5 Best Makeup Products of the Year So Far: Favorites & Reviews

Now that we’re half way through the year, I wanted to share the five products I tried this year and fell in love with (although I have a bunch more to talk about so I might do another round of this!). If there’s anything you were looking for a review on or a topic that you want me to cover, please let me know if the comments below! And, of course, thank you so much for being here, and it would mean so much to me if you subscribe here for new posts. If you choose to shop through my links, some may be affiliate links that support the blog – thank you!

Exa Jump Start Smoothing Primer – I’ve been really struggling with my makeup completely breaking apart by the end of the day no matter what I use or how I prep my skin. I have super dry skin so haven’t typically thought to use a mattifying or pore-filling primer, but I figured it was worth a shot because the one is described as a semi-matte full of skincare ingredients. I am so happy to report back that not only does this not dry out the skin, it blurs, smooths, and locks down makeup exactly how I wanted. I’ve also tried this mixed with Glossier Future Dew on especially dry skin days, and that works better than I expected. I can see this becoming a staple I repurchase again and again.

Prada Reveal Skin-Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation in LW5 – I somehow ended up with 11 foundations in my collection at the moment, and I honestly love all of them (let me know if you want a review of all 11!). But if I had to choose just one to keep and use every day, it would absolutely be this one. I know it’s super expensive, but if you’re not going to travel with it or care about it having a lid, you could totally get away with buying just the refill. During the upcoming Sephora sale, depending on your discount, it’ll end up being around the same price as other foundations from brands like Nars, Estee Lauder, Haus Labs, Ilia, Makeup by Mario, etc., and it’s so much better than anything else I’ve tried. It doesn’t matter what I do with the rest of my face, this looks great all day. It’s somehow blurring and skin-perfecting without being too high coverage or drying. It’s described as a skincare foundation that refines the skin in three dimensions including tone, luminosity, and texture to reveal soft-filtered skin in real life, and that’s honestly exactly what it is. It’s basically magic in a bottle, and I don’t understand the wizardry of this foundation. I’m just so glad I picked it up and tried it!

Merit Beauty Solo Shadow in Studio and Mid-Century –  I needed a new one and done matte shadow after my Mac Paint Pots finally expired, and these seemed like the ones to try. I’m so glad I picked these up. The formula is incredibly easy to work with and doesn’t require a primer because of the way these set down. It doesn’t crease and stays all day without fading. It also works great as a base for shimmer toppers or powder shadows. I’ve applied it with fingers and brushes, and it works great either way. I know this formula has a lot of hype around it, but it’s absolutely as good as people are saying it is. Studio is a cool taupe and Mid-Century is a warm brown, so between the two I have options for cool and warm toned looks. It’s also now one of my favorite shadows to bring when I’m travelling because the shades I have go with everything, and it’s just so quick and easy to throw on.

Sephora Collection Colorful Blush in Self Made – This is a beautiful matte powder blush formula in such a good shade for me. I’m shocked it’s as inexpensive as it is (especially if you grab it when Sephora Collection is 30% off). This is the blush I’ve been going to when I just need something to throw on without thinking or having to worry about how it’ll look. This is on par with the Pat McGrath blush formula for me, which is really high praise given how much I love that blush. Self-Made is described as a muted light pink, and it’s a perfect pinky beigey goes with everything kind of shade. I also love this for travel because it’s so thin and easy to sneak into my makeup bag. I actually might buy more shades during the upcoming Sephora sale.

ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil – If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know I tend to lean towards high end products, especially for lip products (I still am loving my Hermes and Givenchy lipsticks). That’s why I was so surprised to love these as much as I do – I honestly would love to have them in every shade. They’re just pigmented enough and sheer enough to use in a variety of ways, whether that’s alone, on top of a lip liner, or on top of another lip product. The formula is surprisingly hydrating for a lip oil and is now one of my go-tos when my lips are feeling particularly dry. It’s not sticky and has a glassy shine. These don’t last very long, but for how nourishing they are and for $8, I’m willing to reapply.

What were your favorites this month? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading! As always, some links may be affiliate links that support the blog, but all reviews/opinions are completely my own and unsponsored.