Tag: beauty

6 Products that Kackie recommended that are so good they make me want to throw out my other makeup

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on 6 Products that Kackie recommended that are so good they make me want to throw out my other makeup

Most of you know KackieReviewsBeauty and are here because of her (thank you for joining us over here!). She’s actually the person who came up with the name of this blog (because I’m literally her green friend). I’ve written a ton about why she’s awesome (like in this post here), but most importantly for this post is that she’s also one of the only reviewers I trust to recommend things based on what will work for her viewers. Kackie will get into the details like what undertones a shade will work best for, nuances about a product’s finish, what’s the best application style for it, etc., not just the products she personally loves. Normally I do a massive “Kackie Made Me Buy It This Year” roundup (and yes, I have that list… it’s really, really long). This post is about the products that are so perfect for me, especially with my olive undertones, that they make me want to throw away everything else in their category. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.

Byredo Bibliophilia Eyeshadow Palette – I watched Kackie’s video and my first thought was, “It’s probably fine, but I do not need another palette that expensive.” Especially because it has a few red shades, and it’s otherwise mostly basic browns. And then I kept thinking about it. And thinking about it. And thinking about it. Even when I got it in my hands, I was nervous because of the red tones in it. We literally texted back and forth about it because I just didn’t think it was going to work on me.

And then I tried it. I have never put on an eyeshadow look so quickly and had it look that good. I’ve been using it every day, and every look I come up with just looks so right on me. The thing I love most about this palette, other than the fantastic formula, is that the colors are so nuanced. If you want everyday browns with that lean a little cool or a little warm (but not too orange, grey, or green!), it’s perfect. The red shades, especially the burgundy, work on me way better than I expected because they have such nuanced tones to them. The lighter cream, beige, and grey shades blend everything together so well, and everything looks smooth and intentional even if I layer a ton of shades together. The sparkly wet look topper does pull a little green like Kackie said, but I love that. It brings out the brown in my eyes and makes everything look harmonious with my skin. I haven’t wanted to touch my other eyeshadow since I bought this, and I have an absurd amount of eyeshadow. Seriously, I have only worn this palette and nothing else since I got it. I really don’t think the swatches below do this palette justice with how smooth and blendable the formula is, how perfectly not quite matte the matte/satin shades are, and how sparkly the shimmers are.

The first 9 shades in the palette starting from left to right on the top row
The second 9 shades in the palette starting from left to right in the middle of the second row

If I were starting over, I’d buy this and maybe add one YSL quad for pinks and purples. I know that $115 is incredibly expensive for an eyeshadow palette, but you would need to spend $310 on the YSL quads to get to the same number of shades that’s in the Byredo palette. Danessa Myricks and Pat McGrath sell $128 palettes, Isamaya’s are $110, and Prada has $85 quads. In this price range, I’d choose the Byredo every time.

Vieve Modern Radiance Concealer in Light 1 – I have tried a bunch of concealers specifically because Kackie mentioned them, and honestly I’ve liked every single one. This one is so great because of the color and the formula. It’s a little bit green in the best way, so it’s actually warm olive concealer. It looks so natural on my skin. It is a little light for me, so I can’t use it all over my face instead of foundation, but it’s perfect for under my eyes or anywhere I want brightening. The formula is not too dewy or too matte. It blends out really fast and has enough coverage to actually cover, but doesn’t blank everything out and make you look uncanny. It layers really well too over other products and itself. Like everything on this list, once I started using it, I’ve barely wanted to reach for my other concealers, which is saying something because I have at least 10 at this point that I’m supposed to be testing.

Vieve Modern Radiance Concealer and Vieve Modern Radiant Cream Bronzer in Light 1

Vieve Modern Radiant Cream Bronzer in Light 1 – I have so many great cream bronzers at this point that I really didn’t think this one would stand out. This one though really is special, just like Kackie told me it would be. It has a slightly green, olive-leaning, neutral-warm tone that makes it look like I’ve actually gotten some sun recently. It doesn’t turn orange on me and just looks so natural. The formula is super easy to use and makes me not want to reach for my other bronzers. I can take a fluffy brush and slap it on or a more targeted application, and it blends beautifully either way. I can do a sheer layer or build it up. It’s super flexible. It also lasts really well and doesn’t disappear into my blush the way a lot of bronzers do on me. I’ve been testing a ton of cream bronzers and contours for olive skin, and this is the best one I’ve tried so far.

Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Cayenne and Glassy Cinnamon – I’m honestly still shocked by how much I love these. 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 a glow-from-within finish. The shade Glassy Cinnamon is a beigey peachy brown that somehow doesn’t turn Cheeto on me and just looks so natural. Glassy Cayenne is a rosy terracotta that adds life to my face while stayed muted enough for the kind of makeup looks I tend to wear. The formula feels nourishing but not sticky, and it dries down just enough to stay put all day without losing the glassy finish. It’s the blush I reach for when I want something that looks effortless but polished, and it layers really well with powders or other creams. The only caveat is they’re sheerer than a typical cream blush stick so keep that in mind. That’s worked well for me because it’s harder to go overboard when I’m running on 2 hours of sleep or am doing makeup in the car.

Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Cayenne and Glassy Cinnamon and Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick in Biscuit

Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick in Biscuit – I actually had no plans to buy this until Kackie shoved it in my hands at her house because she knew it’d be perfect for me. I’ve tried so many highlighters that just look off on my skin and aren’t quite the right color. Biscuit is a perfect light beige that makes my skin look glassy and hydrated without any weird shifts happening. It really looks like my skin is naturally doing something nice, not like I applied a highlighter. It also doesn’t emphasize texture and doesn’t mess up any of the products that are underneath. I catch myself in the mirror and think it just looks so pretty. I have a few other highlighters that I really love, but this quickly has become my favorite. My only complaint is you can’t buy this shade at Sephora, so I had to grab it directly from Westman Atelier.

Merit Beauty Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner in Brownstone applied directly and then sheered out

Merit Beauty Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner in Brownstone – This one comes with an apology to Kackie because when she first raved about a sheer lip liner I told her, “that is totally not for me.” Especially since I’m so high contrast, I didn’t understand why I would want something sheer that wasn’t going to last very long. I bought it anyway to review for the blog after hearing about it on her channel a few times, and it’s now one of the only lip liners I’ve used since. It gives definition to my lips without a harsh line. The sheer quality makes it super easy to wear, and if you let it dry down before adding anything, it has surprisingly good staying power for a liner that doesn’t promise longevity. The shade Brownstone is my perfect every day slightly deep cool brown that works really well to add just enough contrast for it to be a natural looking but still an effective lip liner. My only tip is to not fuss with it too much or you can basically smudge it off. Especially, if you’re a lip liner and clear gloss person, this is the liner I’d pick.

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.

The Best New to me Products I Tried From the Sephora Sale

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on The Best New to me Products I Tried From the Sephora Sale

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.

Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin® Natural Finish Foundation in 3W

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

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.

Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 7: Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray vs Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 7: Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray vs Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

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.

Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 5: Em Cosmetics Divine Water Perfecting Mist vs One/Size Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 5: Em Cosmetics Divine Water Perfecting Mist vs One/Size Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray

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.

Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 3: Milk Hydro Grip Dewy Setting Spray vs. e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 3: Milk Hydro Grip Dewy Setting Spray vs. e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray

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.

My 20 Sephora Sale Recommendations: One Product Per Category That I’d Repurchase Myself

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on My 20 Sephora Sale Recommendations: One Product Per Category That I’d Repurchase Myself

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.

Ciele Tint & Protect Medium Coverage Serum Foundation in Shade 3 and Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer with Caffeine in 2

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.

Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick in Bright Side, Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Cayenne, and Ciele Glow & Protect in Piper

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.

Armani Luminous Silk Glow Bronzer in Shade 90 and YSL Make Me Blush 24H Building Powder Blush in Hot Mauve 

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.

Makeup by Mario Master Mattes® Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow in Mauve and YSL Couture Mini Clutch Palettes in 730

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.

Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Hydrating Longwear Lip Liner Pencil in Buff, Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in Slip, Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Pain au Chocolat (*PR), Gisou Honey Infused Hydrating Lip Oil in Glazed Plum 

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.

Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 2 – MAC Fix+ Stay Over vs. Ulta Beauty Dewy Glaze Setting Spray

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 2 – MAC Fix+ Stay Over vs. Ulta Beauty Dewy Glaze Setting Spray

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.

Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 1 – One/Size On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Setting Spray vs. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Setting Spray Showdown Round 1, Match 1 – One/Size On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Setting Spray vs. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

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.

Best Blushes for Olive Skin: My Current Favorites for Fall 2025

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Best Blushes for Olive Skin: My Current Favorites for Fall 2025

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!

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush in Berry Flush and Make Beauty Cream Stroke in Major Mauve (*Gifted)

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.

Rare Beauty Matte Bouncy Blush in Truth, Soshe Blurring Pillow Blush in Rosy Rest, Speakeasy, Berry Smitten, and Copper Spice

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.

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo in Fizz/Jam

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.

Underrated Beauty Products No One Talks About

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Underrated Beauty Products No One Talks About

There are so many products launching every day that go “viral,” and so many formulas that are everywhere on social media. Some of the things I use and love the most rarely get talked about at all. These are the products I keep reaching for day after day because they just work. I wanted to share ten underrated gems that have completely earned their spot in my routine and deserve way more attention than they get! Let me know what else you’d like to see here, and if there are underrated faves you have that I should pick up. As always, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.

Exa Jump Start Smoothing Primer – I had really been struggling with my makeup completely breaking apart by the end of the day no matter what I used or how I prepped my skin. The sticky primers worked pretty well, but didn’t give me quite the base I wanted. 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 this one is described as a semi-matte primer 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. This has ended up becoming a staple product in my routine.

 Ulta Under Eye Brightener in Light to Medium– I have super dark undereyes and can’t get away without a corrector, and I’m so happy to have discovered this one. It’s about $10 and a very effective dupe of the beloved Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector. Just like the Becca one, this corrector works so well for correcting my super dark circles and helps hydrate my super dry under eyes for whatever concealer goes on top without any heaviness. It blends like a dream and the color is perfect for me. And it’s in stick form which is so much easier to use than the pot! I have also been experimenting with lavender and light blue correctors, and I think my favorite thing is to mix them together to create just the right color.

 Ulta Under Eye Brightener, Sacheu Liquid Contour STAY-N, and Ravie Beauty Endless Diffusion Baked Blush

Sacheu Liquid Contour STAY-N in Giving Sass – This still isn’t my favorite contour color for my warm olive skintone but it’s getting super close! It’s just a little bit warm (you can see a little orange peaking through on the edges) but it definitely has enough neutral and green tones that it works on me as a brontour. The formula is what really won me over – it applies effortlessly, blends out in seconds, and dries down to a soft, natural skin-like finish. And because it’s a stain, it legitimately lasts all day, even with sweat and tons of baby kisses. I’ve still been using it constantly since I posted about it.

Ravie Beauty Endless Diffusion Baked Blush in  Oasis – This formula quickly became one of my favorite powder blush formulas of all time. It blends so seamlessly and easily into the skin, is so blurring, and stays all day. It reminds me of an Hourglass blush but somehow better. It doesn’t need to be built up because this color is quite punchy but absolutely can be layered if you need to. The finish is just glowy enough without being overly glowy like a highlighter. I don’t know how they did it, but it’s basically perfect. Oasis is a Fervor is a rich raspberry pink that works so well for olive skin, especially for the “cold girl” makeup look. 

Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Talc-Free Waterproof Translucent Pressed Setting Powder– 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 haven’t wanted to touch 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.

Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Hydrating Longwear Lip Liner Pencil in Buff – When I was going through all my lip liners and picking out my favorite browns, I realized that this one is the one I end up wearing the most. The formula is super comfortable, lightweight and non-drying formula. 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 as we head deeper into fall.

Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Hydrating Longwear Lip Liner Pencil, Givenchy Le Rouge Sheer Velvet Matte Lipstick, Queen Musia Skincare Supercharged Tinted Balm

Givenchy Le Rouge Sheer Velvet Matte Lipstick in 10 Beige Nu – This is my favorite matte lipstick of my entire collection (and I have a ton of lipsticks). It creates a blurred look that’s matte without being too matte or drying out my lips. It’s exactly the kind of look I want when I’m not going for something glossy or shiny. It actually reminds me the Glossier Generation G formula but incredibly elevated and in way better colors. This color in particular is amazing for me – it’s my go to for “I don’t know what lip color I want to wear but I just need it to look good” because it goes with everything. If I didn’t do any kind of reviewing content and didn’t have a bigger collection to compare things, I could see myself keeping this as one of my only lipsticks and be entirely happy with it.

Queen Musia Skincare Supercharged Tinted Balm in 1993 – This is one of the lightly tinted shades of the 6 they carry (I also have and love the three more pigmented ones). 1993 is a perfect cool brown that is just so pretty. Because it’s lightly tinted, this is incredibly easy to wear and throw on without a mirror. The formula is hydrating and nourishing without being too shiny. It also wore way longer than I expected given the formula. I wore it again yesterday for this review and kept thinking how great it was that it was still going on my lips. This is one of those products I just want to wear all the time, and I’ve been super impressed with it. Plus, the packaging is really cute too.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner  – This toner was my favorite skincare discovery of 2019, and I’ve been using it every single morning ever since. It has continued to make my skin clearer, brighter, and less dry. This is probably the only product I’ve been using nonstop for almost 6 years, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. It’s also $14 for a huge bottle (same price as it was in 2021!), and it’s my most cost-effective skincare product in my routine. My husband loves it too, and it’s one of the only skincare products he consistently uses.

Make Beauty Moisturizing Reverse Emulsion – This is still my favorite hydrating serum (and I’ve tried so, so many serums and moisturizers as I have incredibly dry skin). I’ve used this as a moisturizer and primer, mixed with other primers, mixed with foundations, after a shower, during my nighttime routine . It works so well no matter what I do with it. It leaves a dewy but not wet or sticky finish and makes everything look better if I’m using it before makeup. It just feels so nice and is actually hydrating. I also have a bottle of this in the fridge, and it feels so great to throw on when I’m overheated and my skin is getting super dry and itchy.

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.