Spring beauty launches are here in full swing and there is so much to explore this season! I love that there is literally something for everyone this season whether you want something glowy or matte, sheer or full coverage etc. Most of my new discoveries are from Sephora so I’ve teamed up with them to share my top beauty picks for a spring makeup bag refresh.
I feel like my go-to concealer is always going to be the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger but I still love trying out new formulas. Many of you like the ones that are creamy and lightweight for under the eyes. I’ve recently discovered the Armani Power Fabric High Coverage Stretchable Concealer in 6.5 and think it’s an excellent alternative for a similar blendable feel but with a semi-matte finish. It has a creamy easy to blend feel making it really nice for under the eyes. I am a 6.5 in the Luminous Silk Formula and usually like to match my concealer shade, but you might want to go a shade down if you need extra brightening. The Laura Mercier Flawless Concealer is another great lightweight option that isn’t quite as creamy as the NARS but still blends nicely. I wear 3W in this formula.
Three Go-To Cheek Products
There are a lot of great cheek palettes out this season but I’m really liking what I already own for this spring transition. I find the best natural bronzer to warm up the skin without looking overdone is the Becca Sunlit Bronzer. The shade options go from light to deep so there is something for everyone – even super fair skin girls who feel like they cannot wear any bronzer. I also think for spring anything peachy or pink-gold is universally flattering. You can’t go wrong with something like NARS Orgasm. For a natural cream highlight that won’t look greasy or too sparkly I highly recommend the NARS Super Radiant Booster.
Neutral Eyeshadow Colors
The eyeshadow palette I’ve been most excited about is the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette. It’s a really pretty updated version of their original Naked and I’m 100% obsessed. For something deeper with more mattes opt for the NARS Skin Deep. If you want something simpler for an easy everyday wash of color on the lids I’ve always sworn by the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks. I often layer 2 colors together and then add a liner for a super quick and easy eye.
Spring Lip Must-Haves
I’m still really loving the Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip. They’re probably my most reached-for lip products this year. Mixing and layering the colors will give the best effect – I love mixing Lychee Baby with Juicy Date or Peach and Quiet. For a tint and balm in one you really can’t find anything better than the Dior Addict Lip Glow. I’ve loved the classic shades like Coral for years now, but my favorite is the Rose Gold option. If you want to splurge on a tint + oil the Hourglass N. 28 Lip Treatment Oil in Adorn is a really pretty pink rose.
That wraps up my spring makeup bag roundup refresh for the best things I’ve seen so far this year. If you’re shopping at Sephora make sure you take advantage of their Beauty Insider Program! You can accumulate points every time you shop for minis and early access to launches and events throughout the year. As always I’d love to hear what you have in your spring makeup bag right now! Or what you have on your spring wishlist/radar!
MAC’s latest is the Boom, Boom, Bloom Collection which has some of the prettiest cherry blossom petal packaging I think I’ve ever seen. The limited-edition collection feature a lot of pink tones for lips and cheeks along with a neutral shimmer x9 eyeshadow palette. I have swatches of all the new items. They’ve also repromoted one of their Strobe Creams which I didn’t swatch for the post but you can see my original post on these here. In the Boom, Boom, Bloom Collection:
The best thing in the collection is the Eyeshadow x9 Palette in Kabuki Doll. It has a beautiful mix of neutrals and warmer brown gold shimmers and one pinkish bronze. It’s neutral warm but isn’t too warm, pink or red. The shimmers have a really good color payoff and smooth shimmer. To me it has the perfect mix of colors and has everything I need for a complete eye look. If you check out one thing I highly recommend this one.
For the face there is a lightly scented Prep + Prime Fix+ which has a very soft cherry blossom scent. As a huge fan of the Fix+ (original and scented ones) I think this is another must. The packaging is so pretty and it’s not too strong in the smell. I use this to either prime the skin before I apply my base. I also like to use it as a setting spray to reduce the powdery look of my setting powder. There are are also two High-Light Powders which have a pretty overspray on top of a semi-matte satin powder. Fleur Real is a pale light pink. It’s too matte and light for me to wear as a highlighter, I can kinda pass it off as a blush but it’s on the light side (scroll to bottom for how this one looks on the face). Spring Bling is a soft medium brown that looks a little dirty on my skin right now. Once I have my tan back I think it will make a nice contour powder.
The lips are hit or miss for me. I think the concept and color scheme had such potential to be perfect spring pinks but since they are so opaque they are a little hard for me to pull off. I do like the Heartmelter Lipglass but the others are just ok on my skintone. Boom Boom Bloom Lipglasses include:
For the Frill of It is a pale shimmery pearly pink
Pink A Boo is a pastel pink cream
Cherry Mochi is a bright raspberry pink
Heartmelter is a mauve rose pink cream
Boom Boom Bloom Lipsticks are all super opaque and a little flat looking on me. Also I can’t wear a lot of pink colors that have a blue undertone because it clashes with my olive/yellow/gold skin tone. The formula is really good coverage-wise. It has smooth full opaque finish as most of these are the matte finish. Colors include:
Hey Kiss Me! is a pastel pink
Wagasa Twirl is a medium rose pink
Hi Fructease is a peachy mod pink
Framboise Moi is a raspberry pink
Tsk Tsk is a bright fuchsia pink
Below wearing:
Natasha Denona Transformatte Foundation in 30W
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus
MAC Highlight Powder in Fleur Powder
MAC Lipglass in Cherry Mochi
MAC Eyeshadow x9 Palette in Kabuki Doll
Overall my top two favorites I think are musts are the Kabuki Doll Eyeshadow Palette and Cherry Blossom Fix+. The Lipglasses in For the Frill of It and Heartmelter are also really pretty but not must-haves in my opinion. All the lipsticks were a miss for my complexion but I usually find super opaque pastel-like pinks or anything with a blueish undertone are a miss on my skin tone. Formula-wise everything is well made and excellent. For me the misses were a matter of color preference.
You can find the MAC Boom, Boom, Bloom Collection out now. Available at MAC Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty, Bloomingdale’s and all other MAC counters and stores. Have you checked out the collection yet? What did you think?
MAC Boom Boom Bloom products provided for review consideration.
Natasha Denona launched a new glow palette called Bloom Blush and Glow ($55 for 13.7 g/0.48 oz, available at Sephora and Beautylish). I ordered this a few weeks ago and think it’s one of the prettiest cheek palettes I’ve seen. It comes in a medium sized compact with four cheek colors. I love the smaller compact size and find the pans are still large enough that I can dip a regular blush brush in the compact easily. (On the nails is Chanel Le Vernis in Jaspe.)
There are two creams and two powders:
Glow Cream Base is a sheer peachy champagne shimmer, this is a nice glow product, not too sparkly or frosty
Cream Blush is a super pigmented cranberry flush, a little goes a long way but it’s easy to blend
Glow Extreme is a extreme glow shimmery peachy champagne highlighter, it has large shimmer particles and is very glowy
Duo Glow is a duo chrome peach gold shimmer powder highlighter
All four layer nicely together for the ultimate glow. If you’re conservative on the shimmer you may find Glow Extreme too glowy and sparkly for you. I think it makes for a really nice eyeshadow too. Application is smooth and easy to blend. Pigment is perfect. You can sheer out for a lighter wash or layer for more intense coverage. Lasting power is very good although we’ve had a cold week so I haven’t tested this in full humidity.
Close ups and swatches below.
There’s a nice plastic lid inside to cover the two creams and protect them from the powder kick up of the other two shades. I really appreciate little details like this!
Swatches:
Makeup look wearing all four shades. The top left photo is just the glow cream blush base, other three have the other cheek colors layered on top (press samples have a *):
Overall glowy and beautiful. Compared to other Natasha Denona coral/peachy shades her Duo Glow in Alba is lighter and more golden compared to this palette’s blush. Her Diamond and Blush Palette in Darya is more coral/cool toned while this palette has more warmer tones and more glow/shimmer. I do think The Bloom Blush and Glow is different enough to justify owning if you have the others, although if you’re super conservative on shimmers and glows this will probably be too glowy for you.
You can find the Natasha Denona Bloom Blush and Glow Palette out now. Available at Sephora and Beautylish.
I bought mine and then also received a press sample so I’m going to give away my extra to one reader. To enter for a chance to win, use the widget below. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older to qualify. Giveaway is going to run through Monday March 11 at 11:59 PM EST. ONE winner will be selected within 72 hours of giveaway end and contacted by me via e-mail. Not sponsored or affiliated. Note the first two options are mandatory. Other entry options will get you extra entries.
Tom Ford Beauty launched their new Lip Lacquer Luxe Vinyl and Matte in 20 shades ($57 each). These are full coverage high pigment lip products. I have 10 colors swatched, five I purchased on my own, five are press samples. I’ve been a long time fan of Tom Ford lip products – anytime someone asks me to recommend one item to splurge on I always pick the Tom Ford Lip Color. After testing both finishes of the new Lip Lacquer luxe, I find that I really like them, however have mixed feelings on these mainly because there are some packaging issues. The product itself is very good in my experience. Quick thoughts on both formulas:
The Lip Lacquer Luxe Vinyl is a thick glossy full coverage lip product. Because it’s thicker it does take some blending but this adheres well to the lips and once blended does not feel super heavy. I can feel the product like I would a regular gloss but it’s not uncomfortable.
The Lip Lacquer Luxe Matte is a soft lightweight matte. It has buildable coverage but some blending is required as well to smooth it out. I like that it’s super lightweight and has a soft velvety matte that doesn’t make the lips look shriveled or dry.
In terms of lasting power the Vinyls stay put better. For the Mattes they don’t slide off and do stay put, but not as long as their Lip Lacquers they launched last year. I actually prefer the packaging style of the Lip Lacquers however with the new Lip Lacquer Luxe you do get 6 ml of product while last year’s slim tube has only 2.7 ml.
There’s a slight scent to them but it’s not really a fragrance, it’s more of a lipstick scent. Once applied the scent fades. As soon as some of you saw I bought these on Instagram stories I received a number of messages asking about the applicator. Many of you were really upset that it broke when you opened it. I do find the sponge tip applicator seems a little too wide for the lacquer opening so there is a bit of tugging to pull it out. Luckily only one of mine broke and I didn’t twist or bend when I tried to open it. If yours broke I hope you will be able to get a replacement. I’ve since opened and used all the other shades multiple times and none of them have broken.
I’ve split the swatches by color grouping from neutrals to bolds. Group 1:
All swatched on bare lips, descriptions:
Insinuate (vinyl) is a medium peachy pink
Softcore (vinyl) is a high shine beige
Intimate (vinyl) is a medium light pink
Darling (matte) is a nude pink, looks beige in the tube but on me pulls more pink
Quiver (matte) is a nude mauve
Group 2 with deeper and bold colors:
Descriptions and swatches, all done on bare lips:
Pussycat (matte) is a mauve rose that deepens and darkens
Unzip (vinyl) is a bold warm bright glossy pink
Infuriate (vinyl) is one of my favorites, it’s the perfect deep red on me!
Jaguar (matte) is the one that broke, it’s a bold warm red matte
Habitual (matte) is a deep bright slightly blue-based red
All the colors side by side:
A few comparison swatches and thoughts:
NARS Velvet Lip Glides are lighter weight and sheerer than the Tom Ford Lip Lacquer Luxe Mattes, I included some swatches of the neutrals for comparison in Bound, Swing, Roseland and Xenon.
Tom Ford Lip Lacquers (in the skinny round tubes from last year) are longer lasting, more matte in the dry down and budge proof once dry. Universal Appeal is still the best liquid lipstick nude from Tom Ford, on my lips in this post here. Pussycat is darker than the luxe version.
Tom Ford Satin Matte in London Suede is a more browned neutral and has a soft diffused matte compared to the Lip Lacquer Luxe Mattes.
Aside from the packaging issues I think the formula makes for a solid luxury lipstick. I really love the formula and finish even though they do take a little bit of extra effort to blend because of how pigmented they are. My favorites are Softcore, Quiver and Infuriate. I’ve worn Softcore the most so far and love it for a nude but not washed out lip. I do think that opening a gloss shouldn’t be challenging and it definitely should not break at the tip. Based on the design of the applicator and opening I don’t know if mine will break eventually. I was lucky I had issues with only one of mine. I have splurged on many Tom Ford lipsticks and think that it has been money well spent since I really do love the formula. I do think that $57 is really steep even if it is Tom Ford and luxury. They seem to have a similar vibe to the Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip High Shine and Velvet Mattes which are $37 each by comparison. I never tried those even though they seem to be really popular. I still have the By Terry Lip Expert Shine and Mattes I’m working on swatching for you so you might want to wait on swatches before splurging on the Tom Ford ones unless you’re a Tom Ford addict and there’s a color you think you’re absolutely in love with.
It’s been two years now since we’ve moved to Florida and I cannot believe how fast time flies! It seems like it was just yesterday we drove across country from San Diego to Tampa. It’s been quite a transition for us but we’ve really fallen in love with everything here. We love the beaches, the people and the casual relaxed vibe. Every week I get questions from readers asking what to pack for vacation trips to Florida and my answers usually depend on what time of year they’re visiting and where they’re going. Florida is a big state and the weather varies depending on how far north or south you’re visiting (it’s more humid and hotter the further south you go). There is a long distance between Tampa, Orlando and Miami so temperatures and humidity changes depending on how close you are to the coast. Weather is also fairly unpredictable depending on what time of year. Right now the weather is mild in the Tampa Bay area with temperatures ranging from low 60’s to low 80’s. Last week weather was in the high 80’s! I’ve teamed up with Nordstrom to share some of my go-to warm weather essentials for South Florida.
My favorite layering piece is a good denim jacket. For me the best ones are from Madewell because they come in a wide range of washes and fits whether you want something classic, loose or cropped. Temperatures can change from morning to mid-day to night. Also indoors they love to put the AC on full blast making it icy cold. I like that you can dress up or dress down any outfit with a classic denim jacket. I typically size up for a more slouchy relaxed look.
Good shorts are absolutely a must in Florida. Since moving here I’ve tried so many different brands and styles. For those who want a true mid-rise with a casual look I highly recommend checking out the STS Blue Raw Denim shorts. They’re the best affordable denim shorts I’ve found. Even the light blue distressed ones hold up remarkably well after lots of washes in the washing machine. I also love these ones from 7 For All Mankind and Blank NYC.
A simple small crossbody bag is perfect for just carrying the essentials. When it’s hot and humid out it’s nice to have something light and small that you don’t even notice is weighing you down. I splurged on the Chloe Mini Marcie and love it to death. The Tory Burch Marsden Crossbody is a less expensive alternative and I have also been contemplating the Madewell small crossbody as well for something simple.
The tees and tanks I pretty much live in are the Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tank, V-Neck Tee and Northside Vintage Tee. They’re lightweight, super comfortable and come in so many different colors. I am a little embarrassed to admit how many of these I own. They’re great as a casual tee by itself, layered with a sweater or jacket, nice for the beach, also perfect for at-home lounging. They’re not really designed for workouts but sometimes I’ll wear the tank during a run or at home when we’re lifting weights too. I also have and love the Stripe Version.
For shoes I live in the Tory Burch Miller Sandals and Converse Sneakers – they go with everything! I find the classic Converse Chuck Low Tops to be among my favorite and most comfortable sneakers. They don’t give me blisters and are nice to walk in for extended periods of time. I think they’re a super cute sneaker even for the girls who feel like they aren’t really sneaker girls.
One last essential I have to mention is sunscreen. We have tested dozens and our favorite that isn’t heavy, doesn’t smell like sunscreen, has no flash back, is lightweight, easy to apply and also is the best at preventing burn is the Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen. No matter what we try, this is the one we keep going back to.
Outfit details, for sizing reference I’m 5’3″ – petite!
Hope you enjoyed this post! More of these to follow since I’ve been getting so many questions about my everyday basics. A few other favorites linked below.
I have another mascara + primer roundup today! As much as I love and swear by waterproof formulas like Chanel Le Volume Waterproof, L’Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof and Tom Ford Waterproof Extreme (sold out everywhere!), so many of you prefer regular formulas because they’re easier to take off. I have straight lashes and live in a city that has high humidity so I really prefer waterproof most of the time so it’s beach-proof and sweat-proof. For me it’s worth the extra time and effort to remove every evening. Still I understand it’s a total pain to remove which makes it not worth it for everyone (I swear by these Almay pads to remove the most stubborn of waterproof makeup, make sure you pick the waterproof remover version). The good news is there are a lot of new formulas that launched I think you might want to check out. A couple of these aren’t entirely brand new but new to me.
Home decor / style note details at the bottom of the post, but for all those asking my nail polish is OPI Another Ramen-tic Evening.
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Pat McGrath cannot do wrong in my eyes and she launched the new FetishEyes Mascara earlier this month. I received an early sneak peek and have been testing it for a couple months now. It’s a great non-clumping, defining mascara. It adds length and doesn’t smudge. For me it doesn’t quite add as much volume or drama as other formulas do but it’s a solid one and I truly appreciate that there is zero clumping. Curl holding is not the best, but also not the worst. If you don’t have issues with straight lashes I think you will have no problem with this formula. If you haven’t tried anything from her FetishEyes Collection I highly recommend her Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner (the two available in the Xtreme Duo bundle on her website).
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Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara has been raved about my SO many of you. You’ve told me it’s your HOLY GRAIL. I bought the pink packaging one at Sephora and really love it. The regular formula does not smudge but we have had a cold winter here (it has been down to 40s/50s) and even though it’s warming up the humidity isn’t what it normally is. I am worried it will smudge with the humidity so I’m going to investigate in the waterproof version soon. This one adds the most volume that I’ve tried for a non-waterproof formula. It will hold the curl too.
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Marc Jacobs launched a Velvet Primer to go with their Velvet Noir Mascara. I feel like most primers have done little for my lashes except the L’Oreal Lash Paradise Primer which is great, but not necessary. Even most high-end ones just didn’t do enough to wow me so I had low expectations for this Marc Jacobs Velvet Primer. It exceeded every expectation I had. Paired with the Velvet Noir Mascara it helps the mascara adhere SO much better and makes the mascara look much better. I haven’t tried it with other formulas but am going to. For now I’m thoroughly impressed. I think it’s worth checking out.
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The YSL Faux Cils Volume Effect in The Curler just came on my radar. I don’t know how new it is (or if it’s really is new). It’s described as a “curling mascara featuring a unique hybrid brush that dramatically curls and defines lashes for an unparalleled full fan effect.” The description alone plus all near 5-star reviews sold me. It didn’t work for me or knock my socks off. It doesn’t hold the curl or curl my lashes. I really do love the brush and how it’s curved and has rubber bristles. It just didn’t live up to the description for me. I like that there’s no clumping, it defines nicely and doesn’t smudge. I just don’t see enough volume and for me there is no curling effect or hold.
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Last but not least is the Sisley So Volume Mascara. For some reason I did not think this was new but the press email I received says it is. I’ve tried a few other formulas from Sisley and they’re all ridiculously expensive. This one has a thick chubby wand with bristles and does indeed add serious volume. It has ingredients to soften the lashes which is nice. Once applied it doesn’t have that crunchy feel most mascaras have but it stays put. I haven’t used it long enough to see if it is indeed strengthening but I don’t know that I would be able to tell with any formula. I like this because it adds volume with one stroke. It doesn’t hold the curl as well as waterproof formulas but doesn’t make mine go straight immediately. It’s also included in the Rachel Goodwin x Les Stars Collection bundle.
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I hope you found this roundup helpful! I think mascara is always tricky for me to write about because even with reviews it’s hard to tell how one may or may not work for you. We all have different lash lengths, density and eye shapes. I’ve tried so many that worked for others that didn’t for me so I know it can be the case for you as well. I still really prefer waterproof formulas so they’ll hold the curl for me. I end up with raccoon eyes most of the time so I’m surprised I found some non-waterproof formulas that didn’t smudge this round.
A few notes on other items featured in the post. On the nails is OPI Another Ramen-tic Evening, Mirrored Trays here, Coffee table here, my favorite eyelash curler is from MAC. Flat zip pouches in the Marc Jacobs photo are from The Daily Edited.
What’s your favorite non-waterproof mascara formula? Always love reading about your recommendations!
Press samples from Sisley, Marc Jacobs and Pat McGrath.
By popular request I’ve put together a round up of all the lip balms you’ve been asking about. I’ve included thoughts on tinted options, clear ones and a few lip plumper formulas. I know it’s not officially spring yet, but I’m calling this a spring lip balm roundup because seasonal beauty collections launch ahead of the actual season. I put around a dozen formulas to the test. Most of the tinted color options are newer for the season but I also mixed in some clear options that are new to me for those who just want a treatment without color. Formulas covered today:
The Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil in the new tinted shades are ones I’ve been getting the most questions about. I have used both the clear and red ones in past years, used them up and didn’t repurchase. The formula is one of the most beautiful luxurious lip oils I’ve tried. It feels like a spa treatment on the lips but doesn’t have a bad taste. I ordered the neutrals sight unseen. I think they’re amazing for the beautiful neutral soft pink tints but on my lips all three look pretty much the same. Bare is a soft beige pink, Cameo is a rose, Adorn is a soft pink. Coverage is on the sheer side and like any oil color won’t be long lasting even if you can still feel the product. I think they’re insanely expensive. I was prepared to be thoroughly disappointed just because of the price but after playing with these I think they’re a really nice splurge. I don’t think you need all the neutrals that I bought, to me they’re really similar, if I had to pick one it would be Bare. (Scroll down for swatches, after the Givenchy bit.)
The Givenchy Le Rose Perfecto is a hydrating lip balm that comes in tinted colors now. The original ones are supposed to be color shifting according to your lip/body chemistry but it didn’t do anything for my lips. I tried it once, wasn’t impressed but kept it for future testing. I swatched some new colors on my hand in store and they looked so pretty I had high hopes. I bought two of the new tinted colors 101 Glazed Beige and 201 Timeless Pink which looked promising but I hate them. It’s rare that I’ll full on hate a product, although there have been plenty of products I’ve given a negative review on the blog. I try to be fair in the sense that my personal preferences don’t always make a product bad (ie sheer isn’t always bad, frosty isn’t bad as some like extra shimmer, super matte also isn’t bad as some want that extra matte look). Sometimes I’ll give something a bad review because I think the color is boring or unflattering, or sometimes I think a product is simply not worth the price tag. I actually hate this formula. It has horrible patchy application, not hydrating and sinks into my fine lines. Even blending doesn’t work to smooth out the color. The only nice thing is the pink packaging and slim style of the tube. All that being said the online reviews are overwhelmingly positive for this formula.
Swatches of the Hourglass and Givenchy shades:
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tints are probably the next best option to the classic Dior Addict Lip Glows. Over the years I’ve received a lot of messages from readers who like the concept of the Dior Addict Lip Glows but their body chemistry causes the colors to turn almost fluorescent on their lips which they think is unflattering. I think the Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tints provide a more subtle tint, but this of course is going to be different on everyone. You can read my review of last year’s options here. These are nice hydrating balmy tints that feel moisturizing without being thick. This year I tried Bare Pink (subtle pink on my lips), Bare Nude (sheer subtle beige flush) and Bare Blackberry (perfect soft berry color, think Clinique Black Honey toned down a few notches).
YSL launched a new addition to their Volupte line with the Volupte Plump in Color. I’ve been sitting on these for months and finally put them to the test. I bought the neutrals which barely show up. I normally don’t mind sheer balms but the two I picked 01 Mad Nude (soft pink) and 07 Furious Gold (shimmery pale gold) aren’t flattering on me. These have a super sharp tingle with the plumping factor. It stung my lips so much so that I could not feel my upper lip after 2 minutes which made me panic. When this happens I usually get an allergic reaction and my face looks like I’ve been stung by a bee. I removed it immediately with makeup remover, washed my face and lip again and then used a cleansing water to make sure it was 100% off. I really loved their Volupte Tint in Balm and prefer the color and formula 100%.
NARS launched another version of the Afterglow Lip Balm in a clear option with SPF 10 called Clean Cut. This is a nice non-irritating lip balm. Since Clean Cut is clear I feel like the Afterglow Lip Balm Orgasm version is more special. It’s a really nice smooth balm. Lips are noticably softer and smoother. I really love the way it feels. I’m not sure I feel it’s worth the price for clear. Formula gets a solid A+ though.
Dior makes some of the best lip plumpers and color transforming balms. No matter how many other brands come out with their own version I think Dior still does it best.
The Lip Maximizers aren’t really lip balms but they had new shades that were launched with new balms so I’ve put them in this roundup. In the past I’ve felt the color lineup of the Lip Maximizers were pretty basic. Not a bad thing necessarily but even the tinted ones didn’t do much except add a lush plumpness to the lips. The new ones are sheer but show up better on my lips. I’m LIVING for the Pink Holographic and Purple Holographic ones. They have noticeable shimmer chunks but it’s 100% smooth and not overly frosted. I also bought Rosewood which is new to me (I’m not entirely sure if it’s new) and it’s a sheer effortless beige pink which I love.
As a Lip Glow Addict Lover I was really interested in trying the new Lip Glow to the Max shimmer/tint swirls. I have such mixed feelings about these. If I have a choice between matte and shimmer, I almost will always want the shimmer. The shimmer in these is a little much for me. It’s not frosty but it has a very metallic look which I don’t think is flattering on me. It’s almost a little too glowy. Lips look super lush and full with the shimmer + tint and I like that they are very pigmented. I prefer the Holo Rose Gold and Holo Pink options or even the classic non-shimmer ones instead.
Clear Balm Options from Drunk Elephant, Lipstick Queen, Sol Janeiro, Laneige and Fresh
Last but not least I have a roundup of some of the clear Lip Balms options I’ve tried over the past few months. Thoughts on how each one performed:
I bought the Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm in a holiday set and was pleasantly pleased. It’s a nice basic hydrating lip balm I think makes for a great unisex option. It’s lightweight and hydrating but does the job at fixing dry patches. It’s a clean formula with avocado, mongongo, cranberry, and marula oils. It’s non-scented and doesn’t have a taste. Finish is semi-matte.
Lipstick Queen came out with a new Lip Restore Balm which is a really nice thick clear option. It has a twist up applicator with a plastic end. I’ve kinda fallen out of love with Lipstick Queen lipsticks over the years as I feel other brands have better colors/formulas, but this was a really nice one. I used it during the day and also over night and think it’s a solid option to try.
The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss has the cutest fun bright packaging I decided to give it a try and am throughly impressed. It’s on the thick side but very moisturizing with a natural glow. It’s heavily scented but not too overpowering for me. I can’t use their body products because I find the scent too strong for me to handle but the lip balm is better. If you’re sensitive to scents this may be too strong for you. It has cupuacu, açaí, and coconut oils.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask came out in a Vanilla option. I asked for thoughts on stories because I feel it’s so heavily hyped. Thoughts and opinions were either extreme love or hate. I can’t use the original berry version, the scent is so strong it nearly knocked me on the floor in the store. I think the Vanilla one is much better in scent. It’s a smooth hydrating lip balm, but I don’t think it’s the best and for me it doesn’t live up to the hype. Bite’s Agave Lip Mask is much much better and more hydrating.
Fresh Sugar Mint Rush is their latest for the lip balm line. It has a nice fresh minty sweet finish that isn’t too strong or sharp. It has a pleasant soothing cooling feel. I left it on overnight and lips were nice and soft in the morning. I feel the Bite is more hydrating and effective for super dry lips.
Summary:
Best: Best tinted ones are Bobbi Brown and Hourglass and favorite clear options are Drunk Elephant and Sol de Janeiro
Worst: Givenchy, YSL Volupte Plumping (because it’s painful) and I think Laneige is just ok
I still think the By Terry Baume de Rose, Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask and regular Dior Addict Lip Glows are among the best formulas I’ve tried. I love trying new formulas though, especially tinted ones! There are a few formulas and colors that I probably would not have bought to try but so many of you were asking for reviews I did. I hope you found this roundup helpful!
Quick update, a lot of you have been messaging me about more budget-friendly options. This post focused on newer formulas that just launched. I have a lot of others I’ve tried in the past that I consider excellent staples too. My top budget-friendly affordable balms include Vaseline Lip Therapy Mini Cocoa Butter (love the minis), Lanolips Strawberry, Lanolips Multi-Balm Coconutter, Aquaphor.
Press samples include NARS Afterglow, Lipstick Queen Restore, Bobbi Brown Extra Pink, Fresh Sugar Mint Rush. All others purchased by me.
