I’m taking a small hiatus from the setting spray tournament now that we’ve finished round 1 (but round 2 and 3 coming soon!). Sephora is doing another 20% off sale starting today, so I wanted to share my favorite 5 things I picked up in the last one that were new to me and absolutely worth getting. I forced myself to only pick 5, but let me know if there was anything you wanted to hear about! In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin® Natural Finish Foundation in 3W – One of the first things that immediately impressed me about this foundation is how well it matches my skin tone. I don’t need any green color corrector with it, which feels like a small miracle because I’ve relied on one with so many products. It goes on incredibly lightweight while still evening out my skin in a really seamless way. It never looks like I’ve put on too much makeup. It blends out super easily, takes almost no time to apply, and the finish is very “my skin but better.” I also love that it doesn’t require any extra steps like heavy moisturizers or special primers to look good like some other foundations do with my dry skin. It almost sets on its own right away and has a velvety texture that isn’t sticky at all. I can touch my face before setting without a ton of transfer. This has quickly become my go to when I want something with more coverage than a skin tint without going as heavy as some other foundations.
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Under Eye Setting Powder in Soft Pink – I’ve been testing so many powders lately. I think I have about 20 to review, about half of which are pink powders. If you want a full deep dive sooner rather than later, let me know in the comments! In my quest to find the best brightening pink powder that works for dull and/or tired-looking skin, I’ve really been enjoying this one. I was never a big fan of the original Laura Mercier loose powder (though to be fair, the last time I tried it was five years ago), but this version is honestly so good. It’s smoothing, lightweight, and noticeably brightening under the eyes without looking dry or powdery. It mattifies just enough while still giving a skin-like finish, and even though it’s marketed as an under-eye powder, I can use it all over my face with no issues. Even with all the other pink powders I’m testing, this is the one I keep reaching for, even more than the original Givenchy powder I loved so much.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush Serum in Dragonfruit – I’ve talked about this product a few times before, and I really love the other shades I own, but Dragon Fruit has become my new favorite. It looks like a hot, neon pink in the bottle, but on my skin it sheers out into the prettiest light pink flush. I’ve been using it as a blush base under other products to bring some life back into my face (my almost one year has decided sleep is not for him), but it also works beautifully on its own for that easy no makeup makeup, “I definitely hydrated today” kind of look. It blends out into this natural color that works surprisingly well with my undertones. One of the things I appreciate most about this blue is that my skin doesn’t immediately eat it, which is rare for serum blush formulas on me. It lasts well without getting overly dewy, and it just makes my skin look healthy rather than shiny. I get the smoothest application when I put a little on the back of my hand and load up a brush before stippling, but you can absolutely dot it straight onto your cheeks too.
Eadem Lip Balms in Fig Sauce, Pain au Chocolat, Croissant au Beurre, Boba Bounce, Bissap Glaze, Guava Fresca, and Butter Mochi
Eadem Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm in Fig Sauce – I’ve talked about these balms so many times because they’re genuinely some of my favorite lip products ever. What I wanted to share is that Fig Sauce is such a good color. It’s a super pretty milky rosy brown that ends up being the perfect everyday shade. I usually go for deeper and more brown colors because of my high-contrast olive complexion, but this one still works so well. It’s flattering, easy, and very much a “throw it on without a mirror” situation. The formula is incredible, the scent is amazing, and I haven’t met a shade I didn’t like. I’m so happy to have another one in my collection, and I highly recommend them if you’ve been curious. I still love the shimmery ones (Pain au Chocolat and Coissant au Beurre), Boba Bounce, Bissap Glaze, Guava Fresca, and Butter Mochi, but Fig Sauce has definitely become one of my favorite day-to-day colors.
JVN Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Styling Cream – I don’t talk about hair care very often because it’s such a personal category and not one I consider myself an expert in, but sometimes something impresses me so much that I have to share. The JVN Complete Air Dry Cream is absolutely one of those products. I’ve never had something that I can apply to towel-dried hair and have it dry into something voluminous, defined, and genuinely good looking with zero effort. My waves stay intact, my hair keeps its shape for days, and it never feels heavy, crunchy, or weighed down. Plus, it smells great. The brand says it provides “touchable hold that lets your natural texture shine,” and that’s actually true. Most air-dry or leave-in products just don’t work for me, but this one has been such a standout that I had to include it.
What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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.
This is the seventh match of the first round in my setting spray showdown series, where I’m testing popular formulas side by side to see what actually makes a difference in real life. I’ll be doing the same makeup, with the same lighting, for at least 16 hours for each test. I’ve also been testing all of these setting sprays for months before doing these elimination rounds. For this round, I tested the Hourglass Soft Focus Seeting Spray tested against the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (newest version).In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
Before I get into it, I did do a full day side by side wear test between the original All Nighter and the new All nighter. They were basically indistinguishable, especially by the end of the day. I felt super comfortable moving forward with the newest version since that’s what is available now. If you’re a loyalist to the original, I’d grab a bottle from Skindinavia (which I’ve also tested many bottles of), but the new one is almost identical in performance.
The Hourglass has one of the nicest misters of all the sprays I’m testing, which I do appreciate. The mist is so even and way better than the ones that spit out droplets all over your face. I do think that added to the overall blended/blurred look that the spray gave right away, in addition to making my skin look more hydrated. The All Nighter has a surprisingly nice mister for a mini that was still way better than a lot of the others. Going on, All Nighter feels like a classic setting spray. There is a bit of tightening and a light tackiness that lets you know it is setting everything down. It felt heavier than Hourglass, and it almost seemed like I lost a tiny bit of coverage as it dried. The Hourglass side just looked more seamless right from the start, and I could definitely tell a difference.
A few hours later, both sides were still looking good, but the Hourglass side was still slightly better. I happened to go into the office, so I asked my (fantastic, amazing, genius) coworker which side looked better, and she ended up choosing the Hourglass side. She said the blush and complexion products looked more intact and more skin-like, and I completely agreed. She did point out that my eyeshadow looked better on the All Nighter side (the glitter was holding up way better). It also seemed like from farther away, you wouldn’t be able to tell a difference, which was a good sign for both of these sprays.
Later in the day, the All Nighter side was feeling noticeably heavier, while the Hourglass side still felt hydrated and weightless. It also looked more soft, natural, and hydrated than the All Nighter side which was really starting to break down at this point.
By the time I was ready to wash everything off around 11 p.m., the difference was very obvious. The concealer on the All Nighter side was almost gone, and the Hourglass side still looked intact under my eyes and around my chin. Both sides wore off on my nose, but there was still slightly more coverage on the Hourglass side.
The blush, bronzer, and foundation were also holding up better on the Hourglass side. It kept that soft focus finish all day (as the name would suggest!), and it still felt lighter and more comfortable by the end of the night. The All Nighter side looked more worn down and noticeably drier. As always, my husband got a vote. He looked at both sides and immediately picked Hourglass because the All Nighter side looked much more textured.
I also took a video of myself to send to a friend, and the difference between the two sides was super clear. The Hourglass side looked hydrated and smooth, while the All Nighter side looked textured and overly matte. The only place where All Nighter still looked better was the eyeshadow, which really did hold up well.
Who’s moving on? The Urban Decay All Nighter Natural Finish did well with eyeshadow and is still a great spray generally, but the Hourglass Veil Soft Focus really outperformed it. It has blown me away every time I’ve worn it. I will say that I have pretty dry skin, which I think made a huge difference in this particular match. I still think the All Nighter is really functional (even the new one), especially in the summer or for more combo skin. That said, the Hourglass made my complexion look better immediately, it held coverage longer, it felt better, and it kept a soft, hydrated finish all day. Hourglass moves on!
What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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.
This is the sixth match of the first round in my setting spray showdown series, where I’m testing popular formulas side by side to see what actually makes a difference in real life. I’ll be doing the same makeup, with the same lighting, for at least 16 hours for each test. I’ve also been testing all of these setting sprays for months before doing these elimination rounds. For this round, I tested the Milani Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray tested against the Josh Rosebroook Hydrating Accelerator. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
The Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator feels more like a skincare prep spray than a traditional setting spray, but I’ve seen it recommended as a multipurpose product that works well to set makeup too. The Milani Make It Last Dewy is more of a classic setting spray but with a glossy, “glass skin” finish. When I first sprayed them, it definitely felt like hydrating spa experience vs “a normal setting spray.” After they each dried down, both sides looked equally smooth and dewy, and my skin felt comfortable and hydrated. Neither blurred or mattified (as expected) which was a nice break for my dry skin.
By the afternoon, there were no major differences in how the sprays felt on the skin. Both sides still looked glowy and neither felt sticky or dried out. Where the difference started to show was in makeup longevity. My blush and bronzer looked better on the Milani side whereas they had faded a bit on the Josh Rosebrook side already. I also asked my husband to take a look, and he said the Milani side looked slightly better, which matched what I was seeing up close. From far away, I’m not sure you could tell a difference. I was especially impressed that the Milani spray held up to the Josh Rosebrook in terms of staying dewy and hydrated and was also impressed that the Josh Rosebrook was holding up against a setting spray for the most part.
At the end of the night, both sides still looked good overall. My skin didn’t feel tight or dry, and neither spray caused any serious patchiness or makeup breakdown like some other sprays have. That said, the Milani side continued to outperform when it came to makeup staying power. The blush, bronzer, and complexion products were still going strong on that side, while the Josh Rosebrook side had continued to fade even more throughout the day.
Who’s moving on? The finish on both sides ended up being fairly similar, and I would gladly keep using both of them for a natural, slightly glowy, and hydrated look throughout the day. That said, the Milani helped my makeup last much better over the course of the day, while matching the dewy finish of the Josh Rosebrook. It promises a 16 hour wear, and I’d say it holds up. I will absolutely keep using the the Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator as a skincare mist and prep step, but (as probably expected), it didn’t quite hold up as a setting spray. Milani moves on!
What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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. I also received the Josh Rosebrook spray from the brand, but have bought at least 6 bottles of it myself before that. One of my favorite skincare brands!
This is the fifth match of the first round in my setting spray showdown series, where I’m testing popular formulas side by side to see what actually makes a difference in real life. I’ll be doing the same makeup, with the same lighting, for at least 16 hours for each test. I’ve also been testing all of these setting sprays for months before doing these elimination rounds. For this round, I tested the Em Cosmetics Divine Water Perfecting Mist tested against the One/Size Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
I want to say up front that I’m not 100% sure you can even still get the Em Cosmetics spray anymore, but I decided to test it anyway because I wanted to see if the One/Size Powder Melt really works as well as I think it does. It’s been one of my favorites throughout the months I’ve been testing, and I love seeing in these side by sides if things actually work.
Both sprays applied beautifully with misters that sprayed evenly. I love that they don’t spit at you (looking at you so many of the sprays I’ve tested so far!). Right after applying, the One/Size side looked glossier and more hydrated, while the Em Cosmetics side looked little more natural and slightly drier in finish in comparison. I could definitely feel the difference in the beginning with the Em Cosmetics having more of a dry down vs the One/Size feeling more hydrating. Both actually did a great job of melting powders together and helping my makeup look cohesive, which is one of the promises of the One/Size spray.
Within the first hour, both sides looked really similar, and there was no clear line of demarcation. I couldn’t actually tell a real difference in texture or finish. If you told me I had used the same spray on both sides, I probably would have believed you. They both also settled into feeling lightweight and pretty unnoticeable. Neither were uncomfortable or tight like some setting sprays can be.
About halfway through the day, I could start to see a difference in how my makeup was holding up. The One/Size spray clearly kept the blush and bronzer in place better, and my skin still looked smooth and glowy without looking greasy. The Em Cosmetics side had a touch more fading and a slight increase in dryness, especially around my mouth and cheek area. I did a quick check with my husband, and he thought the One/Size side looked much better too. I even got a comment from one of my very favorite coworkers that one side clearly looked more dry and matte, even though Teams.
By the end of the day, it was clear that the One/Size spray outperformed the Em Cosmetics mist. My blush and bronzer were still visible and my skin still looked blurred and cohesive on the One/Size side. The Em Cosmetics side wasn’t bad, but it just didn’t hold up as well. The blush had faded significantly, and there was more texture showing through especially around my cheek and forehead. Both sprays were still super lightweight and never felt heavy or sticky, which I really appreciated compared to some of the other sprays I’ve tested.
Who’s moving on? While both sprays are great in terms of comfort and application, the One/Size Powder Melt Glass Setting spray clearly out performed the Divine Water Mist in terms of actual makeup setting. If you’re looking for something that’s going to lock in your makeup for a long day and give a blurred and hydrated finish, One/Size is the better choice here. I’ll still use the Em Cosmetics mist as a skincare spray, but One/Size is definitely moving on in this setting spray tournament.
What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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.
This is the fourth match of the first round in my setting spray showdown series, where I’m testing popular formulas side by side to see what actually makes a difference in real life. I’ll be doing the same makeup, with the same lighting, for at least 16 hours for each test. I’ve also been testing all of these setting sprays for months before doing these elimination rounds. For this round, I tested the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Liquid Blurring Balm Mattifying Setting Spray against the Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
This is one of the matchups I’ve been most excited to test. I’ve heard amazing things about the Danessa Myricks spray since it launched, including that it’s the best mattifying spray ever for dry skin (which is a bold claim). The Milani has been a drugstore staple that so many people swear by for a long time. I actually really liked both of these individually while I tested them and upfront I’ll say I’d recommend both of them if you want a setting spray that works. I honestly wish I hadn’t put them up against each other, but there can only be one winner in the end. And I definitely have a clear winner moving on to round 2.
When I first applied them, the Danessa Myricks spray immediately gave my skin a smooth, blurred appearance that looked softly matte without taking away any of the dimension from my face. The mist was very fine, even with the mini size I got, which I always appreciate. It didn’t leave any tackiness or heaviness behind. Despite being described as mattifying and blurring, it didn’t dry out my skin or emphasize dryness at all. I’ve been continually surprised at how this just looks so natural and nice even though it’s mattifying.
The Milani spray had a much more noticeable feel on the skin right after spraying. The mist isn’t as fine (which I’d expect from drugstore packaging, especially a mini), and it felt a bit heavier than the Danessa Myricks. It had a much more dewy, glossy finish which I honestly hadn’t noticed as much until I did this side by side. It really felt like I had a thicker layer sitting on my face vs the super lightweight feel of the Danessa Myricks.
A few hours into the wear test, the Danessa Myricks side still looked smooth, fresh, and very skin-like. It hadn’t settled into any fine lines or clung to dry patches, and it still felt completely weightless. The Milani side had started to look more textured in comparison, particularly around my nose and cheek area. It wasn’t breaking down or looking bad, but next to the Danessa Myricks side, the difference was pretty obvious.
We decided to after take our 10 month old on a 5 mile hike (a true test of a setting spray in my opinion!), and about half way through, I asked my husband which side looked better than the other. He said that the side that had Danessa Myricks on it (without knowing which was which) looked significantly better. And he holds nothing back (there have been some of these where he’s said neither side). I sent pictures to some friends who also all picked the Danessa Myricks side.
By the end of the day, both sides had held up well in terms of actual makeup wear. Nothing had melted off, and my foundation and blush/bronzer still looked intact. There was a clear winner in finish and comfort. The Danessa Myricks side continued to feel like I had nothing on, and it maintained a soft, blurred finish. The Milani side still looked okay from a normal distance, but up close it had more visible texture and felt heavier.
Who’s moving on? Both sprays absolutely work, and I think someone who prefers a slightly dewier, more hydrating finish might actually prefer the Milani. Even though I have pretty dry skin, the Danessa Myricks spray was the clear winner. It gave my makeup a blurred, smooth finish that held up all day without ever feeling heavy or noticeable. This is the kind of product that makes me want to reach for it every time I do my makeup. Danessa Myricks definitely moves on to the next round in the bracket and is a real contender for winning the whole thing.
Stay tuned for the next round and more chances for drugstore products to move on! What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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.
This is the third match of the first round in my setting spray showdown series, where I’m testing popular formulas side by side to see what actually makes a difference in real life. I’ll be doing the same makeup, with the same lighting, for at least 16 hours for each test. I’ve also been testing all of these setting sprays for months before doing these elimination rounds. For this round, I tested the Milk Hydro Grip Dewy Setting Spray against the e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
Today’s match is one I’ve been excited about because I’ve seen so many people say the e.l.f. is a dupe for the Milk. During my testing of them up to this point, I honestly liked them both pretty evenly, although I have been reaching for the Milk more. It’s actually almost half way empty even with all the setting sprays I’ve been test. Both sprays have a nice even mist, which I was pleasantly surprised by since the Milk is a mini and the e.l.f. is drugstore. Both sprays also smelled really nice, like being in a spa. Right away, the Milk spray felt more hydrating and the e.l.f. dried down noticeably faster. It honestly felt a little dry even before makeup was fully set.
By 11:30 AM, there was a super clear difference. The Milk side looked much more natural and hydrated in a way that made my skin look really healthy. The e.l.f. side looked dry and emphasized texture in places that normally don’t show any. It wasn’t stark, but I could definitely tell when they were side by side. When I asked my husband which side looked better, he chose the Milk side too without knowing which was which.
By the end of the day, the finish on both sides looked honestly looked pretty similar. The Milk side had basically caught up to the e.l.f. side in terms of looking too dry and textured instead of soft and blurred or staying dewy and hydrated. One thing that did stick out was the difference was in how the makeup held up. The Milk side stayed intact, while the e.l.f. side had much more wear and breakdown. Even though the finish evened out after 16ish hours, the Milk side still clearly held my makeup together better, and I could tell a huge difference side by side.
Who’s moving on? If you want a setting spray that keeps your makeup looking hydrated, natural, and fresh while locking it in for the day, Milk Hydro Grip is the clear winner. The e.l.f. Power Grip does an okay job, but it couldn’t match the performance of the Milk, especially in how it handled texture and wear over time. The finish became dry way earlier and didn’t keep my makeup looking great all day. Even when the finish looked the same at the end of the day, the Milk side held the makeup itself noticeably better. I promise I found a drugstore gem, but for this one, the Milk Hydro Grip moves on!
Stay tuned for the next round and more chances for drugstore products to move on! What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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.
I’m taking a quick break from the Setting Spray Showdown because the Sephora fall sale kicks off tomorrow! I always use this sale to restock my staples and finally grab a few expensive items I’ve had my eye on. For this sale, I decided to do one pick per category. These are all products I’ve used extensively, tested against tons of others, and would personally repurchase in a heartbeat. I also used almost all these products in a single face, and it turned out amazing, especially for my olive undertones. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
Glowy primer: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops – This is the primer that makes my skin look so much better, no matter how little sleep I got. It’s skincare and glowy primer in one, without leaving a greasy finish. It gives that fresh, bouncy finish like you just drank a gallon of water. Even though it provides a glow, it still sets down and provides a great base for makeup to sit on top of and also looks great on no-makeup days because of the finish. I’m really happy I finally grabbed this in the spring Sephora sale.
Grippy primer: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer – I only use this on my T-zone, but it completely transforms how long my makeup lasts and makes it worth the extra step for me. It really makes everything stick to it without actually feeling sticky. Every time I skip it, I notice that products fade so much faster. This is especially true on my nose, where I almost never skip this now since it makes such a huge difference.
Skin tint/foundation: Ciele Tint & Protect Medium Coverage Serum Foundation in Shade 3 – I’m testing 15 foundations right now, and I decided after much deliberation that If I could only keep one complexion product, this would be it. It provides light to medium buildable coverage and is super easy to apply and blend. It looks great applied with fingers, brush, or sponge and gives my skin a natural glow without being wet or too dewy. I love that it also has SPF 50 (though of course I use another SPF underneath!). Plus, this shade works for me even without green corrector so I can skip a step.
Concealer: Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer with Caffeine in 2 – I didn’t want to love this concealer as much as I do because it’s so expensive, but it really is amazing. Despite the high price, it looks stunning on the skin. It provides excellent coverage without creasing or looking cakey, especially under the eyes. It’s lightweight, doesn’t settle into fine lines, and isn’t too drying. The finish is dewy and hydrating but not overly glowy. While it sets beautifully on its own, it also works well with powder if needed. I’ve used it as a concealer and blended all over as a foundation, and it works great either way.
Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Pressed Setting Powder Ultra-Blur – If I could choose only one powder to keep, it’d be this one. It is hands down the best pressed powder I’ve ever tried, and since I got it, I’ve barely touched any of my other pressed powders. I love that no matter what I do, it never feels like I put too much of this on. It’s truly translucent so it doesn’t add any coverage or change the color of what I have on my face. It’s definitely only doing a tiny bit of setting and mattifying (so I wouldn’t recommend this for combo/oily skin) but I love how it’s able to do what I want a powder to do without adding any heaviness or getting cakey. It does have a tendency to hard pan, but you can easily fix that with a piece of tape.
Cream bronzer: Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick in Bright Side – The texture of this bronzer is so smooth and glides on effortlessly. It blends out in seconds with either a brush or sponge (and even fingers). The shade Bright Side adds the perfect amount of warmth without pulling orange, and it gives my skin that healthy, sunkissed look without emphasizing texture or dryness. It’s lightweight enough for every day, but still pigmented enough to build up for more definition. Even on days I’m rushing, it never streaks or looks muddy, and I know my makeup will still look even hours later.
Cream blush: Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Cayenne – This formula has quickly become one of my favorites because it strikes that perfect balance between a cream and a balm blush. It melts right into the skin, blends beautifully over foundation or bare skin, and leaves behind that a glow-from-within finish. The shade Glassy Cayenne is especially flattering — a warm terracotta that adds life to my face without overwhelming my olive undertones. It feels nourishing but not sticky, and it dries down just enough to stay put all day. It’s the blush I reach for when I want something that looks effortless but polished, and it layers gorgeously with powders or other creams.
Highlighter: Ciele Glow & Protect in Piper – This is one of the most natural highlighters I’ve ever used. It really just looks like my skin is just naturally that glowy. It gives a healthy sheen without any glitter, and the creamy texture makes it easy to tap on with fingers, sponge, or brush. I love that the formula blends into the rest of my makeup instead of sitting on top of it. The shade Piper works great on my olive skin too. This also has SPF 50, like most of Ciele’s products, which is a great bonus.
Powder Bronzer: Armani Luminous Silk Glow Bronzer in Shade 90 – The first time I tried this, I knew I had to have it. It has a weirdly perfect yellow/green undertone that works so well with my olive skin, making it look like a natural, sun-kissed glow. The tiny amount of shimmer is just enough to make my skin look healthy and like I actually go outside (which I don’t). The pan is huge, so you can use literally any brush with it, and that just makes applying it even more fun. It blends seamlessly and layers beautifully with my other products. It’s pretty expensive, so it’s a great choice to get during the sale.
Powder Blush: YSL Make Me Blush 24H Building Powder Blush in Hot Mauve – This is one of the best powder blushes I’ve tried all year. The formula super smooth, blends beautifully, and gives just the right amount of pigmentation. It’s very blurring and smoothing on the skin, never patchy, and wears really well throughout the day. This shade turns a true neutral pink on me. It doesn’t go peachy at all, which is surprisingly hard to find with my understones. It’s described as a warm rosey taupe, and I just love this shade so much on my skin tone. I also love the packaging (it’s very cute while still luxe-feeling), but that’s just a bonus given how expensive this blush is. I might get more shades during the sale, but I’m honestly so happy with this one that I might just stick with one.
Liquid eyeshadow: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes® Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow in Mauve – This shadow has quickly become a one-and-done favorite. The mauve shade is the perfect neutral to warm brown on my skin tone and looks so polished with very little effort. I do want to call out it’s not mauve on me at all, but I’m okay with that. It applies super easily, blends out quickly, and once it sets, it stays put all day without creasing. I love using it alone, but it also works really well as a base under other powder shadows. It’s exactly what I want in a liquid matte shadow. I also love how easy it is to get just a little bit off the doefoot because the formula is a little thick, which means you don’t end up with way too much that blends out all over your face. I honestly might grab some more shades during the sale.
Powder Eyeshadow: YSL Couture Mini Clutch Palettes in 730, 710, and 200 – These are some of my absolute favorite palettes, and while I think they’re worth the full price, they’re an especially good deal during the sale. 730 is my go-to pink-toned palette because every shade is flattering on my olive undertones, and the formula is just incredible. Each shade picks up easily, blends seamlessly, and wears beautifully all day without creasing. I love that even with only four shades, there’s enough variety to get multiple complete looks from soft and subtle to something more dramatic. The shimmers are particularly special in all the palettes and give that perfect shiny, dimensional finish that works on its own or layered over anything else. It’s the kind of palette that makes me excited to do my makeup because I know every look will turn out well. The packaging is also stunning and clearly luxury. I also love the 200 palette (you can see my full review here: YSL Couture Mini Clutch in 200) and the 710 palette (you can see my full review here: YSL Couture Mini Clutch in 710). I’m tempted to grab another one during the sale, but I really had to see if any of the other top the three I already have.
Brow Gel: Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting and Laminating Eyebrow Gel – I’ve tried so many brow gels, and nothing has ever really held my brows in place all day until this one. I’m honestly always shocked that my eyebrows stay put with this until I wash them off, with zero crunchiness, flaking, or stiffness. The hold is strong but flexible, and it actually looks natural. I wish it came in tinted shades, but even with the clear shade, it’s worth adding into my routine for the shaping and hold.
Brow Pencil: Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil in Shade 5 – Because of a sparse area I have in one of my brows, I never skip this step, so I had to include both this and a brow gel on this list. I love this pencil because it goes on so quickly and naturally, and the size makes it perfect to fill areas in fast but not overdo it. And unlike other pencils, it stays all day, so I don’t end up with a hole in my brow by the end of the day.
Mascara: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Defining and Lengthening Tubing Mascara – This mascara adds length and definition and stays perfectly in place until you wash it off with warm water. The brush grabs every lash without clumping, and the formula feels super lightweight. I love that my lashes don’t fall as quickly and keep a curl much longer than with heavier mascara formulas. I’m doing a mascara test, and this is one of my favorites so far because it holds a curl the entire day without flaking or smudging and is just super reliable. I I might pick up the new brown shade during the sale.
Lip liner: Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Hydrating Longwear Lip Liner Pencil in Buff – When I was going through all my lip liners and picking out my favorites, I realized that this one is the one I end up wearing the most. The formula is super comfortable, lightweight and non-drying. It’s not the longest wearing because of that but as someone with pretty dry lips, that’s a trade off I’m willing to make. The formula is creamy and hydrating, making it easy to apply without tugging. Buff is a slightly warm leaning brown that doesn’t go orange, and I’m so excited to wear this even more the rest of the fall.
Lipstick: Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in Slip – This formula is still one of my favorites. It’s semi-sheer but buildable without settling into any lip lines. It’s a satin matte finish that doesn’t slide around and wander onto my face and is so easy to reapply throughout the day. Despite the satin matte finish, it’s still very comfortable and nourishing. Slip is a warm leaning brown that I can’t quite describe but it’s the perfect lipstick for a fair/light olive skintone. Slip is my favorite everyday lipstick. I honestly wear it more often than any other lip product I have, and I have a way more lip products than I’m wiling to admit.
Lip Balm: Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Pain au Chocolat (*PR) – This is easily one of the most special lip products I own. The shade Pain au Chocolat is a sheer, shimmery brown that adds warmth and dimension alone or over another lip product. It keeps my lips soft and hydrated for hours. I also feel like my lips feel better after I use this. The texture is buttery and smooth, and it smells faintly of a chocolate croissant so it’s not overpowering. I also love the clear shimmery gold version (Croissant au Beurre), but this shade is something I can’t stop reaching for. Of all my lips balms (and I have dozens and dozens), this is the one I would pick up during the sale.
Lip Gloss: Gisou Honey Infused Hydrating Lip Oil in Glazed Plum – This is as good as everyone says they are. These are very moisturizing, nourishing, and conditioning in a way I didn’t expect. It’s also longer lasting than I thought it was going to be. This shade is very sheer but you do get a wash of color. The glitter is subtle with just enough to add a pretty reflective shine to your lips. I think it makes my lips look amazing if I’m being honest, and it’s not gritty at all. It also smells really nice (if you like honey). I’m honestly thinking of getting more shades even though I definitely don’t need more lip products.
Setting spray: One/Size Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray – This setting spray takes away any powderiness, melts the layers of makeup together, and leaves a soft, radiant finish that lasts all day. I love that it adds a glow without making me oily, and the mister is great. It’s especially good for dry skin because it gives that healthy, hydrated look without feeling sticky or tight. I’ve tested so many setting sprays for my showdown series coming soon (I made a whole tournament bracket!), and this one is going to be in the running for the top spot for sure. It’s just reliable and makes every look better all day.
Honorable mention to 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. This is going to be even more on sale since it’s Sephora Collection so I wanted to add it in!
What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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.
This is the second match of the first round in my setting spray showdown series, where I’m testing popular formulas side by side to see what actually makes a difference in real life. I’ll be doing the same makeup, with the same lighting, for at least 16 hours for each test. I’ve also been testing all of these setting sprays for months before doing these elimination rounds. For this round, I tested Mac Fix+ Stay Over on one side of my face against Ulta Beauty Dewy Glaze Setting Spray on the other side of my face. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
Right after applying both sides, I was actually surprised by how similar they looked given how the tests up to this point had gone. Each gave me a dewy, healthy skin finish with all my makeup melted together. That’s one of the things I’ve loved about Mac Fix+ for years and why it’s been my go to when my face is a little too dry or powdery. The Ulta side stayed noticeably damp for a while and even felt a little cold on my face for the first ten minutes whereas the MAC side set down almost immediately and felt smooth and balanced. Once both sides dried, I couldn’t tell them apart visually, but I definitely could by touch. The Ulta side felt heavier and stickier, while the MAC side was practically weightless. This was in line with my experience so far, but it really stood out having them on my face at the same time.
A few hours later, the Ulta side began emphasizing texture I don’t usually notice, especially on my cheeks and forehead. It also never quite lost that slightly tacky feel. The MAC side stayed blurred and still felt comfortable and light. I asked a couple of people to compare both sides, and they all said that the Ulta side looked heavier and showed texture they hadn’t noticed before, while the MAC side looked smoother and more even. This was true both in pictures and in person.
By the end of the night (about 16 hours later), both sides still looked okay from a distance, but up close, the MAC side was the clear winner. The Ulta side still felt sticky and congested, while the MAC side stayed breathable and lightweight. I was pleasantly surprised that the MAC side actually kept the makeup look going as well as the Ulta side because I’m always a little suspicious if the Fix+ is doing anything. Now I can confirm that not only is it working, but it looked so much better on that side by the end of the day.
Who’s moving on? If you want that soft-focus, weightless finish that keeps your makeup looking the same all day, MAC Fix+ Stay Over is the clear winner. If you prefer a shinier, ultra-dewy look and don’t mind a tackier feel, Ulta Beauty Dewy Glaze Setting Spray still gives a nice glow at first and might work better for very dry skin. I would take the glaze in the name seriously. After a full day of wear, Fix+ held up beautifully and stayed smooth, blurred, and balanced from start to finish, while the Ulta side started to emphasize texture I didn’t even know I had. This completely matches my past experience using Fix+, where it’s never let me down through long workdays, travel, or workouts. I was really hoping a more affordable option would win this round, but MAC Fix+ Stay Over moves on!
Stay tuned for the next round and more chances for drugstore products to move on! What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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.
This is the first match of the first round in my setting spray showdown series, where I’m testing popular formulas side by side to see what actually makes a difference in real life. I’ll be doing the same makeup, with same lighting, for at least 16 hours for each test. I’ve also been testing all of these setting sprays for months before doing these elimination rounds. For this round, I tested One/Size On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Setting Spray on one side of my face and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray on the other. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
Right away, I could see a literal line down the middle of my face. It’s very apparent that these are very different formulas. The One/Size side locked in immediately with a blurred, soft-matte finish, while the Charlotte Tilbury side stayed wet and shiny for a while. Even after fanning it because it wouldn’t dry down, it still stayed a little too dewy. The One/Size side looked like my skin but smoother, while the Charlotte Tilbury side had that slightly glassy, almost plastic-like sheen. The One/Size has more of an intense aerosol type sprayer while the Charlotte Tillbury has that spitty spray bottle situation. I don’t actually love either mechanism and wish they had one of those fine misters.
A couple hours in, the difference got even clearer. My blush and bronzer honestly looked better on the One/Size side, and it was smoother, more even, and less textured. The Charlotte Tilbury side was still a bit sticky and shiny, and while both sprays definitely helped my makeup last, the One/Size side felt lighter and more comfortable throughout the day.
At the 12-hour mark, I couldn’t believe how good both sides still looked and that even my cream blush, bronzer, and eyeshadow were totally intact. The makeup on my nose hadn’t budged. I asked people at an event in the afternoon which side looked better(they didn’t even know what was different on each side), and every single person (including my husband) picked the One/Size side. He said the Charlotte Tilbury side looked a little “clumpy,” and honestly, I agree. It also still felt heavier by comparison.
By the 16-hour mark, both sides were still going strong, but the finishes had shifted a bit. The One/Size side looked a touch more dry and flat. Even though it still matte and blurred, it was maybe too matte at this point. The Charlotte Tilbury side, meanwhile, had settled into a softer, dewier finish that was actually a little more flattering right at the very end of the day.
Who’s moving on? If you want that locked-in, blurred, weightless matte finish that doesn’t move all day, One/Size On ’Til Dawn is the clear winner. If you prefer a more dewy, natural look (and don’t mind a bit of shine or heavier feel), Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless still holds up impressively well. I’m honestly shocked that after 16 hours, my makeup looked almost exactly the same as when I started. This experience was the same as when I’ve been testing this before, and I’ve found that both do a great job. The One/Size side just looked a little more flawless all day and has held up better not just in this test but when I’ve testing them running on the treadmill, playing with my son, and out in the summer heat and humidity. One/Size moves on!
Stay tuned for the next round! What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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.
Blush is one of those things that instantly makes me look more awake, even on days when I’m running on no sleep and too much coffee. I’ve been testing a bunch of different formulas and new (to me) shades lately and wanted to share the ones I’ve actually been reaching for now that we’re solidly into the fall season. They all work well on my olive skin, blend easily, and make me look a little more alive without any extra effort. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush in Berry Flush – The one kind of blush that doesn’t usually work for me is a serum blush that’s meant to be like skincare. Serum blushes tend to fade into nothing on me super quickly and slide around my face. So, I was really impressed by the staying power of this given how lightweight and dewy it is. While this blush is intended for a no foundation look (and works great for that), it also works really well over foundation and powder unlike other serum blushes. I really like Berry Flush for my olive skintone, especially in the fall. It just gives that perfect “I’m cold” flush with very little effort, and it makes me look like I’ve had enough water. Be aware this has niacinamide and other skincare ingredients if you’re sensitive to those!
Make Beauty Cream Stroke in Major Mauve (*Gifted) – This has become my go to blush when I want something effortless but still pulled together. I apply this straight from the stick, and it glides on smoothly. I was surprised how easily and quick this blended out. You can use fingers or a brush, and it will take 5 seconds. It sets down enough to last all day without feeling too dry too dewy and just makes my skin look really nice because of how blurring it is. It’s one of the cream blushes I can trust not to move around, and it works well under any powder blush or highlighter I’ve layered on top. Major Mauve is a terracotta leaning mauve (they described it as an “Earthy Mauve”) that works perfectly with my olive undertones.
Rare Beauty Matte Bouncy Blush in Truth – As the name suggests, this matte blush has a squishy bouncy texture but goes on matte. It’s the most blurring and long-wearing of my bouncy blushes, so I reach for it when I know I’ll have a long makeup day. It has a silky finish that’s easier to apply than a traditional powder blush. It’s super buildable and layers well with other blushes or cream products without disturbing what’s underneath. Truth is a soft plum that I love when it starts to get colder in the fall. It’s such an easy shade for me to work with.
Soshe Blurring Pillow Blush in Speakeasy, Rosy Rest, Berry Smitten, and Copper Spice (*2 Gifted, 2 Purchased) – I have been loving all the shades of this blush. It’s so quick and easy to throw on, just like the Rare Beauty blush. Similarly, this formula is really blurring and lasts well all day. It has a natural finish that looks really nice on my dry skin, so that makes it a little more versatile than the Rare Beauty which is more matte. I love how all the shades work well with my olive undertones since I can usually only find a couple in a range that work for me. Berry Smitten (berry plum) and Copper Spice (warm terracotta) have been my favorite shades for fall, but I’d recommend all of them. Speakeasy (dusty mauve) Rosy Rest (dusty pink) are super easy for me to throw on when I want something more neural. I also love that you can buy just the refills and pop them in a magnetic palette, which is what I did with a few of mine.
Soshe blush refills in a magnetic palette
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo in Fizz/Jam – This duo has become one of my favorites lately. The formula feels silky and almost creamy for a powder. It’s super blurring, like most of these other blushes, but a bit harder to blend out than those. I mostly love this duo for the colors. Fizz is a bright watermelon pink that instantly wakes up my complexion, and Jam is a rich berry that adds depth and is especially perfect for fall. On my olive skin, both shades look super flattering, and I love mixing them together so I can make my cheeks more pink or berry depending on my eye look. This is definitely a splurge even when you consider it’s a duo. If I had to choose, I’d go with the Soshe Blurring Pillow Blush because it’s an easier formula to work with overall and has the same blurring quality without any of the dryness from being a powder blush.
What other products would you like me to review? Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here, 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.
Makeup and Skincare Reviews 