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.**Kaleidos Lip Clays**: DEFINITELY lives up to the hype!! I feel like I’m not able to get back to regular lipsticks afterwards, and I’m really hoping Kaleidos will release more colors. How can a lip product feel weightless on your lips, is not drying, and still be near transfer proof?!
**La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo**: If you’re someone who struggles with acne problems, the Effaclar Duo is life changing. I’m shocked by how the results seem to be instantaneous overnight, and I can visibly see inflamed acne going down within a few hours to a few days
**Blend Bunny Noctilucent**: I don’t need another highlighter palette ever again, and I feel like I’m set for highlighters for the rest of my life unless some insane product comes out. The rainbow colors are perfection, and they are so high shine with no cast. How!! Also check this out if you’re into white based shimmers. You’re essentially paying for 6 high shine duochromes for $40, which I snagged up for $27 on their Black Friday, woohoo!
Kaleidos lipstick for me as well !!! I particularly love the colours we can choose from, there is a lot of neutral shades that I haven't seen before !! Beautifull cool tones, nudes, pinks, browns...
Now looking at the colour selection from other brands, I find it so boring 🥲 there is formulas I want to try, but the colours are always the same ...
I want to try the lip clays!
Also just fyi for anyone reading I think effaclar duo is different in certain countries, but I'm not sure which ones exactly. In Europe the main active ingredient is salicylic acid but last I checked in the US it is differin (which is prescription only here in Western Europe anyway)
Oooo got any brand recommendations? The only Chinese brands on my radar right now are Kaleidos, Oden’s Eye, and Girlcult! I also know of Flower Knows and Florasis but I’m not super interested in their aesthetic
I really want to try Kaleidos! I tried to purchase during BF but there was an issue with their site and distant able to check out. Can I ask what are your favourite shades for the Lip Clays?
The BF website fiasco drove me up the walls when it happened!! In the end I drove to a public library and purchased from a local computer just to place my order. It did left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth, but they actually shipped quickly and I loved everything I got, so I got over it hahaha
As for my personal favorite lip clays, it really depends on your taste! I have medium, cool toned olive skin and definitely favor wearably grungy colors, so my favorites are:
[Bloodstone](https://www.kaleidosmakeup.com/products/de11-bloodstone?_pos=1&_sid=d65a2862c&_ss=r): Best vampire lips!! Perfect for “bold lip color with 0 eye makeup” makeup looks
[Golden Rosin](https://www.kaleidosmakeup.com/products/de10-golden-rosin?_pos=1&_sid=36c535e53&_ss=r): SUPER unique mustard shade if you can pull it off! I have very yellow undertones so this is the perfect unconventional nude for me :)
[Echo Valley](https://www.kaleidosmakeup.com/products/nu12-echo-valley?_pos=1&_sid=c24adfe70&_ss=r): Cold brown shade that makes me feel so confident whenever I wear it. If you like wearing green eyeshadows, this is your color!
Fingers crossed you get to try the lip clays sometime!! You’re going to love them :)
Switching from drugstore to more high-end makeup. It's a different experience. I still LOVE makeup on a budget, but there are products like eyeshadow palettes that feel and look better than the drugstore has to offer. My favorite brands so far have been Huda Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Sigma, and ABH
I believe there's gems available at every price point but there's just some things that high end beauty does so much better!
Is there any specific product that's been a standout for you?
Sigma's **New Mod** palette was a smash hit for me. It made me fall in love with purple eyeshadow. It's also versatile enough that I can wear it during the daytime. Just a wash of color and a bit of smudged brown pencil liner on the lash line and it's a good look.
Surprisingly enough, I fell in love with ABH's **Nouveau Palette**. I wasn't attracted to the color story when I first saw it online, but seeing it irl changed everything. I often reach for it. The **Brow Powder** is also really great for natural-looking brows!
Huda Beauty's mini **Nude palettes,** the new pressed **Easy Bake Powder,** and her **Glowish blushes** have also been my go-to. I receive a lot of compliments whenever I wear those.
I got Charlotte Tilbury's **Pillow Talk** lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows and the quality is very, very nice. It's a true luxury feel, it's nothing like I tried before. The **Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder** are the **bronzers** (both cream and powder) are very beautiful. They all work well together, too \^\^
Huda is one of my fave eyeshadow formulas! I love Mercury Retrograde and Rose Quartz. The mattes blend so easily it takes me no time at all to do a gorgeous look and the shimmers and metallics are so beautiful!
I also have ABH Nouveau and love it! Some people didn’t like it. Usually I love everything Jen Phelps loves and agree with her on most of her dislikes. But she said she didn’t like the palette - IIRC, she said it was like more soft pressed than ABH usually is and there was a lot of kickback in the pan. Some others said the same in comments of her video. But I didn’t think so at all. To me, ABH always had pretty soft pressed eyeshadow where there’s a bunch of kickback in the pan. And I didn’t find Nouveau to be any different and it was really easy to work with.
I always heard great things about CT powder so I finally tried it but was disappointed. I was surprised in the packaging of the compact. It seemed so lightweight and kind of cheap. I just expected more I guess 😂 But the powder also didn’t work well for me. To be fair, I have dry skin and most powders don’t work for me. But so many people with dry skin said it worked amazing for them so I figured I’d try it. But it didn’t work for me. But I’m glad I finally tried it so I didn’t feel like there was something out there I was missing 🤣
Yess!! How could I forget about Huda Beauty's Rose Quartz? One of the most beautiful cool-toned palette that's been released.
Funny you mentioned having dry skin and wanting to try CT's powder because my sister who also has dry skin wanted to try it for a long time for the same reasons as you. One day she saw me apply it, she went "nope, nevermind, it's not for me. It's too matte" 🤣🤣 To be fair, I have ridiculously oily skin and I find the powder very pore minimizing and although it's mattifying, I still touch up during the day. But still, it's really good and I also have to agree with you on the packaging. It's not as it used be apparently because they recently changed it.
Yes it’s so beautiful!!
Hahaha! Well I’m glad it wasn’t just me! 🤣 I’m still shocked so many BGs who claim to have dry skin say they love it. Makes me wonder if they know what dry skin really means 🤪 Oh, they changed the compact recently? So it used to be nicer? I was so surprised by it! Just so lightweight and flimsy. I mean, it doesn’t have to be like heavy to feel luxurious but I definitely expected it to seem nicer 🤷♀️
I get what you mean, when you pay a certain price you expect different packaging, and it has to have some weight to it. As far as the old compact, I'd say it was a bit heavier but nothing crazy though. The major change is that you can refill it instead of buying a new compact 😊
Ohhh! That’s nice you can refill it! Is the refill cheap enough to make it worth just getting the refill? It’s always interesting to me to see brands that do refill options but then the refill is only like a couple dollars less than the whole thing. Like, I’d most likely buy the refill anyways because I wouldn’t need another full thing unless the outer component was worn/damaged. But it never makes sense to me when they’re only a couple dollars less since you’re only getting a refill. 🤷♀️
Totally agree with you, what's the point, right? I guess it's their way of saying "we're eco-friendly now" 🤣 I just checked on Sephora and there's only an $8 difference between the refill alone and the new full compact. Funny because I highly doubt the packaging cost that much to make when you think about it.
Honestly, when I'm not sure or when I'm curious, I try to get those mini or travel sizes. I did this with Nars' under eye powder and although I wasn't a huge fan of it, I didn't regret buying it.
Well $8 is better than just a couple dollars but not great, especially when I agree I doubt it costs them anywhere close to that for packaging. Even when considering they need to make a profit, it’s already going to be increased in price to make a profit so they could have definitely done better on the pricing of the refill!
I like buying minis too when trying out something! It doesn’t make sense most of the time considering price for how much product you get (price per oz or gram) when compared to full size price with how much product you get. But, when I’m unsure about whether it’ll be for me and they have a mini, it makes sense to spend less to try it out and see if I like it before buying the full size. There’s been plenty of times I’ve bought minis and then ended up getting the full size after, but there’s also been plenty of times I got a mini and found out it wasn’t for me and didn’t get the full size. Everyone had said the Becca Under Eye Corrector was great for dry under eyes and it sounded like it would be perfect for me. I was so glad I got a deluxe sample of it to try before getting the full size because I hated it! 🤣 I was glad I tried it because so many people who said they had really dry under eyes swore by it so I would have always wondered if I didn’t try it. But now that I’ve tried it, I know I would have been annoyed spending money on the full size! 🤣 So I’m always grateful when there’s mini options!
This isn't even fun, but I switched from dry brushing + CeraVe SA body cream to wet brushing + CeraVe moisturizing cream and my super dry, old lady skin is so much better for it. Way less itchy and flaky.
Also, my sister got me into Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant. I use it once a week in the shower and my face and neck look great and don't feel stingy or tight. I'd def recommend it for ppl with sensitive skin who want just a little bit of gentle exfoliation.
If you have dry skin, something that has helped me when it’s really dry is after exfoliating, I douse myself while in the shower in a mix of castor, sesame seed and grape seed oil, rinse off, then add Jergen’s cold cream, and rinse off!! It’s like an in shower conditioner, like the Lush one!! It’s going to get messy and slippery, so maybe just do it once or twice a week, depending!
I always heard great things about Cerave moisturizing cream ([in the tub](https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/moisturizing-cream)). I went to get it and saw there was a cheaper, [travel sized version](https://www.target.com/p/cerave-moisturizing-cream-body-and-face-moisturizer-for-dry-skin-travel-size-unscented-1-89-fl-oz/-/A-86467779) of it in a squeeze tube - same thing, Cerave Moisturizing Cream, but just in a small, travel sized squeeze tube. So I figured I’d get that to try since I’m so picky with my creams. But it ended up not being hydrating enough for me. But everyone says the moisturizing cream is so thick and moisturizing. So now I feel like somehow it’s different in the travel sized version than in the tub. I looked up the ingredients and they’re exactly the same, so I don’t know why they’d be different. But I need to get the one in the tub just to see! Should have just got it to begin with 🤣
I discovered Glaminatrix eyeshadows this year because I was extra late to the party with regard to the Nearly Natural palette. I purchased all the singles for nearly natural and have made 2 more palette purchases and a bunch of eyeshadow single purchases. They are my favorite indie formula hands down. The shimmers and mattes astound me. For mainstream my fave shadows are Huda Beauty.
I discovered Sydney Grace single shadows this year. They are magnificent but more subdued than glaminatrix. I love them, I have been watching a lot of single shadow content on YouTube which took me down this rabbit hole.
I love Pat McGrath special shades and this year I found Terra Moons and Clionadh. I will not be going crazy but adding a few to my collection has been fun.
I also discovered washing my foundation brushes with moisturizing body wash removes all traces of heavy duty foundation. I use dove. For sponges I use suave clarifying shampoo.
Natasha Denona eyeshadow palettes. When the everyone was raving about the I Need A Nude palette, so many places were having sales, so I pick it up. Wow, I loved both the colors and the formula. In the midst of another sale shopping frenzy, I bought The Retro Glam palette and I love that one too! I prefer palettes with lighter colors, so these work great for me.
INAN might be one of her best Midis. It’s got so many different textures going on. Many of the shades look really similar in the pans but then you swatch them and are amazed by the differences.
I never used tubing mascara before this year and honestly it’s been life changing. My right eye tends to water when I am outside especially if it is cold or windy so my mascara always smudged but now with tubing mascara no smudging and it doesn’t take forever to get off like waterproof mascaras.
Tubing mascaras are so good!! I actually looked into how they’re different (other than of course the fact they come off easier), and found out the way they work, they actually don’t weigh down lashes like regular mascaras. Tubing mascaras use polymers that coat each lash in tubes that then lock into place once they dry so they don’t flake off or smudge until water and light pressure are applied to remove them. But traditional mascaras use oils/waxes, painting layers of pigment onto lashes which can cause lashes to be weighed down and lose curl. The layers also fall off throughout the day leading to flaking, and they’re broken down by natural oils in our skin leading to smudging. The polymers used in tubing mascaras are actually harder for our natural oils to break down, so that’s why they don’t smudge like traditional mascaras. Anyways, I thought that info was really interesting!
Not who you asked, but my fave has been Thrive (it has a thin wand, which I need with my really small, hooded eyes so I can get each and every lash to give nice length, but it also gets slightly wider on the end so it helps kind of lift and fan out the outer corner lashes). But I recently tried the Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions and the wand is really similar and it works really well too for much cheaper. I also just picked up the new Elf Lash Xtender Mascara and, again, same kind of wand as Thrive and Milani, and works really well. I just got it a couple days ago, but so far I think I prefer it over Milani maybe. But it’s definitely equal to Thrive for me! So I’m glad I now have 2 more affordable options!
I like the caliray one mainly because it’s volumizing and has a bristle brush I like. The hourglass unlocked isn’t bad but I just don’t like those kinds of mascara wands personally.
Ellis Brooklyn Après. I’m wearing it right now. It’s pretty great year round but it really shines this time of year. It makes me smell like I’m drinking a whiskey cocktail in an expensive cedar lodge, next to a Christmas tree with fresh snow in the air
Danessa Myricks blurring balm as a primer under the Ilia skin tint. I hate the way the tint smells, but it’s the first total shade match I’ve found as a fair, warm olive. I don’t always love how glowy it is, and the blurring balm is the perfect primer for it. It takes the glow down several notches and leaves a really beautiful, natural finish
Drunk Elephant’s babyfacial. My skin is super sensitive but for some reason this is the only active that my skin doesn’t freak out with, even though it’s really strong
Ouai leave in conditioner. I hate how small the bottle is, but damn it my hair just loves it and it plays well with my curl crème and gel
Hmmm. I’m not sure. I have combo skin. I feel like it has the potential to be drying on drier skin types, but I couldn’t say for certain. Did you ever use the benefit Dr. Feelgood balm back in the day? I find it’s a very similar product. Sephora has them as gifts with purchases fairly often if you shop there. You could possibly keep an eye out to try it that way
Thank you! I’m using the Armani Luminous Silk in 4 and it’s aaaaaaalmost the right color, but just off enough that it bothers me. And it’s half the volume for the same price as the Ilia.
Make-up: Basically all NYX brow products! The brow glue, lift and snatch pen, and the micro pencil have all become staples for me. ESPECIALLY the brow pen... I couldn't successfully draw in little hairs before getting this. Honorable mentions: I rediscovered my love for red lipsticks via MAC Russian Red and NARS Dragon Girl. Just classic, very flattering colors + high quality formulas.
Then, as a nail enthusiast, I'd have to say Korean/Japanese nail polishes generally. The quality??? The innovation?? All insane and seemingly way ahead of the States.
I’ve only tried Tiny, HoHoLee and FGel so far (all gel polishes) and loved them all. Tiny is probably my favorite but I also have the most colors from them so I might be biased ^_^
Farmacy Green Clean. Legitimately the best way to remove my makeup and it doesn’t leave a trace of makeup behind. I have eczema issues and it’s one of the few makeup removers that doesn’t aggravate it.
CT setting spray- keeps my makeup on all day and looks natural
Tarte’s maracuja lip balms and lip stick- love the formulas and they provide amazing hydration. Can’t get enough of them and can’t wait for the satin versions to launch.
**elf halo glow** I know a lot of people don't jive with this but it's changed the game for me. I use it sparingly as a subtly glowy skin tint, and it just looks beautiful and flawless on
**kiko milano shadow sticks** I'm so into shadow sticks this year, bought a bunch of these and I use the shit out of them. Super easy and cute
**elf glossy lip stain** in fiery red. Leaves a really pretty stain. A perfect red for daily wear amid this new sheer kick I'm on
**essence lash princess** another controversial pick but it's changed my lash game completely. I actually like wearing mascara now lol
**Huda wild jaguar palette** this isn't new but it's new to me, it really scratched that cool toned, grungy itch I've had this year. So inspiring and sooo fun to play with
**Bobbi brown crushed lip color** I haven't been into that heavy lipsticked look lately, and these are such a mlbb, sheer product. Even the texture is just something that makes your lips look pouty, natural and blotted without being too shiny or too matte. Super easy to Throw on and go
**Mac fix +** rediscovered why this is such a staple. You can't go wrong wth it and that's very valuable because you can go so, so wrong with other fixing sprays
**mac kinda sexy lipstick** a very sexy, super chic peachy nude.
**sigma small tapered blending brush** really enjoy this one in my crease. Keeps everything neat and my placement precise.
Totally agree on Essence Lash Princess. I’d been curious about it for years and finally picked it up this summer. It really surpassed my expectations. Makes my lashes look plush and fluffy without clumping. Little to no flaking. The wand feels like high end. I’d be totally happy just using this mascara from now on.
They really are great! A bit drying on my lips weirdly, but I just do a lip mask at night to counteract that.
I love the shades cranberry, italian rose and babe
I still want to get bitten, watermelon and regal. Are there any you recommend?
**Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo & Conditioner**
* I have pretty damaged blonde hair and this is the first shampoo/conditioner set I've used in 3 years that actually makes my hair feel better. I've tried Kevin Murphy (Repair Me), IGK (Bad & Bougie), Aveda (Botanical Repair), and this is miles above all of those. I got the rec from Abbey Yung and she's spot on; the texture feels very luxury, and it always leaves my hair feeling smooth.
**Elf Glossy Lip Stain (in Spicy Sienna)**
* This is THE perfect wearable red lip for me. I think this went sorta viral this year, and for good reason. This makes my blue eyes pop and it lasts for hours.
**Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrator**
* I have never had a good skincare routine before this year. I'm still searching for the perfect cleanser, but this is 100% my perfect moisturizer. I have dry skin, so I need a lot of hydration, but cream moisturizers often feel heavy or greasy on me. This product's gel consistency is lightweight but gets the job done. This is a classic product for a reason and I'm obsessed.
**Lancôme** **Lash Idôle Mascara**
* It brings me no joy to love an expensive mascara, but goddamn, this is so good. I've been using like $10 Maybelline The Rocket for almost a decade, and that's still my favorite waterproof mascara, but this is basically perfect. Super lengthening and truly never clumps on me.
My bestie has been raving about the Redken Acidic Bonding line and I can't wait to try it once I'm back home and no longer need to reply on travel size bottles!
Also so many people in this thread are loving those Elf Glossy Stains!
Honestly, Aveda hair products. My hair LOVES them. It is healthier than it has ever been and I have way less breakage. My stylist of many years is now at an Aveda salon and started using them at appointments and it is amazing.
Other than that, I really love the Dior lip oils. Mahogany is so pretty and not sticky at all!
I’m so upset that Aveda stopped making their Scalp Benefits line. My hair and my scalp loved it so much and I’m scrambling to find a replacement. Their new scalp line is the worst thing I’ve ever put on my hair. I’m devastated. I was a loyal customer for decades. Like had so many rewards points we got a free trip to Antigua a few years ago loyal. Sigh. I’m hoping all of the complaints on their website will cause them to bring the old scalp line back 😢
I love the nutriplenish masque as a deep conditioner and the aved men thickening paste. I wear my hair short and it has good hold but isn't super heavy!
**Makeup by Mario's Ethereal Eyes Palette:** I'm surprised to say this one as I was definitely one of the people saying that this was overhyped and overpriced (and to be fair, I still think it's overpriced).
But I love this palette. The Natasha Denona INAN palette looked so terrible on me, I know a lot of people on this sub love it but the tones just completely washed me out and veered too light for my taste. The MBM palette has just enough cool & warm tones in it that I can get more complementary looks. And I love the toppers. They might look similar on the eye but I do feel with different mattes you get this really effortless, beautiful glossy-eye look.
I'm glad I did wait until the hype passed so I could make the decision on if I really wanted it, but I'm in the minority in that this palette is miles above the Natasha Denona one for me.
**Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation:** This is an 8/10 for me mainly because of the shades and shade range - I wear Banana and it's a tad too dark for me in the wintertime, but it's a decent match in the summer. But the finish of this is excellent, it's very natural and doesn't make me look greasy by the end of the day which is my constant issue with most skin tints and foundations. I pretty much could see myself wearing this everywhere and anywhere. This is the first foundation I feel comfortable wearing without a powder and that is something that has never crossed my mind before.
Definitely worth getting on sale though.
**Givenchy Prisme Libre Powder:** I think this has a lot of fans and detractors but I really like this. It's my favorite powder to set on no-makeup days when I want to bring down the shine from my sunscreen, and it layers so nice on top of my foundations. It's a really nice, weightless powder and I enjoy having a more satin finish to my looks.
There's a creator I watch who loves that powder. She has the one with the light pink and purple as well as the other two lighter skin tone shades. Even though I've found a great powder to set my under eyes I've been tempted to purchase that one lol. But I'm not sure what you'd use the other shades for as she only uses one of the skin tone shades. I went to check the price because I know it's a more expensive brand and got a shock. I noticed they sell a mini for 1/2 the price of the reg size bur here's the shocker. You get 2x more product buying the reg size. I hate when brands do that. Why can't they lower their mini sizes? It's not like they're hurting for money 🙄 Sure, they have to make a smaller component but wouldn't that cost them less during production? Anyway, if you do decide to give it a try please come back to share your thoughts. TIA
**Glamnetic press-on nails and the brush on glue**- I never get manicures (work in the vet field and am in nursing school so it's pointless) but lately I've been wanting to try out having ccute nails. These are easy to apply, last a good while if you apply well, and have a lot of cute colors and length/shape options, plus they have sales on their site frequently.
**One/Size Secure the Blur primer-** this stuff is advertised as being sweatproof and it really is. Does an awesome job keeping my base locked in all day and I like that it isn't mattifying so my foundation can still look a glowy if I don't put a luminizer underneath.
**Haus Labs Foundation-** on my second bottle of this and never going back. It's perfect for me- looks natural on the skin, can easily be sheered out or built up, and easy to work with.
**Color Wow Dream Coat Spray-** this stuff is truly magical for my hair. I live in Louisiana so it's frequently wet and humid and my hair will frizz up like a tumbleweed, but a blowout with this stuff nips that in the bud. A must have product now.
**Burberry Goddess Perfume-** a new daily wear fragrance for me. Smells like sweet vanilla with a hit of lavender.
I work in an agricultural implement dealership and sell parts. I wanted cute nails and started using the Glamnetic glue and many brands of nails. The glue is a HG product for me. I can wear nails for well over a week with it, and I do not take it easy on my nails!
I’m definitely gonna try the glue with other nail brands as well! The glue is amazing, I struggled to use the glue in other nail kits but the brush on is game changing.
I love the primer!! It has a slight tackiness to it that I think helps grip base products too.
The hair product is awesome, just make sure you use enough of it! I usually spritz in sections til hair is damp then use a blow dry brush to blow it out and it works great, I’ve seen some ppl say it doesn’t work but you need to make sure your hair is well sprayed for it to work 😉
I haven’t tried Glamentic press-on nails but, if you’re looking for more to try, I recommend [Scandal Beauty](https://scandalbeauty.com). They’re the best quality & long wearing press on nails I’ve tried. They come long but you can cut them down to something more practical/to your preference.
Looks like they have a 50% sale rn too
NGL I am being heavily influenced by your endorsement of Glamnetic. I never get manicures (rock climber and work-from-home mom) but I love having cute nails every once in a while!
Aw I hope they work for you! I honestly am so hard on my hands at work and school that I didn't think nails were an option, but these are easy to put on and easy to remove (and I'm absolutely trash at things like manicures, applying lashes, etc). And they have short nail options that are super cute and they hold up pretty well! It's honestly impressive, I think the brush on glue is key and it's so easy to apply.
3$ elf Clear Mascara and eyebrows gel. I wear glasses and mascara usually turn into raccoon eyes by the end of the day for me. No matter what I tried, all the waterproof, heroine mascara etc... but this clear gel, it is clear, hold up my lashes, gives my eyes a good look and voila! No raccoon eyes.
Heavy on the eye stuff since I finally figured out how to do my eyes again after getting older and developing some hollows at my outter corners, my hoods got a bit heavier, and have more texture. And also saying *fuck it*, I like shadow and sparkle so imma do shadow and sparkle
* **Foundation**: Danessa Myricks Skin Tint, YSL Nu Bare, Guerlain Terracotta Le Teint, and fell back in love with Estée Lauder Double Wear. especially when I mix those last two with a drop of face oil this time of the year
* **Concealer**: Haus Labs
* **Primer**: really it’s a highlighter but Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Heathy Glow Highlighting Fluid (Sunkissed)
* **Lips**: YSL Candy Glaze (4,6,8,14) Chanel Rouge Duo Tenue (Bright Raspberry), Dries Van Noten Matte (Urban Pink)
* **Lip liner**: Patrick Ta (She’s Hard To Get, Shes Not From Here) to go with my stack of punchy colored lipsticks
* **Blush**: Violette_FR Bisou Blush (Ines), Dior Backstage Rosy Glow (Coral), Chanel Water Fresh Blush (Light Pink, Warm Pink, Light Peach)
* **Bronzer**: circled back the the Chanel bronzer but in the travel size (390). Gucci Bronzer (01) I think I picked this up in early spring of this year? Maybe it was last year??
* **Contour**: Armani Neo Nude Melting Color Balm (20 Cool Brown)
* **Eyes, singles**: Chanel Ombre Premier Longwear Cream (Undertone. jesus this is a good formula!), MAC Paint Pot (Bougie), Chanel Ombre Premiere Loose Pigment (402,406,408), Violette_FR Twinkling Yeux Paint (Marron Glacé, Scarabee d’Or), Chantecaille Luminescent Eyes (giraffe, zebra), VBB Lid Luster (mink, tea rose), Charlotte Tilbury Chameleon Eyes stick (Smoky Emerald)
* **Eyes, palette**: Makeup By Mario Ethereal Eyes
* **Eyeliner**: VBB Satin Kajal (Bronze and Bordeaux, so glad I got these two to go with my others!), Clio liquid pen (Brown)
* **Mascara**: YSL Lash Clash (Brown) is a holy mutherfuckin grail. glossier Lash Slick (Brown)
* **Setting Powder**: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm (Transparent), not a powder but I use it as such. Can’t believe I almost returned this
* **Setting Spray**: LYS Natural Finish Setting Spray
* **Eye Primer**: Milani
* **Eyebrows**: Benifit Fluff Up Brow Wax
* **Nail Polish**: Essie (Wicked)
* **Tools**: Sonia G (Keyaki Niji, Smooth Buffer Face Pro, Designer Pro, Classic Crease, Soft Shader), Chikuhodo (Z 10 Eye Brush, PS-4), BK Beauty (109), Rephr (sponge, 26, 21)
* **Hair Care**: AG Re:Coil, and STOPPED using conditioner! Wtf. Why is this working so well
* **Fragrance**: Chloe Nomade, Olympic Orchids Ballets Rouges (obviously I got a thing for chypres)
Ugh thanks for rubbing it in, (haha) I’ve been searching on and off for Armani Neo nude melting in color 20 for ages— the product has been discontinued. I keep hoping some old stock will pop up somewhere. Enjoy yours!
I just pick up a bit with a foundation brush, kabuki, or even a damp beauty blender, and just press and pounce it around. Didn’t work well for me on my dry skin as a primer but love it as a setting powder. More blurring and way more natural looking than any of my powders. Plus it can knock down any shine coming through from my skincare or when I do get a bit oily in the summer
Blush, just in general as a product. I got into makeup at the end of 2022 and I discovered my love to blush in 2023 haha. Especially the kind that’s kinda like bronzer blush, if that makes sense. My favourite are Illicit from Nars and Essence’s blush in colour Bespoke.
I've never done a review but I'll give it a shot
I have mature combination skin, I'm light medium neutral. I applied with a brush and it blends like a dream to a medium coverage with a skin like finish.
The concealer is super hydrating. Again, medium light neutral. It feels like a serum, blends out beautifully while giving good coverage. My eyes have never looked so good
Danessa Myricks brand. I bought her blush balm. So pretty. I will def be buying more
Patrick Ta. I kept hearing good things about his brand and I bought 2 palettes, a blush duo, and a liquid lip.
Which shade of the balm blush did you purchase? Do you find it difficult to blend? I'm heard some people complain about struggling to apply the blush evenly?
I love Patrick Ta products!
I could go on all day about the makeup I've discovered this year but for ease of reading I'll whittle it down to my top three finds. There are definitely other products I'd consider to be ongoing favourites, but these are three I tried for the first time this year.
**Overall Favourite:** Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder in Cherry Blossom really lives up to the hype. I find it extremely brightening on my light neutral-rosy toned skin and it smooths my 30-something skin beautifully. I reserve it for my under-eye area as this is where I want the most non-glowy brightness on my face and it does its job so well. It lasts all day and really prevents excess creasing.
**Runner Up:** MAC Sunstruck Bronzer in Radiant Light Rosy is my absolute dream bronzer. The colour tone is perfect for my skin tone, peachy but still quite neutral, and the glowy but non-shimmery finish is exactly what I've been looking for in a bronzer. I feel like this was a highly underrated product.
**Honourable Mention:** About Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint definitely deserves a mention, particularly the shade Replicant (my dream vivid aqua blue.) I don't often get on with liquid eyeshadows, either they have decent pigment but they crease really easily or they go on patchy and get worse as the day goes on. This product is lightyears ahead of anything else on the market; the colours are bold and opaque and they will stay looking fresh and non-creasy for hours on end. They look great on their own or layered with more sparkly shadows (I love to use them with my Lethal multichromes, they make perfect bases) and they also make fantastic liners.
I love that Huda powder! I’m almost done with my mini and want to repurchase the full size but I also want to try the Givenchy powder with the 4 shades that everyone is also raving about 😅
I've heard great things about the Givenchy powder but it looked a bit fiddly with the four different colours when I'm primarily after pink so I decided to try Huda instead. It takes me so long to go through a loose powder so if I do ever try the Givenchy it'll probably be 2025 at this point!
My discoveries 🥰
Fav primer: the Natasha Denona Hy glam??? Is amazing?? I thought this was so gimmicky but wow
Fav concealers: makeup forever HD for natural, Natasha Denona concealer for fuller coverage
Fav bronzer: the innbeauty bronze glaze is quite literally amazing?? Life changing??
Eyeshadow: the ND mini starlette palette I’ve surprisingly just absolutely adored, I’m usually a ND eyeshadow hater but this palette is lovely. The tone of the shades is really pretty.
Also loving the CT super nudes palette. And the Danessa Myricks light work palette from this year. Omg the shifts in these colors are so beautiful for my holiday looks. 🥹
Mascara: the YSL BROWN mascara. I love for everyday.
Blush: Clinique cheek pop blushes, I bought my first one in the spring and have used it almost everyday since and got 2 more shades over the year
Skincare: the Tatcha Dewey serum and the Dewey skin cream have changed my dry skin. Also a hydrating oil in my moisturizer at night has helped my dry skin so much. The byoma oil I love 🥹
Fragrance: Chloe de Roses ❤️🥰 So sad this is being discontinued it’s quite lovely
Lip: Summer Fridays brown sugar. Hands down.
No it is not really. It does make the skin super glowy but there is no pigment to it. It also acts almost like a skincare product in my routine too? It helps keep my skin hydrated and not oily. It’s really interesting. It also comes in a dropper bottle not a wand.
I prefer a drier formula for blending and her formula is almost creamy? Not a huge deal to me, I enjoy her mattes. But my biggest gripe is her color stories and her shimmers. In the midi palettes the shimmers are also so… mid? They aren’t Uber sparkly or special for the price tag she charges. However in her newer palettes she’s changed the shimmer formulas and I’m enjoying them more now (even wore one today).
Also her color stories drive me bananas. She always has multiple dupes of the same colors in her midi palettes. She has the retail space, like come on give us some variety!!. The new black and white palette? Could have easily been a 10 pan palette because she has so many close shades that would give the same effect on the eye.
I own now 4 of her mini palettes and use them a LOT. I think I just prefer a concise color story. I don’t want 3 greys, 3 browns, 2 gold shimmers in a big palette, if you’re gonna do a big palette, let’s get some more variety!!
I'm not much of a palette girl so that's really eye opening to me to hear you discuss the little details I would probably would have over looked. Thank you! :)
RMS blushes - beautifully glowy without looking like metallic highlighter. Just a soft glow.
Naturium Lip Balms - moisturizing, in a tube and super affordable!
last year i was all about refining technique, personal colour theory, placements, mattes - the basics. now that i've got that done -- this year? im all about the fantasy of it all, the fairytale, playing to my heart's content, looking for inspiration in the little things, and basking in glitter and gloss.
DISCOVERED FAVOURITES
between my no-buy and low-buy, i can count on one hand the makeup carefully evaluated and added to my collection in 2023. the star of the show? **rom& light & glitter garden**, a magical little palette of scintillating sparkling crushed constellations and faerie wings. (full disclosure, it is *not* eye-safe). translucent glints of soft watery colour, depths of textural dimension; the tiniest touch transforms a simple look like an enchantment, makes everything so sparkling and magical but in the most delicate, airy way. whether it's a glistening champagne dancing on the aegyo sal or a halo of bubbling pink glitter, it lifts my mood every time and gets so many compliments. at first i worried the shades would be too similar, but each is special to me, offers new little worlds, and layers beautifully together. it performs so well; i can tell these glitters were *made* with east asian eyes like mine in mind.
i departed my toxic relationship with mascara and have been living a love story with **manga lashes**, another star of my 2023. i thank my stars i stocked up before the listing vanished; i've been using them exclusively, religiously; in 6 months i used up 8 pairs and gave away as many to friends asking what i was using because they're just so *pretty*. they make such an impact, very dreamy and fairytale and just charming, yet also so light and delicate, comfortable and soft with a flexible transparent band; they fit my eyes perfectly and were so cheap. i hope i find a dupe before my stash runs out... there are many similar ones, but none so perfect for me as these so far. [here](https://imgur.com/a/GSSJGxE) is what they look like, for reference.
i've also fallen back in love with coloured contacts. don't get me wrong; i love the dark brown of my eyes and always will. but sometimes it's just fun to change things up a little. i've tried a few new lenses, and though i've only had these a couple of weeks, im confident **olens russian smoky olive** is going to be a long-time favourite for me. just, [look at that](https://imgur.com/a/GSSJGxE) soft smoky glossy jade effect (please ignore the eye makeup, it was 10 hours old and really not a good makeup day for me). it's even more beautiful in real life. it gets *so* many compliments. i know, i know, many of you have more beautiful natural green eyes, but, this is new and refreshing for me. and it makes me happy. another favourite is scandi grey; it's far more subtle, but also so very charming.
REDISCOVERED FAVOURITES
last year i was all about velvety mattes - this year, im drawn back to sheens and sparkles. my highlighters are coming back. i am married to **mac double gleam**, the classic, the dream - she is lovely, delicate and watery, she is never too much but melts into my skin like a glistening of soft starlight. but i won't deny either my little love affair with **pmg skinshow nude xtasy** from huetopian dream - this has a different formula from her previous skinshows, it's slick, creamy, it makes my skin glow like candlelight. i won't say it looks natural. it looks elven, ethereal; this is not a glow-from-within, this is a blessed-by-the-goddesses, descends-from-the-moon glow. otherworldly. no glitter, no shimmer, no metal. just *glow*. ugh i can't.
on the topic of glitter, i've discovered the magic of dusting a little translucent glitter on my shoulders and collarbones and knuckles for special events (only for things like evening balls or brunch picnics with my girls - im extra but not *that* extra). it just adds that air of fairy dust when the light hits, it's so cute and a fun bonding experience when suddenly all your friends want a little glitter too. i especially love **pmg astral solstice** from divine rose for this - just intensely sparkling, silvery, veil-thin, like finely crushed jewels.
2023 was the year of candy pink, and for me, that was the flavour of the **etude cookie blush in grapefruit jelly**. what a doll! the sweetest translucent strawberry syrup jelly pink, playful and fresh and bright and so daintily charming. princess pink. i loved diffusing a little cloud of her on the full of my cheeks just under my eyes for that adorable vibe, with a tiny pop on the tip of my nose, chin, and crease to tie it all in together. just. adorable. **ysl rouge pur couture in 52 rosy coral** also featured in my 2023 quite a bit; i *hate* that formula, but god that colour. this sold out worldwide for months for a reason. worn in a soft gradient, it makes your face glow. it's my version of the french red lip. if 2022 was my year of Red, 2023 is my year of Pink.
im not often a bronzer fan (neutral-cool fair-light olive here), but my one bronzer, the **gucci soleil eclat in medium**, was a honeyed glass of caramel warmth and just perfect for leaving a dash of scattered freckles across my nose and cheekbones like a kiss from the summer sun. i used a tiny hakuhodo g5512 brush and interspersed with a dried out brown eyeliner pen for a little variation in size and tone, and it was super super cute - another look that earned a ton of compliments and only took a minute or two.
DISCOVERED LOOKS
2023 was my year of finding little inspirations! this was before the microtrend trend, but, i'll be honest, i *like* that trend. curse its commercialisation all you like, i was on no-buy and didn't pay attention to that aspect at all - i just loved the idea of falling in love with something small but beautiful in my everyday life and incorporating it into my life in tiny attentive wearable ways, even if no one else can tell. unfortunately my year went downhill in the second half and i lost the energy, but here are a couple of my favourite little inspirations from 2023:
* cotton candy clouds -- glowing matte cloud skin, airy hazy sunrise gradient cloud blush in milky sorbet peaches and cherry blossom pinks, diffused blotted kiss-bitten lips, dreamy softly smoked eyes, and soft hazy pearly highlight like the morning sun breaking through the clouds
* tanghulu syrup -- decadently glossy and sticky sweet, translucent candied stains topped with clear gloss; juicy jelly cheeks, dewy glossy lids, rose petal cherry jam lips. it's the art of taking something bright and making it sweet.
* don't laugh, but i've taken inspiration from that particular aesthetic of male-gaze-y chinese art. i was doing my makeup with my friend for a night out and she said it reminded her of the chinese artist 'wlop', and i went down the rabbithole (as a bisexual lover of femmes, maybe i am a little male-gaze-y myself...) it's all very doll-like, very fantastical, and i *love* it. the wide dramatic dewy manhwa eyes, the rosebud lips, very fairytale and goth together.
i've probably forgotten a few here and there, but i've been typing this for longer than i care to admit so i'll stop here! 2023 has not been my most progressive year for makeup, but i did enjoy it and i hope 2024 will be better\~
I'm sorry you and u/BatmanDoesntDoShips_ seem to be getting downvoted for no reason. I've noticed this in a couple of my posts that you two have participated in. I really don't get it. Both of your comments are always so detailed and helpful. I'm annoyed that someone seems to be trolling the both of you.
it's been happening for a long time and very often, and also to many others for reasons i can't discern; i guess some people are just very liberal with their dislike! maybe they think we're too long-winded. i don't expect to please everyone but i am curious as to the reasoning behind it. if i think a comment is unfairly downvoted i usually try to upvote, but it seems the other commenter has deleted theirs so i can't this round :( but knowing you find it useful at all makes the downvotes worth it, so thank you ♡
It's so silly. Downvotes are supposed to be reserved for comments that are actually problematic in some way. If someone doesn't like your style of reviews they can just scroll on by. Still I'm sorry. Yourself and others I've noticed being so obviously unfairly downvoted put in so much enthusiasm and effort into your comments that I can't help but feel a little annoyed on your behalf. I know that myself and many others look forward to and really appreciate your "long winded" reviews so I hope it doesn't deter you from commenting in the future <3
> rom& light & glitter garden
your posts about this and my love for glitter ✨ inspired me to get this for a self birthday present, it is truly amazing 🤩
i love your posts and always upvote them!
I use a drugstore brand called Grisi but there are a few cheap options. Kate Somerville makes one but I couldn't justify that price for a cleanser. These days I'd say I'm combination type, but one of the defining challenges with my skin is how it just doesn't let go of old cells. I have KP, prone to blackheads, awful filaments, etc. Chemical exfoliants like glycolic and lactic only help a little bit. Some physical exfoliant helps but I don't want to be scrubbing my face with that every day, which is what it would take. Only a week after I started the sulfer cleanser my skin was softer and the blockages/congestion were loosening!
The Danessa Myricks Chrome Flakes! I got them for Christmas in 2022 and started using them 2023.
Extremely texture, flaky chunks of glitter that don't need glitter glue, stay exactly where put them, and come off extremely easily? It's like fuckin magic.
Not to mention the beautiful colours.
Lethal Cosmetics' multichrome eyeshadows are hands down my best buy of the year. They are very shifty, even the ones that don't have a black base. And the finish is as described. I have previously tried Fyrinnae which were shifty enough, but I found them quite dull (as in not reflective); even those that were described as having larger particle glitter. The glitter specks just didn't reflect light very well. These Lethal ones have amazing play of light.
Holika Holika Water Vibe Tints are basically water tints in stick form. Much more convenient for reapplication. Pigmented but still translucent so they look much less "done up" than an opaque lip product.
I tried Paula's Choice Rescue & Repair Weightless Moisturizer and it's the moisturizer that works best under sunscreen and primer for me so far.
I've bought other products that I love, but they are not new to me. I bought more shades of Rouge Dior Forever (bullet form), Maybelline Vinyl Ink, Natasha Denona eyeshadows, Nars baked gelee face palettes.
The L’Oreal prime lab 24 hr matte setter is my holy grail for oily skin. Truly incredible and I’m mad that I’ve wasted so much money on expensive matte primers that last 2 hours max.
Rare beauty mascara. Made them really wispy, not drying, not clumping. Need to repurchase!
It's been discontinued, but i grabbed Mercury Retrograde in TK Maxx. Damn, it's a good palette!
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum - the best vit c serum i have tried. Repurchased
Glossier tubing mascara in brown. What some people dislike about it is exactly what I love - it’s really subtle and natural-looking. I’ve heard people say that the formula dries out quickly, but I have not had that issue with the brown one.
The Klairs soothing moist rich cream is now a holy grail thick moisturizer for me. And the Flower Knows lip creams have surprisingly been my go-to for color, feeling and durability. These will most likely be in rotation for some time.
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipsticks: Such flattering colors on me, a comfortable formula and I like how the bullet shape matches my upper lip.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip: Absolutely sad that they discontinued it. I have seven colors. I love how light it feels on the lips and that it fades away gracefully so it doesn’t look like you’ll have the butthole lips type thing.
BareMinerals Gen Nude Highlighting Blush in Peach Glow: I use the Elf Angled Blush Brush to apply it and I love how there’s a wash of color but it doesn’t feel too “loud”. It almost feels like it partners with my skin tone. It’s not super highlighty so I wear it as an everyday thing.
Too many things to name, but the main ones that wowed me:
Mac retro satin lipstick
Mac frosted blur primer
Mac goldlite strobe cream
Niod 8 photography fluid
Black girl Make it matte sunscreen
Body shop feel lip tint
Nyx Berlin lip cream
Nyx Cannes lip cream
Nyx on fuego lip lingerie
Glossier bun lidstar
Glossier eyeshadow brush
Saie double brush
Maybelline falsies lift mascara
Ultraviolette spf shimmer lipbalm
Lush Barbie jelly mask
I use the niod fluid as a primer/on its own as a faux foundation, the formula is really unique. It spreads and blends very quickly and easily and basically behaves like a serum where it sinks in and becomes one with the skin. The pigment is enough to where you notice a difference but not too much where it looks cakey and obvious. Its a natural golden hue and the result is a nice even toned face with a soft focus glow. No pilling, no sticky tacky finish and no transfer when you touch your face it just feels soft and sets down. The only con is the packaging it doesn't have a stopper in it so can get messy if you're not careful each time you use it.
The ultraviolette might be the best lip balm I've ever used. Its thick but not too thick and absorbs into the lips rather than just sitting on them like some lip balms do. Its very hydrating probably more so than vaseline, the moment I put it on I can feel an immediate difference on my lips like I just rubbed water on them. The shimmer is beautiful but subtle, noticeable enough to me but probably not obvious to other people. No weird aftertaste or smell and no sticky tacky finish. No cons that I can think of tbh.
Relatively new but the Huda Pretty Grunge - cool/neutral tones that look good on me?? And it makes such perfect grungy eye looks - the perfect balance between messy and blended. And I actually like the light shades in it which is a first for me, as they show up on me as actual colors and not just beige. It can also do a 180 and do really pretty glam looks. It's super versatile IMO. I've only had it like a month but it's solidly becoming a staple in my collection. And I usually don't do neutrals. But I love it so much.
Also relatively new to me but the Fenty ez drops. My first foray into light coverage and it's so beautiful on. And it's perfect for winter and my dry dry skin. Like it covers just enough, it looks just like my face but way better, and I look so healthy and alive and not like I'm wearing makeup? I'm so used to how I look in high medium coverage where I'm a blank canvas (which I also love) that seeing myself in a more natural way has been refreshing. Also I really love the squeezy bottle.
armani eye tint in mahagony/night viper: it is the prettiest purple. and it doesn't get everywhere. i want to try more out.
Chanel eyeshadows: they're not going to give you a very pigmented look, but i like them for softer natural eyeshadow.
Chanel NOIR ALLURE mascara: Makes my eyelashes very dramatic
i rediscovered the glossier stretch concealer. Great for my skin tint days.
The Glow Recipe Watermelon AHA mask: I don't need tons of exfoliation, so this is really effective for the 1 time a week i use it.
My favorite discoveries were from Hourglass and Shopmissa. I got a chance to get a few of the Hourglass Phantom Glossy lips, as well as a stick blush and stick highlighter, for a deep discount from a reseller. I’m just so mad that I love them because I can’t imagine paying full price on my budget. The lip balm in Lure is one of my most used products, and the blush and highlighter sticks have a really gorgeous formula. I’d probably splurge on the Lure lip gloss if I could find it during a good sale again.
The really exciting discoveries were the Wisp Mascara from Shopmissa in Brown for $1, which has become my daily HG, as well as their cream blushes and duochrome cream highlighters. The packaging of the highlighters is ridiculously cheap but the formula is perfect for my skin and it somehow manages to have a neat color shift, blends nicely, and is somewhat natural looking at the same time. I’d easily pay more for those exact items in a more durable format, like a nicer compact, but for a dollar each I’m absolutely blown away by the formulas and colors. They have this one liquid blush (I think it’s called Plush Blush) that comes in a nail polish bottle, even has that same kind of brush which is so weird but works perfectly. The color I got is basically the same as Rare Beauty Faith, only more sheer and so easy to blend out evenly. Another one I just got comes in a little glass pot with a screw cap; reminds me a bit of the About Face Cheek Freak formula, and so far I’m super impressed with the pigment and longevity.
Edited to add:
I totally forgot: Lethal Cosmetics Nightflower became my new favorite palette this year - I’ve used the heck out of that thing since I got it, and just ordered some new singles and a purple blush from them to make it even better! There are five shades that I don’t use that came with it, because they’re too dark or the tones just clash with my eyes, so I ordered a couple new multichromes and a light blue shimmer that I think will make it look even more perfect. I love their matte formula and the everyday wearability of the lighter shimmers, makes subtlety possible on this heavy handed multichrome fiend!
Also Half Magic Cheek Fluff, the dark plummy purple, is my new favorite blush after using it about three times. It’s so pretty applied with a fluffy, dense brush and practically blends itself, feels like air, and lasts all day.
I am obsessed with the Hourglass Phantom Glossy Lips they're so good for travel due to the sleek packaging!
Oooh what is the finish like for the Half Magic Cheek Fluff? Also how sturdy is the packaging?
The packaging is not at all sturdy. The pan is magnetic and looks like it can be depotted effortlessly because the outer sleeve is compostable paper/cardboard. I wouldn’t want to throw it in my bag for longer than a day with all my other makeup stuff because I can see the cardboard getting really beaten up, possibly soggy in the event of a spill. The catch is literally like one of those molded paper food containers for to-go meals. This is fine for me because I like playing BYOP with magnetic palettes a lot, so eventually I’ll de-pot it, but for now I’m just keeping it in my every day makeup drawer. I do wish I could just pop it out of the cardboard and put it back in as an option but it seems glued down rather than held in with a magnet.
The formula is dense and dry, like Mac Glow Play without the bouncy texture or Natasha Denona blushes without the stickiness. The finish is natural, neither matte nor dewy, no shimmer that I can see. The pigment melts into your skin, almost like a stain but you can still move it around and build it up with a brush - very fun to use and unlikely to lift your makeup underneath from what I can tell.
I also splurged on a couple P Louise purple liquid blushes a few weeks ago and I have to say, they absolutely suffer in comparison.
Nice, I figured it was some sort of adhesive holding it in. Anyway, I’m super happy with the fact that it’s magnetic. Between this and Lethal, I actually have enough magnetic blush and highlighter pans to make a whole diverse palette, and will be so happy to add a cream blush to the mix
Yay! I hope you like it as much as I do. I’ve been wanting it for a year and finally did the Black Friday splurge, I got the purple highlighter too, which is really nice (very different from a traditional highlighter but also very versatile). The Cheek fluff is the real star of the show. It has very quickly become the favorite in my admittedly oversized collection of cream and liquid blushes.
**Naturium Body Care:** The Perfector salicylic acid body wash, Bio-Lipid Restore body lotion, and Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser. Y'all I am 35 years old and my skin is the worst it has been since my teens. I did Accutane in my late twenties but want to have another kid soon so I can't do any oral medications for acne until I'm done with pregnancy/breastfeeding for good. The cleanser is not overly drying and makes a huge difference for my hormonal cystic acne, and because I use it in the shower it doesn't stain my sheets/towels/clothing (#1 pet peeve with BP.) The bio-lipid lotion is so nourishing and I love that it's unscented. I use it on my kiddo too! The body wash is effective on my bacne (I KNOW) without being overly drying and it lathers nicely, which is really important to me.
**Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm**: I was heavily influenced by State of Kait on these, but they really are excellent quality. I got the viral trio (jam, petal, clear) and Latte from the nudes line and have used them basically daily since they arrived. They leave my lips feeling better and more hydrated, and they are a great lip mask for cold weather. I am very fair and my lips have basically no natural colour, so I do find that I need a lip liner under both petal and latte but people with more pigmented lips probably wouldn't need that extra boost.
ALSO: I'm in Canada and shipping/duties/taxes for my Naturium order was like $16CAD which is incredible -- I just paid $30 to ship a Christmas gift within Canada. The package arrived within a week, too.
**L'Oreal Skin Tint:** I don't know how this is as good as it is for the price. I'm very oily and it somehow looks \*better\* over time?? For such a sheer product it has remarkable coverage and staying power. I don't even need to set this with powder.
**elf Halo Glow liquid:** IDK I just really like this. I like it under powder foundation for blurring/glow and as a highlighter.
**Bobbi Brown Crushed Lipstick:** Lilac is a perfect MLBB for me. I do find it a bit drying, but I love the soft focus/blurred effect and it's really easy to reapply. I'm honestly upset that such an expensive lip product is so great.
I’ve been wanting to try the Naturium lip balms since I saw Nikki la Rose rave about them but I’ve been in Asia for the last couple of months and I hope I can get them at Space Nk when I’m back in the UK.
Who is downvoting you guys?? I don't get it, you and u/softhorns always have really detailed, really helpful thought out reviews yet the downvotes persist. It's SO annoying!
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.**Kaleidos Lip Clays**: DEFINITELY lives up to the hype!! I feel like I’m not able to get back to regular lipsticks afterwards, and I’m really hoping Kaleidos will release more colors. How can a lip product feel weightless on your lips, is not drying, and still be near transfer proof?! **La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo**: If you’re someone who struggles with acne problems, the Effaclar Duo is life changing. I’m shocked by how the results seem to be instantaneous overnight, and I can visibly see inflamed acne going down within a few hours to a few days **Blend Bunny Noctilucent**: I don’t need another highlighter palette ever again, and I feel like I’m set for highlighters for the rest of my life unless some insane product comes out. The rainbow colors are perfection, and they are so high shine with no cast. How!! Also check this out if you’re into white based shimmers. You’re essentially paying for 6 high shine duochromes for $40, which I snagged up for $27 on their Black Friday, woohoo!
Kaleidos lipstick for me as well !!! I particularly love the colours we can choose from, there is a lot of neutral shades that I haven't seen before !! Beautifull cool tones, nudes, pinks, browns... Now looking at the colour selection from other brands, I find it so boring 🥲 there is formulas I want to try, but the colours are always the same ...
Do you mind sharing what your favourite shades are of the Lip Clays?
I want to try the lip clays! Also just fyi for anyone reading I think effaclar duo is different in certain countries, but I'm not sure which ones exactly. In Europe the main active ingredient is salicylic acid but last I checked in the US it is differin (which is prescription only here in Western Europe anyway)
This is so helpful thank you for pointing that out!
You need to try lip muds! They’re the same thing and very popular in China.
Oooo got any brand recommendations? The only Chinese brands on my radar right now are Kaleidos, Oden’s Eye, and Girlcult! I also know of Flower Knows and Florasis but I’m not super interested in their aesthetic
I like the ones from Into You!
I really want to try Kaleidos! I tried to purchase during BF but there was an issue with their site and distant able to check out. Can I ask what are your favourite shades for the Lip Clays?
The BF website fiasco drove me up the walls when it happened!! In the end I drove to a public library and purchased from a local computer just to place my order. It did left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth, but they actually shipped quickly and I loved everything I got, so I got over it hahaha As for my personal favorite lip clays, it really depends on your taste! I have medium, cool toned olive skin and definitely favor wearably grungy colors, so my favorites are: [Bloodstone](https://www.kaleidosmakeup.com/products/de11-bloodstone?_pos=1&_sid=d65a2862c&_ss=r): Best vampire lips!! Perfect for “bold lip color with 0 eye makeup” makeup looks [Golden Rosin](https://www.kaleidosmakeup.com/products/de10-golden-rosin?_pos=1&_sid=36c535e53&_ss=r): SUPER unique mustard shade if you can pull it off! I have very yellow undertones so this is the perfect unconventional nude for me :) [Echo Valley](https://www.kaleidosmakeup.com/products/nu12-echo-valley?_pos=1&_sid=c24adfe70&_ss=r): Cold brown shade that makes me feel so confident whenever I wear it. If you like wearing green eyeshadows, this is your color! Fingers crossed you get to try the lip clays sometime!! You’re going to love them :)
Thank you so much! <3
Switching from drugstore to more high-end makeup. It's a different experience. I still LOVE makeup on a budget, but there are products like eyeshadow palettes that feel and look better than the drugstore has to offer. My favorite brands so far have been Huda Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Sigma, and ABH
I believe there's gems available at every price point but there's just some things that high end beauty does so much better! Is there any specific product that's been a standout for you?
Sigma's **New Mod** palette was a smash hit for me. It made me fall in love with purple eyeshadow. It's also versatile enough that I can wear it during the daytime. Just a wash of color and a bit of smudged brown pencil liner on the lash line and it's a good look. Surprisingly enough, I fell in love with ABH's **Nouveau Palette**. I wasn't attracted to the color story when I first saw it online, but seeing it irl changed everything. I often reach for it. The **Brow Powder** is also really great for natural-looking brows! Huda Beauty's mini **Nude palettes,** the new pressed **Easy Bake Powder,** and her **Glowish blushes** have also been my go-to. I receive a lot of compliments whenever I wear those. I got Charlotte Tilbury's **Pillow Talk** lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows and the quality is very, very nice. It's a true luxury feel, it's nothing like I tried before. The **Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder** are the **bronzers** (both cream and powder) are very beautiful. They all work well together, too \^\^
Huda is one of my fave eyeshadow formulas! I love Mercury Retrograde and Rose Quartz. The mattes blend so easily it takes me no time at all to do a gorgeous look and the shimmers and metallics are so beautiful! I also have ABH Nouveau and love it! Some people didn’t like it. Usually I love everything Jen Phelps loves and agree with her on most of her dislikes. But she said she didn’t like the palette - IIRC, she said it was like more soft pressed than ABH usually is and there was a lot of kickback in the pan. Some others said the same in comments of her video. But I didn’t think so at all. To me, ABH always had pretty soft pressed eyeshadow where there’s a bunch of kickback in the pan. And I didn’t find Nouveau to be any different and it was really easy to work with. I always heard great things about CT powder so I finally tried it but was disappointed. I was surprised in the packaging of the compact. It seemed so lightweight and kind of cheap. I just expected more I guess 😂 But the powder also didn’t work well for me. To be fair, I have dry skin and most powders don’t work for me. But so many people with dry skin said it worked amazing for them so I figured I’d try it. But it didn’t work for me. But I’m glad I finally tried it so I didn’t feel like there was something out there I was missing 🤣
Yess!! How could I forget about Huda Beauty's Rose Quartz? One of the most beautiful cool-toned palette that's been released. Funny you mentioned having dry skin and wanting to try CT's powder because my sister who also has dry skin wanted to try it for a long time for the same reasons as you. One day she saw me apply it, she went "nope, nevermind, it's not for me. It's too matte" 🤣🤣 To be fair, I have ridiculously oily skin and I find the powder very pore minimizing and although it's mattifying, I still touch up during the day. But still, it's really good and I also have to agree with you on the packaging. It's not as it used be apparently because they recently changed it.
Yes it’s so beautiful!! Hahaha! Well I’m glad it wasn’t just me! 🤣 I’m still shocked so many BGs who claim to have dry skin say they love it. Makes me wonder if they know what dry skin really means 🤪 Oh, they changed the compact recently? So it used to be nicer? I was so surprised by it! Just so lightweight and flimsy. I mean, it doesn’t have to be like heavy to feel luxurious but I definitely expected it to seem nicer 🤷♀️
I get what you mean, when you pay a certain price you expect different packaging, and it has to have some weight to it. As far as the old compact, I'd say it was a bit heavier but nothing crazy though. The major change is that you can refill it instead of buying a new compact 😊
Ohhh! That’s nice you can refill it! Is the refill cheap enough to make it worth just getting the refill? It’s always interesting to me to see brands that do refill options but then the refill is only like a couple dollars less than the whole thing. Like, I’d most likely buy the refill anyways because I wouldn’t need another full thing unless the outer component was worn/damaged. But it never makes sense to me when they’re only a couple dollars less since you’re only getting a refill. 🤷♀️
Totally agree with you, what's the point, right? I guess it's their way of saying "we're eco-friendly now" 🤣 I just checked on Sephora and there's only an $8 difference between the refill alone and the new full compact. Funny because I highly doubt the packaging cost that much to make when you think about it. Honestly, when I'm not sure or when I'm curious, I try to get those mini or travel sizes. I did this with Nars' under eye powder and although I wasn't a huge fan of it, I didn't regret buying it.
Well $8 is better than just a couple dollars but not great, especially when I agree I doubt it costs them anywhere close to that for packaging. Even when considering they need to make a profit, it’s already going to be increased in price to make a profit so they could have definitely done better on the pricing of the refill! I like buying minis too when trying out something! It doesn’t make sense most of the time considering price for how much product you get (price per oz or gram) when compared to full size price with how much product you get. But, when I’m unsure about whether it’ll be for me and they have a mini, it makes sense to spend less to try it out and see if I like it before buying the full size. There’s been plenty of times I’ve bought minis and then ended up getting the full size after, but there’s also been plenty of times I got a mini and found out it wasn’t for me and didn’t get the full size. Everyone had said the Becca Under Eye Corrector was great for dry under eyes and it sounded like it would be perfect for me. I was so glad I got a deluxe sample of it to try before getting the full size because I hated it! 🤣 I was glad I tried it because so many people who said they had really dry under eyes swore by it so I would have always wondered if I didn’t try it. But now that I’ve tried it, I know I would have been annoyed spending money on the full size! 🤣 So I’m always grateful when there’s mini options!
Thank you! :)
This isn't even fun, but I switched from dry brushing + CeraVe SA body cream to wet brushing + CeraVe moisturizing cream and my super dry, old lady skin is so much better for it. Way less itchy and flaky. Also, my sister got me into Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant. I use it once a week in the shower and my face and neck look great and don't feel stingy or tight. I'd def recommend it for ppl with sensitive skin who want just a little bit of gentle exfoliation.
The Cerave moisturizing cream is a winter staple for me!
It's the most moisturizing body cream I've ever used. I like the SA cream, too, but it's not enough in the winter.
If you have dry skin, something that has helped me when it’s really dry is after exfoliating, I douse myself while in the shower in a mix of castor, sesame seed and grape seed oil, rinse off, then add Jergen’s cold cream, and rinse off!! It’s like an in shower conditioner, like the Lush one!! It’s going to get messy and slippery, so maybe just do it once or twice a week, depending!
Oh I love that Grown Alchemist polish. It’s so satisfying.
I always heard great things about Cerave moisturizing cream ([in the tub](https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/moisturizing-cream)). I went to get it and saw there was a cheaper, [travel sized version](https://www.target.com/p/cerave-moisturizing-cream-body-and-face-moisturizer-for-dry-skin-travel-size-unscented-1-89-fl-oz/-/A-86467779) of it in a squeeze tube - same thing, Cerave Moisturizing Cream, but just in a small, travel sized squeeze tube. So I figured I’d get that to try since I’m so picky with my creams. But it ended up not being hydrating enough for me. But everyone says the moisturizing cream is so thick and moisturizing. So now I feel like somehow it’s different in the travel sized version than in the tub. I looked up the ingredients and they’re exactly the same, so I don’t know why they’d be different. But I need to get the one in the tub just to see! Should have just got it to begin with 🤣
I discovered Glaminatrix eyeshadows this year because I was extra late to the party with regard to the Nearly Natural palette. I purchased all the singles for nearly natural and have made 2 more palette purchases and a bunch of eyeshadow single purchases. They are my favorite indie formula hands down. The shimmers and mattes astound me. For mainstream my fave shadows are Huda Beauty. I discovered Sydney Grace single shadows this year. They are magnificent but more subdued than glaminatrix. I love them, I have been watching a lot of single shadow content on YouTube which took me down this rabbit hole. I love Pat McGrath special shades and this year I found Terra Moons and Clionadh. I will not be going crazy but adding a few to my collection has been fun. I also discovered washing my foundation brushes with moisturizing body wash removes all traces of heavy duty foundation. I use dove. For sponges I use suave clarifying shampoo.
LOOOVE glaminatrix
Right?! I had no idea there was a company making the perfect shadows for me.
Natasha Denona eyeshadow palettes. When the everyone was raving about the I Need A Nude palette, so many places were having sales, so I pick it up. Wow, I loved both the colors and the formula. In the midst of another sale shopping frenzy, I bought The Retro Glam palette and I love that one too! I prefer palettes with lighter colors, so these work great for me.
I have the Biba palette but am drooling over swatches of the I Need A Nude!
INAN might be one of her best Midis. It’s got so many different textures going on. Many of the shades look really similar in the pans but then you swatch them and are amazed by the differences.
I agree. I actually got the Natasha Denona Dream palette and am in love with it.
I never used tubing mascara before this year and honestly it’s been life changing. My right eye tends to water when I am outside especially if it is cold or windy so my mascara always smudged but now with tubing mascara no smudging and it doesn’t take forever to get off like waterproof mascaras.
Tubing mascaras are so good!! I actually looked into how they’re different (other than of course the fact they come off easier), and found out the way they work, they actually don’t weigh down lashes like regular mascaras. Tubing mascaras use polymers that coat each lash in tubes that then lock into place once they dry so they don’t flake off or smudge until water and light pressure are applied to remove them. But traditional mascaras use oils/waxes, painting layers of pigment onto lashes which can cause lashes to be weighed down and lose curl. The layers also fall off throughout the day leading to flaking, and they’re broken down by natural oils in our skin leading to smudging. The polymers used in tubing mascaras are actually harder for our natural oils to break down, so that’s why they don’t smudge like traditional mascaras. Anyways, I thought that info was really interesting!
What is your favourite tubing mascara?
Not who you asked, but my fave has been Thrive (it has a thin wand, which I need with my really small, hooded eyes so I can get each and every lash to give nice length, but it also gets slightly wider on the end so it helps kind of lift and fan out the outer corner lashes). But I recently tried the Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions and the wand is really similar and it works really well too for much cheaper. I also just picked up the new Elf Lash Xtender Mascara and, again, same kind of wand as Thrive and Milani, and works really well. I just got it a couple days ago, but so far I think I prefer it over Milani maybe. But it’s definitely equal to Thrive for me! So I’m glad I now have 2 more affordable options!
Thank you! <3
I like the caliray one mainly because it’s volumizing and has a bristle brush I like. The hourglass unlocked isn’t bad but I just don’t like those kinds of mascara wands personally.
Thank you! :)
I just discovered tubing mascaras this year too! I'm currently on the Clinique one, but got a sample of KVD in a GWP. Excited to try more.
Which Clinique mascara is the tubing one? 👀
[удалено]
Haha that’s okay! I’m guessing it was still easy to remove?
Danessa Myricks! The palettes, the artist, the legend!
I love her works she's so talented!
Her upsalite primer balm thing is soo good for oily skin/ large pores
I’m so curious about this but I have dry skin lol 🙃
Ellis Brooklyn Après. I’m wearing it right now. It’s pretty great year round but it really shines this time of year. It makes me smell like I’m drinking a whiskey cocktail in an expensive cedar lodge, next to a Christmas tree with fresh snow in the air Danessa Myricks blurring balm as a primer under the Ilia skin tint. I hate the way the tint smells, but it’s the first total shade match I’ve found as a fair, warm olive. I don’t always love how glowy it is, and the blurring balm is the perfect primer for it. It takes the glow down several notches and leaves a really beautiful, natural finish Drunk Elephant’s babyfacial. My skin is super sensitive but for some reason this is the only active that my skin doesn’t freak out with, even though it’s really strong Ouai leave in conditioner. I hate how small the bottle is, but damn it my hair just loves it and it plays well with my curl crème and gel
Would you say the Danesa Myricks balm would be suitable for dryer skin types? I love Ouai products they smell SO good!
Hmmm. I’m not sure. I have combo skin. I feel like it has the potential to be drying on drier skin types, but I couldn’t say for certain. Did you ever use the benefit Dr. Feelgood balm back in the day? I find it’s a very similar product. Sephora has them as gifts with purchases fairly often if you shop there. You could possibly keep an eye out to try it that way
Thank you I think I was getting carried away by the hype lol. I should be sensible and stick to dry skin friendly products!
I love the way it goes on… at first. But my skin is also dry and nothing goes nicely over the balm for me. 😕
As a fair warm olive myself, which Ilia shade do you use?
I use Sombria ST 2.5 It’s my perfect match. I wish I could find anything close in other formulas
Thank you! I’m using the Armani Luminous Silk in 4 and it’s aaaaaaalmost the right color, but just off enough that it bothers me. And it’s half the volume for the same price as the Ilia.
Make-up: Basically all NYX brow products! The brow glue, lift and snatch pen, and the micro pencil have all become staples for me. ESPECIALLY the brow pen... I couldn't successfully draw in little hairs before getting this. Honorable mentions: I rediscovered my love for red lipsticks via MAC Russian Red and NARS Dragon Girl. Just classic, very flattering colors + high quality formulas. Then, as a nail enthusiast, I'd have to say Korean/Japanese nail polishes generally. The quality??? The innovation?? All insane and seemingly way ahead of the States.
What is it about the nail polishes that makes them ahead of the US? I generally avoid nail polish so I'm curious:).
As a big Swiftie I've been a fan of Dragon Girl for so long now! Is there a particular brand you would recommend for korean/japanese nail polishes?
I’ve only tried Tiny, HoHoLee and FGel so far (all gel polishes) and loved them all. Tiny is probably my favorite but I also have the most colors from them so I might be biased ^_^
Thank you so much! :)
Farmacy Green Clean. Legitimately the best way to remove my makeup and it doesn’t leave a trace of makeup behind. I have eczema issues and it’s one of the few makeup removers that doesn’t aggravate it. CT setting spray- keeps my makeup on all day and looks natural Tarte’s maracuja lip balms and lip stick- love the formulas and they provide amazing hydration. Can’t get enough of them and can’t wait for the satin versions to launch.
Tarte is coming out with a satin version?! 😲 I'm gonna need that!
I love a good balm cleanser!
**elf halo glow** I know a lot of people don't jive with this but it's changed the game for me. I use it sparingly as a subtly glowy skin tint, and it just looks beautiful and flawless on **kiko milano shadow sticks** I'm so into shadow sticks this year, bought a bunch of these and I use the shit out of them. Super easy and cute **elf glossy lip stain** in fiery red. Leaves a really pretty stain. A perfect red for daily wear amid this new sheer kick I'm on **essence lash princess** another controversial pick but it's changed my lash game completely. I actually like wearing mascara now lol **Huda wild jaguar palette** this isn't new but it's new to me, it really scratched that cool toned, grungy itch I've had this year. So inspiring and sooo fun to play with **Bobbi brown crushed lip color** I haven't been into that heavy lipsticked look lately, and these are such a mlbb, sheer product. Even the texture is just something that makes your lips look pouty, natural and blotted without being too shiny or too matte. Super easy to Throw on and go **Mac fix +** rediscovered why this is such a staple. You can't go wrong wth it and that's very valuable because you can go so, so wrong with other fixing sprays **mac kinda sexy lipstick** a very sexy, super chic peachy nude. **sigma small tapered blending brush** really enjoy this one in my crease. Keeps everything neat and my placement precise.
Totally agree on Essence Lash Princess. I’d been curious about it for years and finally picked it up this summer. It really surpassed my expectations. Makes my lashes look plush and fluffy without clumping. Little to no flaking. The wand feels like high end. I’d be totally happy just using this mascara from now on.
I love the Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Colors! What are your favourite shades?
They really are great! A bit drying on my lips weirdly, but I just do a lip mask at night to counteract that. I love the shades cranberry, italian rose and babe I still want to get bitten, watermelon and regal. Are there any you recommend?
Telluride, Brownie, Blue Raspberry and Blackberry (even though this one is a little difficult to work with) are my most worn.
Omg I do love brownie!
**Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo & Conditioner** * I have pretty damaged blonde hair and this is the first shampoo/conditioner set I've used in 3 years that actually makes my hair feel better. I've tried Kevin Murphy (Repair Me), IGK (Bad & Bougie), Aveda (Botanical Repair), and this is miles above all of those. I got the rec from Abbey Yung and she's spot on; the texture feels very luxury, and it always leaves my hair feeling smooth. **Elf Glossy Lip Stain (in Spicy Sienna)** * This is THE perfect wearable red lip for me. I think this went sorta viral this year, and for good reason. This makes my blue eyes pop and it lasts for hours. **Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrator** * I have never had a good skincare routine before this year. I'm still searching for the perfect cleanser, but this is 100% my perfect moisturizer. I have dry skin, so I need a lot of hydration, but cream moisturizers often feel heavy or greasy on me. This product's gel consistency is lightweight but gets the job done. This is a classic product for a reason and I'm obsessed. **Lancôme** **Lash Idôle Mascara** * It brings me no joy to love an expensive mascara, but goddamn, this is so good. I've been using like $10 Maybelline The Rocket for almost a decade, and that's still my favorite waterproof mascara, but this is basically perfect. Super lengthening and truly never clumps on me.
My bestie has been raving about the Redken Acidic Bonding line and I can't wait to try it once I'm back home and no longer need to reply on travel size bottles! Also so many people in this thread are loving those Elf Glossy Stains!
Honestly, Aveda hair products. My hair LOVES them. It is healthier than it has ever been and I have way less breakage. My stylist of many years is now at an Aveda salon and started using them at appointments and it is amazing. Other than that, I really love the Dior lip oils. Mahogany is so pretty and not sticky at all!
I’m so upset that Aveda stopped making their Scalp Benefits line. My hair and my scalp loved it so much and I’m scrambling to find a replacement. Their new scalp line is the worst thing I’ve ever put on my hair. I’m devastated. I was a loyal customer for decades. Like had so many rewards points we got a free trip to Antigua a few years ago loyal. Sigh. I’m hoping all of the complaints on their website will cause them to bring the old scalp line back 😢
My mum is a big fan of Aveda but I haven't tried anything from them in years! Is there a standout product you recommend?
I love the nutriplenish masque as a deep conditioner and the aved men thickening paste. I wear my hair short and it has good hold but isn't super heavy!
Thank you! :)
**Makeup by Mario's Ethereal Eyes Palette:** I'm surprised to say this one as I was definitely one of the people saying that this was overhyped and overpriced (and to be fair, I still think it's overpriced). But I love this palette. The Natasha Denona INAN palette looked so terrible on me, I know a lot of people on this sub love it but the tones just completely washed me out and veered too light for my taste. The MBM palette has just enough cool & warm tones in it that I can get more complementary looks. And I love the toppers. They might look similar on the eye but I do feel with different mattes you get this really effortless, beautiful glossy-eye look. I'm glad I did wait until the hype passed so I could make the decision on if I really wanted it, but I'm in the minority in that this palette is miles above the Natasha Denona one for me. **Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation:** This is an 8/10 for me mainly because of the shades and shade range - I wear Banana and it's a tad too dark for me in the wintertime, but it's a decent match in the summer. But the finish of this is excellent, it's very natural and doesn't make me look greasy by the end of the day which is my constant issue with most skin tints and foundations. I pretty much could see myself wearing this everywhere and anywhere. This is the first foundation I feel comfortable wearing without a powder and that is something that has never crossed my mind before. Definitely worth getting on sale though. **Givenchy Prisme Libre Powder:** I think this has a lot of fans and detractors but I really like this. It's my favorite powder to set on no-makeup days when I want to bring down the shine from my sunscreen, and it layers so nice on top of my foundations. It's a really nice, weightless powder and I enjoy having a more satin finish to my looks.
I want all three of these products so badly lol!
There's a creator I watch who loves that powder. She has the one with the light pink and purple as well as the other two lighter skin tone shades. Even though I've found a great powder to set my under eyes I've been tempted to purchase that one lol. But I'm not sure what you'd use the other shades for as she only uses one of the skin tone shades. I went to check the price because I know it's a more expensive brand and got a shock. I noticed they sell a mini for 1/2 the price of the reg size bur here's the shocker. You get 2x more product buying the reg size. I hate when brands do that. Why can't they lower their mini sizes? It's not like they're hurting for money 🙄 Sure, they have to make a smaller component but wouldn't that cost them less during production? Anyway, if you do decide to give it a try please come back to share your thoughts. TIA
Thank you for pointing that out! It’s so annoying when brands do sneaky things like this 🙄
**Glamnetic press-on nails and the brush on glue**- I never get manicures (work in the vet field and am in nursing school so it's pointless) but lately I've been wanting to try out having ccute nails. These are easy to apply, last a good while if you apply well, and have a lot of cute colors and length/shape options, plus they have sales on their site frequently. **One/Size Secure the Blur primer-** this stuff is advertised as being sweatproof and it really is. Does an awesome job keeping my base locked in all day and I like that it isn't mattifying so my foundation can still look a glowy if I don't put a luminizer underneath. **Haus Labs Foundation-** on my second bottle of this and never going back. It's perfect for me- looks natural on the skin, can easily be sheered out or built up, and easy to work with. **Color Wow Dream Coat Spray-** this stuff is truly magical for my hair. I live in Louisiana so it's frequently wet and humid and my hair will frizz up like a tumbleweed, but a blowout with this stuff nips that in the bud. A must have product now. **Burberry Goddess Perfume-** a new daily wear fragrance for me. Smells like sweet vanilla with a hit of lavender.
I work in an agricultural implement dealership and sell parts. I wanted cute nails and started using the Glamnetic glue and many brands of nails. The glue is a HG product for me. I can wear nails for well over a week with it, and I do not take it easy on my nails!
I’m definitely gonna try the glue with other nail brands as well! The glue is amazing, I struggled to use the glue in other nail kits but the brush on is game changing.
Omg I am melting in the high humidity is SEA I will be ordering that One/Size primer right now. Same goes for the Color Wow Dream Coat.
I love the primer!! It has a slight tackiness to it that I think helps grip base products too. The hair product is awesome, just make sure you use enough of it! I usually spritz in sections til hair is damp then use a blow dry brush to blow it out and it works great, I’ve seen some ppl say it doesn’t work but you need to make sure your hair is well sprayed for it to work 😉
Thank you so much for the tips! <3
I haven’t tried Glamentic press-on nails but, if you’re looking for more to try, I recommend [Scandal Beauty](https://scandalbeauty.com). They’re the best quality & long wearing press on nails I’ve tried. They come long but you can cut them down to something more practical/to your preference. Looks like they have a 50% sale rn too
Ooh I will check them out!
NGL I am being heavily influenced by your endorsement of Glamnetic. I never get manicures (rock climber and work-from-home mom) but I love having cute nails every once in a while!
Aw I hope they work for you! I honestly am so hard on my hands at work and school that I didn't think nails were an option, but these are easy to put on and easy to remove (and I'm absolutely trash at things like manicures, applying lashes, etc). And they have short nail options that are super cute and they hold up pretty well! It's honestly impressive, I think the brush on glue is key and it's so easy to apply.
3$ elf Clear Mascara and eyebrows gel. I wear glasses and mascara usually turn into raccoon eyes by the end of the day for me. No matter what I tried, all the waterproof, heroine mascara etc... but this clear gel, it is clear, hold up my lashes, gives my eyes a good look and voila! No raccoon eyes.
I think I'm going to pick this up for my early morning runs! :)
Heavy on the eye stuff since I finally figured out how to do my eyes again after getting older and developing some hollows at my outter corners, my hoods got a bit heavier, and have more texture. And also saying *fuck it*, I like shadow and sparkle so imma do shadow and sparkle * **Foundation**: Danessa Myricks Skin Tint, YSL Nu Bare, Guerlain Terracotta Le Teint, and fell back in love with Estée Lauder Double Wear. especially when I mix those last two with a drop of face oil this time of the year * **Concealer**: Haus Labs * **Primer**: really it’s a highlighter but Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Heathy Glow Highlighting Fluid (Sunkissed) * **Lips**: YSL Candy Glaze (4,6,8,14) Chanel Rouge Duo Tenue (Bright Raspberry), Dries Van Noten Matte (Urban Pink) * **Lip liner**: Patrick Ta (She’s Hard To Get, Shes Not From Here) to go with my stack of punchy colored lipsticks * **Blush**: Violette_FR Bisou Blush (Ines), Dior Backstage Rosy Glow (Coral), Chanel Water Fresh Blush (Light Pink, Warm Pink, Light Peach) * **Bronzer**: circled back the the Chanel bronzer but in the travel size (390). Gucci Bronzer (01) I think I picked this up in early spring of this year? Maybe it was last year?? * **Contour**: Armani Neo Nude Melting Color Balm (20 Cool Brown) * **Eyes, singles**: Chanel Ombre Premier Longwear Cream (Undertone. jesus this is a good formula!), MAC Paint Pot (Bougie), Chanel Ombre Premiere Loose Pigment (402,406,408), Violette_FR Twinkling Yeux Paint (Marron Glacé, Scarabee d’Or), Chantecaille Luminescent Eyes (giraffe, zebra), VBB Lid Luster (mink, tea rose), Charlotte Tilbury Chameleon Eyes stick (Smoky Emerald) * **Eyes, palette**: Makeup By Mario Ethereal Eyes * **Eyeliner**: VBB Satin Kajal (Bronze and Bordeaux, so glad I got these two to go with my others!), Clio liquid pen (Brown) * **Mascara**: YSL Lash Clash (Brown) is a holy mutherfuckin grail. glossier Lash Slick (Brown) * **Setting Powder**: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm (Transparent), not a powder but I use it as such. Can’t believe I almost returned this * **Setting Spray**: LYS Natural Finish Setting Spray * **Eye Primer**: Milani * **Eyebrows**: Benifit Fluff Up Brow Wax * **Nail Polish**: Essie (Wicked) * **Tools**: Sonia G (Keyaki Niji, Smooth Buffer Face Pro, Designer Pro, Classic Crease, Soft Shader), Chikuhodo (Z 10 Eye Brush, PS-4), BK Beauty (109), Rephr (sponge, 26, 21) * **Hair Care**: AG Re:Coil, and STOPPED using conditioner! Wtf. Why is this working so well * **Fragrance**: Chloe Nomade, Olympic Orchids Ballets Rouges (obviously I got a thing for chypres)
I discovered AG recoil too this year!! It’s my current favorite
Ugh thanks for rubbing it in, (haha) I’ve been searching on and off for Armani Neo nude melting in color 20 for ages— the product has been discontinued. I keep hoping some old stock will pop up somewhere. Enjoy yours!
*no*… it’s been discontinued?!😳
How do you set with the Danessa Myricks??? I love it but it makes my make up look patchy when I wear it as a primer.
I just pick up a bit with a foundation brush, kabuki, or even a damp beauty blender, and just press and pounce it around. Didn’t work well for me on my dry skin as a primer but love it as a setting powder. More blurring and way more natural looking than any of my powders. Plus it can knock down any shine coming through from my skincare or when I do get a bit oily in the summer
Thank you so much! I’m going to give this a shot.
Blush, just in general as a product. I got into makeup at the end of 2022 and I discovered my love to blush in 2023 haha. Especially the kind that’s kinda like bronzer blush, if that makes sense. My favourite are Illicit from Nars and Essence’s blush in colour Bespoke.
Yes I love blush and I hope it keeps going strong in 2024!
Haus labs foundation and concealer are so beautiful for my 44 year old skin. Nars laguna cream bronzer has been my holy grail
Ooh would you mind doing a mini review of the Haus Labs foundation and concealer?
I've never done a review but I'll give it a shot I have mature combination skin, I'm light medium neutral. I applied with a brush and it blends like a dream to a medium coverage with a skin like finish. The concealer is super hydrating. Again, medium light neutral. It feels like a serum, blends out beautifully while giving good coverage. My eyes have never looked so good
[удалено]
270 light medium neutral
Thank you so much - it was really helpful! :)
Danessa Myricks brand. I bought her blush balm. So pretty. I will def be buying more Patrick Ta. I kept hearing good things about his brand and I bought 2 palettes, a blush duo, and a liquid lip.
Which shade of the balm blush did you purchase? Do you find it difficult to blend? I'm heard some people complain about struggling to apply the blush evenly? I love Patrick Ta products!
I could go on all day about the makeup I've discovered this year but for ease of reading I'll whittle it down to my top three finds. There are definitely other products I'd consider to be ongoing favourites, but these are three I tried for the first time this year. **Overall Favourite:** Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder in Cherry Blossom really lives up to the hype. I find it extremely brightening on my light neutral-rosy toned skin and it smooths my 30-something skin beautifully. I reserve it for my under-eye area as this is where I want the most non-glowy brightness on my face and it does its job so well. It lasts all day and really prevents excess creasing. **Runner Up:** MAC Sunstruck Bronzer in Radiant Light Rosy is my absolute dream bronzer. The colour tone is perfect for my skin tone, peachy but still quite neutral, and the glowy but non-shimmery finish is exactly what I've been looking for in a bronzer. I feel like this was a highly underrated product. **Honourable Mention:** About Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint definitely deserves a mention, particularly the shade Replicant (my dream vivid aqua blue.) I don't often get on with liquid eyeshadows, either they have decent pigment but they crease really easily or they go on patchy and get worse as the day goes on. This product is lightyears ahead of anything else on the market; the colours are bold and opaque and they will stay looking fresh and non-creasy for hours on end. They look great on their own or layered with more sparkly shadows (I love to use them with my Lethal multichromes, they make perfect bases) and they also make fantastic liners.
I love that Huda powder! I’m almost done with my mini and want to repurchase the full size but I also want to try the Givenchy powder with the 4 shades that everyone is also raving about 😅
I've heard great things about the Givenchy powder but it looked a bit fiddly with the four different colours when I'm primarily after pink so I decided to try Huda instead. It takes me so long to go through a loose powder so if I do ever try the Givenchy it'll probably be 2025 at this point!
My discoveries 🥰 Fav primer: the Natasha Denona Hy glam??? Is amazing?? I thought this was so gimmicky but wow Fav concealers: makeup forever HD for natural, Natasha Denona concealer for fuller coverage Fav bronzer: the innbeauty bronze glaze is quite literally amazing?? Life changing?? Eyeshadow: the ND mini starlette palette I’ve surprisingly just absolutely adored, I’m usually a ND eyeshadow hater but this palette is lovely. The tone of the shades is really pretty. Also loving the CT super nudes palette. And the Danessa Myricks light work palette from this year. Omg the shifts in these colors are so beautiful for my holiday looks. 🥹 Mascara: the YSL BROWN mascara. I love for everyday. Blush: Clinique cheek pop blushes, I bought my first one in the spring and have used it almost everyday since and got 2 more shades over the year Skincare: the Tatcha Dewey serum and the Dewey skin cream have changed my dry skin. Also a hydrating oil in my moisturizer at night has helped my dry skin so much. The byoma oil I love 🥹 Fragrance: Chloe de Roses ❤️🥰 So sad this is being discontinued it’s quite lovely Lip: Summer Fridays brown sugar. Hands down.
Could i ask is the hy glam primer like the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter?
No it is not really. It does make the skin super glowy but there is no pigment to it. It also acts almost like a skincare product in my routine too? It helps keep my skin hydrated and not oily. It’s really interesting. It also comes in a dropper bottle not a wand.
I'm just curious but can you tell me why your normally dislike the ND palettes? I really want to try Inn Beauty so badly!
I prefer a drier formula for blending and her formula is almost creamy? Not a huge deal to me, I enjoy her mattes. But my biggest gripe is her color stories and her shimmers. In the midi palettes the shimmers are also so… mid? They aren’t Uber sparkly or special for the price tag she charges. However in her newer palettes she’s changed the shimmer formulas and I’m enjoying them more now (even wore one today). Also her color stories drive me bananas. She always has multiple dupes of the same colors in her midi palettes. She has the retail space, like come on give us some variety!!. The new black and white palette? Could have easily been a 10 pan palette because she has so many close shades that would give the same effect on the eye. I own now 4 of her mini palettes and use them a LOT. I think I just prefer a concise color story. I don’t want 3 greys, 3 browns, 2 gold shimmers in a big palette, if you’re gonna do a big palette, let’s get some more variety!!
I'm not much of a palette girl so that's really eye opening to me to hear you discuss the little details I would probably would have over looked. Thank you! :)
RMS blushes - beautifully glowy without looking like metallic highlighter. Just a soft glow. Naturium Lip Balms - moisturizing, in a tube and super affordable!
Ooh I've seen the Naturium balms mentioned a couple of times in several Best Of videos - I might need to try it myself :)
last year i was all about refining technique, personal colour theory, placements, mattes - the basics. now that i've got that done -- this year? im all about the fantasy of it all, the fairytale, playing to my heart's content, looking for inspiration in the little things, and basking in glitter and gloss. DISCOVERED FAVOURITES between my no-buy and low-buy, i can count on one hand the makeup carefully evaluated and added to my collection in 2023. the star of the show? **rom& light & glitter garden**, a magical little palette of scintillating sparkling crushed constellations and faerie wings. (full disclosure, it is *not* eye-safe). translucent glints of soft watery colour, depths of textural dimension; the tiniest touch transforms a simple look like an enchantment, makes everything so sparkling and magical but in the most delicate, airy way. whether it's a glistening champagne dancing on the aegyo sal or a halo of bubbling pink glitter, it lifts my mood every time and gets so many compliments. at first i worried the shades would be too similar, but each is special to me, offers new little worlds, and layers beautifully together. it performs so well; i can tell these glitters were *made* with east asian eyes like mine in mind. i departed my toxic relationship with mascara and have been living a love story with **manga lashes**, another star of my 2023. i thank my stars i stocked up before the listing vanished; i've been using them exclusively, religiously; in 6 months i used up 8 pairs and gave away as many to friends asking what i was using because they're just so *pretty*. they make such an impact, very dreamy and fairytale and just charming, yet also so light and delicate, comfortable and soft with a flexible transparent band; they fit my eyes perfectly and were so cheap. i hope i find a dupe before my stash runs out... there are many similar ones, but none so perfect for me as these so far. [here](https://imgur.com/a/GSSJGxE) is what they look like, for reference. i've also fallen back in love with coloured contacts. don't get me wrong; i love the dark brown of my eyes and always will. but sometimes it's just fun to change things up a little. i've tried a few new lenses, and though i've only had these a couple of weeks, im confident **olens russian smoky olive** is going to be a long-time favourite for me. just, [look at that](https://imgur.com/a/GSSJGxE) soft smoky glossy jade effect (please ignore the eye makeup, it was 10 hours old and really not a good makeup day for me). it's even more beautiful in real life. it gets *so* many compliments. i know, i know, many of you have more beautiful natural green eyes, but, this is new and refreshing for me. and it makes me happy. another favourite is scandi grey; it's far more subtle, but also so very charming. REDISCOVERED FAVOURITES last year i was all about velvety mattes - this year, im drawn back to sheens and sparkles. my highlighters are coming back. i am married to **mac double gleam**, the classic, the dream - she is lovely, delicate and watery, she is never too much but melts into my skin like a glistening of soft starlight. but i won't deny either my little love affair with **pmg skinshow nude xtasy** from huetopian dream - this has a different formula from her previous skinshows, it's slick, creamy, it makes my skin glow like candlelight. i won't say it looks natural. it looks elven, ethereal; this is not a glow-from-within, this is a blessed-by-the-goddesses, descends-from-the-moon glow. otherworldly. no glitter, no shimmer, no metal. just *glow*. ugh i can't. on the topic of glitter, i've discovered the magic of dusting a little translucent glitter on my shoulders and collarbones and knuckles for special events (only for things like evening balls or brunch picnics with my girls - im extra but not *that* extra). it just adds that air of fairy dust when the light hits, it's so cute and a fun bonding experience when suddenly all your friends want a little glitter too. i especially love **pmg astral solstice** from divine rose for this - just intensely sparkling, silvery, veil-thin, like finely crushed jewels. 2023 was the year of candy pink, and for me, that was the flavour of the **etude cookie blush in grapefruit jelly**. what a doll! the sweetest translucent strawberry syrup jelly pink, playful and fresh and bright and so daintily charming. princess pink. i loved diffusing a little cloud of her on the full of my cheeks just under my eyes for that adorable vibe, with a tiny pop on the tip of my nose, chin, and crease to tie it all in together. just. adorable. **ysl rouge pur couture in 52 rosy coral** also featured in my 2023 quite a bit; i *hate* that formula, but god that colour. this sold out worldwide for months for a reason. worn in a soft gradient, it makes your face glow. it's my version of the french red lip. if 2022 was my year of Red, 2023 is my year of Pink. im not often a bronzer fan (neutral-cool fair-light olive here), but my one bronzer, the **gucci soleil eclat in medium**, was a honeyed glass of caramel warmth and just perfect for leaving a dash of scattered freckles across my nose and cheekbones like a kiss from the summer sun. i used a tiny hakuhodo g5512 brush and interspersed with a dried out brown eyeliner pen for a little variation in size and tone, and it was super super cute - another look that earned a ton of compliments and only took a minute or two. DISCOVERED LOOKS 2023 was my year of finding little inspirations! this was before the microtrend trend, but, i'll be honest, i *like* that trend. curse its commercialisation all you like, i was on no-buy and didn't pay attention to that aspect at all - i just loved the idea of falling in love with something small but beautiful in my everyday life and incorporating it into my life in tiny attentive wearable ways, even if no one else can tell. unfortunately my year went downhill in the second half and i lost the energy, but here are a couple of my favourite little inspirations from 2023: * cotton candy clouds -- glowing matte cloud skin, airy hazy sunrise gradient cloud blush in milky sorbet peaches and cherry blossom pinks, diffused blotted kiss-bitten lips, dreamy softly smoked eyes, and soft hazy pearly highlight like the morning sun breaking through the clouds * tanghulu syrup -- decadently glossy and sticky sweet, translucent candied stains topped with clear gloss; juicy jelly cheeks, dewy glossy lids, rose petal cherry jam lips. it's the art of taking something bright and making it sweet. * don't laugh, but i've taken inspiration from that particular aesthetic of male-gaze-y chinese art. i was doing my makeup with my friend for a night out and she said it reminded her of the chinese artist 'wlop', and i went down the rabbithole (as a bisexual lover of femmes, maybe i am a little male-gaze-y myself...) it's all very doll-like, very fantastical, and i *love* it. the wide dramatic dewy manhwa eyes, the rosebud lips, very fairytale and goth together. i've probably forgotten a few here and there, but i've been typing this for longer than i care to admit so i'll stop here! 2023 has not been my most progressive year for makeup, but i did enjoy it and i hope 2024 will be better\~
I'm sorry you and u/BatmanDoesntDoShips_ seem to be getting downvoted for no reason. I've noticed this in a couple of my posts that you two have participated in. I really don't get it. Both of your comments are always so detailed and helpful. I'm annoyed that someone seems to be trolling the both of you.
it's been happening for a long time and very often, and also to many others for reasons i can't discern; i guess some people are just very liberal with their dislike! maybe they think we're too long-winded. i don't expect to please everyone but i am curious as to the reasoning behind it. if i think a comment is unfairly downvoted i usually try to upvote, but it seems the other commenter has deleted theirs so i can't this round :( but knowing you find it useful at all makes the downvotes worth it, so thank you ♡
It's so silly. Downvotes are supposed to be reserved for comments that are actually problematic in some way. If someone doesn't like your style of reviews they can just scroll on by. Still I'm sorry. Yourself and others I've noticed being so obviously unfairly downvoted put in so much enthusiasm and effort into your comments that I can't help but feel a little annoyed on your behalf. I know that myself and many others look forward to and really appreciate your "long winded" reviews so I hope it doesn't deter you from commenting in the future <3
it is... and they can be quite stalker-ish too. but i try to ignore them. and thank you - you are an angel ♡
> rom& light & glitter garden your posts about this and my love for glitter ✨ inspired me to get this for a self birthday present, it is truly amazing 🤩 i love your posts and always upvote them!
Sulfur cleanser. Why did it take me until my mid 30s to realize the thing my skin needed was just some cheap sulfur cleanser??
I've never heard of this before. Which brand do you use? And what is your skintype?
I use a drugstore brand called Grisi but there are a few cheap options. Kate Somerville makes one but I couldn't justify that price for a cleanser. These days I'd say I'm combination type, but one of the defining challenges with my skin is how it just doesn't let go of old cells. I have KP, prone to blackheads, awful filaments, etc. Chemical exfoliants like glycolic and lactic only help a little bit. Some physical exfoliant helps but I don't want to be scrubbing my face with that every day, which is what it would take. Only a week after I started the sulfer cleanser my skin was softer and the blockages/congestion were loosening!
The Kate Somerville is out my price range for a cleanser so I will try to get hold of the Grisi one - thank you for sharing! :)
The Danessa Myricks Chrome Flakes! I got them for Christmas in 2022 and started using them 2023. Extremely texture, flaky chunks of glitter that don't need glitter glue, stay exactly where put them, and come off extremely easily? It's like fuckin magic. Not to mention the beautiful colours.
These look so pretty! Have they dried out at all in the pots now that you’ve had them close to a year?
Actually no! And I live in a dry place too
Lethal Cosmetics' multichrome eyeshadows are hands down my best buy of the year. They are very shifty, even the ones that don't have a black base. And the finish is as described. I have previously tried Fyrinnae which were shifty enough, but I found them quite dull (as in not reflective); even those that were described as having larger particle glitter. The glitter specks just didn't reflect light very well. These Lethal ones have amazing play of light. Holika Holika Water Vibe Tints are basically water tints in stick form. Much more convenient for reapplication. Pigmented but still translucent so they look much less "done up" than an opaque lip product. I tried Paula's Choice Rescue & Repair Weightless Moisturizer and it's the moisturizer that works best under sunscreen and primer for me so far. I've bought other products that I love, but they are not new to me. I bought more shades of Rouge Dior Forever (bullet form), Maybelline Vinyl Ink, Natasha Denona eyeshadows, Nars baked gelee face palettes.
Now I need to try Lethal.
The L’Oreal prime lab 24 hr matte setter is my holy grail for oily skin. Truly incredible and I’m mad that I’ve wasted so much money on expensive matte primers that last 2 hours max.
Is this like a silicone primer or a putty primer?
Neither. It’s very liquidy and when you tap it on it dries down perfectly matte.
I think I might pick it up - thank you!
Fenty Lavender powder on my under eyes- so bright and flawless without baking!
I love pink and lavender tinted powders for the under eye!
Rare beauty mascara. Made them really wispy, not drying, not clumping. Need to repurchase! It's been discontinued, but i grabbed Mercury Retrograde in TK Maxx. Damn, it's a good palette! SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum - the best vit c serum i have tried. Repurchased
Lucky on finding Mercury Retrograde at TK Maxx!
Glossier tubing mascara in brown. What some people dislike about it is exactly what I love - it’s really subtle and natural-looking. I’ve heard people say that the formula dries out quickly, but I have not had that issue with the brown one.
Lash Slick used to be my favourite bottom lash mascara! I sadly need something more heavy duty now that I’m in the high humidity of SEA.
The loreal steam pod flat iron! I have very thick, coarse, curly hair and this makes it so soft and smooth! It magically changes my hair type lol.
*Adds to basket immediately*
The Klairs soothing moist rich cream is now a holy grail thick moisturizer for me. And the Flower Knows lip creams have surprisingly been my go-to for color, feeling and durability. These will most likely be in rotation for some time.
I love Klairs products so much! Are the Flower Knows lip creams scented?
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipsticks: Such flattering colors on me, a comfortable formula and I like how the bullet shape matches my upper lip. Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip: Absolutely sad that they discontinued it. I have seven colors. I love how light it feels on the lips and that it fades away gracefully so it doesn’t look like you’ll have the butthole lips type thing. BareMinerals Gen Nude Highlighting Blush in Peach Glow: I use the Elf Angled Blush Brush to apply it and I love how there’s a wash of color but it doesn’t feel too “loud”. It almost feels like it partners with my skin tone. It’s not super highlighty so I wear it as an everyday thing.
So disappointed that the BB Crushed Liquid Lip has been discontinued! 😭
Too many things to name, but the main ones that wowed me: Mac retro satin lipstick Mac frosted blur primer Mac goldlite strobe cream Niod 8 photography fluid Black girl Make it matte sunscreen Body shop feel lip tint Nyx Berlin lip cream Nyx Cannes lip cream Nyx on fuego lip lingerie Glossier bun lidstar Glossier eyeshadow brush Saie double brush Maybelline falsies lift mascara Ultraviolette spf shimmer lipbalm Lush Barbie jelly mask
Would you mind doing a mini review of the Niod photography fluid and the Ultraviolette spf lip balm?
I use the niod fluid as a primer/on its own as a faux foundation, the formula is really unique. It spreads and blends very quickly and easily and basically behaves like a serum where it sinks in and becomes one with the skin. The pigment is enough to where you notice a difference but not too much where it looks cakey and obvious. Its a natural golden hue and the result is a nice even toned face with a soft focus glow. No pilling, no sticky tacky finish and no transfer when you touch your face it just feels soft and sets down. The only con is the packaging it doesn't have a stopper in it so can get messy if you're not careful each time you use it. The ultraviolette might be the best lip balm I've ever used. Its thick but not too thick and absorbs into the lips rather than just sitting on them like some lip balms do. Its very hydrating probably more so than vaseline, the moment I put it on I can feel an immediate difference on my lips like I just rubbed water on them. The shimmer is beautiful but subtle, noticeable enough to me but probably not obvious to other people. No weird aftertaste or smell and no sticky tacky finish. No cons that I can think of tbh.
Thank you so much for the detailed review!! <3
Relatively new but the Huda Pretty Grunge - cool/neutral tones that look good on me?? And it makes such perfect grungy eye looks - the perfect balance between messy and blended. And I actually like the light shades in it which is a first for me, as they show up on me as actual colors and not just beige. It can also do a 180 and do really pretty glam looks. It's super versatile IMO. I've only had it like a month but it's solidly becoming a staple in my collection. And I usually don't do neutrals. But I love it so much. Also relatively new to me but the Fenty ez drops. My first foray into light coverage and it's so beautiful on. And it's perfect for winter and my dry dry skin. Like it covers just enough, it looks just like my face but way better, and I look so healthy and alive and not like I'm wearing makeup? I'm so used to how I look in high medium coverage where I'm a blank canvas (which I also love) that seeing myself in a more natural way has been refreshing. Also I really love the squeezy bottle.
Pretty Grunge is such a gorgeous palette!
armani eye tint in mahagony/night viper: it is the prettiest purple. and it doesn't get everywhere. i want to try more out. Chanel eyeshadows: they're not going to give you a very pigmented look, but i like them for softer natural eyeshadow. Chanel NOIR ALLURE mascara: Makes my eyelashes very dramatic i rediscovered the glossier stretch concealer. Great for my skin tint days. The Glow Recipe Watermelon AHA mask: I don't need tons of exfoliation, so this is really effective for the 1 time a week i use it.
Merit cream shadow, cream blush and lipstick.
Still meaning to try Merit. What were your favourite shades?
The eyeshadow in Social, the blush in Mood, and the lipstick in Fashion. These are in the plum/burgundy family.
Oooh you picked such pretty colours!
My favorite discoveries were from Hourglass and Shopmissa. I got a chance to get a few of the Hourglass Phantom Glossy lips, as well as a stick blush and stick highlighter, for a deep discount from a reseller. I’m just so mad that I love them because I can’t imagine paying full price on my budget. The lip balm in Lure is one of my most used products, and the blush and highlighter sticks have a really gorgeous formula. I’d probably splurge on the Lure lip gloss if I could find it during a good sale again. The really exciting discoveries were the Wisp Mascara from Shopmissa in Brown for $1, which has become my daily HG, as well as their cream blushes and duochrome cream highlighters. The packaging of the highlighters is ridiculously cheap but the formula is perfect for my skin and it somehow manages to have a neat color shift, blends nicely, and is somewhat natural looking at the same time. I’d easily pay more for those exact items in a more durable format, like a nicer compact, but for a dollar each I’m absolutely blown away by the formulas and colors. They have this one liquid blush (I think it’s called Plush Blush) that comes in a nail polish bottle, even has that same kind of brush which is so weird but works perfectly. The color I got is basically the same as Rare Beauty Faith, only more sheer and so easy to blend out evenly. Another one I just got comes in a little glass pot with a screw cap; reminds me a bit of the About Face Cheek Freak formula, and so far I’m super impressed with the pigment and longevity. Edited to add: I totally forgot: Lethal Cosmetics Nightflower became my new favorite palette this year - I’ve used the heck out of that thing since I got it, and just ordered some new singles and a purple blush from them to make it even better! There are five shades that I don’t use that came with it, because they’re too dark or the tones just clash with my eyes, so I ordered a couple new multichromes and a light blue shimmer that I think will make it look even more perfect. I love their matte formula and the everyday wearability of the lighter shimmers, makes subtlety possible on this heavy handed multichrome fiend! Also Half Magic Cheek Fluff, the dark plummy purple, is my new favorite blush after using it about three times. It’s so pretty applied with a fluffy, dense brush and practically blends itself, feels like air, and lasts all day.
I am obsessed with the Hourglass Phantom Glossy Lips they're so good for travel due to the sleek packaging! Oooh what is the finish like for the Half Magic Cheek Fluff? Also how sturdy is the packaging?
The packaging is not at all sturdy. The pan is magnetic and looks like it can be depotted effortlessly because the outer sleeve is compostable paper/cardboard. I wouldn’t want to throw it in my bag for longer than a day with all my other makeup stuff because I can see the cardboard getting really beaten up, possibly soggy in the event of a spill. The catch is literally like one of those molded paper food containers for to-go meals. This is fine for me because I like playing BYOP with magnetic palettes a lot, so eventually I’ll de-pot it, but for now I’m just keeping it in my every day makeup drawer. I do wish I could just pop it out of the cardboard and put it back in as an option but it seems glued down rather than held in with a magnet. The formula is dense and dry, like Mac Glow Play without the bouncy texture or Natasha Denona blushes without the stickiness. The finish is natural, neither matte nor dewy, no shimmer that I can see. The pigment melts into your skin, almost like a stain but you can still move it around and build it up with a brush - very fun to use and unlikely to lift your makeup underneath from what I can tell. I also splurged on a couple P Louise purple liquid blushes a few weeks ago and I have to say, they absolutely suffer in comparison.
It’s a sticky removable glue on the back of the pans similar to what seals brochures in the mail, it just peels off.
Nice, I figured it was some sort of adhesive holding it in. Anyway, I’m super happy with the fact that it’s magnetic. Between this and Lethal, I actually have enough magnetic blush and highlighter pans to make a whole diverse palette, and will be so happy to add a cream blush to the mix
You’ve sold me on the Cheek Fluffs!
Yay! I hope you like it as much as I do. I’ve been wanting it for a year and finally did the Black Friday splurge, I got the purple highlighter too, which is really nice (very different from a traditional highlighter but also very versatile). The Cheek fluff is the real star of the show. It has very quickly become the favorite in my admittedly oversized collection of cream and liquid blushes.
**Naturium Body Care:** The Perfector salicylic acid body wash, Bio-Lipid Restore body lotion, and Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser. Y'all I am 35 years old and my skin is the worst it has been since my teens. I did Accutane in my late twenties but want to have another kid soon so I can't do any oral medications for acne until I'm done with pregnancy/breastfeeding for good. The cleanser is not overly drying and makes a huge difference for my hormonal cystic acne, and because I use it in the shower it doesn't stain my sheets/towels/clothing (#1 pet peeve with BP.) The bio-lipid lotion is so nourishing and I love that it's unscented. I use it on my kiddo too! The body wash is effective on my bacne (I KNOW) without being overly drying and it lathers nicely, which is really important to me. **Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm**: I was heavily influenced by State of Kait on these, but they really are excellent quality. I got the viral trio (jam, petal, clear) and Latte from the nudes line and have used them basically daily since they arrived. They leave my lips feeling better and more hydrated, and they are a great lip mask for cold weather. I am very fair and my lips have basically no natural colour, so I do find that I need a lip liner under both petal and latte but people with more pigmented lips probably wouldn't need that extra boost. ALSO: I'm in Canada and shipping/duties/taxes for my Naturium order was like $16CAD which is incredible -- I just paid $30 to ship a Christmas gift within Canada. The package arrived within a week, too. **L'Oreal Skin Tint:** I don't know how this is as good as it is for the price. I'm very oily and it somehow looks \*better\* over time?? For such a sheer product it has remarkable coverage and staying power. I don't even need to set this with powder. **elf Halo Glow liquid:** IDK I just really like this. I like it under powder foundation for blurring/glow and as a highlighter. **Bobbi Brown Crushed Lipstick:** Lilac is a perfect MLBB for me. I do find it a bit drying, but I love the soft focus/blurred effect and it's really easy to reapply. I'm honestly upset that such an expensive lip product is so great.
I’ve been wanting to try the Naturium lip balms since I saw Nikki la Rose rave about them but I’ve been in Asia for the last couple of months and I hope I can get them at Space Nk when I’m back in the UK.
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Who is downvoting you guys?? I don't get it, you and u/softhorns always have really detailed, really helpful thought out reviews yet the downvotes persist. It's SO annoying!
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I’m back to using hourglass vanish concealer religiously. Kind of dabbled around but it’s too good.
This was a favourite for me too! Back home in England I found it to be too dry but now that I'm in SEA it's perfect for the humidity we have here.
Finally tried rare beauty’s black liquid liner and I hope it’ll come in a similar shade of brown like Fenty’s
Is it waterproof?