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NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder + Afterglow Lip Shine (New Shades)

June 19, 2025

New NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder and Afterglow Lip Shine (new shades)

NARS launched some newness in highlighter and lip gloss and I have a review today! The Light Reflecting Luminizing Powders ($42 each) are exclusive to Ulta Beauty and NARS. The new shades of the Afterglow Lip Shine Lip Gloss ($28 each) are available at all NARS retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty and Bluemercury.

Afterglow Lip Shine Lip Gloss

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Lip Gloss

The Afterglow Lip Shine Lip Gloss* is one of the smoothest glosses I’ve tried and they added new shades which I think are beautiful. The shades run on the sheer side for a barely there kind of tint but they still show up on the lips. I prefer a little more pigment in my gloss but these wear very nicely and feel so smooth and hydrating I really don’t mind them being so sheer. (Other shades reviewed + swatched here.)

Wear time is pretty good if your lips don’t touch anything else. They aren’t the longest lasting though so you will have to reapply after a few hours. New colors are all 10/10 pretty. They are on the deeper side so if you prefer lighter shades these might be too dark for you.

  • Get Happy is a pretty soft rose pink
  • Dolce Vita is a warm rose
  • Make a Move is a muted orange/apricot
  • Smooth Talk is a transparent taupe
  • What If is a cool toned brown

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Lip Gloss new shades

Lip swatches in action in this video here too.

Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder

NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder

NARS also recently launched a new addition to their Light Reflecting line with a Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder. These are high shine shimmers with a highly reflective finish. The pigment is easy to control but they do pull very metallic on the skin. The shimmer is a little chunky, but if you apply with a finger or dense brush it will smooth out. If you have texture or large pores you might want to pass as these will emphasize them.

NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder

NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder swatches

I received Heavenly* at a NARS event in Miami (quick peek here in case you’re curious!) and I purchased the others from Ulta. I still think Heavenly is the best one, it’s a really stunning pink.

  • Eros is a soft cool toned ivory
  • Electra is a light champagne
  • Ophelia is a golden champagne
  • Heavenly is a metallic pink
  • Total Eclipse is a warm copper shimmer

Since the shimmer and glistening effect is on the intense side I don’t know that I can wear these everyday. They do make for a really beautiful special glow, but I prefer the subtle glow of the newer Prada Highlighters. Also I know the Chanel spring highlighter quad is sold out, but I am still reaching for that one on a regular basis.

Looks wearing each highlighter with a different lip. For skintone reference I wear the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in either Vanuatu or Barcelona right now and the Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger. (My lighter spring time foundation shade is Sahel).

Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder in Eros + Afterglow Liquid Blush in Dolce Vita + Afterglow Lip Shine in Dolce Vita

NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder in Eros

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Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder Electra + Laguna Bronzer 01 (from Hot Escape Cheek Palette I, review here) + Afterglow Lip Shine in Smooth

NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder in Electra

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Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder Ophelia + Laguna Bronzer 03 (from Hot Escape Palette II, review here) + Afterglow Lip Shine in What If

NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder in Ophelia

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Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder Heavenly + Powder Blush in Thrill + Afterglow Lip Shine in Get Happy

NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder in Heavenly

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Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder Total Eclipse + Afterglow Lip Shine in Make a Move

NARS Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder Total Eclipse

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Overall love the lip shines, I am really loving the Heavenly Highlighter. The other shades are stunning but I have some skin texture issues on my cheeks right now so I have to go easy on the highlighter.

Have you tried the new launches yet?

The Light Reflecting Luminizing Powders ($42 each) are exclusive to Ulta Beauty and NARS. The new shades of the Afterglow Lip Shine Lip Gloss ($28 each) are available at all NARS retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty and Bluemercury.

Afterglow Lip Shine + Heavenly provided for review. Others purchased by me.

Dior

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush, Blush Stick + Lip Butter

June 11, 2025

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush

Dior revamped their Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush again and added some new additions with a Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick and Addict Lip Butter. I hauled nearly all the shades to review and try and after testing these extensively I finally have my review. I think there are some hits with the new launch but I also think there are some definite passes. You can find these launches out now at Dior, Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty and all other Dior Beauty retailers (the blush stick is exclusive to Dior and Sephora right now).

Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush

The Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blushes ($40 each) have been reformulated a few times already but I have to say I’m really impressed with the latest version. I didn’t have any issues with the previous variations but the newest one has a much better texture that’s easier to blend with better color payoff.

001 Pink is still one of the best baby pink blushes I’ve tried. It’s supposed to be ph-reactive but it really doesn’t shift in color on my skin. It’s a cool toned pink I think works well layered on top of other creams.

103 Toffee is a new shade in the lineup and it’s another winner. The powder has some gold shimmer which I kinda wish they didn’t add, but I do really love the neutral beige tone on the skin. The shimmer isn’t frosty but it is noticeable on the skin.

012 Rosewood is a dusty rose color. I think of this more along the lines of a fall/winter shade but I think it’s a great rose neutral that will work with a wide range of skintones. This one has a tiny bit of glow but isn’t very shimmery.

077 Candy is a coral pink with gold shimmer. It almost reminds me of the NARS Orgasm blush with the pink/gold shift. I love this one. Out of all the shades I think this is my favorite.

063 Pink Lilac is a soft lilac pastel. I really wanted it to work but with my tan skin it pulls a little chalky. I think I can make it work with some layering on top of other cream blush colors but for now, I prefer the older formula over this new one in this particular color

015 Cherry is well outside of my comfort zone for a blush, but I decided to be adventurous and try it anyways. I think it can work with a light hand. I prefer this color on the lips versus the cheeks but it’s still a very pretty one and fun for summer.

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush swatches

Backstage Rosy Glow Stick

I have mixed feelings about the Backstage Rosy Glow Sticks ($44 each). I think the concept is a nice one but they are too dewy for my skin to wear in hot humid weather alone without setting with some kind of powder. All of these match the coordinating powder versions but once blended they are very sheer on the skin. There is enough pigment that you can see them (except for Toffee which matches my skintone).

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush Stick

They are also heavily scented like root beer. It’s a fun kind of scent and doesn’t irritate my skin or nose, but if you’re sensitive to fragranced products this is a definite no. I would have loved these if the formula wasn’t dewy or more long wearing.

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush Stick swatches

If you have dry skin or love a balmy glow for the cheeks I think you will love these. For me, I can only wear them if I layer a powder on top. I usually wear some kind of powder blush on top of creams anyways but I don’t see myself reaching for these often.

Out of all the shades I think Rosewood and Candy are the best ones.

Addict Lip Butter

Dior Addict Lip Butter swatches

Last we have a look at the Addict Lip Butters ($40 each). I think I could have easily given these an A rating if they gave us more product or something more special. A number of you had some serious rants about these being 1/2 filled. I do think there needs to be some kind of gap in the squeeze tube to accommodate the product from causing the tube to explode but I also think Dior could have done better and given us more product. I rarely look at ounces or grams etc. for makeup products but I agree with the rants on this one. With these tiny tubes I can easily see it being used up in a matter of a few weeks.

Dior Addict Lip Butter swatches

Size issues aside, I do think the gloss formula is a really nice one. It feels smooth and comfortable on the lips. Pigment is on the sheer side but the colors are pretty, however the only shade I think really stands out to me is the Glazed Lavender. The others I think can be easily duped by e.l.f., Maybelline, Summer Fridays, Fenty and so many other brands at a much better price point with quality and performance that is just as good if not better.

Here are the colors on with each color family. Some of them I swatched both the blush stick and powder separately, some I layered together. I am still a match to the Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick in 3N.

Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick 3N

Wearing the Pink Backstage Rosy Blush Glow Stick vs Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush and Glazed Pink Lip Butter

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in Pink
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Wearing the Toffee Backstage Rosy Blush Glow Stick vs Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush and Toffee Lip Butter

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in Toffee
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Wearing the Candy Backstage Rosy Blush Glow Stick with Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush layered on top and the Addict Lip Glow Balm in Candy

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in Candy
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Wearing the Pink Lilac Backstage Rosy Blush Glow Stick with Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush layered on top and the Glazed Lilac Lip Butter

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in Pink Lilac
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Below wearing the Rosewood Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick vs Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush and Lip Maximizer in Rosewood

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in Rosewood
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Wearing the Cherry Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick with Cherry Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush on top and Lychee Lip Butter

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in Cherry
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Overall I think the Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush is a winner for formula, but if you already own the colors in the older formulas I don’t think you need to get the new ones. I think Candy and Toffee are the best shades.

For me the blush sticks are more novel than practical. I will most likely wear one for date nights or special occasions but I don’t see them as being everyday blushes for me.

The Lip Butters will be used up entirely but I get way more excited about lip launches from other brands like Summer Fridays or Laneige.

You can find these launches out now at Dior, Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and all other Dior Beauty retailers (the blush stick is exclusive to Dior and Sephora right now).

Chanel

Chanel Les Beiges Golden Hour – Summer 2025

May 19, 2025

Chanel Les Beiges Golden Hour - Summer 2025

The Chanel Les Beiges Summer 2025 launch is here with the Golden Hour Collection. I ordered all the new makeup items to review. Quick mention that they’ve also expanded the Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch shades which I think is one of the best foundation formulas! I hope they continue to expand the shades of all their bases, in particular I hope they eventually add BD41 to the lineup which is usually the best match and undertone for me. (I can still make B40 or B50 work, review here from the original launch.)

The Chanel Les Beiges Golden Hour collection is a beautiful one. I love the color scheme and textures. Not all of the shades work for me, but here are my thoughts on each item in case you haven’t been able to check it out in person yet.

Les Beiges Healthy Golden Glow Powder

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Golden Glow Powder

There are two cheek duos called the Les Beiges Healthy Golden Glow Powder ($75 each). I’m such a huge fan of the limited-edition launches this time for cheeks but these are different from anything I’ve seen from Chanel. The blush side is glowy without being too frosty while the highlighter has some of the most intense frost I think I’ve seen from Chanel. I think the shimmer is beautiful but if you’re wary of frost apply with a very light hand or save the shimmer for the eyes.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Golden Glow Powder Eclat Du Soir and Soleil Couchant Swatches

Eclat Du Soir has a soft light pink and sparkling champagne. I love this one. Pigment is easy to build and blend.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Golden Glow Powder Eclat Du Soir

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Golden Glow Powder Eclat Du Soir

Soleil Couchant pulls very warm and orangey on my complexion, it actually pulls a lot warmer on the skin than what I see in the pan. I can make it work for a more trendy summer look if I apply lightly and blend but for a peachy tone that Jeux de Lumieres quad works much better for my medium skin tone.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Golden Glow Powder Duo Soleil Couchant

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick

There are two new cream blush sticks called the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick ($52 each). They look very bold and bright in the tube but they have a sheer color payoff making them give you that sheer flush of color. I really love these for summer as they have a semi-matte finish/texture. There is a bit of shimmer in them but they are more like tiny flecks of sparkle mixed into a satiny base.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick

Reset is a peachy orange while Refresh is a sheer hot pink. I really love these!

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick swatches Reset and Refresh

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick Look Refresh

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette

Based on the feedback from my sneak peek on Instagram, it seems like the item most of you are interested in is the new Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Golden. I love all the shades except for the yellow gold shimmer (this pulls VERY orange on me) but I can still make it work. The trend for eyeshadow color this season seems to be a very warm bronze across the board.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Golden

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Golden

I really love the variety of textures and the shimmers in this palette are SO beautiful. It mimics a sunset and if you love warm tones I think you will love this one. By comparison the new Tom Ford Bronze Isle is also very warm but not quite as warm as the Chanel Golden Palette.

Rouge Coco Flash

Chanel Rouge Coco Flash swatches for Summer 2025

There are four new Rouge Coco Flash shades ($50 each) in the collection and I love every single one. These are sheer glossy lipsticks with high shine. The lasting power isn’t going to be long with these since they feel more like a balm but the formula is so pretty and smooth I don’t mind reapplying.

Sun Bliss is a sheer beige shimmer, Sunset is a warm but soft brick peach, Sun Kiss looks red in the tube but applies pink on my lips, Late Sun is a soft burnt bronze.

Chanel Rouge Coco Flash swatches for Summer 2025

Le Vernis

Chanel Le Vernis Solaire and Incandescente

Last is a look at the two new Le Vernis ($33 each) shades in the collection. Solaire is a yellow gold shimmer (not my favorite tone for a gold) and Incandescente is a perfect jelly red. Both require two coats for full coverage. I’m 10/10 loving the red one even though I own so many reds, I think it has a really good brightness to it making it really perfect for summer.

That wraps up my Chanel haul! I purchased everything from a Chanel beauty boutique and also a few things online at Chanel.com. The stand outs to me are the Rouge Coco Flash and the Les Beiges Blush Sticks.

If you tried this collection, let me know what you thought!

Bronzer + Blush Westman Atelier

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duos

May 8, 2025

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duos

Westman Atelier launched Powder Cheek Duos in two different formats ($75 each). I picked up two of the Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duos and two of the Baby Cheeks Powder Blush + Sculpting duos. I also splurged on the Powder II Brush $85) to try.

I love the unique powder formula. It has an interesting almost creamy powder texture with a very blurred matte finish. It makes the skin look very blurred. I’ve been a huge fan of the tones in her Cream Blush Baby Cheeks and had high hopes for these powder versions. While I really love the formula, I don’t love all the colors – but I think that is to be expected since they have different variations and undertones.
Colors are all mattes.

For skintone reference I wear her Vital Skin Foundation Stick in Shade VI which I still really love. I also wear Shade V in the winter and Shade VII in the summer months when I am very tan.

Here are the swatches, these are applied with a heavy hand:

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duos swatches

Here are the swatches next to the cream blushes with the same names:

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duos swatch comparisons

Lip + Cheek looks with each duo layered on the face:

Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo Coquette/Mimi
Lip Suede Lacker + Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Nectar

This duo pulls very light on my skin, if I were even 1/2 shade darker I don’t think this would show up on my skin tone.

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo Coquette/Mimi

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo Coquette/Mimi

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Baby Cheeks + Face Trace Sculpting Powder Duo Petal/Biscuit
Lip Suede Petal + Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm in Petal

This is the only duo I really did not like. The colors are very dark and almost look muddy on the skin when it sets. The cool undertone of biscuit isn’t flattering on my skin with the grey color and for some reason is hard to blend.

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo Petal Biscuit

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Baby Cheeks + Face Trace Sculpting Powder Duo Tulle/Truffle
Lawless Forget the Filler Gloss Velvet Daisy

I think I love this one the most!

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks + Face Trace Sculpting Powder Duo Tulle/Truffle

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks + Face Trace Sculpting Powder Duo Tulle/Truffle

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Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo Suede/Sable
Lip Suede Pique + Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Biscuit (discontinued)

Another cheek duo that pulls dark but since it has warmer undertones works with a light hand for me.

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Duo Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo Suede/Sable

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Duo Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo Suede/Sable

I splurged on the Powder II Brush and don’t think it was worth the splurge. I’ve tried a few of her brushes which I think are beautifully made, but I think they are very overpriced and I’m just not a fan of the design/density. For the pigment and texture of the Powder Duos I prefer something a little more fluffy like the rephr brush 04 and brush 05 (both more affortable) or the Hakuhodo J110 (splurge).

Overall really pleased the quality, formula and packaging. Colors aren’t all for me but I found a couple I really love. Wear time is really good and has minimal fading by late afternoon. If you need a bit of glow/depth then be prepared to add highlighter on top because these are VERY matte.

You can find the duos out now at Nordstrom, Sephora, Westman Atelier and all other Westman Atelier retailers.

Armani Bronzer + Blush

Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Shine

May 1, 2025

Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Shine

Armani Beauty recently launched a shine version of the Luminous Silk Cheek Tint ($39 each). I’ve been such a huge fan of the original satiny/matte formula because they have the best wear time for a liquid blush. The shine versions have a soft luminous glow in a very subtle way. They are noticeably more glowy than the originals but aren’t too shimmery or too dewy.

I shared a demo earlier in the week here to show how they blend and look on the skin in action. I find the shine versions for the two lighter shades to be on the sheer side while the darker colors have more pigment.

Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Shine

Overall pigment is on the softer side. Lasting power on me is still very good. Not quite as long-wearing as the natural finish, but still very very good. For skintone reference I am still a Luminous Silk Foundation Shade 6.5. It’s one of the best color matches for me in terms of undertone and color. Did a few different lip combos to coordinate with each cheek color.

Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Shine swatches

53S Cosmic Pink is a soft cool baby pink, wearing it with the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in Blushing Pink + Armani Prisma Glass 08 Sugar Halo on the lips

53S Cosmic Pink

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50S Starlit Peach is a soft peach, wearing this with Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in Flirty Coral + Armani Prisma Glass 03 Honey Gleam

Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Shine 50S Starlit Peach

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62S Magnetic Mauve is a mauve pink, pairing this with the Prisma Glass in 05 Berry Beam

Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Shine 62S Magnetic Mauve

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42S Sunlit Sienna is a brownish terracotta, wearing the Prisma Glass 06 Amber Shine on the lips

Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Shine 42S Sunlit Sienna

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Some of the shine formula colors pull very similar to the natural finish variations so if you already own some of these, I think you can skip some of the shine formulas. I think the pigment is more easy to build with the natural finish but both are very good. Swatch comparisons below to: 53 Bold Pink, 50.5 Rosy Peach, 31 Vivid Coral and 62 Delicate Mauve.

Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint swatches

For brushes I used a few in my demo on Instagram including the Hourglass No 15, Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Brush, Laura Mercier Angled Cheek Brush and Makeup by Mario F4 Dual-Ended Brush.I also shared my favorites in my Liquid Blush Roundup here too. I still think my favorite for cream or liquid blush is the Hourglass No 15 Blush Brush and for cream products even though dish soap and warm water will clean them, sometimes long-wear creams can be stubborn to remove. I highly recommend the Sephora Collection Daily Brush Cleaner (I buy the jumbo size and the travel mini one is great for trips) as a second wash/cleaner to really remove any cream residue.

Favorite Brushes for Cream Liquid Blush

Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Shine

Overall really love these blushes. You can find these at Nordstrom, Sephora and Bloomingdale’s.

Victoria Beckham Beauty

New Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Trio + Eye Wardrobe

April 28, 2025

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Trio

Victoria Beckham Beauty launched a few new products recently and I have a mini review. The set I was most excited about was her new Lip Definer Trio ($86, Victoria Beckham Beauty, Bluemercury, Violet Grey) and as a fan of her neutrals I ordered it immediately. I love her lip pencils because they’re very much like a traditional lip pencil – no fuss formula and great pigment. Two of the shades are exclusive to the set. She also recently revamped her eyeshadow palettes in the refillable Eye Wardrobe ($75) so I ordered one to try.

Lip Definer Trio

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Trio

The Lip Definer Trio has three similar neutrals with a variation in undertone. If you’re like me finding a good neutral can be tricky especially with the undertone. I really love these – the colors are really good and formula is great.

  • Shade 01.5 is a neutral brown nude
  • Shade 02 is permanent neutral pink brown
  • Shade 02.5 is a neutral nude with cool tones

I swatched a few of her other pencils below to show the difference and variations. On my lips they look very similar and I do think out of all three I like Shade 02 (the permanent one) the best (available individually here).

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Trio swatches

Application is just like what you’d expect from a traditional pencil. They’re not going to glide on the lips like the Merit Lip Pencils so you’ll have to apply in smaller strokes and blend. The benefit of this texture though is they adhere well to the lips and stay put without looking too dry.

I did a few lip pairings in this Instagram Reel here. I’ll also share one lip combo below with Lip Definer in Shade 02 + Posh Gloss in Bungalow.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Shade 01.5

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Shade 02

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Shade 02 + Posh Gloss in Bungalow

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Shade 02.5

Also wearing:

New Eye Wardrobe

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Victoria (smokey neutral)

She also revamped her eyeshadows into a new formula and style and I think these are a significant improvement compared to her original. The Eye Wardrobe runs for $75 (compact is $25 while the refills are $50). The pans now have dividers so you are less likely to mix shadows with the brush. The pigment is so beautiful with both the mattes and shimmers. I do think they are exceptionally pricey for what you get, even if they are refillable. I picked the shade Victoria to try which has some pretty smokey neutrals. This is sold out on the VBB site but you can still find it now at Nordstrom and Violet Grey.

I’m still more into warm neutrals but for a neutral smokey eye palette I think this has one of the best color combos I’ve ever seen. The mattes are SUPER smooth and easy to blend. I love the level of pigment and lasting power.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Wardrobe Victoria (smokey neutral)

I really love the purchases. I think I might try her Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator again. I used the original one and the golden shade in the past which were both really nice. I have my eye on the Rose one which looks super pretty. If you’ve tried it let me know!

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Trio

You can find the Lip Definer Trio now at Victoria Beckham Beauty, Bluemercury, Violet Grey. Eye Wardobe is also available at Victoria Beckham Beauty, Nordstrom, Violet Grey.

NARS

NARS Hot Escape Summer 2025

April 23, 2025

NARS Summer 2025 Hot Escape Collection Review

NARS launched their Hot Escape Collection for summer and it’s a beautiful one! I’ve been testing everything over the past month and finally have a review of some of the pieces.

Hot Escape Cheek Palettes

NARS Summer 2025 Hot Escape Collection Review Cheek Palettes

I think the Hot Escape Cheek Palettes ($49 each) are a huge hit this year. It’s always a toss up whether I’ll end up liking all the shades in a palette but this year NARS created all winners. I love that they have different intensities and variations for different skin tones.

The textures in this year’s palettes are UNREAL. They are ultra smooth, very easy to blend, beautifully pigmented and have really pretty combinations. I think the formula is one of the best ones I’ve tried from NARS in a long time and one of the best on the market right now. Whatever formula they used in these palettes is what I want in all future NARS cheek products.

Hot Escape Cheek Palette I is the lightest option with pink tones. There is a blush repeat but it’s a good one! Shades include Thrill (light matte pink), Bad Behaviour (shimmery soft pink), Ophelia (the prettiest champagne) and Laguna 01 (a true neutral brown bronze).

NARS Summer 2025 Hot Escape Cheek Palette I

NARS Summer 2025 Hot Escape Cheek Palette I

above Hot Escape Cheek Palette I + Afterglow Lip Oil in High Life

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Hot Escape Cheek Palette II is a medium option. Shades include Dominant (hot pink matte), Topless (shimmery peach with gold), Electra (shimmery yellow gold highlight), and Laguna 03 (medium tan matte brown).

NARS Summer 2025 Hot Escape Cheek Palette II

NARS Summer 2025 Hot Escape Cheek Palette II

above Hot Escape Cheek Palette II + Afterglow Lip Oil in Orgasm

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Hot Escape Cheek Palette III is the deepest one that is a little too dark for me right now but with a light hand or blending (or a summer tan) I think I can make it work. I applied it with a light hand in this makeup look here. Colors include Obsession (matte coral blush), Night Swim (shimmery deep coral pink), Skinny Dip (warm gold highlight) and Laguna 06 (dark matte bronze).

NARS Summer 2025 Hot Escape Cheek Palette III

NARS Summer 2025 Hot Escape Cheek Palette III

above Hot Escape Cheek Palette III + Afterglow Lip Oil in Laguna

Swatches of all three palettes below:

NARS Summer 2025 Hot Escape Collection Review Cheek Palettes swatches

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Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick

NARS Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick

The shades of the Total Seduction Cream Eyeshadow Stick ($32 each) this season are so beautiful. I think they apply beautifully to the lids and I really love the tones. Once they are applied they do not budge so blend quickly once you put these on the lids. Ablaze is a beautiful champagne sparkle, Hustle is the prettiest copper gold shimmer and Sparked is a warm auburn shimmer.

NARS Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick swatches

As beautiful as they are I think they are very similar to shades from Laura Mercier or Bobbi Brown so I don’t think they are must-haves. I am thrilled that they decided to keep the Laguna Eyeshadow Quad (reviewed and swatched here) which is one of the best neutrals I’ve tried. It looks like it’s now permanent. I think it’s a must-have.

Hot Escape Afterglow Lip Oil

NARS Hot Escape Afterglow Lip Oils

Last a quick look at the Hot Escape Afterglow Lip Oils ($28 each). These are very thin in texture but smooth without any sticky feel. They are also very sheer for a barely there look. Formula wise I give them a 10/10 rating. I would have definitely loved to see more pigment as the colors are really pretty but are so sheer they barely show up on the lips. Laguna has the best pigment while the others are almost transparent.

  • High Life is a sheer pink
  • Orgasm is a shimmery pink gold
  • Laguna is a shimmery bronze
  • Wonderous is a sheer purple berry

NARS Hot Escape Afterglow Lip Oils

They do layer beautifully over a liner or lipstick! And I know a lot of you want just a subtle hint of color for spring or summer vacations. I love the High Life Lip Oil layered on top of the Hermes Shine Lipstick in Rose Himalaya (also in action here).

I do think for a more pigmented lip oil option the Hermes Hermesistible Lip Oils are the best even though they are incredibly expensive. Formula and colors reviewed here and they’re all summer perfection.

Overall lots to love. The Cheek Palettes are the stand outs to me. I love that they have everything you need for a complete cheek look and I like using the bronzer and highlighter shades on the eyes too.

You can find the collection out now. Available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Bloomingdale’s and NARS Cosmetics along with all other NARS retailers.

Hot Escape Palette III, Lip Oil in Orgasm and Laguna and the Total Seduction Eyeshadows gifted. All others purchased by me.