Brand Archives - The Beauty Look Book

Hourglass Holiday 2026

October 1, 2026

Hourglass Holiday 2026 has launched with four new limited-edition palettes, matching dual-ended brushes along with a few beautiful sets. There are three Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked palettes available at all retailers Hope, Wish and Luck ($98 each, Hourglass Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty & Sephora) and one that is a Sephora exclusive called Love ($98).

By this point I’ve collected so many palettes over the years, doing my usual side by side comparisons seems overwhelming. There are definitely repeats and similarities. While I usually don’t call these must-haves, I really love them and I do think they are worth the splurge. I bring 1-2 with me on every trip even if it’s a mini staycation! Having everything in one palette is so convenient for me.

According to Hourglass there are 18 news shades across the 4 palettes. First is a look at the 3 palettes more widely available at all retailers: Wish, Hope and Luck.

Wish Palette

The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Wish is this year’s lightest variation. This is still pigmented enough to show up on my tan skin and I think this is my favorite for the most natural look. See it in action here.

Shades included:

Diffused Light Finishing Powder
Moonstone Glow Highlighter
Ethereal Bronze Bronzer
Mauve Flush Blush
Pink Aura Blush
Desert Rose Blush

Hope Palette

The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Hope Palette is a medium toned palette but I still think it could work for light/fair skintones. For some reason this one looked the most similar to past seasons so I didn’t expect to really love it. However after trying it, I was really surprised how much I like it. Based on your feedback from my demo here, most of you said this was the better option on me. See it in action here.

Shades included:

Soft Light Finishing Powder
Brilliant Pink Blush
Soft Rosewood Blush
Luminous Opal Highlighter
Rose Quartz Blush
Sunlit Bronze Bronzer

Luck Palette

The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Luck Palette is the darkest variation. This one is definitely too dark for my skin tone, but the shades are still really beautiful. I did try this one with a lighter hand but the shades still pull a little too dark for me.

Shades included:

Radiant Mauve Blush
Topaz Glow Highlighter
Orchid Flush Blush
Eternal Light Finishing Powder
Soft Dahlia Blush
Velvet Bronze Bronzer

Love Palette (Sephora exclusive)

I ordered the Love Palette from Sephora after I purchased the others and I’m glad I did because this one is hands down my favorite. It’s currently sold out at Sephora (sold out SO fast!) and I really hope they restock it.

You can see a mini demo here.

Vivid Coral Blush
Rose Gold Glow Highlighter
Natural Bronze Bronzer
Electric Pink Blush
Dim Light Finishing Powder
Rose Heat Blush

Brushes & Sets

This holiday Hourglass has a Travel Brush Set ($184) and a Best Sellers Set ($295). They also have their limited-edition Ambient Lighting Edit Brush II ($56 for a double ended angled style).

I have mixed feelings about the dual ended brushes. This year’s Ambient Lighting Edit Brush II is absolutely beautiful but the design is the same as 2025. It’s a well made brush for sure but the brush is on the more dense side. For powder cheek products I prefer something a little more fluffy. I bought one to try and I love the details but don’t think it’s a must-have.

I did splurge on the 2026 Travel Brush Set as I used and loved the 2025 version. The brushes are the same except for one. This year they included the angled cheek brush which I think is better than last year’s version. At $184 it is incredibly steep but I have used my set from last year numerous times. It’s great to throw in my purse if I need to touch up my makeup while on-the-go.

These rarely go on sale, but if you have your eye on one, I’d bookmark it to either Hourglass, Ulta or Nordstrom. Hourglass usually does a Friends and Family sale during the holiday. Nordstrom occasionally has their 15% off beauty sale and Ulta always has ongoing deals or bonus point events.

That wraps up my holiday review! Overall my favorite is the Love Palette and Wish in close second. Hope is still really beautiful too. I personally would skip the dual-ended brush and opt for one of their regular brushes from the permanent line or save up for the brush set.

You can find the Hourglass Holiday Palettes available at Hourglass Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty & Sephora.

Did you already splurge on anything from the collection? What did you think? Do you have your eye on anything?

0 Comments

Chanel

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Makeup Collection

August 19, 2026

The Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Collection just dropped at Chanel and I have a look at the makeup items today. There are three makeup items in this launch and they are beautiful.

Les 9 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette in The New Smoky

There is a new eyeshadow palette in neutral cool tones called Les 9 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette in The New Smoky ($132). This has a mix of satin, shimmers and sparkle finishes. If you apply with a loose fluffy brush the color payoff is on the sheer side. But using a more dense brush like the rephr 02 or rephr 28 gives more coverage. With these I have to use a creamy base to help grip the pigments (something like the Rhode Pocket Bronzer on the lids works for me).

Colors look neutral in the palette, on my warmer tan olive skin these pull very cool-toned. For me this is like a modern smokey palette since it’s a little more rosy and taupe.

I personally love the finish and overall look but the colors pull more cool-toned than I am used to wearing.

Rouge Coco Lipstick 165 Crush

There is a new Rouge Coco Lipstick called 165 Crush ($54). This looks substantially cooler-toned than the online photos I’ve seen. On me it’s distinctly a cool mauve with slight grey undertones and I think it’s so interesting how it looks more rosy on those with cool or light-fair skin tones.

The color is beautiful in the tube but since I can’t wear cool tones on the lips this ends up looking very grey on me. A lot of you asked for comparisons of the new Rouge Coco Crush to Flying Cloud and Mademoiselle. In a swatch Flying Cloud looks like it has a little more pink and Mademoiselle is warmer. On my darker pigmented lips these pretty much all look the same.

Wearing:

Foundation – Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation BD41
Concealer – Les Beiges Serum Concealer B30
Powder – Poudre Universelle Libre in 20
Blush – Joues Contraste Intense in Rose Ardent
Eyeshadow – Les 9 Ombres The New Smoky
Mascara – Les Beiges Mascara in Black
Nails – Le Vernis in Coco
Lips – Rouge Coco in Crush

Le Vernis 469 Coco

I think the stand out in this launch for me is the Le Vernis 469 Coco ($34). I love a pale milky pink and this one is more of a medium-light milky pink. I would call this a neutral undertone and it’s full coverage. I still had to apply 2 coats to even it out but I love the color.

That wraps up a first look at the Chanel Coco Makeup Collection. Everything is available now at Chanel.

I can’t wait to smell the new Coco Mademoiselle Crush Eau de Parfum. I wanted to smell it first before buying blind. If you’ve tried it, let me know your thoughts!

Coco Makeup gifted by Chanel.

Hourglass Cosmetics Lips

Hourglass Phantom Blur Balm + Lip Liner Shade Extensions

August 5, 2026

Hourglass launched a new matte lip formula called the Phantom Blur Balm ($38 each) and shade extensions for their Shape and Sculpt Lip Liners ($29 each). They sent the new items for review and I think there are some shades definitely worth checking out.

Phantom Blur Balm

I’m please to report the Phantom Blur Balms are ultra smooth on the lips and for me they don’t emphasize lines. The colors did darken a little on my lips but I think the tones on most of the shades are smooth and great for everyday wear. I am not always a fan of matte or velvet lip formulas but the Blur formula and tones are beautiful for sure. Since I’m a gloss girl at heart, I still prefer the Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balms for that lush glossy shine.

Spell is a warm nude beige

_______

Whisper is a mauve pink

_______

Echo is a pink neutral (my favorite)

_______

Enigma is a tan brown rosewood shade

_______

Mirage is a brown berry (this one pulls a little uneven on my lips)

_______

Also wearing:

Foundation – Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint Shade 9
Powder – Veil Translucent Loose Powder
Blush – Unreal Liquid Blush in Scene (review also here)
Eyeshadow – YSL Couture Mini Clutch Luxury Eyeshadow Palette 710 Over Brun
Eyeliner – Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Obsidian
Mascara – Hourglass Unlocked Mascara
Nail Polish – OPI I’m a Bubble Bunny

They don’t seem to have the same volumizing plumping factor the glossy version does yet for some reason the blurred matte finish makes my lips look full. Coverage is medium but layerable. They have a comfortable weightless feel on the lips, almost like a whipped airy texture but in a balm form.
I tried these over the lip liners which definitely extend the wear time as the pencils are very long wearing.

Shape and Sculpt Lip Liner (New Shades)

When the Shape and Sculpt Lip Pencils originally launched I wasn’t a fan of the shades I bought (review here). I have naturally darker pigmented lips and most lip pencils simply don’t show up on my lips. Also the shades I originally picked up all pulled very warm and I am really happy to see a few more neutral colors. These are ultra long-wear on the lips. I swatched Phantom Lip Blur + Lip Pencil pairings on the lips on Instagram here, but for the blog here are the swatches of the new shades alongside a few from the current lineup.

Tease 1.5 the perfect pink rose
Obsess 4.5 a deeper berry mauve
Strut 8 is a deep brown

You can find the new lip launches now at Hourglass Cosmetics, Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty and all Hourglass retailers.

Natasha Denona

Natasha Denona Newness: Tan Eyeshadow Palette, Hy-Gloss + More

July 1, 2026

I’m catching up on some Natasha Denona launches! She launched some beautiful things this year and I did a few quick features on Instagram but wanted to add a few more thoughts and more swatch comparisons here.

Tan Eyeshadow Palette

The Tan Eyeshadow Palette ($72) is my dream palette come true! These are the exact colors I want to wear every single day. It has a stunning mix of soft beige tones, bronze taupes, sparkly toppers and rich browns. I’ve been wearing this nearly a month and it’s the one I’ve been reaching for EVERY SINGLE DAY.

A lot of you wanted swatches next to I Need a Warm and her Glam Palette. I have side by sides below. I Need a Warm is definitely a lot warmer in undertone but what surprises me is that on my medium tan skintone I don’t find it warm. I actually find it pulls neutral on my complexion. Tan by comparison is definitely more neutral, almost cool-toned on me. A lot of you asked for a side by side to her classic Glam palette which I always found pulled very cool-toned on me.

Tan vs I Need a Warm

Tan vs Glam

This year my top 2 palettes have been the Natasha Denona Tan and YSL Nude Hours which I was really sad to learn was limited-edition. I bought it when it launched and it sold out before I even had a chance to review/swatch but I really hope they bring it back.

If you want a more edited smaller version I also love the YSL Couture Mini Clutch in 710 Over Brun and just bought the 310 Exotic Mirage to try. But quick note: the YSL quads are $69 each for 5 g while the Natasha Denona Palette is $72 for 17.75g and has more variety.

Hy-Gloss Launch

Earlier in the spring Natasha Denona launched her Hy-Gloss Tinted Lip Gloss Balm ($28 each) along with coordinating Lip Liners ($25 each) and two new shades of Hy-Blush Duos ($42).

The Hy-Gloss was recalled because of an issue with the scent in the formula. According to their PR team “Our signature vanilla scent was affected during the production process in which the bulk was overworked and resulted in a burnt scent, which was not intended.” So they recalled the affected shades. They have since fixed the issue although I did not detect any weird smell in them.

The Hy-Gloss is a thick cushiony gloss formula that feels very lush on the lips. While I didn’t find it super tacky or sticky, it is on the thick side. I really love the formula and the shades are beautiful.

Below are side by side swatches of the gloss and her recommended pencil pairings. I think her Lip Pencils are highly under-rated. They’re creamy and glide on the lips and once they set they are SUPER long lasting.

She also added two new Hy-Blush shades in Lush Lila which is a really pretty unique lilac duo. Nude Muse is the most perfect nude combo. Each duo has a cream highlighter and a cream blush. While I really love these they’re not long lasting in the hot summer months as they are dewy and very creamy. I can extend the wear if I set with a powder and they will wear nicely through a date night or dinner out. But if you live in a humid or hot area these will end up looking extra dewy within a few hours.

Overall the Tan Eyeshadow Palette is a solid win for me. I love the neutral tones and after playing with this extensively I can say that I have used every shade in the palette and every single one performs exceptionally well.

You can find these out now at Sephora, Kohl’s, Revolve and Natasha Denona.

Chanel

Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss

June 21, 2026

Chanel revamped their iconic gloss into a new formula called the Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss ($45 each). As a long time Chanel fan I was thrilled to be invited to preview these at the Chanel Beauty Boutique in Brickell Miami.

OG beautylookbook readers might remember that Chanel sparked my very first blog post back in 2009 with the Celestial Lights Glossimers (RIP). Chanel Beauty will forever hold a special place in my heart. For those who have stuck around thank you so very much! My 20-something self would have never dreamed that this would turn into my career.

I shared some more from the event here. If you’re in Miami this summer I think it’s a super cute pop up to visit!

The new Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss is better than I could have imagined! I didn’t think they could top the last formula but somehow they have. It’s bittersweet to have so many beautiful shades discontinued and I still keep hoping they bring back some of the original shades from many years ago (ie Seashell, Unity, Blizzard, etc.) The new formula is close to the last one but definitely upgraded. It’s somehow smoother with a slightly thinner texture. Very hydrating but doesn’t slide off the lips. Glossy with a high shine. I personally find the pigment to be slightly more opaque with most of the shades I tried.

The Chanel team gifted us three shades in a pouch at the event, but because I have no self control I ended up buying quite a few to bring home with me. I think every single color is wearable. I still have a few more on my wish list, but for now here is a look at what I bought.

Lip swatches below, also wearing:

Foundation – Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation BD41
Concealer – Chanel Les Beiges Serum Concealer in B30
Bronzer – Chanel Health Glow Bronzing Cream 392
Blush – Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Blush in Sorbet
Eyeshadow – Les Beiges Eyeshadow Palette in Soft
Mascara – Chanel Les Beiges Mascara in 30 Black
Nail Polish – Chanel Le Vernis in 415 Solstice (3 coats)
Dress – Reformation Demi Linen Dress

Cristal is a sparkly semi sheer iridescent pink, no texture of gritty feel with the sparkle

____

Charms is the perfect baby pink, it’s medium-sheer but shows up well

____

Impertinente is a caramel shade (Accessoire is close but more nude)

____

Bijou is the shade the ROUGE COCO HYDRA GLOSS Voice Analyzer said was my match based on my voice, I really love this one!

____

Reflet is a pale sheer lavender pink

____

Superposition is the prettiest peach with some gold shimmer

____

Solaire is a reddish coral

____

Fabuleuse is the sheerest one, it’s a pale yellow, but looks like clear gloss

____

I didn’t have time to lip swatch them all but I hope this gives you a good sense of what the colors look like!

I am 100% obsessed. I already can’t wait for more colors to be released for future collections. They also have new Le Vernis nail colors and the Summer Nights Collection out. I don’t know how soon I’ll be able to swatch or review but I think the nail colors are really beautiful.

You can also see the new Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss in action on the lips here.

If you have an SA you can purchase from or a Chanel Beauty Boutique near you they are selling a gloss case separately that fits 2 lip glosses inside.

Available now at Chanel.com, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Ulta Beauty and all Chanel retailers.

Dior

Dior Backstage Makeup – New Shade Extensions

May 23, 2026

Dior added new shades in their Backstage Makeup Lineup and I think every single color is a 10. There are four new coordinating colors in the Addict Lip Glow Butter ($42), Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick ($44) and Backstage Rosy Glow Blush ($42). New shades available now at Dior.com and Sephora.

There is also a new Backstage Glassy Glow Stick ($44) which I passed on for now – but if you’ve tried it let me know your thoughts!

There are four new shades in each formula:

106 Pomelo is a light soft peachy pink
107 Dragonfruit is a light mauve pink lilac
108 Guava is a hot bright warm pink
109 Goji is a berry with brown tones

Addict Lip Glow Butter

The Addict Lip Glow Butters are beautiful in the new shades. I still stand by my original review that the formula, pigment and color with this gloss is outstanding, but I do wish they would give us more product for the price.

Out of all four shades I like Guava the best. The lighter ones are really sheer on me and I find the need to constantly remind readers or new followers that I have naturally darker pigmented lip tone so a lot of sheer or lighter tones look drastically different on me.

Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick

The Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Sticks are ultra bold and bright with a swatch straight out of the tube but if you’ve played with this formula before, you know that it sheers to a softer finish once you blend it. These are balmy and glowy with very little dry down. They remain dewy looking but out of all the dewy cream blushes, this one is my favorite.

I usually set with a powder blush on top to make it last longer. I also find that the cream blush sticks help bring out the pigment in some powders. So many of you asked for swatch comparisons, so here they are in the stick formula.

Backstage Rosy Glow Blush (Powder)

I prefer the Backstage Rosy Glow Blush formula over the Blush Stick for lasting power. The colors are buildable so you can have a softer cheek look or more pigmented finish if you layer. The Powder vs Stick colors are close but they’re not quite identical mainly because of the color payoff but also the undertones are just the slightest bit different.

I really love every single color in the powder. I love that they have the tiniest bit of shimmer which gives it a pretty glow.

Four coordinated looks below with the matching lip and cheek. Also have a look with the powder vs the stick on the cheeks.

Pomelo

_________

Dragonfruit

_________

Guava

_________

Goji

_________

Bottom line LOVE. New shades available now at Dior.com and Sephora.

Bronzer + Blush Westman Atelier

Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Creme

May 18, 2026

Westman Atelier launched a new cream bronzing duo called the Sun Tone Bronzing Creme ($75 each) along with a Blender Brush II ($85) designed specifically for this formula. I’ve been playing this for over a month now and can say this is the bronzer I’ve been reaching for the most these past few weeks. Available at Westman Atelier, Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, Sephora.

There are four shade options available now. I picked up Soleil Parfait 1 and 2. The shade charts recommended 2 for me, but after swatching in store I decided to try multiple options. For her Vital Skin Foundation Stick, I still alternate between V, VI and VII – right now I am in between V and VI (always in between foundation shades!).

This is a hydrating cream bronzer that has a nice satin finish, so it glides on the skin nicely but doesn’t have that dewy finish (which I prefer). Formula is very easy to blend and while I really love the Blender II Brush, I think any brush will work. I usually like the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush or Fenty Brush 195 to apply cheek products.

I know a lot of you really loved the Sun Tone Bronzing Drops. I have this in Soleil Parfait 2 and while I really like them, they aren’t always easy for me to blend. I think the Crème Duos are much easier to work with, they blend better and I like the solid cream compact style more.

Soleil Parfait 1 pulls more neutral/cool but still warms up the skin.

Soleil Parfait 2 is a deeper variation and warmer.

Right now I am just starting to get my summer tan back, so while I’ve been reaching for Shade 1 the past month, I think I will start using Shade 2 soon. If you’re my skin twin I think you can really opt for either one.

Swatches next to a few other cream bronzers (note that my arm is a lot lighter/cooler than my face). I was really surprised to find how warm some other bronzers pull compared to the Westman Atelier options.

Linking reviews for the other options swatched:

Chanel Les Beiges Cream Bronzers reviewed here
Westman Atelier Face Trace in Truffle on the face here
Dior Forever Skin Bronzing Balm review here

Overall love and I do think it’s worth the splurge. I still think the Dior Bronzer stick is a close tie in terms of ease of blending and exceptional formula but they are scented and I know a lot of you can’t do fragrance in your face products.

I do have the new Sarah Creal Just Like Paradise Bronzer Shade 2.5, Summer Fridays Bronzer Butter Balm and something new coming from Refy to test/compare. So if you’re debating between all the new launches this year, I will have a few more I’ll be testing soon.

You can find the Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Creme available at Westman Atelier, Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, Sephora.

Older Posts

Brand

Hourglass Holiday 2026

Wish Palette

Hope Palette

Luck Palette

Love Palette (Sephora exclusive)

Brushes & Sets

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Makeup Collection

Les 9 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette in The New Smoky

Rouge Coco Lipstick 165 Crush

Le Vernis 469 Coco

Hourglass Phantom Blur Balm + Lip Liner Shade Extensions

Phantom Blur Balm

Shape and Sculpt Lip Liner (New Shades)

Natasha Denona Newness: Tan Eyeshadow Palette, Hy-Gloss + More

Tan Eyeshadow Palette

Hy-Gloss Launch

Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss

Dior Backstage Makeup – New Shade Extensions

Addict Lip Glow Butter

Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick

Backstage Rosy Glow Blush (Powder)

Pomelo

Dragonfruit

Guava

Goji

Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Creme

Follow @beautylookbook