Happy April! Rounding up my favorites from March. This year has been flying by! It’s finally started to warm up and we spent the weekend at the beach and boat with Ollie. We just celebrated 2 years with Ollie, he’s been such a joy for us. I can’t believe how fast time truly flies.
Makeup Favorites
For my base favorites I have been really loving the Supergoop! Protec(tint). It’s a lightweight sheer tint with SPF 50. I share a demo Get Ready With Me on Reels wearing 24N which is a good match right now, but I also have 26W which will probably be a better match for summer. It is sheer and natural looking. I like the coverage and finish. I am so happy to report it didn’t pill, clog pores or streak. The Sephora sale is coming up so if you’re looking for a good skin tint with SPF add this to your list!
The best foundation brush I’ve been using is the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush. I’ve featured it a few times before but thought I’d give it another shout out since so many of you ask about it when you see it in tutorials. I’m not really sure why it’s not sold everywhere at all Laura Mercier counters but you can find it online at Laura Mercier, Revolve, Bluemercury to name a few.
The best concealer I’ve tried is still the Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer. I am using N5 or N7 right now. It’s creamy, opaque but blendable, long lasting and doesn’t crease.
For a glowy base, I’ve been loving the Dior Forever Star Filter in Shade 3 as a primer underneath concealer or foundation but you can also mix it in with your base for a naturally glowy look. They add a really pretty radiance to the skin. I’ve also really loved the Forever Glow Maximizer in Rosy Glow although it’s very similar on my skin to the Charlotte Tilbury Pinkgasm, so if you already own that one you can probably skip the Dior.
For eyeshadows I’ve rediscovered the Too Faced Natural Nudes Born This Way & Sunset Stripped palettes. They are both neutral staples that I think everyone should own. They have a really good mix of mattes and shimmers with neutrals that are very easy to wear. Too Faced just launched Mini Born This Way Palettes in Warm Ember Nudes and Cold Smolder Nudes. I ordered them and will be reviewing soon but wanted to put them on your radar.
The Merit Solo Shadow in Vachetta has been a favorite since I bought it. It’s my perfect contour/base shade for the eyes. Just a tiny bit darker than my skin tone for a really good neutral lid color. Left is Vachetta, right is Midcentury.
Tartelette Tubing Mascara XL has been a favorite this past month. I still really love the regular Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara and actually think the XL version performs pretty much the same, but I use both. It defines, holds the curl, doesn’t flake or smudge. It’s a solid win.
Guerlain Lip Oils are probably my favorite lip product of the month. I cannot pick a favorite as all the colors are really pretty. I have been reaching for the Honey Glow the most.
Charlotte Tilbury added new Pillow Talk Shades in a few formulas. I’ll be reviewing them soon but I am already in love with the Collagen Lip Bath in Pillow Talk Fair. It’s a really pretty and flattering lighter cool toned pink that isn’t too cool.
Skincare
Also wanted to share a few skincare favorites this month. I shared an updated roundup of formulas I’ve been using and love from Nordstrom here. It includes a little something in every category with everything linked here. A few things I wanted to highlight are below.
The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is the best one for me right now. A little goes a long way and it cleans the skin well without stripping it.
The Eve Lom Muslin Cloths are also a must. I think any muslin cloth will work, but I always order the ones from Eve Lom. The gentle exfoliation helps keep the skin clear and it also works to remove every trace of cleanser (oil, balm or regular liquids) from the skin.
For moisturizers I’ve used up yet another jar of the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream and repurchased it again. I’ve also been loving the La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream as another go-to daily moisturizer. It’s 100% worth the splurge and I recommend adding it to your list for the Sephora sale!
It’s been a dry winter this year in Florida and colder than usual although I suspect it’s usually very cold and dry for most of you in the winter. I’ve had a few things in rotation I’ve been loving that I wanted to share to combat dry skin focusing on body care. I have picks at multiple price points.
Body Lotion and Creams
There are so many great body creams and lotions on the market but scent is something I am so picky about that I feel like I am missing out on a lot of great formulas. I usually prefer something unscented or very lightly scented when it comes to body moisturizers. I also need something to feel smooth and not sticky so anything “balmy” is usually a no-go for me.
My favorite body cream right now is the Herbivore Botanicals Cloud Milk Firming Body Cream ($40, at Herbivore, Sephora and Nordstrom). It’s what I wanted the Kopari Ultra Restore Body Butter ($36) to be which felt a little too thick and smelled too sweet for my taste. The one from Herbivore Botanicals has a soft cushiony velvety creamy texture hat melts into the skin. It’s scented with coconut and vanilla but isn’t too strong. Has a very hydrating feel that absorbs well and doesn’t pill.
Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion ($14.99) is a great budget-friendly option that is fragrance free, semi-thick but doesn’t feel greasy. It does take a little work to massage into the skin fully but I really like it. I brought the travel size with me on a trip.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream ($30 – $65, also in this Duo Bundle Set) is one of the more expensive options I’ve tried. If you like the Magic Cream for the face I think you’ll like this one. I love both. It has a super luxurious feel and texture. There is a subtle scent like face version but it’s light and fresh. It has shea butter and is very soothing. Also has a smoothing effect. I do think it’s incredibly overpriced but I think the formula is really good.
Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream ($18) is a soothing body cream with 1% colloidal oatmeal. It’s what I wanted the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream to be in body lotion form, although in looking at their website I just found out they actually do have an Ultra Repair Body Lotion ($38) that seems to be exclusive to their website. The Prequel Barrier Cream worked to help calm down some dry skin flare ups I’ve had this winter season. Some areas of my hands and arms became so dry they started to crack and turn red and burn to the point I couldn’t sleep. A mix of Vaseline and the Prequel cream helped calm everything down and restore moisture. On normal days I love this on the body just by itself.
A number of you recommended Osea, in particular the Anti-Aging Body Balm and Body Butter. I had a mini sample of the Anti-Aging Body Balm to try and the formula is incredible! It is on the balmy side with some slip in the finish so it doesn’t really have much of a dry down. I am trying to decide if I can wear this even with the balmy texture because it feels incredible but I don’t like sticking to my clothes. I think I may order their Glow to Go Starter ($32) set to try a few other things.
Body Oils
I love a good body oil but this is another category where I am really particular with scents and texture. Thick ones will most likely help hydrate the best but I prefer ones that are not thick or sticky.
Celine Huile Celeste ($195) was quite the splurge but I love it mainly for the scent. It’s one of three new additions to the Celine perfume lineup in the Cologne Celeste scent. It’s a beautiful fresh citrus, notes include ANGELICA, SWEET LEMON ESSENCE, PETITGRAIN, NEROLI ACCORD, AMBRETTE BUTTER AND ORRIS BUTTER. This is a pour out style kind of bottle and I wish it had a stopper or spray. I managed to get an extra spritzer cap for the top in store although I don’t know how long it will work as it’s designed for the cologne. Texture is dreamy and beautiful. Just like you’d expect of a massage oil. I bought this for the scent which is very light compared to the cologne, but I really love it and will use every last drop. I don’t think I will repurchase due to the price but it was a beautiful splurge.
Chanel L’Huile Vanille ($230) is another splurge that I think was 100% worth it. The Chanel Body Massage Oils come in four scents for now and I would love to own them all but Vanille is my favorite. It smells just like the Sublimage Skincare line which is very unique. It has the most beautiful texture with a soft scent. I love the way it feels and absorbs into the skin. The only downside is the large glass packaging. It’s so beautiful and very substantial but a bit difficult to hold because of the size. Also the top has no stopper so it’s a pour style so you have to be careful not to pour too much out. Formula is 10/10 though.
Shower Care
For the bath and shower there are three I’ve been loving lately. Saltair has a great lineup of affordable body and hair care items. I really loved their Golden Hour Oil-Infused Nourishing Body Wash ($15). It has a pineapple + coconut scent that is sweet but isn’t too sweet. It has a gel like texture for a body wash. Moisturizing level is medium, not as hydrating as an oil, but more than a regular shower gel. I really liked the texture and formula.
Bioderma Atoderm Body Cleansing Oil ($29.99) is great for soft hydrated skin. Works wonders on dry skin and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. I do wish the packaging was a bit more aesthetically pleasing but the formula is great. They also have it in a small 3.4 fl oz travel size which is nice to try before you buy the full size.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel ($26 to $56) is probably my most repurchased shower cream. It is very strong in the scent but I love it. It’s a cream shower product that really does hydrate the skin well without leaving any film or residue. After going through this so much we decided to start buying the Value Size 33.1 oz which comes with a pump. They also make this in a large refill pack now.
I love a good body scrub but I haven’t found anything I really love right now. Most are either a little too gritty or the oil-based scrubs leave the skin feeling too oily if that makes sense. For now I’ve been just using a good wash cloth to exfoliate.
Hand and Cuticle Care
I used up a bunch of hand creams and cuticle oils over the past few months and right now have been sticking to my tried and true. I love the Chanel La Crème Main ($55) or Le Lift La Crème Main ($70) because they have the best dry down and are not sticky. For me they have the perfect amount of moisture.
For ultra dry hands/skin I think L’Occitane is the best. I just placed an order to restock the Shea Butter Hand Cream ($13, new packaging looks great!) and the Cuticle Oil ($22).
For the cuticles I finished up the OPI ProSpa Cuticle Oil which I really loved. I will probably repurchase. Right now I am working my way through my second bottle of the Hermes Nail Oil which I really love but is almost always out of stock. Chanel’s L’Huile Camelia ($32) is another luxury option which is quite the splurge but incredibly nourishing and works. I bought the Dior Huile Abricot ($30) which has been repackaged. I used to really love it, I still like it but not as much as the OPI or Chanel because I don’t find it as hydrating.
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That wraps up my body care loves for winter! Would love to hear about your favorites or hits and misses!
Happy New Year! Wrapping up 2023 with my 2023 Beauty Favorites! A huge thank you to every one of you for your love and kindness. Every kind gesture no matter how big or small has meant so much to me. I have appreciated it more than I can express in words! I’ve really loved connecting with so many fellow beauty lovers – I’ve loved reading your messages. Thank you for sharing your beauty loves, pics of your fur babies, new discoveries and more!
This year’s favorites list has a mix of new launches and long-time staples. Here is what I loved the most in 2023.
Best New Lipstick Formula:Chanel 31 Le Rouge (the colors are very limited in shade range, but the formula is one of the best I’ve ever tried though! review + swatches here)
New Favorites: Guerlain Perfumes are also big hits, but I only rediscovered them at the end of the year, I’m still working my way through the Floral Discovery Set. I also think the Iconic Discovery Set has amazing options and if you’re willing to splurge and treat yourself the Advent Calendar Hive of Wonders has an amazing selection too. (More details in this blog post here).
Skincare & Body Favorites
This was a very basic year for me in skincare. I pretty much stuck with my tried and true staples. This year I hope to be a little more adventurous.
Best Spot Treatment:Bliss Clear Genius Acne Gel (Andrew loves this too, it’s strong enough to work as a good acid acne spot treatment but doesn’t leave red marks on the skin)
Best Thing To Keep Skin Clear/Smooth:Eve Lom Muslin Cloths (any muslin cloth will work) but using this helps ensure all the dirt, oil and any cleanser residue are removed
Best New Try: Botox! I did it for the first time in May and I really loved the results. We went to @marissathepa in Boca Raton (she’s great!) I got 40 units for the first time and it lasted for a good 3.5 months. I fully intended to do it again but didn’t plan far enough in advance and when we were in Miami in December they were fully booked. Debating whether to find someone local or wait until we’re back (I think I’m going to wait).
Hair Care Loves
Best Hair Tool:ghd Platinum+ Styler is my go-to for smooth sleek hair or soft waves. I love this one because it turns off automatically, it’s set to a single temperature, plates have sensors to maintain a constant temperature, the edges of the plates don’t touch the skin so I never burn myself with this. See in action here and here.
Most Used Hair Care:Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo + Conditioner – I use these so much I ended up buying the liter pump bottles and have since repurchased the liter refills, definitely a huge OUCH to the wallet, but the formulas are my favorite
Essential Hair Styling Product:R&Co Dart Stick for my baby flyaways as my hair is going through regrowth this year, I usually order from Neimans or Amazon, it’s small enough to keep in my purse.
Miscellaneous
Best Launch of the Year: Chanel Code Couleur Mirrors, Nail Files, Brush Sets were so fun, I wish I had bought all of the colors, I hope they do something like this again! These sold out almost instantly, review here.
Most Worn Polish:Olive and June Quick Dry Nail Polish in Sandy (this is the best sheer baby pink that dries quickly and the one that got the most compliments this year). Many shades are available at Target but it seems this one is only available at Olive and June.
Thank you again for following along. I’m looking forward to the new year! I know New Year’s Day is really just another day but I feel like it’s a great time to reset and get a fresh new start. The past 12 months have been challenging and incredibly difficult for me personally so I really can’t express how much your kindness has meant to me.
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.
I’m rounding up my September beauty favorites! Fall is officially here although I feel like we’re skipping this season and going straight into holiday with the beauty sets and holiday launches rolling in already. I’ll have some on new beauty launches soon but for now here is what I loved in September.
The Laura Mercier Real Foundation Brush has a very unique shape and the perfect density. The brush is angled and made in a tear drop shape so it glides along the angles of your face for flawless foundation application. The teardrop shape makes it easy to get product in the detail areas or corners perfectly – I wonder why nobody else has made a brush like this before.
Foundation application is smooth and streak free. I like the length of the brush bristles too – it’s not too short and not too long. You can find it at Laura Mercier or Macy’s (if you’ve spotted it at other places let me know!).
Budget Beauty Favorites
I have some budget beauty favorites this month! They’re not new (a few of them I’ve reviewed before) but I wanted to put them on your radar because they’re too good to miss out on.
The Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter is one of the best glowy complexion enhancers I’ve tried. They recently added more shades so you might find a better match now. I wear Shade 3 or 4 so when they added 3.5 Medium Neutral Olive I ordered it to try thinking it would be a good in-between color. I still find Shade 4 best for me right now because 3.5 is very olive, but I don’t mind having another shade in the mix.
The glow isn’t too glowy. I can definitely wear it alone or mix it with a foundation all over the face. Right now the new shades appear to only be at Elf Cosmetics and Ulta Beauty. I suspect they’ll roll out the new shades to Target etc. soon.
Maybelline has quite a few products that have gone viral on TikTok and after falling in love with the Sky High Mascara and Lifter Gloss I’ve been trying more from the line.
Their Super Stay 24H Skin Tint Foundation 100% lives up to the hype for a long-wear fluid foundation. I haven’t explored much in budget/affordable foundations because most of them run too pink or peach in undertone. The good news is more brands are offering better shade options and ranges these days. I was happy to find a good match with Shade 310. Quick note though for those sensitive to alcohol in foundations, take note this one has it pretty high on the list. Luckily this did not irritate my skin.
Lasting power is really impressive, even in humid weather. I did not put it to the test for a full 24 hours, but it did last a solid 12 pretty well. It’s a fluid formula with medium coverage but you can layer it. Coverage is natural looking with a subtle glow and has enough pigment to cover the skin nicely.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizers are always in my bag. Shimmer Rose, Rosewood and Rose Nude are my most-worn colors with (Rose Nude gets the most compliments). Dior just launched 3 NEW SHADES for the holiday online and I posted a quick reel with them here. In case you missed it I’m sharing it here on the blog too. Nude Bloom is the prettiest peachy pink nude with a slight golden sheen, Pure Copper is a stunning sparkling copper (glittery and super sparkly but texture is smooth), Holo Silver is a sheer sparkling silver.
Swatch comparisons below:
Three other formulas I have been loving include:
YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in 162 Pulsing Rosehip (one of the best healthy flushed pinks I’ve tried) and 150 Nude Lingerie (warmer pink shimmer, almost looks peach next to 162, but I can assure you it’s pink).
Tarte added new shades of the Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump. I need to share an updated swatch post, but the newest shade Rosebud is SO pretty. It’s the best one they’ve made yet. Also available in some sets like this duo.
The Maybelline Lifter Gloss is a formula I feel like all of you already know about but I’ve rediscovered it and it made my favorites list this month. I picked up the jelly shades from the summer launch and love them. Peach Ring and Gummy Bear are so pretty. I also restocked a few I had used up – Reef is the perfect light neutral.
Bath & Body Care
Two body care items I’ve been loving are from Ouai and Herbivore Botanicals. We’ve been using the Ouai Fur Bebe Pet Shampoo on Ollie and he always smells so good after we wash him with this. I had hoped there was a human option in the same scent but there is not.
I’ve tried Melrose Place before (and loved it) but wanted to try something new so I ordered Dean Street. It’s a really nice fruity floral that isn’t too sweet. It has linden blossom and a little bit of amber to balance it out. Smells clean, fresh and I’ve loved it enough to buy a few refills.
Herbivore Botanicals sent over a few things to try for a project. I really love their Nova Serum and now am curious about the other serums they have in their lineup. The stand out to me is their Cloud Milk Coconut Firming Body Cream. I have been obsessed with their Coconut Bath Milk Soak for the longest time and was really excited for a body cream.
It’s a silky buttery smooth cream that feels lightweight like a cloud when you apply. It is lightly scented with coconut and vanilla but isn’t overpowering. For a quick reference, if you like the texture of Kopari creams but aren’t a fan of the strong scent or super thick texture, I think the Herbivore is a better option. It’s creamy and hydrating but fast absorbing, not sticky and isn’t overpowering in scent.
Fall Nail Polish
I’ve been in my neutral-nail polish era for so long I feel like it’s time for a change. I pulled out the Chanel Le Vernis in 165 Bois des Iles again (reviewed here with the fall collection) and have been really surprised by all the compliments and attention it’s getting!
Other Makeup Loves
For the cheeks (blush, bronzer, highlight) the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes (reviewed here) have been in heavy rotation. I keep going back and forth between Jellyfish and Leopard as my favorite. Even with repeat shades or similarities I find myself reaching for these the most and think they’re very versatile. They’re now available at all retailers like Nordstrom, Sephora, Bluemercury and Ulta Beauty.
I also have a few repeats that have made the favorites list again. I think the Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder and Concealer are holy grail material. You can read the full review here, but nothing really compares to the airbrushed look or lasting power that Prisme Libre has.
Celine Parade has been in heavy rotation. It’s a beautiful citrus scent I think is super unique and different. You can read my review of all their perfumes in this post. I’ve tried the others over the past year and Parade still remains my favorite.
Hair Care
Last but not least, I wanted to give the ghd Platinum+ Hair Styler another mention. It’s my number one go-to hair styling took for sleek smooth hair or waves. As much as I love the Dyson Airwrap for easy waves, the curls just don’t last as long as with a hot tool. (I do use it regularly as a blow dryer though.) The ghd flat iron goes with me on every trip and it’s a life saver to style hair. I was thrilled to partner with them again to show a how-to demo of how to curl my hair with it. For me it’s particularly useful because I’m not the best at curling my hair with a curling iron – I almost always burn my fingers or forehead and a few times I’ve sizzled off hair because the irons were too hot.
It still feels like summer here but the fall season has arrived! I’ve rounded up some beauty favorites with plum tones for the upcoming fall months. Most of these are from my current stash but I have a couple new things I’ve tried plus lots of swatches. If you’re a neutral-makeup lover like me but still want to try something a little more bold, here are some things I find really wearable.
Plum Bordeaux Lips
I posted a Reel on Instagram sharing six plum tones I think will easily suit a wide range of skin tones so you can see them all in action!
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in Berry 006 is probably my favorite out of all the shades. It’s a brighter purple plum making it more wearable (not as vampy). More shades + full review here.
U Beauty Lip Plasma Compound has been a favorite for a while and I’ve been really enjoying the tinted colors. Cassis is a sheer dark plum. Since it’s a balm/gloss style it will wear off within a few hours but the beauty of this is the fading is more forgiving on the lips.
Chanel Rouge Coco Baumes are among my favorite for a sheer plum lip. If you’re usually not a bold-lip wearer but want to try more color, I think these are the best ones to try. Fall For Me is a beautiful reddish plum (swatched on lips here) and Sweet Treat (on the lips in this post) is a really pretty wearable berry.
Eye Makeup Picks
I like a warmer eye to coordinate with plum lips so the purple tones don’t overwhelm the whole look. If you want to add a bit of a warm color that isn’t too dark I think the Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows in Blaze and Rapture are beautiful. I bought these years ago and use them frequently but have still not hit pan.
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Honeymoon remains one of my favorite eyeshadow palettes of all time. I still adore it to this day. I also really like the Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palettes and Mitzah is a close option to Honeymoon. I’ve swatched the new formula and think it’s ok, colors are still very pretty although I think the original formula was better.
Mauve/Plum Blushes
Plum tones are difficult for me to pull off on my skintone, so I usually opt for something mauve instead.
