Tag: skincare

Stuff I Tried Lately: The Good, the Great, and the Green Corrector

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Stuff I Tried Lately: The Good, the Great, and the Green Corrector

I’ve been testing a bunch of products lately, some new to me and some I probably should’ve tried way sooner. I wanted to report back on these five, since a few of them have already made it into my regular routine and one was a total fail. Here’s what stood out (for better or worse) and how they worked on my dry, olive skin. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.

ELF Power Grip Primer – Someone asked me for a recommendation for a primer that would help their makeup stop slipping off their face, and I realized I hadn’t tried this primer yet. I did a few all day wear tests, and it really does help makeup stay much longer. I was especially impressed with how well it kept foundation on my nose, an area that usually wears off pretty fast on me. It also wasn’t drying, played well with multiple foundations I tested it with, and spread easily and evenly. I’m really looking forward to using this one in the summer now that I know how well it works!

Basma The Foundation Stick in 35 (light skin with neutral olive undertones) – I know I’m very late to the party on this one, but my Fenty Foundation stick expired and I needed to replace it. I figured it was as good a time as any to finally try the Basma, and I’m so impressed. The stick isn’t too stiff and works well whether I apply it directly to my face or to a brush first. I like using the brush method a bit better because it can stick a tiny bit to dry patches but drawing all over works in a pinch too. The formula is super buildable so you can get light to pretty full coverage. It feels really lightweight and has a natural, almost finish that isn’t too matte or glowy. It lasts really well and is my new go to when I don’t want to deal with liquid foundation. Plus, they have actual olive shades so I don’t need to use green color corrector with it.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush in Watermelon and Berry Flush – I love blush, whether it’s liquid, powder, cream, or anywhere in between. But the one kind of blush that doesn’t usually work for me is a super runny 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 olive skintone, and I hope they come up with more shades! Watermelon is pretty coral on me, which is pretty, but might lean a little bit orange if you’re looking for a more neutral pink. Be aware this has niacinamide and other skincare ingredients if you’re sensitive to those!

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 was honestly shocked that they stayed put until I washed them off, with zero crunchiness, flaking, or stiffness. The hold is strong but flexible, and it actually looks natural. My only complaint is that it doesn’t come in tinted shades. I’ve been layering it over the Make Beauty Infinite Hold eyebrow gel (which is still my all time favorite tinted gel that comes pretty close in terms of hold), and the combo is perfect—it gives shape, color, and all-day hold without fail.

Tarte Shape Tape Corrector in Green – Easily the worst green color corrector I’ve tried in recent memory. I’m still searching for my perfect one, but this isn’t close. The formula is incredibly dry, hard to blend, and just sits awkwardly on top of the skin. Instead of neutralizing redness, it leaves a weird minty green layer that looks like paint and doesn’t mesh well under foundation. It’s not comfortable either – it feels like old school face paint. If you’re looking for a green corrector that actually works, the best one I’ve found so far is the Exa High Fidelity green color corrector —it’s a much more neutral muted green in a formula that actually blends into the skin without being too matte or too dewy.

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.

About-Face Brand Review: Testing Olive Foundation Shades, Brown-Toned Products, and More

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on About-Face Brand Review: Testing Olive Foundation Shades, Brown-Toned Products, and More

I’ve been trying out a bunch of About Face products lately, and I have to say, I’ve been pretty impressed overall. Some of them have quickly become staples in my routine, while a few have some quirks worth mentioning. I wanted to share my thoughts on what really stood out—both the hits and the misses—and why some of these are definitely worth checking out. Thank you to About Face for sending me a few extra products to test – products marked with * are ones that were sent, otherwise I bought things myself. In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own and unsponsored.

The Performer Foundation in F2 Olive and L2 Olive* – I love this foundation so much I have it in two shades (one for winter and one for summer). This is a super lightweight serum-y medium coverage foundation that builds really easily. It has a skin-like finish that’s hydrating but not overly dewy. It doesn’t dry out my skin, and it wears really well throughout the day. I particularly love that they have actual olive shades – this is one of the only foundations I own that I don’t have to wear with a green color corrector. In the swatches, L2 Olive is pulling a bit more yellow than I find it to be in real life but keep in mind these are definitely warm olive shades. The packaging isn’t my favorite because I don’t prefer a giant doefoot, but that’s not enough to keep me from using this constantly over my other foundations. *I bought the original two bottles myself, and the brand sent me a new L2 Olive which I’m so excited to have.

F2 Olive, L2 Olive, Capulets

Matte Fluid Eye Paint in Capulets – I’ve been using the Merit Solo Shadows so much as one and dones or as a base that I totally forgot I had this About Face liquid eyeshadow. I decided to try it again, and I’m so happy I did. It’s so easy and fast to throw on and blend out with a finger or a brush. It dries fast enough that I can easily put other things on top of it but not too fast that it gets stuck where I don’t want it. Capulets is a perfect light brown that doesn’t go orange on me (as someone with an olive undertone, that tends to happen a ton with browns). It also has great lasting power so I love to throw this on when I only have 2 seconds and then can add other things on top of it later in the day, and it’ll still look just as good.

Cheek Freak Blush Balm– This blush dries down to a matte finish that actually lasts such a long time for a cream blush. It starts off really balmy so it’s really easy to pick up on a brush or finger and blend into the skin, and then it stays where it is. I also love how the packaging matches the color of the blush since I have three of these – it’s always easy to find the one I want. Laid in particular is a super bright pink blush that is just the quickest way to that flushed look, especially in the summer. If I want to look really awake and hydrated, this is my go to since it’s so bright and flattering. Get Some is a warm rose that gives a soft, natural flush that pairs well with almost any makeup look. I wanted it to be more brown but it definitely leans more in the red direction on me. Score is a beautiful bright purple that is so good for warm olive skintones. This was one of my first real purple blushes, and I’m so glad it introduced me to how good purple looks on me.

Laid, Score, Get Some

The Curtain Call Set & Smooth Loose Powder* – This powder is a bit tricky for me because it ended up being a little too drying for my undereye area, which is usually my primary use for setting powders. However, I have it in the pink shade, and it actually works really well for brightening around other parts of my face, especially the center of my forehead and other areas where I want to highlight without using an actual highlighter. It has a finely milled texture that blends seamlessly without emphasizing texture, making it perfect for targeted brightening rather than an all-over powder. If you don’t have incredibly dry skin, you might really love this powder, and I do really like how the pink doesn’t actually read as pink on my face.

Coquette and Side Eye

Blurred Matte Lip Plump Soft Matte Liquid Color in Side Eye and Coquette* – I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this formula. It has a soft matte finish that’s incredibly comfortable and doesn’t dry out my lips at all, which is impressive for a matte lip product. It genuinely does make my lips appear plumper and smoother. The plump comes from a mentholy/minty type of ingredient, so be aware if you’re sensitive to that. Side Eye is a “nude brown” but I find it leans quite warm and almost turns too orange on me. I’m happy it doesn’t though because I think it’ll be great for summer with bronzy looks. Coquette is a classic soft pink that just looks really nice. For my high contrast features, I wish it was a little bit darker, but it’s easy to throw on and goes with a lot of what I tend to wear. The staying power is fantastic, and even as it wears off, it leaves behind a soft, even tint.

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 Go-To Brown Lip Liners That Actually Work on Olive Skin

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on My Go-To Brown Lip Liners That Actually Work on Olive Skin

I’ve tested a lot of brown lip liners over the years, and a few have really stood out—especially because none of them go orange on my olive skin. Whether I’m going for a soft, natural look or something that lasts all day, these are the ones I keep reaching for. Here’s why they’ve earned a spot in my routine! In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.

Swatches are in order of the reviews below from left to right

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 in the summer.

Thrive Causemetics Lip Filler Long-Wearing + Plumping Lip Liner in Kackie – I don’t know how Kackie did it, but this such a perfect neutral brown 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. It’s the lip liner I use when I don’t want to worry about my lip look coming together, especially in the morning before I’ve had coffee and just want something I know will work. I think I started writing about this one in 2020, and I’m surprised how it continues to rise to the top of my lip liner collection.

Em Cosmetics Soft Blur Velvet Lip Liner in Mink – This formula blends so easily so you can get a soft, blurred, and diffused look. I find that creates a much more natural look that still defines my lips and helps prevent any feathering of the lipstick I use on top. Even with how soft and lightweight they are, they are very long lasting. Mink is such a perfect cool brown for olive skin tones that also works really well with my lip color and with my favorite lipsticks and glosses.

ELF Cream Glide Lip Liner In Baddest Beige – I can’t say I like these better than my favorite lip liners from Thrive or Victoria Beckham, but if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality lip liner that competes with higher-end options, this is it. The formula is creamy enough to glide on effortlessly without tugging or patchiness. I was super impressed given these are $2, and really like the semi-matte finish that works beautifully on its own or as a base under lipstick. They wear surprisingly well without drying out my lips. Baddest Beige is light neutral beige that’s a little warm on me but doesn’t go orange.

Victoria Beckham Lip Definer in 02 – The formula is really stiff but is still relatively easy to work with as long as your lips aren’t incredibly dry. Because it’s so stiff, it dries down immediately and lasts an incredibly long time, so if you’re looking for something that really will stay put, this formula is great. Despite it’s dry texture, It’s quite agreeable, especially if you use lip balm ahead of time. That said, I find I don’t reach for it as much right now because it’s so dry here and it feels like I’m tugging on my lips in an uncomfortable way. I’m excited to get more use out of it in the summer. 02 is described as a neutral beige brown for light to medium lip tones, but I think it leans a bit warm and a bit pink, as you can hopefully see from the above swatches. Both Kackie from Thrive and Mink from Em Cosmetics are truer beigey brown tones. It’s still one of my favorites in this color group, but if you’re looking for something really brown, I’d go with one of the others.

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.

5 Brown Lip Products I Can’t Stop Wearing that are Perfect for Olive Skin

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on 5 Brown Lip Products I Can’t Stop Wearing that are Perfect for Olive Skin

Someone asked me to share my go-to brown-toned lip products, and it turns out I’ve been using a handful of them on repeat lately. These all fall somewhere on the glossy, hydrating end of the spectrum and lean into the kind of shades that work really well on olive skin—cool browns, plummy browns, warm neutrals. They’re easy to wear, comfortable, and each one brings something a little different depending on the look I’m going for. If you’d like a part two will more pigmented lip products like more traditional lipsticks, let me know in the comments! In this post, all links are affiliate links (thank you for your support!), but all opinions are my own.

Swatches are in order of the reviews below from left to right

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.

Makeup By Mario Moisture Glow Plumping Lip Serum in Mocha Glow – This is a lip gloss in a tube, and it’s incredibly nourishing and shiny. I keep this in my purse so I can throw it on whenever I need something that will make my lips look fantastic while also being hydrating. Be aware this is plumping and minty if that’s something you’re sensitive to – it’s not overly strong but it definitely is there. Mocha Glow is a perfect neutral leaning cool brown that I can throw on with any other makeup I’m wearing. It has a tiny bit of shimmer in it that you can’t feel but does contribute to that plump look. I’m tempted to try some of the other brown shades in the non-shimmer finish – let me know if that’s something that would be helpful!

Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in 1990 and Slip – I know everyone has been talking about these, but it’s for a good reason! The formula is just amazing – 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 like other formulas that are popular right now tend to do. Despite the finish, it’s still very comfortable and nourishing. 1990 is a neutral deep brown that is actually fairly unique to my collection, and I love using it to balance out super pink eye/cheek looks or over-the-top bronzy looks. Slip is a warm-leaning brown that I can’t quite describe but it’s the perfect lipstick for a fair/light olive skintone without going orange. I love 1990, but Slip is my favorite everyday lipstick. I honestly wear it more often than any other lip product I have, and I have way more lip products than I’m willing to admit.

Victoria Beckham Posh Gloss in Poolside – This gloss is super hydrating and not sticky or syrupy. It feels more like a luxurious lip treatment than a traditional gloss, but with the payoff of serious shine. This is by far the shiniest and glassiest of all the products here – it gives that juicy, full-lip effect without needing any shimmer like the Makeup By Mario. It smooths over all my lip lines and makes my lips look much healthier and more even-toned. Poolside is a neutral rosy brown that looks incredibly natural and flattering on me – it enhances my lip color in that effortless “my lips but way better” way. The pigment is sheer but noticeable enough to wear on its own and it layers beautifully without getting goopy. And of course, the packaging is stunning – heavy, elegant, and everything you’d expect from Victoria Beckham. It’s one of those products that makes me feel a little fancier every time I use it.

Armani Prisma Glass Lip Gloss in 06 – This is a beautiful plummy brown shade that works especially well on olive skin tones—it adds just the right amount of depth and helps pull a look in a really pretty berry direction. The purple undertone makes this one I reach for whenever I’m doing berry or lilac eye looks. In the swatches, it barely looks brown in comparison to the others but I promise it’s a plum leaning mahogany. It has just enough pigment to show up against my high-contrast features but still feels effortless—something I can swipe on without a mirror. The formula feels more like a hydrating lip oil than a typical gloss (similar to the Victoria Beckham one), and it leaves my lips super smooth and nourished with zero stickiness. The finish is incredibly glassy and reflective, with a touch of shimmer that adds fullness and smooths over any texture on my lips.

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

ELF Brand Review: The Best ELF Products That Feel High-End (Glow Reviver Lip Oil, Prime & Stay Finishing Powder, Lip Exfoliator, Halo Glow Liquid Filter, Sheer Slick Lipstick, Cream Glide Lip Liner, Liquid Blush)

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on ELF Brand Review: The Best ELF Products That Feel High-End (Glow Reviver Lip Oil, Prime & Stay Finishing Powder, Lip Exfoliator, Halo Glow Liquid Filter, Sheer Slick Lipstick, Cream Glide Lip Liner, Liquid Blush)

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I usually reach for high-end products, especially when it comes to makeup. But every now and then, a budget-friendly gem comes along that completely surprises me—and ELF has been delivering some serious winners. These products generally perform just as well (if not better) than some of my pricier favorites or are so inexpensive that they make a great option if you need one. In this post, all links are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own!

ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter – I’m a huge fan of “shimmer goos,” and this is one of my absolute favorites. I mix it into my primer or foundation for an all-over glow, use it under my eyes before corrector/concealer for extra brightness, or tap it on as a liquid highlighter. It works beautifully in every way I’ve tried, and I always get compliments when I wear it. I actually prefer it over Hollywood Flawless Filter—it’s smoother on my skin and, most importantly, it doesn’t break me out (which the Flawless Filter eventually did).

ELF Liquid Blush in Sauve Mauve, Dusty Rose, Bronze Bombshell – This formula is lightweight, ultra-pigmented, and blends out effortlessly to a soft, dewy finish. A little goes a long way, but it’s super buildable, so you can control the intensity—from a subtle flush to a bold pop of color. The texture melts into the skin without emphasizing texture or disrupting any other products under it. I’ve been really impressed with how well this wears throughout the day—it stays put without fading or getting patchy. If you’re looking for a beautiful liquid blush under $10, I can definitely recommend these. As far as shades go, Dusty Rose is very peachy learning orange on me so I wouldn’t recommend that particular shade if you happen to have an olive undertone, but I love Bronze Bombshell and Sauve Mauve on me.

Bronze Bombshell, Dusty Rose, Sauve Mauve

ELF Prime & Stay Finishing Powder (Fair/Light) – This powder completely surprised me. It’s under $5 but outperforms some of my high-end powders. It has the slightest hint of luminosity, so it sets everything beautifully without making your skin look flat or overly matte. It’s the perfect mix between a finishing and setting powder. I love using it all over to set my cream products while keeping that dewy look. I even used this on my friend for her wedding day (I was doing her makeup and needed something that would last), and her makeup held up flawlessly through the ceremony and all the dancing—well past midnight. I’m continually impressed by how well this works!

ELF Cream Glide Lip Liner In Baddest Beige and Mauve Aside– I can’t say I like these better than my favorite lip liners from Thrive or Victoria Beckham, but if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality lip liner that competes with higher-end options, this is it. The formula is creamy enough to glide on effortlessly without tugging or patchiness. I was super impressed given these are $2, and really like the semi-matte finish that works beautifully on its own or as a base under lipstick. They wear surprisingly well without drying out my lips. Both shades I got work really well for the types of lip colors I like to wear and for $2, this would be a great option for bolder colors you don’t wear really often.

ELF Sheer Slick Lipstick in Black Cherry – This is clearly meant to dupe Clinique Black Honey, and not only does it nail it—it’s better. The Clinique version always dried out my lips, but this one is slightly moisturizing. The color is nearly identical (at least to my eye), giving that perfect deep cherry tint. It’s sheer without being too sheer, making it easy to throw on without a mirror. For $5, this is a must-have, especially if you love berry lips as much as I do.

ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Jam Session and Honey Talks – If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I usually lean toward high-end lip products (still obsessed with my Hermès and Givenchy lipsticks). So, I was genuinely surprised by how much I love these. Honestly, I’d take them in every shade. They’re the perfect balance of pigment and sheerness, making them super versatile—wear them alone, over a lip liner, or layered with another lip product. The formula is shockingly hydrating for a lip oil, and it’s become my go-to when my lips need extra moisture. It’s not sticky, has a gorgeous glassy shine, and while it doesn’t last long, for $8 and how nourishing it is, I don’t mind reapplying. Heads up: there’s a slight minty tingle, so if that’s not your thing, you might want to skip these.

Jam Session and Honey Talks

ELF Lip Exfoliator – I’ve been using this for years, and I still swear by it. It’s also one of my husband’s favorite skincare products. The stick format makes it so easy to use—no mess, no digging into jars. It exfoliates really well without being too harsh and actually leaves my lips feeling moisturized. We keep them all over the house, and I’ve yet to try a scent/flavor I didn’t like. These are also super easy to travel with because they’re small and won’t spill.

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

Ciele Makeup Review: Mineral SPF Foundation, Concealer, Highlighter & Powder

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Ciele Makeup Review: Mineral SPF Foundation, Concealer, Highlighter & Powder

I’ve been testing out a bunch of products from Ciele lately, and I’m honestly so impressed. Every product in the line is packed with mineral SPF (which I love), but what really stands out is how beautifully everything wears—it feels more like skincare than makeup, with all the added benefits. Whether I’m going for a quick no-makeup makeup look or doing a full face, these formulas have totally earned a spot in my everyday routine. In this post, all links are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own!

tint & PROTECT medium coverage serum foundation with SPF 50+ in 3 – This is one of my favorite skin tints/foundations, and I reach for it all the time—especially because of the added SPF. I would never use this as my only SPF but I appreciate having the boost and love that all the Ciele products use mineral SPF. I would call this a skin tint because of how thin and lightweight it is, but it gives my skin a beautifully blurred, smooth look even with only having medium coverage and serum texture. It never gets cakey and blends like a dream. It wears beautifully throughout the day and is so hydrating it feels more like skincare than makeup, even with its medium coverage. Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about it and would recommend it to everyone! You can hopefully see from the swatches below that shade 3 is really great for my warm olive skin too. I’ve been very happy with it!

conceal & PROTECT SPF 50+ spot concealer for dark spots in shade 04N – This concealer is incredibly creamy and has a natural finish that isn’t too dewy or too matte. It’s medium coverage but can built to almost full without being cakey. It’s blendable and easy to build too. I love that it has SPF 50 so I get a bit of extra coverage around my eyes or on the high points of my face where I might be getting extra sun. Like the foundation, it’s lightweight and has a skincare feeling. 04N is a bit yellow for me but it works great under my eyes and to brighten certain areas of my face. I can’t use it all over as a foundation like some of my other concealers because of this.

glow & PROTECT SPF 50+ liquid highlighter in Piper – This highlighter is such a gem—it’s hydrating, super glowy, and gives the most beautiful soft-focus finish. The formula feels lightweight on the skin, with a buildable wash of color that never looks overdone. I love that it also has SPF 50 for that added sun protection, especially on the high points of my face. It makes my skin look incredibly healthy, fresh, and radiant, like I actually drink enough water and eat enough veggies. It’s the perfect glow without the glitter, and I find myself reaching for it for every look every since I got it. Piper is a beautiful champagne color that works really well with my skin tone.

filter & PROTECT SPF 30+ blurring finishing and setting powder – I was really pleasantly surprised by this powder. It’s very smoothing and blurring and sets everything in place without ever feeling heavy. The formula is super lightweight with just a touch of coverage and a natural finish that isn’t too matte. I love that it has skincare ingredients too—it helps support the skin barrier while keeping excess oil and shine in check. It never looks cakey or dry, and it layers beautifully over makeup or just on bare skin. When I’m really trying to build up sun protection, this is my go to powder.

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

Finally Reviewing Rephr Face Brushes – 04, 05, 18, 19, 22, 24, 35, 37

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Finally Reviewing Rephr Face Brushes – 04, 05, 18, 19, 22, 24, 35, 37

If you’re trying to decide which Rephr face brushes are worth adding to your collection, I’ve tested a bunch and narrowed down my favorites. These mini reviews break down how each brush performs, what I use them for, and how they compare—so you can find the ones that’ll actually earn a spot in your daily routine. In this post, all links are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own!

04 – This is an ultra-soft angled cheek brush that’s one of the most versatile face brushes I own. It was originally designed for contour, and it does that beautifully, but I find myself reaching for it just as much for blush, bronzer, and highlighter. The angled shape makes it perfect for sculpting and precise placement, but the softness of the bristles ensures everything blends seamlessly without harsh lines. It has just the right density to pick up product effortlessly without over-applying, so whether I’m working with something super pigmented or more sheer, it always applies smoothly. If you want a brush that can truly do it all for cheek products and specifically is angled for more precise application, this is a staple.

05 – If you’re looking for something less precise but just as soft and easy to work with, the 05 is one of my favorites. It’s bigger than the 04 and not angled, so you can easily cover large areas with it. I love it for blush, bronzer, and highlighter but it also works great for powder. Like the 04, it has a great density to pick up powder products and blend them out regardless of the opacity of the product. Honestly, I could say much of the same things between this and the 04 – it just depends on whether you want an angled brush or not.

18 and 19 – I’m reviewing these together because they’re super similar, and I don’t think you need both. They’re both candle-shaped cheek brushes that are perfect for highlighter, targeted blush or bronzer application, and precise powder placement. The bristles are incredibly soft, and the density is just right for picking up and blending powder products seamlessly. I personally reach for the 18 more because it’s smaller and denser, making it great for more controlled application. But if you prefer a fluffier, slightly larger brush that gives a softer, more diffused finish, the 19 is the better pick. Either way, both are beautifully made and work effortlessly.

22 – This is one of Rephr’s most expensive brushes, but it’s absolutely worth it. It’s easily one of my top three favorites from the brand, alongside the 24 and 37. This is hands down my favorite bronzer brush—the size, shape, and density are all spot on. It picks up and blends every powder bronzer I own effortlessly, no matter the formula. The bristles are incredibly soft but still grab just the right amount of product for a smooth, even application. Because it’s on the larger side, I can apply bronzer super quickly, but the tapered edge still allows for precise placement and subtle contouring. I genuinely have no complaints about this brush—it’s perfect.

24 – This is hands down my favorite brush for cream and liquid blush—my favorite type of product to use. No matter which of the (probably hundred) blushes I pair it with, it always performs flawlessly. It picks up just the right amount of product and blends it out seamlessly without disrupting the base underneath. The tapered shape allows for precise placement while still being big enough to make application quick and effortless. It’s on the denser side, which is why it works so well for cream blushes, even with stiffer formulas that can be tricky to pick up. It also blends out cream and stick bronzers and highlighters beautifully. In a pinch, this is my go-to for applying all my cream products, and then I’ll just use the 05 to set everything with powder products.

35 –I absolutely love how precise this brush is. It’s perfect for detailed contouring, or targeted highlight—especially if you like working in smaller areas or want maximum control. The size makes it feel almost like a precision tool, and while it’s not the brush I’d use to quickly sweep product across the face, it’s my go-to when I want to be intentional and sculpted with my application. The bristles are super soft, and despite its small size, it blends beautifully without creating harsh lines. If you enjoy refining the details or tend to go heavy-handed and need a bit more control, the 35 is a great one to have in your lineup.

37 – This is easily one of the softest brushes Rephr makes, and it truly feels luxurious on the skin. It’s a small cheek brush that’s incredibly versatile—I use it most often for blush, bronzer, and highlighter, and it handles each of those beautifully. The size gives you control over placement, while the ultra-soft bristles make blending seamless and effortless. It’s not overly dense, which makes it ideal for building up product gradually and achieving a soft, diffused finish. I especially love it for more pigmented products where I want a lighter touch. This is one of those brushes that makes your makeup routine feel a little more elevated—it’s a pleasure to use every time.

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

Luxury Beauty Worth the Splurge: My Top Picks for the Sephora Sale

Featuredby liftbakelove2 Comments on Luxury Beauty Worth the Splurge: My Top Picks for the Sephora Sale

The Sephora sale is the perfect time to grab high-end beauty products at a discount, especially those that feel like a splurge at full price. While I love finding budget-friendly gems, there are some luxury products that are so exceptional, they’re worth every penny—even more so when you can get them on sale. If you’ve been eyeing any of these but hesitating because of the price, now’s the time to add them to your cart! In this post, all links are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own!

Prada Reveal Skin-Optimizing Refillable Soft Matte Foundation in LW5 – During the upcoming Sephora sale, depending on your discount, this will end up being around the same price as other foundations from brands like Nars, Estee Lauder, Haus Labs, Ilia, Makeup by Mario, etc., and it’s so much better than anything else I’ve tried in this category (although for skin tints, I have other recommendations!). It doesn’t matter what I do with the rest of my face, this looks great all day. It’s somehow blurring and skin-perfecting without being too high coverage or drying. It’s described as a skincare foundation that refines the skin in three dimensions including tone, luminosity, and texture to reveal soft-filtered skin in real life, and that’s honestly exactly what it is. It’s basically magic in a bottle, and I don’t understand the wizardry of this foundation. I’m just so glad I picked it up and tried it! And if you’re not going to travel with it or care about it having a lid, you could totally get away with buying just the refill.

Prada Foundation in LW5 and Sarah Creal Concealer in 02

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.

Makeup Forever HD Skin Face Essentials Longwear Full Face Cream Palette – This palette is so fun to use and play with to mix together different shades to make whatever colors I want. It has contour, bronzer, blush, and highlight options, and you can use the bronzer/contour shades as complexion products as well. It’s so worth it to have an all in one face palette for travel that I also use all the time at home. I love the formula and how easy it is to apply and blend. They also have great staying power for creams and the formula layers on top of other things super well if I’m using these more as adjusters. I’m always surprised by how much use I get out of something like this as someone who isn’t a fan of face palettes, but I think it’s because the colors are so dialed in and because the texture makes them so easy to mix together to get my perfect shades.

YSL Couture Eyeshadow Quad 710 – The YSL Quads are some of my absolute favorite palettes, and while I’d gladly pay the $88 price tag, they’re an even better deal on sale. 710 is the perfect neutral palette and is flattering even on my olive undertones. The formula is exceptional—each shade picks up effortlessly, blends seamlessly, and wears beautifully all day. I love how even with 4 shades, it feels like there’s enough variety in the quad to get a bunch of different looks. The shimmer topper in this palette is especially stunning—I’ve been layering it over all kinds of eyeshadows to add the perfect touch of sparkle. Whether you’re going for a natural, no-makeup look or something bolder, I highly recommend this one. And of course, the packaging is beautiful. I also love the 200 palette – you can see my review of that here: https://liftbakelove.com/2024/11/09/ysl-couture-mini-clutch-in-200-gueliz-dream-my-favorite-eyeshadow-palette-for-my-olive-undertones/.

YSL Candy Glaze in 02 and 15 – If you’re looking for something incredibly nourishing and hydrating that also works like a lipstick, this is the one for you. And if you’re just looking for an incredibly luxurious lip balm that makes your lips look and feel amazing, then the clear (02) is fantastic. It lasts for so much longer than I would have expected, to the point that I would absolutely use the clear as a nighttime lip treatment in a pinch. It also smells amazing, but if you’re not into fruity/mango scents, you might not appreciate it as much as I do. Shade 15 (Showcasing Nude) is a beautiful rosey brown that is a perfect my lips but better color that’s so easy to wear.

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

Fwee Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pots and 3D Voluming Gloss Review – Swatches of every shade!

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on Fwee Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pots and 3D Voluming Gloss Review – Swatches of every shade!

After seeing so many people review and rave about the Fwee Lip & Cheek Blurry Pudding Pots, I’ve been so excited to try them. I’ve been playing with them for a few months and really have fallen in love with both them and their 3D Voluming glosses. This is not a sponsored post, but the products were sent to me for review. In this post, all links are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own as always!

Fwee Blurry Pudding Pot – This is one of the most unique blush and lip products I’ve tried—it has a soft, bouncy pudding-like texture that melts into the skin for an airbrushed finish. The formula feels like the best of both worlds between a cream and a powder, blending effortlessly while still setting down to a natural, blurred finish. It’s super pigmented, so a little goes a long way, but it’s also incredibly buildable, making it easy to go from a soft, natural look to something more intense. As you’ll see in the swatches, there are a ton of nuanced shades across each color category, with an incredible total of 30 shades. It works beautifully on both cheeks and lips, making it a perfect all-in-one product for effortless makeup days. This reminds me of the Mac Glow Play blushes but even longer wearing and usable on the lips. They also layer beautifully if you use multiple shades or you can mix them together in their keychain for your own shade.

I also love the brush that you can get for these – it works incredibly well to pick up the blush!

3D Voluming Gloss – I was honestly surprised by how much I love this formula. It’s incredibly nourishing and hydrating—I’ve even been reaching for it instead of lip balm. While it doesn’t have a noticeable plumping effect, it’s super smoothing, giving lips a healthy, glossy look without being overly sticky. The slight tackiness helps it last longer than most glosses. I also appreciate that each shade comes in two opacities, 30% and 70%, so you can choose how much pigment you want. It has a sweet scent, but it fades quickly and doesn’t linger.

I swatched all 30 shades I have of the pudding pots and the matching glosses for each color range. You’ll see there’s a variety of colors and opacities across the ranges. I also appreciate how there’s a good balance of warm/neutral/cool shades and options that are bright and muted. It’s impossible to pick favorites but I definitely find myself personally gravitating towards The ND (Nude) and RS (Rose) shades.
 

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

NARS Brand Review: Blush, Eyeshadow, and Lipstick

Featuredby liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on NARS Brand Review: Blush, Eyeshadow, and Lipstick

NARS has been absolutely delivering with their recent launches, and I’ve been loving what I have in my collection. From effortlessly blendable blushes to a long-time favorite eyeshadow base, plus a stunning palette and a lipstick formula that’s quickly becoming a staple, these picks have been in constant rotation. In this post, all links are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own!

Powder Blush in Behave and Infatuated – I have two shades of the newly formulated blushes, and I absolutely love them. I’m constantly tempted to grab another! The formula is incredibly lightweight and blendable. Both shades are matte but not overly flat—they offer a soft, blurring effect without looking powdery. They wear beautifully throughout the day, and I love that I can keep layering them without overdoing it. I adored the original version, but this reformulation is even better. Behave is a matte pink mauve that is super unique to my collection, and I love using it to layer with other blushes. Infatuated is a matte deep plumberry that’s perfect for olive skin and was one I wore all the time in the winter especially. The swatches below aren’t super built up but hopefully you can see how pretty they both are!

Powder Blush in Behave and Infatuated

Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base – There’s not much to say about this eyeshadow base except that it works so well! I’ve tried countless eyeshadow primers over the years, and this is the one I always come back to. While it doesn’t offer much color correction, it does exactly what I need: keeps my eyeshadow in place all day. It creates a smooth, non-sticky base that helps shadows adhere without making them difficult to blend. Plus, the doe-foot applicator makes application super easy!

Afterglow Tempting Eyeshadow Palette – This has been my go-to palette ever since I got it, and I’m so sad it’s limited edition! If you’re thinking about picking it up, I highly recommend it. The shades feel unique within my (very large) eyeshadow collection, and I love that it doesn’t include a ton of unnecessary mattes. The mattes that are in the palette work perfectly as base shades or for deepening the outer corner. If I need more mattes, I can always reach for another palette. Follow Me is a standout—it’s a gorgeous purple-leaning brown that works beautifully as a matte one-and-done or for adding depth, especially with my olive undertones. The shimmer range in this palette is stunning, whether worn alone or as toppers. My favorite is No Lies, the perfect one-and-done shimmery brown. I have to admit the swatches absolutely don’t do the shimmers justice – they are so sparkly and dimensional in person. And as expected from NARS, the shadows pick up easily, blend seamlessly, and have fantastic staying power.

Afterglow Tempting Eyeshadow Palette

Explicit Lipstick in Exposed – This formula is everything I love in a lipstick—lightweight yet pigmented, offering medium-to-full coverage that builds effortlessly. It has a dimensional satin finish that gives the lips a soft sheen without being too glossy or too matte. The wear time is impressive; it stays put without feeling heavy or drying. I especially appreciate that it’s smudge-resistant but still comfortable—no weird slipping or settling into lines. Exposed is supposed to be a cool-toned taupe but because I’m so olive, it goes pretty orange on me. That said, I love using it to tone down anything too berry or too pink and bring it back to a more neutral place, so I’ve been using this almost every day to balance out some of my other shades. I’m super tempted to get another shade because I love the formula so much, and I’m glad I grabbed this one to try it out!

Explicit Lipstick in Exposed

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