Now that we’re really in summer and I’ve experienced a historic heatwave, I wanted to share some of my hot weather favorites. This is a short list of the makeup and skincare that I’ve been relying on to ensure my makeup lasts all day and to improve summer skin issues. If you have requests for other product round-ups, let me know in the comments below! And as always, subscribe here or on Instagram @liftbakelove for new posts.
Fenty Eaze Drops in Shade 02 – The formula is almost entirely mask proof and sweat proof, but doesn’t look heavy at all. It has a natural finish that I can easily add dew too with something like Glossier Future Dew without effecting how long it lasts. Even walking around or working out when it’s incredibly hot, it holds up super well all day. I love that I can blend it in super quickly with my fingers, and it looks flawless – during the summer, I want things that are quick and easy, and this definitely checks all the right boxes.
Vesca Kissed By Bronzing Powder in Santorini – I have been loving setting my cream products with powder products to make them last longer without putting setting powder everywhere. I find this creates a more satin vs matte finish, which is great for someone like me that wants to look hydrated and dewy while still having something long lasting. There are lots of powder bronzers that would work great for this, but I’ve been really loving using the Vesca bronzer. Since I just got this recently, I’ll be doing a full review of it soon – let me know if you have any questions in the comments!
Vesca Kissed By Bronzing Powder in Santorini
Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray – This spray in particular is my HG setting spray that I’ve been using for years and love. It’s alcohol-free, it really does add dewiness which I can never get enough of, and it’s so much less drying than other setting sprays I’ve tried. I always use this to finish off any makeup look, but I find it’s especially important in the summer to make everything last all day.
Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder – My skin starts feeling super congested in the summer, and I need to do a bit more than my normal chemical exfoliant routine. Because my skin is generally very dry and dehydrated, I tend towards super gentle exfoliants, especially if I’m going to use a physical exfoliant. The pineapple powder is super gentle while still being very effective. My skin always feels so much better when I use this – much less congested without any irritation. It’s only $16, and this bottle will last forever. I also love that I don’t have to worry about it expiring as quickly because of its powder format.
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme Detoxifying Hydrator – This is my favorite mask to use when it’s been really hot out. This has been such a skin saver for me (and my husband, who also loves this mask!). It’s so hydrating and leaves my skin super soft and moisturized. If my face feels irritated from the heat, it helps my skin feel better immediately because it’s so cooling. It’s even if you keep it in the fridge, and I’ve been loving using mine straight from the fridge lately. It’s pricey but a little goes a long way, and the small jar that both my husband and I use is still going strong.
What are your hot weather favs? Let me know down in the comments below!
Like I mentioned in my last post, I recently took a month long trip to the East Coast and brought a pared down routine. I tried really hard to bring only what I needed, and there were a bunch of things I left at home and really missed. I was so excited to be reunited with these makeup products this last week and never want to be without them in the future!
I didn’t realize how much I loved the Auric Glow Lust until I didn’t have it for a month. This product is so versatile – I can use it by itself in lieu of foundation, as a primer, mixed in with my foundation, as a highlighter, and any combination of those methods. It gives both a super smooth and glowy effect to the skin, which is something I can’t find with any other product. It’s a really special product that I missed having and being able to use to liven up, brighten, and blur any look that needs it.
I didn’t bring any powder blushes, but I wish I had brought just one – which would have been the the Em Cosmetics Heaven’s Glow Blush in Magic Hour. Because it gives such a soft, glowy look without being overly pigmented, it’s a really easy way product to use to brighten up a look that’s coming off a little dull or flat. This is my go-to for setting cream and liquid blushes, particularly if I know I need my makeup to last all day for video calls or running around a city. This color matches so many of my cream blushes and adds just the right hint of bright pink without changing the overall look too much. I just got this formula in the shade Venetian Rose – let me know if it’s like a review!
Swatches of the 75° Warm , 11:11, and 52° Cool Roen Quads
I bought a mini-palette that I made of single powder eyeshadows, but I so wish I had brought my Roen quads instead. I really love the Roen formula because it’s so versatile – with a finger, the shades go on incredibly pigmented and intense, but with a brush, you can create a very sophisticated wash of color. I totally could have gotten away with just one eyeshadow brush and gotten so many incredible looks with this range of shades, particularly with how many great one-and-done shades there are. I also love that these are so quick and easy to use and last all day which is super important to me when I’m travelling. If I had to pick one, I probably would have gone with the 11:11 but I would have loved to have them all.
I bought my IT Cosmetics CC Cream for foundation because I’m trying to use it up, but it ended up being too full coverage and not as long wearing as I would have liked. The Fenty Eaze Drop would have been a much better choice. The formula is almost entirely mask proof and sweat proof, and it would have been much better for me given all the walking we did outside in the hot weather. It also looks way more natural on my skin while still providing coverage. I love that is blends super quick and easily with fingers which means I wouldn’t have needed a foundation brush, and the packaging would have taken up such little space. Definitely bringing this the next time I travel!
I’ve gushed about the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate cream bronzer and highlight duo so many times, and I definitely missed it when I was travelling. It has such amazing formula that blends like a dream, looks natural, and still makes an impact. I love how they are both a little sheer which makes it super easy to just throw on without having to be super precise, and it blends into the skin so seamlessly. I love that this has both a bronzer and highlighter in one and that the bronzer shade is neutral enough to be used as more of a “brontour.” I’ve been using it everyday since I got back, and I’m so happy to have it back in my life.
What are your must-haves when you travel? What do you want to see next here on LiftBakeLove? Let me know in the comments!
Another month has flown by, and it’s been feeling like it’s already summer some days! This month’s favorites are a mix of tried and true favorites and some newer products I’m really excited about sharing with all of you.
The one skincare product I wanted to mention this month is the Cicaplast Baume B5. It has been so incredibly dry here recently, and I’ve been experiencing way more dry, flaky patches on my skin. I tried a ton of different products, and this was the only one that truly made a difference in hydrating my skin closer to normal. It says on its product page that it’s made for visibly irritated areas associated with dry skin, and I can confirm it really does help with that. It’s even gentle enough that I can use it on my currently dry, flaky eyelids with no issues. I also love that it’s under $15 too, and this tube has lasted me forever! This is a dry skin staple I can’t live without.
Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate in 0.5
I’ve had the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate duo for about a year now, and it’s been included in 3 favorites post already so you may have read everything I’m about to say. I’m still in love with this formula, and the shade intensity 0.5 is just so great for my skin tone. A lot of reviewers aren’t a big fan of the highlight shade, but I’ve continued to love it. The formula for the bronzer shade is a little sheer which makes it super easy to just throw on without having to be super precise, and I can build it up without worrying about overdoing it. When I’m really having trouble in the morning because I’m exhausted and my coffee hasn’t hit me yet, this is my go to face product for a “my face but better” look. It’s great to be able to grab this duo and have products that I know work well together and pair well with any blush I own.
Fenty Eaze Drop in shade 2 and Glossier Skin Tint in G11
I know the Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint has been a polarizing product that some people really hate and some people really love. I am on the side of loving it, and it’s my new HG foundation. My usual go to is the Glossier Skin tint but I’m finding that it’s a little too dewy and very much not mask proof though now that we’re actually leaving our apartment and it’s getting hot outside. So, I decided to try the Fenty Eaze Drop, and it’s everything I want in a summer foundation. It’s almost entirely mask proof and sweat proof, and it stays all day (even after a test I did with 14 hours of wear and a 10 mile walk). It looks so natural on my skin while still providing coverage, and it blends so easily. I actually have been applying with my fingers (though a brush works great too!), and it’s the fastest foundation application I’ve ever experienced. One thing to watch out for – I have tried with a sponge and don’t recommend it since it seems to suck up the moisture in the foundation and make it too dry. Other than that, I’ve had no issues!
Bodyography Glitter Pigment in Off the Hook
I got 3Bodyography Glitter Pigments recently because I had a really great coupon code and have been really wanting to try them since watching Katie Jane Hughes use them over and over again. Their site says that these are a unique formula that incorporates “the saturation of a loose pigment, the cushion of a cream, and the silkiness of a powder”, and that describes it better than I could. I can throw them on with a brush or finger create a lot of impact and dimension quickly with one shade. They stay all day even with a regular eyeshadow primer, but they work great with a glitter primer too. While I love all three shades I got, Off the Hook has been my favorite. It’s a beautiful taupe/bronze color that makes it perfect as a one and done shadow.
If you’re a regular reader, you already know how much I love the Pat McGrath lip glosses. I got another trio in the Sephora sale (the set of 3 minis was $9!). The formula is incredibly hydrating and smoothing, and the three new shades I got are such great colors for me. This one in particular is Flesh 6, which is a rich rosy brown color with no glitter. The non-glitter shades have just enough shine without going overboard and have even better lasting power than the glitter ones (which last amazingly well for a gloss). If you can find the trios on sale either through Sephora or Pat McGrath’s website, I highly recommend getting them.
What was your favorite product this month? What would you like to see next on LiftBakeLove? Let me know in the comments below!
Kackie has one of my favorite beauty channels to watch – so much so that I now start my day every weekday morning watching her newest video with my coffee, and I can’t imagine it any other way. What makes her stand out for me is that she actually reviews products rather than fawning over new releases. She covers textures, colors, formulation, packaging, etc. in depth, usually with comparisons to similar products you might already have. Kackie goes out of her way to give the most pertinent information to help viewers decide why something might or might not work for them and what they should know about the product when making a purchasing decision. For that reason, almost everything I’ve gotten because of her recommending it has become a fast favorite and something I wish I had bought sooner. There are, of course, a couple of things I wouldn’t buy again, and you’ll have to read on to find out which ones. With that incredibly long intro, let’s get into the products!
All of the products I’ve bought because of Kackie
Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm – I mentioned this in my 2020 body care favorites, and I’m still obsessed (and I really try not to use that word too much). This is the most amazing smelling product I own, hands down. My husband also loves it both because of the scent and how moisturizing and quickly absorbing it is. Because it’s 17oz, I feel like it’s going to last forever, and it’s totally worth the price to me.
Supergoop Zincscreen – My HG sunscreen, Krave Beauty The Beet Shield, was out of stock (as usual) when I saw Kackie recommend it. This sounded great because it’s meant for sensitive skin and supposed to work well under makeup as a glowy base. I used it every day as my primary sunscreen and have loved it under makeup or by itself. It has no white cast, blends super quickly, and isn’t too heavy on the skin. The only thing I don’t love about it is the way it smells – I can’t describe it but I just don’t like it. I decided not to repurchase it so I could try the Josie Maran sunscreen I talked about in my post last week, but I did really like it while I used it.
W3ll People Bio Baked Brightener Powder – I use this powder as a last step before my setting spray to clean up and brighten any areas that might need it. It’s perfect for that, and I’m surprised I didn’t have something like this in my routine. Kackie mentions this all the time as a way to correct going too far with blush or bronzer, and it really works for that purpose without adding coverage or mattifying your skin. It is one of the only brightening products I’ve ever used that actually works, and I’m so glad I picked it up.
Daniel Sandler Watercolour Liquid Set for Cheeks – I mentioned this highlighter in my 2020 favorites, and it’s still a favorite. I’ve also fallen in love with the bronzer! They both give an ethereal, natural, glowy effect while actually drying down so they last all day. I really love them both, and I’m pretty sure you can’t get them separately so I’m totally happy to have bought the set to get them. This blush formula is not my favorite – it’s pretty hard to control, and I’d rather use any of my cream blushes instead (like the ones I’ll talk about next). That said, if you’re a liquid blush person, I think you’d love these, and I do like them a lot better than the Glossier Cloud Paints which tend to disappear on my skin extremely quickly.
Petal Poppin and Rosé Latte in natural light
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush – I just wrote about these in my February 2021 Favorites, so I won’t repeat myself too much. This is one of my favorite cream blush formulas, and I don’t think I would have chosen the Rosé Latte shade if Kackie hadn’t shown it on camera. I figured if it worked for her, it would work for me, and I was right! I’m so glad I ventured out of my comfort zone a bit with that color because it’s now one of my favorite shades in my collection.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal – This continues to be my the perfect “natural but makes me look way healthier and hydrated than I am” shade. It’s just so easy to use and blend, and it’s my go to for when I’m running late or don’t have as much time to do a full “blush look.” I also continue to love the packaging, which just makes it a joy to use. I’ve written about this a few times on the blog because it’s been a favorite since I bought it.
Roen 52° Cool, 11:11, and 75° Warm Eyeshadow Quads
Roen Eyeshadow Palettes – Every time Kackie used these, they looked incredible. She described them as having no compromises in formula, fun and easy to use, and something she wanted to reach for everyday. And I totally agree! I have really fallen in love with the formula and every look I’ve gotten with these. I love that I can do a one or two shadow look in seconds, and it has a ton of impact that lasts all day. The 11:11 quad is definitely my favorite, but I have no regrets getting all three.
Swatches of the 75° Warm , 11:11, and 52° Cool Roen Quads
Vesca Moonlit Dream Cream Eyeshadows – I will admit that I bought these eyeshadows right after I saw Kackie’s reaction the first time she used the shade Lyra. I have absolutely no regrets! These eyeshadows are by far the easiest cream shadows I’ve ever worked with, and I still love the packaging – it’s super easy to only get what you need, and I don’t have to worry about them drying out. It’s so hard to choose between these or the Roen shadows if I had to only choose one sparkly/wet/creamy formula because they are all so beautiful, and I’m glad I have them all.
Thrive Causemetics Eye Brightener, Mascara, and Lip Liner – The mascara and lip liner are both now my standby HGs. I haven’t used any other mascara since I got this one (don’t worry – I switched to a new tube since then!). I can’t see myself switching any time soon. It makes my lashes look amazing, doesn’t smudge, and washes off so easily. The lip liner I got is actually in the shade Kackie as it is Kackie’s collaboration shade. This is my favorite lip liner shade, and I can put any gloss or lipstick over top of it and it will look perfect. The formula also manages to be creamy, not drying, and have great staying power. The eye brightener is the only thing I didn’t love – the formula is great, but the shade I got is both too light for an all over color and too dark for an inner corner shade. I don’t reach for it very often for that reason and wouldn’t buy it again if I could go back in time.
Finding Ferdinand Custom Lipstick – I still can’t over being able to literally make any color that has a hex code for only $30. And the formula is incredible – it’s somehow sheer, impactful, moisturizing, and long-lasting all at the same time. The packaging is also so well thought out and truly feels like a luxury product. If I ever need another lipstick, even though it will definitely be awhile,
Vesca Lush Glow Creamy Lip Oil – I’ve already talked about this product on my blog twice because I love it so much. it’s like a lip balm meets lip oil meets lip gloss, and it’s one of my favorite lip product formulas I’ve ever tried. It’s super moisturizing, stays glossy for so much longer than I would have expected, and the color is just the right level of sheerness for me. Kackie showed all of the shades in a recent video, and it turns out that the shade I have (Ginger Lily) is likely the perfect shade for me so not only did she influence me to buy one of my favorite lip products of all time, but she saved me from buying a ton of other shades that wouldn’t have looked great on me.
Glossier Berry Balm Dotcom – I’ve written about how much I can’t stand the birthday shade of the balm dotcom and was pretty sure I would never get another one. Then Kackie included it in a best + worst lip balms video raving about them a few months ago, and I realized I could get one for essentially free while buying replacements for two of my favorite products of all time, Futuredew and Boy Brow since they come in a set. The berry shade is so much better than the birthday, and I can actually say I really do like it. It’s not in my all time favorites because I have a few balms I reach for more, but I absolutely don’t regret getting it, and it’s still getting a lot of use.
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream – I have super dry skin, and Kackie recommended this for someone who really need a lot of moisture in their night time routine. I really like this cream – it’s super nourishing without feeling super heavy (just like Kackie said it would be). It’s much more inexpensive than comparable creams I’ve tried. That said, my HG is still the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream, and I’ll be switching back to that once I finish this. I’m super excited to have found a less expensive alternative though if I ever need it!
If you made it this far, thank you so much for reading! What would you like to see next?
I can’t believe February is already over, and March is almost here! This month, it got even colder outside and my skin was even drier than usual so I really invested in products that would make my skin look and feel hydrated with very little effort. I also have started to receive some early birthday presents, and I wouldn’t be surprised if more of them make their way into my future favorites!
The one skincare product I wanted to shout out is the Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask. As I mentioned, my skin is feeling super dry but it’s been even worse with all the snow, cold weather, and heater running. I’ve been added this mask to my nighttime skincare routine, and it has totally saved my skin. It works incredibly well to add a ton of hydration overnight, and I love how it really melts into the skin. Plus, unlike a lot of my skincare, the price per ounce is fairly low, and this tube will last forever.
I love all of the products I’m mentioning this post, but there is something truly special about the Auric Glow Lust. I’ve tried it by itself in lieu of foundation, as a primer, mixed in with my foundation, as a highlighter, and a bunch of combinations of those methods. I’ve loved it every way I’ve tried. My favorite thing to do is mix it in with my foundation and use it as a highlighter, and it just makes my skin look so naturally glowy, hydrated, and healthy, even more than the Glossier Future Dew does. The packaging is also amazing, especially the pump – it’s so much easier to use than the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. I’m planning on doing a comparison post between the two – let me know if you have specific questions! And to my friend that I wasn’t giving 100% attention to on a call because I kept getting distracted by how amazing and glowy my skin looked with Glow Lust as a highlighter, I’m so sorry (and thank you for letting me know that you noticed it too!).
For more info on the Vesca eyeshadow and lip gloss, I would check out my Vesca review from earlier in the month. I’ve abandoned almost all my other eyeshadows and lip products (except for one I’ll get to shortly) and have continued to love them both as much as I did when I wrote that review. The eyeshadows have such easy textures to work with that leave a lot of impact quickly, and the lip gloss has the most amazing cushiony moisturizing feeling. When you’d rather sleep for an extra 30 minutes then do a 5 shadow look for all day Teams calls, these are perfect.
I was able to get the Pat McGrath Mini Lust: Gloss Trio for $13 with free shipping (still in stock as of posting!), and I’m so happy I did. I love all three shades in the cool trio, but I particularly love the Divine Rose shade. This color is my lips but so much better, goes with all the lip liners I own, and is just really pretty. Along with Vesca and Lisa Eldridge glosses, this is one of my favorite gloss formulas. It’s incredibly hydrating and smoothing, and the colors I’ve tried have just the right amount of shimmer to make your lips look like you actually drink water but not overly sparkly. And they smell amazing! I’m so happy that Cate the Great Beauty turned me on to these and that I’ve been able to get them on sale because they are just so nice.
Petal Poppin and Rose Latte in natural light
Even with over 20 cream blushes to choose from, something about the Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Petal Poppin and Rose Latte really made me happy this month, and I kept coming back to them. The two I have are both beautiful colors that seem dupable but are actually quite unique, and really brighten up any look (used alone or together!). The formula is really light, blendable, and easy to work with while still being pigmented enough that it shows up without a ton of layering. They also leave a really nice hydrated glow without being sticky and without picking up any products you’ve already used. I also love that they are only $20, which while in general is still a lot for blush, is very affordable compared to some others that I’ve recommended. There’s also a really fantastic shade range if these don’t speak to you. This is definitely one of my top cream formulas!
Swatches of Petal Poppin and Rose Latte in natural light
I’ve been getting back into perfume again as a way to create different atmospheres in the morning rather than just feeling like another same day in my home office. I got gifted a Replica perfume set for my upcoming birthday (thanks, mom!), and I love all the scents in the set. I have particularly been enjoying Beach Walk during the dreariest of winter days. It’s so light, fresh, and summery and really does remind me of walking down a sandy beach. I’m been loving using this to transport me away from our apartment and as a small reminder that one day in the future we’ll be back to sunny beaches and vacations far away again.
What did you love using this month? Let me know in the comments below!
I get frequently asked for makeup and skincare recommendations, and I’m super excited to put them all in one place – again! I did this last year, and it’s been really fun to look back and see what’s still a favorite (turns out, a lot of things) and what was newly discovered this year. There’s a lot more in the skincare category since 2020 was…let’s just say a good year for staying inside and self-care, so I’ll be doing a separate skincare post so this doesn’t get too long. I would love see your favorites and recommendations for 2021 in the comments!
Some quick notes before I get into it – I have super dry skin, and I tend towards a very glowy, natural look. I will be mostly focused on cream products this year (even though I still love the powder products I used last year!) since I was inside all the time with dry air due to…2020.
Primer: Glossier Futuredew Like last year, I tried a bunch of different primers this year and something finally overtook my long time favorite which was the Too Faced Hangover Primer. Futuredew is the most amazing glossy, hydrating base for any foundation. I also used it on no makeup days (which I had a lot of this year) just to make my skin look more hydrated and glowy. I already bought a backup because I love it so much.
Foundation: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation and Glossier Skin Tint Luminous Silk is still a favorite — it has just the right amount of coverage (medium), looks glowy but not oily, and lasts all day. For me, it is definitely worth the splurge. I didn’t have a lot of days when I needed that much coverage though, so I generally stuck to the Glossier Skin Tint for that perfect “my skin but better” look.
Concealer: Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector This continues be the game changing product for me and is one of the only products I actually panned in 2020. 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.
As last year, the search continues for the perfect concealer to go over top of it, although I still love the Hourglass Vanish Concealer (heavier coverage) and Glossier Stretch (lighter coverage) concealers that I reviewed this year. Stay tuned for more concealer reviews in 2021!
Powder: Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder This one is the same as last year, and I’m not surprised! This is the perfect powder for dry skin, and the full size does last forever. It looks like I’ve barely used it even though I bought it in 2019. If you don’t want to splurge for the full size and don’t use a lot of powder, you can totally get away with using the travel size for over a year in my experience. I don’t see myself finding a better powder in 2021 and am glad to have found such a staple product.
Contour: Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick This product is one of my standout discoveries in 2020. It is the perfect color and texture for a natural looking contour. I also love the packaging – it feels super luxe with the magnetic closure, and I really appreciate having a stick for a quick makeup look. If I had to start my collection over, this would definitely be one of the first things I replace.
Bronzer: Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate and Salt New York Crème Tint Pro Two new favorites for this year – both are cream products that give a super natural look in about 2 seconds. They are super blendable and easy to build up to the opacity I want. I actually think the colors and formulas are pretty similar so if you want to not spend way too much on the Tom Ford, I would definitely recommend getting the Salt New York.
Highlight:Daniel Sandler Watercolor Liquid Highlighter and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter I couldn’t resist getting this set after watching Kackie Reviews Beauty rave about it, and while I love all four products, the highlighter is definitely a stand out. I can’t even really explain it, but it gives this ethereal, natural, glowing effect while actually drying down. It takes a little bit of work to get used to how liquidy it is, but it’s so worth it.
The HFF is still one of the most amazing products I’ve ever tried. I mix it into my primer or foundation for an all-over glow, put it under my eyes under my corrector/concealer if I need more brightening and coverage there, and use it on as a liquid highlighter. It works well in every way I’ve tried, and I get tons of compliments every time I use it.
Blush: Salt New York Crème Tint Pro This was the year of blushes for me – I got 16 new ones this year, even though we all know I already had way too many before 2020 started. That said, I have no regrets and love all the blushes I got this year. My favorite ones are the Salt New York Crème Tint Pro of course, but especially the new shade in Spice, which is the perfect color, and I don’t know how Kiki keeps making the perfect colors. I have all of the shades of the blush and love to mix and match colors to make my perfect shade for that day.
The Salt New York blushes and one highlighter come together in one perfect blush palette.
As I reviewed this year, I am also obsessed with the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal for the perfect quick “I promise I am getting sleep” look and the Fenty Cheeks Out Freestyle Blush in Petal Poppin and Rose Latte for the “I have totally been outside this year” look, even though we all know both of those things are a lie.
Eyeshadow: Natasha Denona Biba Palette The Biba Palette is still my favorite palette of all time, and as last year, I absolutely would buy it again. I’m going to copy over what I said last year because it’s all still true. It is the perfect mix of warm, neutral, and cool tones with the right amount of shimmers. The formula is amazing, and if I could only have one palette, it would be this one.
A new discovery for this year that I love but haven’t used enough to call a favorite is the Pat McGrath Divine Rose Palette. I love that the colors are neutral but still interesting, the special shades are incredible, and the formula is amazing. I love that I can use the top shade as a topper for any other shadow and make it look super special.
Swatches of the Divine Rose Palette
Brows: Glossier Boy Brow This is the best brow gel of all time. It deposits color, but not too much, defines the brow hairs, but not too much, and has staying power, but not too much. It’s just perfect and another thing I already have a back up of.
Mascara: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara This is hands down the best mascara I’ve ever used, and I’m actually upset I didn’t get it sooner. It makes my lashes look amazing, doesn’t smudge, and actually holds a curl. The best part is that it washes off so easily and quickly. I’m never going back to a non-tubing mascara again and bought enough of these to last me until 2022.
Lip liner: Thrive Causemetics Lip Filler Long-Wearing + Plumping Lip Liner in Kackie One of my other favorite discoveries for 2020 was this lip liner. I don’t know how Kackie did it, but this is the most perfect shade for me. I can put any gloss or lipstick over top of it, and it looks great. The formula also manages to be creamy, not drying, and have great staying power. I’m not sure any lip liner will ever beat this one for a favorite in the future.
Lip gloss: Em Cosmetics Lip Cushion in Magic Hour I still love the Em Cosmetics lip glosses, but their lip cushion totally knocked it out of the park this year. The Em Cosmetics Lip Cushion in Magic Hour is so easy to swipe on and completely brightens up my face. It’s also super moisturizing and hands down the best tinted lip balm I’ve ever tried. I love keeping it on my desk to have it handy at all times, and if we had anywhere to go, this would 100% be my purse lip product.
Lipstick: Bite Beauty Lip Lap Custom Lipsticks While I am still obsessed with the Lisa Eldridge Velvet Mattes, my pick has to be my Bite custom lipsticks again. I got two more this year (sheer versions of shades I got for my wedding), and they are such a great formula. I love how easy it is to throw them on and brighten up my whole face, which isn’t surprising because I made sure they were the perfect colors for me.
One of my new sheer lipsticks, and then my other 3 custom lipsticks in the satin finish.
Setting spray: Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray The Cover FX spray is still my top setting spray spot for keeping my makeup looking great all day without drying out my skin. It’s alcohol-free, and I find that has helped a ton with my skin feeling less dry throughout the day. I am likely just going to keep rebuying this unless something incredible comes out that I end up trying.
I’m looking forward to seeing how different my 2021 favorites are from my 2020 list and hoping I get more use out of everything by actually getting to go places in 2021!
LiftBakelove 