s more forgiving on the skin. If you want a super opaque liquid blush Rare Beauty is the way to go (they have lots of great colors, I think this Mini 4-Piece Set is a great way to start).
I have so many favorites for highlighters but I think if you’re looking for the best of the best, Tom Ford Beauty is the way to go.
Tom Ford Soleil Neige Glow Highlighter is new for holiday in two shades. I didn’t think they were worth the steep price but the most I wear them, the more I like them. They’re absolutely beautiful on the skin and I think the Rose Irise is the better one but they’re both stunning. Swatches in this post.
Tom Ford Soleil de Feu Glow Highlighter is from spring/summer and it’s available in two options. I bought and love Oasis for that gorgeous champagne bronze glow. Review here.
Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Duo in Moodlight is a classic that’s been around for years but I think the newer Peachlight is even better. If you’re looking for something with a pink or peachy sheen rather than your standard champagne I think Peachlight is really flattering and more modern looking.
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wands are also holy grail material. I think Pinkgasm and Pillow Talk are the best ones but they are really all so beautiful. Definitely lives up the hype and the colors are SOOO good. If you don’t know that you want to commit to the full size I recommend checking out the Superstar Glow Kit Mini Duo which has Spotlight and Pinkgasm.
Eye Makeup
I still swear by my Top 5 Eyeshadow Palettes I rounded up two years ago. Half of you have told me this is boring, the other half have said it proves these have withstood the test of time. I agree with both sides. I really wish I had something new to share every month for the eyes but palettes are tricky because it’s so rare that I am in love with EVERY single shade in a palette.
If you’re looking for something new and fresh, I say the Natasha Denona I Need a Nude is the best palette of the year (I think it’s better than the Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes). I really think anything from Natasha Denona is a solid win – if you’re new to her line this is a great time to splurge/save all at the same time. Her formulations are the best of the best.
I still really love the Tom Ford Eyeshadow Palettes. This year they added some great new variations including Lumiere D’Hiver (swatches here), Hazy Sensuality and Golden Hour (review here). These three are the best ones and they all launched this year.
