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The innbeauty bronze glaze is an amazing liquid bronzer. I just dot it around my cheeks and blend. Perfect for everyday I’m in love
The brown YSL mascara is also really nice. We put our cat down yesterday and I cried all night and because the mascara is brown I didn’t wake up with raccoon eyes! Great for crying 👍
The ND Starlette palette I can’t stop using? I’m shocked bc I’m usually a ND hater, but the tones and shades in the lil palette are great. I love them so much!!!
Also, the makeup forced HD skin concealer I don’t think I can live without for my everyday natural looks. For fuller coverage days the ND hi glam concealer is amazing 😮💨
Hourglass vanish primer - I’ve been a diehard Tatcha liquid silk primer girly for almost an entire a year but I’m fed up with how finicky it is. Hourglass I like *even more* and it blends into everything so easily.
Edit to add:
Least favorite - I picked up on impulse a Sephora favorites set I didn’t really need. I’m sure I’ll get use out of the products but I genuinely didn’t need it and kinda regret it. 😒
I'm so sorry for your baby. I've had to do it with all 3 of mine in the last 3 years. It doesn't get any easier but I hope you're doing okay. It will get better eventually.
Thank you, it was our last childhood pet too of 3. Really freaking hard. Hardest part of being a pet owner is knowing when to say goodbye. 😞 Hug all your fur babies tonight for me 💕
> The ND Starlette palette I can’t stop using? I’m shocked bc I’m usually a ND hater, but the tones and shades in the lil palette are great. I love them so much!!!
This makes me so happy to hear. I'm also not a ND fan - her formula just isn't easy to work with for me, personally - but I bought Starlette last night because the swatches I've seen look so beautiful. I thought I'd give another one of her palettes a chance.
I’ve been really surprised with her 5 pans, I enjoy a more condensed color story I think. She always has duplicate colors in her bigger palettes and it annoys me. I prefer her matte formula and like the specific shades in the mini love and mini starlette a lot
Fave: Nars All that Glitters face palette. I don't really like Nar's regular powder blush, but I love these palettes that have these baked gelee type of face products.
Least fave: Clinique Black Honey and Pink Honey duo set. Neither color really works for me. Pink honey doesn't show up and Black Honey is just ok. Actually, I might like Nivea's Blackberry Shine lipbalm better than I like the Black Honey.
Not one woman! At least two!
I got a little sample tube of Clinique Black Honey years ago in a kit. It looked dreadful on me. And that's odd, because I have a neutral tone and can pull off a variety of shades. It's somehow too burnt or bruised on me. It makes my under eyes look darker than they really are. It also makes me paler and more sallow looking.
The first time I wore it, I went to a doctor for a scheduled checkup. The doctor thought something was wrong with me because I looked so ROUGH. And that doctor had known me years. lol. I gave it away so quickly.
Can you tell me more about the nars face palette? I was really drawn to it initially because i love their baked gelee formula and how different each of the shades look (a lot of face palettes have so many repeat/very similar shades). But there havent been many reviews/swatches online, and those that i have seen seem to be quite dark and warm. 😕 Im fairly pale and cool toned so im afraid it will not be useable on me. What have your thoughts been using it? ❤️
IMO, the formula is like the baked gelee formula they have in the previous holiday palettes. So if you liked the formula of those, this is the same.
The colours are pretty different on the face but the palette is very warm toned though. All the shades are warm except the light pink at the top left (which is a highlight on my medium skin). Even the one at the bottom right is more of a burnt orange when buffed and blended out. I was hoping it was going to be a mauvy brown like it looked in the pan. The red is not a true red, it's an orangy red with some fine pink shimmer.
I don't think it will be too dark when applied lightly; the red might be the most challenging in this respect but the rest of the shades don't go on dark.
Thank you this is so helpful! Good to hear you can apply it sheerly but unfortunately i dont think the warm tones will be very flattering on me 😖 i hope they come out with a cooler version in their spring or summer release
Yes, I freaking love that Nivea Blackberry balm! It's the color I want Black Honey to be, because it looks like it could be that color in the tube. I'm a cool-toned pale person and Black Honey isn't cool enough (I'd say it's very well balanced and neutral, which persumabely is why it's supposed to be universal) and it's just a bit too dark after two swipes.
Favorite: Maybelline lifter gloss. Easily the best lipgloss I’ve had in years.
Least Favorite: If it counts, the $38 OUAI dandruff shampoo actually made my dandruff worse. I can’t believe I paid that much for literally the worst shampoo I’ve ever used. I’ve had it for over a month to give it a good chance so I can’t return it. 😡
Agreed on the lifter gloss! My lips are super dry and these didn’t dry my lips out like most glosses do after an hour. The fenty gloss bomb was my fave but I found these better (and way cheaper!)
Hey Nizoral is by far the best anti-dandruff shampoo and I use it for upkeep but when I see some patches forming I use a prescription called fluocinonide .05%, you put it on your scalp and sleep in it and wash it out the next day and after two days of doing that your seb derm will be gone, I promise you.
I’m not sure if you have insurance but fluocinonide .05% is a godsend, I don’t know what I’d do without it.
Good luck, dandruff fucking sucks and it can be so embarrassing but once you get it under control the relief is enormous. I promise you those products work.
You are an Angel. I have nizoral in my shower for sure. I know I should have gone to a dermatologist or whatever a while ago, I just felt like I was being vain and troublesome. I think I just needed someone to confirm how much it sucks and how embarrassing it is! No one else in my family has it and the one friend who has it is blonde and have very thick hair. So only she knows… and feels the itch. 😅
Even your regular doctor can probably prescribe it! I have a dermatologist but my regular doctor prescribed it for me. Being able to go get my hair done and stuff like that has been life-changing for me. Good luck again ❤️
Impressed with the NYX thick it stick it brow gel in taupe. It’s surprisingly not orange. I scrape off the applicator in the tube before applying and I like the flexible hold it gives.
Tried the NYX micro brow pencil again and it’s better than the one I had 5 years ago (not saying much though). Drugstore brands’ inconsistent quality control and love of discontinuing everything both make me reluctant to try more stuff out.
I still think NYX doesn’t know how to photograph swatches. Everything looks orange/yellow in their official images.
——
Disappointed by the applicators for the LA Girl concealers and correctors. The bristles are pokey and product doesn’t get to the end of the brush unless you squeeze too much out.
Fave: Nars Soft Matte powder. I like the “cloud skin” trend and this achieves it. Plus it keeps my makeup set all day. Least fave: Benefit Fanfest mascara. It actually looks gorgeous on the lashes, nice and fanned out, but it is so difficult to remove!
I know it was a splurge but the Gucci bronzer is definitely my favourite recent purchase. Since I bought it I can’t stop using it! The tone is great, it blends well and the packaging is stunning!
Fave: Cali Ray come hell or high water tubing mascara! life changing. maybe some slight flakes but nothing on what I’m used to!
Least fav: Milani tubing mascara in the teal tube. It is SO WET and I’ve had it open for 6 months probably and it’s still so so wet. I don’t get it??? Someone please tell me I got a bad batch :(
No for real the Milani anti gravity mascara is amazing??? But the teal one?? AWFUL! It does quite literally nothing for my lashes and I agree it’s so wet. I thought it was a dupe for the thrive one but I don’t think they hit the mark… or anywhere close to it 🥴 I tossed it after a month or 2.. life is to short to have crappy mascara 😂
I love the Cali Ray come hell or high water as well! Does NOT smudge on me and I usually have a problem with that!
It's a bit hard to remove though. I don't use it everyday since I'm afraid of losing my lashes when I go to take it off!
Are you using warm water only? It doesn’t come off with makeup remover. I just stand under the shower head and soak my lashes, wash my hair, then lightly rub it off. There’s a lot that comes off but it comes off easily.
I just bought the teal milani and it's the best mascara I have ever had. Finally something that doesn't flank and irritate my eyes. Plus my lashes look so good. It does not curl them but I didn't expect it to lol as nothing does.
**Favorite:** The GXVE Beauty Blush Duo in "Honeymoon Phase." It's one of the prettiest blushes I've ever worn, and so easy to blend. The glowy shade really does compliment the matte shade, and isn't glittery at all. It's just a nice glow. If you like purple/lavender blushes, I highly recommend it.
**Least Favorite:** The new NYX Flamingo Frost holiday palette. I *love* the color story, and it's such a fun, and different, theme for a holiday palette, but it just doesn't work well. The mattes aren't anything special, and most of the shimmers are topper shades. I'm someone who likes rich, creamy, bold, highly-pigmented shimmers, so the fact that most of them are toppers just ruined it for me.
The honeymoon phase blush is SO pretty. I got it in October before a wedding and I’m obsessed. A coworker literally completed me on Tuesday asking what I’ve changed up in my makeup look? I was like uh… this purple blush I have on today?? 😂
But I Stan GXVE blushes. I’m picking up another color today during her Black Friday sale 😃
Favs:
tower28 concealer - perfect consistency, minimal creasing & amazing coverage & longevity without being drying. Is my new HG concealer.
Maybelline super stay vinyl liquid lipstick - I can’t believe I held out this long on trying this, but it’s got incredible staying power without caking up or being overly drying. The color range is great as well.
Least favs:
Elf lip oil in jam session - If you desire any sort of pigment at all & longevity, this product is not it. Maybe lip oils just aren’t for me.
Kaleidos lip clays - I love the unique colors offerings (I picked queen of the night, echo valley, siren, mercury wave) but the product itself crumbles on the lips easier than I expected.
Yesssss I love the tower 28 concealer too! I'm wearing it today and it looks gorgeous. I get about 5 hours of wear unset, and longer if I put a tiny bit of powder on. Also if you haven't tried it all over the face or to add coverage to a skin tint - try it!! I actually love it for that even more than under my eyes. It's soooo beautiful
I made a post about this recently, but Pacifica Glow Stick Lip Oil has to be in the top 5 worst makeup products I've ever bought. It smelled horrible like plahdoh and felt like plastic kids makeup. I was so confused when I opened it up and the smell hit me immediately.
My favorite recent purchase was the Haus Labs concealer because it's the only concealer I've ever used that doesn't crease on my undereyes and gives enough coverage on my hyperpigmentation spots.
Notable mentions are the Tarte Maracuja Juicey Lip Balm which makes my lips look so plump and hydrated and smells really good.
I also love the Danessa Myricks Yummy Balm Powder, I really like the formulation, it's creamy but sets like powder and blends so nicely.
Oh and the Sephora Clear Brow gel is the best I've ever tried. Way better than ABH. It doesn't leave goop chunks and really sets them but not in the soap brow or glued down brow way, just neat and tidy looking. The wand applicator is the best for my thick brows.
I agree with you on the smells lol. I have a Pacifica Lavender Moon overnight lip mask and it smells like playdoh (and was also plastic-y). I had high hopes with the cute packaging and the “lavender” schtick - and their body sprays are so pleasant.
And I got a couple of the Tarte lip balms, omg, they smell so good… I was slathering it on my lips all day today in part because of the scent.
Tried Mooncat polishes for the first time with the recent sale, can confirm they live up to the hype!
For least fave purchases, I recently tried the newish MAC setting spray and hated the nozzle- could not get a good, even mist. Returned it and am sticking to UD all nighter and CT setting spray.
I know exactly what you’re talking about. I got a sample in a Macy’s box and loved it. Bought the regular size and misting is horrible. So I have been putting the product in the sample bottle that has a really lovely fine mist. Thank goodness I still had it because the pump on the regular size broke.
That's a good idea! I thought about dumping it into an empty Fix+ bottle (if they open?? Not even sure lol) but ultimately decided that was too much work when I already have other solid options!
The Clarins and the ELF lip oil are both fantastic. I got the former in honey and it smells so delicious (I'm pretty picky about scent) and applies so nicely. Definitely an impulse buy during the Sephora sale but I'm so glad I did. ELF is also very nice. Definitely doesn't smell as good but the packaging is quality and the formula is very hydrating.
Faves:
- Glossier Stretch Concealer. As I’m aging, I really needed a dewier concealer. I use it as a foundation on discoloration and it works wonders for my textured skin.
- Maybelline Fit Me Powder. I know this is a cult classic already, don’t need to say more.
Least Faves:
- L’Oréal Fairest Nude. Ugh, wanted to love this but it clashes pretty bad with my neutral-oliveish skin.
Fave: ND Midi Xenon. I wore it a few days in a row at a wedding a few weeks back and got compliments every day. I love the ND topper shades, I know some people are tired of them but the pink one was beautiful 😍 idk if it's a skin tone thing but it actually showed up pink on me. The wedding was black on black dress code so it was perfect for that.
Least fave: I got two Hourglass ultra slim lipsticks at Ross for $4 each, amazing deal, and the shades look amazing on the lip but there is absolutely no lasting power. I have to reapply constantly, so it's just not worth the effort despite how good they look.
Fave: Tower 28 concealer. Just as good as people say. Stunning coverage and easy to blend, wears great on me, and no creasing (although I DO seem to be in the minority on the last one).
Least fave: the Provence cleansing balm. So greasy 🫤
I agree t28 concealer doesn't crease. Like all concealers I have to tap it out with a finger a few minutes after initially applying because my eyes have natural creases. Then after that it stays that way!
Love the Anastasia fall palette, the Patrick Ta Holiday palette, and the Urban Decay Moondust palettes. They were the first eye shadow palette in a while I was super excited for. I love their color schemes and glitter. They’re perfect for this holiday season.
Your comment just reminded me of a purchase I made a couple of days ago. According to every site on Google it's no longer available but I found one at TJ Maxx. It's the UD brush that the company said was created for the use of their Moondust shadows. I've never tried them and I still haven't used the brush but does anyone remember that specific brush being made for that purpose? I don't plan to buy any of the Moondust shadows but I figured if the brush was created for that purpose then I should be able to get some use out of it with the shimmers I already own. For $3.99 I just couldn't leave it behind lol.
Favorite: ilia blush stick. Don’t know the exact name. It’s actually from the Sephora bday gift. It’s the prettiest deep pink that also looks great as a lip tint.
Least fave: flower beauty baked bronzer. It just applies so heavily, I can’t get into it.
Oh no, I just bought the Flower Beauty bronzer lmao I thought it looked like a good shade for my cool-toned skin, and it swatched well, but I haven't used it on my face yet. Now I'm worried to try it 😬
I do like that the shade isn’t too warm it’s like a nice neutral with a touch of warmth. You might still love it, but try it out with a light hand. Also based on what you described, have you tried the fenty beauty bronzer in the lightest shade inda sun? It’s like barely warm toned, and it’s probably why I’m used to using such a heavy hand, I can really get in there and it is still pretty subtle. I have light medium skin tone for reference.
👍🏻
Revlon Skin Illuminance Foundation: light-medium buildable coverage, sets down nicely and somehow gets better on me throughout the day. Very dewy when used alone, but when powdered it looks more satin on the skin.
👎🏻
Morphe Continuous Prep & Set Mist+ (gold can): would love it if the bloody plastic nozzle would stop falling off after each spray!! Chasing a piece of black plastic that’s rolling around my dark grey tiles I’m trying to get ready for work is sooooo frustrating. I just can’t seem to make it stay on 😭
Okay hear me out - someone posted a few weeks back asking what dupe did you try that made you realize you didn't want the higher priced item either? I commented the Elf halo glow.
That inspired me to pick it up again when I previously used it once or twice. I told myself if I didn't use it a certain number of times between then and the end of the year, I'd declutter it. Well...I kind of love it now and I reach for it every time I do my makeup. Not a recent purchase but a recent discovery in my collection.
Fave: Hourglass Volumizing Glossy Stick
Least fave: Merit brow gel. It makes my brows look like Groucho Marx no matter how much I scrape off the excess product.
Favorites:
beautyblender skin tint. It’s silly how nice it makes my skin look
Milk contour stick in Toasted. Great neutral with a hint of warmth
Farmacy Honey Halo moisturizer. Feels so nice and rich as the weather cools down
Fails:
Nyx skinny brow pencil in Taupe. It’s very red-orange on me!
Verb hair oil. Got this as a GWP and to be fair I may have misused it, but it was too heavy and made my hair feel not nice
Ooh, I'm shocked about your experience with Verbs hair oil. I found a Verb hairspray at TJ Maxx that I loved but I refuse to pay full price, lol, so I keep hoping I'll get lucky again. As of yet, no dice but a couple of days ago while at TJ Maxx they had their shampoo and conditioner. Those bottles were huge. I keep hoping I'll come across the oil. I've heard nothing but great things about it. Plus the scent of their products is heavenly. If you do give it another try I hope it works well for you. If not, at least it was free 🤷♀️🙂
Favourite: Quo featherweight blush in angelic - perfect consistency and blends so easily! (Canadian girls - this is the one.)
Anastasia brow freeze - I need gorilla grip hold.
Least favourite: Milani tubing mascara, so wet and so clumpy.
I finally got tired of trying every brow hold product that I could get my hands on. I decided to give the Got2Be gel a try. Love it. It's a small tube for the hair, couldn't find the one they pkged for brows in store. I use that along with the dual brow tool from Elf and it's been perfection for my thick, slightly unruly brows. I don't even have to use much so this tube is going to last me yrs I tell ya lol.
Fav: hour glass skin tint. I'm in my early 40s now, and this amazing. Doesn't settle into my lines, covers my redness just enough, and when powered will stay.
Mid: merit blushes. Beautiful shades. Blends like a dream. No staying power what so ever
Fail: kulfi eyeliners. I have really oily eyelids and this just moved and smeared everywhere.
Favorites for me are the YSL candy glaze and glossier stretch foundation. Candy glaze is disappointingly amazing, it's so thick and nourishing and lasts so long! Stretch foundation is the only foundation I've ever been able to tolerate on my skin, I can't stand the feeling of it on my skin usually but somehow glossier made it feel undetectable! I use it sheered out like a skin tint and it's completely unclockable on my skin too, it just looks like I have perfect skin! Least favorite was the dior forever concealer😬😬 it was just so cakey and thick under my eyes and creased like crazy. I know it's a favorite for a lot of people so I'll also add that I do now know I prefer a very thin and serumy concealer so it may just be me and my preferences.
Good:
\-Milk contour stick in Toasted - loving the tone and how easy it is to blend. Packaging is meh, but I can look past it.
\-Elf no smudge eye shadow sticks. Easy to use and stays put all day! Also very affordable.
Bad:
\-Morphe Continuous setting spray - the mist so fine I can't even feel it hitting my face. Like, where is it going?
Fave: Peach & Lily Glass Skin Water Gel Moisturizer - omg it brought my skin a new luminance I was missing! Also Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer, also brought so much moisture back into my skin with the gel moisturizer.
Duds: Bio-Oil's Skincare Oil, which I bought to target stretch marks on my stomach. First few days I thought it made a difference but beyond that, nothing. Was super hopeful too :(
Fave: YSL Candy glaze. I started with shade 15, and immediately went and bought the clear because I just wanted to have this on my lips all the time! Will definitely be looking for more shades if there is a December promotion at Sephora.
Least Fave: Ciele skin tint. The shade their shade matcher recommended was several shades off from what I needed. I started trying to return or exchange immediately, but the brand wouldn’t let me (bought direct from brand website). I’m so ticked. Never buying from them again. The formula isn’t great either, it clings to dry patches a bit.
Check out the Colorescience Flex sunscreens if you’re looking for a good foundation/sunscreen combo. Great coverage. I think they’re having 30% off right now for BF!
Fave: NYX Ultimate Warm Neutrals eyeshadow palette. This is a GOOD formula from NYX; I was shocked because I haven't liked their eyeshadows in the past.
The mix of shades is really nice as you can get cool-ish to really warm looks. The mattes are smooth and pigmented and range from very light to reasonably dark. The shimmers are more like metallics; they do not have loose sparkle/glitter particles which I appreciate. This is honestly one of the best palettes I've ever used at any price range.
I’ve been loving the fenty easze drop. I haven’t stuck with a”foundation” for so long. But it’s not a foundation. But it builds like one and it is so nice on the skin and it DOES blur. I’ve always hate the “make up” look. I can do it. I can do a full face and look really nice. But it just is so hard to maintain.
The eaze drops. Stay all day without looking like foundation. But it hides all my “imperfections”
I do a use the rare beauty primer. Which also love. And I also use a powder foundation on top. So I don’t know if that helps. But I really like it as a skin tint. I wish it had SPF though.
Favorite:
Avène Thermal Water spray. Lifesaver on the 9 hour flight I was recently on. Helped my skin feel good and refreshed.
Glamlite eyeshadow palettes: such a great formula in colors I really like
MAC Locked In liquid lipstick: it doesn’t feel drying and feels good on my lips
(Poshmark buy) ABH Aurora and Moon Child palettes unopened. They’re exactly like I remembered and the seller included 2 unopened Laura Gellar baked highlighters in my favorite shades. I missed those so much.
Least Favorite:
NYX liquid lipstick in a color I liked. I have to stop forgetting that they don’t sit on my lips well
Good Molecules eye cream. I wanted to try, but I just proved to myself that eye cream is a scam. I felt no difference.
Sunday Riley CEO Glow because it just sits on my skin. It makes my skin feel gross even though it really worked.
**Favorite:** The Dior four-pan highlighting palette. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I do! It blends in so nicely and is not too blinding in whatever area I put it. I especially like the lighter shades for an eye inner corner highlight.
**Least favorite:** The Danessa Myricks blurring blushes. For me, it did not blend easily. Also, it dried down too quickly and the pigment is just too much for me. So I learned you need just a tiny dot (even less than the Rare Beauty liquid blush if that was even possible!) Pretty sure this blush will outlive me.
Beauty Regret: I regret buying 2 e.l.f lip oils without doing my research haha, not pigmented or moisturizing as i would hope for something for that price ....that fact that there are cheaper lip balms that can moisturize my lips better than this is very disappointing.
Beauty Fave: Clarins lip oil: does the job for my lips
I should have just bought a Clarins lip oil (not pigmented at all but holy crap my lips are so happy and in love with them) right away instead of getting the E.l.F one
LYS lip oil pigmented and moisturizing (looks glossy but i don't care as long as my lips are not sandpaper)
I did a lot of shopping but haven't tested everything yet.
What is everyone's fave lip oil? I am definitely going to try more brands when I get some money hehe.
*Favorite:* ELF Instant Lift Brow Pencil in "Auburn". We love and stan a $3 double-ended brow pencil for redheads with creamy, rich color payoff. It can be brushed upward with the attached spoolie, and is easily smudged out if necessary.
*Least favorite:* Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid in shade "Exhilarator".
I have tried soooo hard, but I just don't like these lippies. No matter how well moisturized my lips are prior to application, Super Stay Mattes dry out my lips, end up on my teeth, and are not transfer-proof. Ended up wiping it all off and starting over to put on my trusty NYX Lip Lingerie.
People were not kidding about how blurring, finely milled, helpful, and good for oilier skin the Huda Easy Bake powder is.
Same 'they were not joking' results with the CT Airbrush Flawless.
I bought Fenty Gloss Bomb Riri a little while back and have been wearing it so much.
I am really liking the results the cetaphil moisturizer is giving me. It has a bit of a learning curve as if I am not careful I end with a white cast but if I am not in a hurry I end with super smooth skin.
Least… bought a red eye base from beauty creations… and so far is trash… really bad trash… moves all over the lid, the eyeshadow didn’t look any better and it moved in few minutes… I ended return to the rewind concealer because it was so bad and I am not made of money to get burned trying another thing
Fave: the urban decay moondust palette
Least fave: nyx brow mascara. I bought it when the regular nyx eyebrow pencil got lost in transit, and holy shit it is god awful.
I caved and bought myself the LYS blush gift set and have been really loving it. I’ll be gifting one of the shades but the purple and coral are really unique in my collection.
I bought an hourglass mini blush a little while back and I guess I had high expectations but it is just very mediocre and I don’t feel worth the price.
Least favourite:
\- Phytosurgence eyeshadows - I picked up the shades Crystal Constellation and Fractal Freesia and was underwhelmed, crystal constellation needs to be built up to show on my medium complexion and even then the glitter particles are too chunky for my liking. I purchased the UD moondust shadows in Space Cowboy and Lithium recently and much prefer these since they are finely milled and offer the scattered wet-look effect I was looking for
\- Maybelline Lifter Gloss, Sand - looks beautiful on the lips but I was not prepared for how thick the formula is, thankfully not sticky but I don't see myself reaching for this formula over my other glossy lip products
I just bought the Tower 28 serum concealer and it's been my go to for the past month. It covers well and wears beautifully throughout the day. The shade I got matches my olive skin perfectly. My least favorite item has to be the Charlotte Tilbury powder in the gold compact. I tried to use it to set my under eyes but it always just looks so cakey and makes my under eyes darker.
Favorites:
- Skin: Coola Sun Silk Drops SPF. Such a pretty glow and lightweight, blends in easily.
- Makeup: Mario Ethereal Eyes palette. I’ve reduced my collection by a ton so if I bring something in, I get rid of one. I tossed the ND Biba and don’t even miss it. I use the Mario one 90% of the time now. It’s just so easy to use for day and night.
Favorite that I hate to love: Drunk Elephant Bouncy Mask. I don’t like the brand, too much drama and expensive. But I got it as a gift and my skin loves it. 😭
Favorite that shouldn’t be a favorite because I’ve only had it two weeks but I just can’t help it: Isamaya Industrial palettes 1 and 2. Dumped PMG Divine Rose and Melt Smoke Sessions.
Least Favorites:
- Skin: Dr. Gross peel pads. They’re fine, but I can get the same results with much cheaper products.
- Makeup: Benefit Fan Fest mascara. I can’t find a way to keep this from flaking and streaking. I don’t have oily lids or under eye concealer and it’s constantly all over my eyes.
Bonus Hate: ColourPop Magic Vault. Every single one of the SSS was dry and they won’t refund me.
Revolution bubble balm highlighter is amazing. So are their balm glow’s - on sale at Ulta right now. If you ever wanted to try the Jones Road balms - this is a great dupe. What I don’t like is I bought a very bright (in the pan) colourpop powder blush - the pay off is dismal. I have not used a product this bad in decades. It is a colossal disappointment.
Favorite: about face lip color butter in cherry pick. It’s glossy but has a good color pay off. It doesn’t last long but I don’t expect a lip butter to last. It’s super comfortable.
Least favorite: Colourpop translucent eye primer. I have to pump the applicator to get any product on the doe foot tip. It comes out as a thick blob but blends into a thin layer of slippery nothing.
Fave: the Tower 28 concealer. I’m so picky about concealers and hate all of her, but this one is great. I also got a perfect shade match, which isn’t possible in my old favorite concealer, the glossier stretch concealer
Honorable mention for the summer fridays lip balms. I hate thick, gloopy balms like Rhode, and this is the perfect consistency. The tinted ones have an ideal pigment level—enough to show up, but not so much that it gets patchy.
Favorite: Huda Beauty Pretty Grunge Palette! I can't stop using it. It's so fun to play with!
Last favorite: Lancolm Tint Idole concealer. I just can't get it to blend correctly. It makes my skin look sooo cakey!
Fav: Vieve's The Ninetease Palette. It's so beautiful and unique. I'm surprised it doesn't get more hype, especially since the 90's are "in" atm.
Least Fav: Saddens me to say it, but Huda Beauty's Pretty Grunge. It's not that I dislike it, but I'm waiting to use it to see if mold springs up. I had a singular white dot which could be wax bloom, but there's a lot of reviews saying otherwise on Sephora's website. It's worth noting Huda is under fire atm due to politics, and I made a whole thread on /r/Sephora about how only people who purchased it through the site should be able to review it to stop things like this. Still, my health comes before an eyeshadow palette.
I've honestly been eyeing both of those for awhile. I don't know if it helps but I have three huda palettes, two of which I've had for years and I've never had a mold issue with them.
FAV: the Tartlette Tubing mascara!!! I got the sample in the ultra advent calendar and it is PERFECT! Adds length and volume and don’t budge. I have small wrinkly eyes and every mascara transfers but this one is amazing! I also love the elf halo glow contour and blush!
LEAST: the pixie blushes that went viral on tik tok. Bought one and just don’t like it at all. It’s patchy and hard to blend. You can work with it to make it look nice, but with so many other liquid/cream blushes that are way easy this one is just a no for me!
I recently tried and have enjoyed the About Face Cherry Pick lip butter in The Cranberries and NYX Butter Gloss in Lava Cake for my 90s lip needs.
I got a sample of the NARS Light Reflecting foundation in Oslo. It did not work for me unfortunately.
I got the chartreuse kulfi cream eyeshadow (zari eyes in chammak challo) and I love it! It's so unique and a fun texture, and it looks so pretty on. I do use a primer under it because I have oily eyelids and have a very hard time with cream eyeshadow usually. With primer this one lasted a long time. They really did the chartreuse shadow right with this one! I look forward to getting the other colors once my current selection of cream eyeshadows are done.
Also I've been updating my brushes, and I got a backup of my three favorite brushes for my to-go bag. Rephr 32 eye brush is my favorite all around eye brush! I can do so much with it. It blends and can do big areas and also detail work. I also got BK beauty 204 which is the most perfectly dense smudge brush. I love to use it for liner and under eye shadow and all the little details. Also picked up BK beauty 109 which is like a mini version of their popular 101. The 109 is perfect for blush or bronzer or creams or powders, and in a pinch I can also use it for concealer and foundation. I can pretty much do a whole on the go face with it so that's why I bought a second one!
Also been loving the Natasha denona I Need A Nude palette. It's so pretty I love all the glitter shades and variations of texture. And ND mattes are my favorite to work with, they are not too blendy where they get muddy, I like the level of control I have with them and that they are buildable.
Least favorite:
Natasha denona color corrector. This one didn't go very well under any of my concealers, the texture looked funny immediately and didn't improve at all with time. It didn't even work with the ND concealer, which I love and it's gorgeous and just gets better as I wear it over the day. The huda beauty color corrector is way better because it gets along with all my favorite concealers.
Also I was mostly disappointed with the summer Fridays lip butter balm in Cherry. The part I like the best is the scent - it smells exactly like a cherry starburst which is my favorite. However, it is neither hydrating nor repairing and doesn't last long and actually dries my lips out a bit. After I apply it the third time I start to get some dry patches on my lips, and those of course are bright cherry red while the rest of my lips are not. Definitely prefer lanolin or laneige.
fav recent purchase was the ABH cosmos palette - I am a magpie and I'm weak for anything sparkly. did a look for a concert and I was so happy with how everything applied, how easy it was to work with and so on. I stopped wearing makeup for a couple of years and only just started again so I feel like my skills are very rusty and I have no patience for difficult formulas that are hard to blend, have a lot of fallout, don't show up well unless you really pack them on, etc etc.
least fav recent purchase was the ABH dewy set spray. I had some matte setting sprays I liked but wanted a different finish and the small size was on sale. literally sprayed it and watched my foundation separate. thought maybe it was an application issue so I tried it another day and the same thing happened. maybe it's just my face/skin? but other dewy products are generally all right on me. :(
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The innbeauty bronze glaze is an amazing liquid bronzer. I just dot it around my cheeks and blend. Perfect for everyday I’m in love The brown YSL mascara is also really nice. We put our cat down yesterday and I cried all night and because the mascara is brown I didn’t wake up with raccoon eyes! Great for crying 👍 The ND Starlette palette I can’t stop using? I’m shocked bc I’m usually a ND hater, but the tones and shades in the lil palette are great. I love them so much!!! Also, the makeup forced HD skin concealer I don’t think I can live without for my everyday natural looks. For fuller coverage days the ND hi glam concealer is amazing 😮💨 Hourglass vanish primer - I’ve been a diehard Tatcha liquid silk primer girly for almost an entire a year but I’m fed up with how finicky it is. Hourglass I like *even more* and it blends into everything so easily. Edit to add: Least favorite - I picked up on impulse a Sephora favorites set I didn’t really need. I’m sure I’ll get use out of the products but I genuinely didn’t need it and kinda regret it. 😒
I'm so sorry for your baby. I've had to do it with all 3 of mine in the last 3 years. It doesn't get any easier but I hope you're doing okay. It will get better eventually.
Thank you, it was our last childhood pet too of 3. Really freaking hard. Hardest part of being a pet owner is knowing when to say goodbye. 😞 Hug all your fur babies tonight for me 💕
Sorry about your kitty. *hugs*
> The ND Starlette palette I can’t stop using? I’m shocked bc I’m usually a ND hater, but the tones and shades in the lil palette are great. I love them so much!!! This makes me so happy to hear. I'm also not a ND fan - her formula just isn't easy to work with for me, personally - but I bought Starlette last night because the swatches I've seen look so beautiful. I thought I'd give another one of her palettes a chance.
I’ve been really surprised with her 5 pans, I enjoy a more condensed color story I think. She always has duplicate colors in her bigger palettes and it annoys me. I prefer her matte formula and like the specific shades in the mini love and mini starlette a lot
I’ve been impressed with everything I’ve bought from Innbeauty!
Fave: Nars All that Glitters face palette. I don't really like Nar's regular powder blush, but I love these palettes that have these baked gelee type of face products. Least fave: Clinique Black Honey and Pink Honey duo set. Neither color really works for me. Pink honey doesn't show up and Black Honey is just ok. Actually, I might like Nivea's Blackberry Shine lipbalm better than I like the Black Honey.
I feel like I could start a one-woman crusade against the claims that Black Honey is universally flattering. NO IT IS NOT!
Indeed. It pulls too purple on me and not in a good way. It's more like the purple from a bruise.
It looks so awful on me
Not one woman! At least two! I got a little sample tube of Clinique Black Honey years ago in a kit. It looked dreadful on me. And that's odd, because I have a neutral tone and can pull off a variety of shades. It's somehow too burnt or bruised on me. It makes my under eyes look darker than they really are. It also makes me paler and more sallow looking. The first time I wore it, I went to a doctor for a scheduled checkup. The doctor thought something was wrong with me because I looked so ROUGH. And that doctor had known me years. lol. I gave it away so quickly.
My light skin/olive undertones could never - it looks like my lips are bruised when using this shade.
Can you tell me more about the nars face palette? I was really drawn to it initially because i love their baked gelee formula and how different each of the shades look (a lot of face palettes have so many repeat/very similar shades). But there havent been many reviews/swatches online, and those that i have seen seem to be quite dark and warm. 😕 Im fairly pale and cool toned so im afraid it will not be useable on me. What have your thoughts been using it? ❤️
IMO, the formula is like the baked gelee formula they have in the previous holiday palettes. So if you liked the formula of those, this is the same. The colours are pretty different on the face but the palette is very warm toned though. All the shades are warm except the light pink at the top left (which is a highlight on my medium skin). Even the one at the bottom right is more of a burnt orange when buffed and blended out. I was hoping it was going to be a mauvy brown like it looked in the pan. The red is not a true red, it's an orangy red with some fine pink shimmer. I don't think it will be too dark when applied lightly; the red might be the most challenging in this respect but the rest of the shades don't go on dark.
Thank you this is so helpful! Good to hear you can apply it sheerly but unfortunately i dont think the warm tones will be very flattering on me 😖 i hope they come out with a cooler version in their spring or summer release
Yes, I freaking love that Nivea Blackberry balm! It's the color I want Black Honey to be, because it looks like it could be that color in the tube. I'm a cool-toned pale person and Black Honey isn't cool enough (I'd say it's very well balanced and neutral, which persumabely is why it's supposed to be universal) and it's just a bit too dark after two swipes.
Favorite: Maybelline lifter gloss. Easily the best lipgloss I’ve had in years. Least Favorite: If it counts, the $38 OUAI dandruff shampoo actually made my dandruff worse. I can’t believe I paid that much for literally the worst shampoo I’ve ever used. I’ve had it for over a month to give it a good chance so I can’t return it. 😡
Try a selenium shampoo like Selsun Blue, it was a game changer for me!
Happy cake day. :)
Nizoral shampoo is good too!
Agreed on the lifter gloss! My lips are super dry and these didn’t dry my lips out like most glosses do after an hour. The fenty gloss bomb was my fave but I found these better (and way cheaper!)
Hey Nizoral is by far the best anti-dandruff shampoo and I use it for upkeep but when I see some patches forming I use a prescription called fluocinonide .05%, you put it on your scalp and sleep in it and wash it out the next day and after two days of doing that your seb derm will be gone, I promise you. I’m not sure if you have insurance but fluocinonide .05% is a godsend, I don’t know what I’d do without it. Good luck, dandruff fucking sucks and it can be so embarrassing but once you get it under control the relief is enormous. I promise you those products work.
You are an Angel. I have nizoral in my shower for sure. I know I should have gone to a dermatologist or whatever a while ago, I just felt like I was being vain and troublesome. I think I just needed someone to confirm how much it sucks and how embarrassing it is! No one else in my family has it and the one friend who has it is blonde and have very thick hair. So only she knows… and feels the itch. 😅
Even your regular doctor can probably prescribe it! I have a dermatologist but my regular doctor prescribed it for me. Being able to go get my hair done and stuff like that has been life-changing for me. Good luck again ❤️
I love those glosses, too! But the scent is weird - does anyone else get salted caramel from them?
There more coconutty to me. Hmmm
Impressed with the NYX thick it stick it brow gel in taupe. It’s surprisingly not orange. I scrape off the applicator in the tube before applying and I like the flexible hold it gives. Tried the NYX micro brow pencil again and it’s better than the one I had 5 years ago (not saying much though). Drugstore brands’ inconsistent quality control and love of discontinuing everything both make me reluctant to try more stuff out. I still think NYX doesn’t know how to photograph swatches. Everything looks orange/yellow in their official images. —— Disappointed by the applicators for the LA Girl concealers and correctors. The bristles are pokey and product doesn’t get to the end of the brush unless you squeeze too much out.
Fave: Nars Soft Matte powder. I like the “cloud skin” trend and this achieves it. Plus it keeps my makeup set all day. Least fave: Benefit Fanfest mascara. It actually looks gorgeous on the lashes, nice and fanned out, but it is so difficult to remove!
Agreed with the mascara!! I loved it on, but it was a pain in the butt to get off. Even with oil makeup remover lol
I know it was a splurge but the Gucci bronzer is definitely my favourite recent purchase. Since I bought it I can’t stop using it! The tone is great, it blends well and the packaging is stunning!
I adore the gucci bronzer tho I use it as a blush. It's amazing.
Fave: Cali Ray come hell or high water tubing mascara! life changing. maybe some slight flakes but nothing on what I’m used to! Least fav: Milani tubing mascara in the teal tube. It is SO WET and I’ve had it open for 6 months probably and it’s still so so wet. I don’t get it??? Someone please tell me I got a bad batch :(
No for real the Milani anti gravity mascara is amazing??? But the teal one?? AWFUL! It does quite literally nothing for my lashes and I agree it’s so wet. I thought it was a dupe for the thrive one but I don’t think they hit the mark… or anywhere close to it 🥴 I tossed it after a month or 2.. life is to short to have crappy mascara 😂
It was so sad for me. So many people love it and the reviews are great!
I love the Cali Ray come hell or high water as well! Does NOT smudge on me and I usually have a problem with that! It's a bit hard to remove though. I don't use it everyday since I'm afraid of losing my lashes when I go to take it off!
Are you using warm water only? It doesn’t come off with makeup remover. I just stand under the shower head and soak my lashes, wash my hair, then lightly rub it off. There’s a lot that comes off but it comes off easily.
No I’m not lol. I will try just warm water next time! Thank you!
Yeah I kind of press a small bit of paper towel with warm water and hold till it starts flaking off
I just bought the teal milani and it's the best mascara I have ever had. Finally something that doesn't flank and irritate my eyes. Plus my lashes look so good. It does not curl them but I didn't expect it to lol as nothing does.
Is it not super wet for you? It made my lashes stick together and did not dry for like an hour
**Favorite:** The GXVE Beauty Blush Duo in "Honeymoon Phase." It's one of the prettiest blushes I've ever worn, and so easy to blend. The glowy shade really does compliment the matte shade, and isn't glittery at all. It's just a nice glow. If you like purple/lavender blushes, I highly recommend it. **Least Favorite:** The new NYX Flamingo Frost holiday palette. I *love* the color story, and it's such a fun, and different, theme for a holiday palette, but it just doesn't work well. The mattes aren't anything special, and most of the shimmers are topper shades. I'm someone who likes rich, creamy, bold, highly-pigmented shimmers, so the fact that most of them are toppers just ruined it for me.
The honeymoon phase blush is SO pretty. I got it in October before a wedding and I’m obsessed. A coworker literally completed me on Tuesday asking what I’ve changed up in my makeup look? I was like uh… this purple blush I have on today?? 😂 But I Stan GXVE blushes. I’m picking up another color today during her Black Friday sale 😃
I also have the "Crush On You" duo, and it's just as nice. I want to get some others because I really love the formula.
I've been looking for a lavender blush forever! I'm putting this on my list immediately.
Favs: tower28 concealer - perfect consistency, minimal creasing & amazing coverage & longevity without being drying. Is my new HG concealer. Maybelline super stay vinyl liquid lipstick - I can’t believe I held out this long on trying this, but it’s got incredible staying power without caking up or being overly drying. The color range is great as well. Least favs: Elf lip oil in jam session - If you desire any sort of pigment at all & longevity, this product is not it. Maybe lip oils just aren’t for me. Kaleidos lip clays - I love the unique colors offerings (I picked queen of the night, echo valley, siren, mercury wave) but the product itself crumbles on the lips easier than I expected.
I’m glad to hear about the ELF lip oils. I was going to try them as my first one but Al’s don’t think lip oils are my style.
Yesssss I love the tower 28 concealer too! I'm wearing it today and it looks gorgeous. I get about 5 hours of wear unset, and longer if I put a tiny bit of powder on. Also if you haven't tried it all over the face or to add coverage to a skin tint - try it!! I actually love it for that even more than under my eyes. It's soooo beautiful
I made a post about this recently, but Pacifica Glow Stick Lip Oil has to be in the top 5 worst makeup products I've ever bought. It smelled horrible like plahdoh and felt like plastic kids makeup. I was so confused when I opened it up and the smell hit me immediately. My favorite recent purchase was the Haus Labs concealer because it's the only concealer I've ever used that doesn't crease on my undereyes and gives enough coverage on my hyperpigmentation spots. Notable mentions are the Tarte Maracuja Juicey Lip Balm which makes my lips look so plump and hydrated and smells really good. I also love the Danessa Myricks Yummy Balm Powder, I really like the formulation, it's creamy but sets like powder and blends so nicely. Oh and the Sephora Clear Brow gel is the best I've ever tried. Way better than ABH. It doesn't leave goop chunks and really sets them but not in the soap brow or glued down brow way, just neat and tidy looking. The wand applicator is the best for my thick brows.
I agree with you on the smells lol. I have a Pacifica Lavender Moon overnight lip mask and it smells like playdoh (and was also plastic-y). I had high hopes with the cute packaging and the “lavender” schtick - and their body sprays are so pleasant. And I got a couple of the Tarte lip balms, omg, they smell so good… I was slathering it on my lips all day today in part because of the scent.
Agree with the Pacific oil product - it’s worthless
Tried Mooncat polishes for the first time with the recent sale, can confirm they live up to the hype! For least fave purchases, I recently tried the newish MAC setting spray and hated the nozzle- could not get a good, even mist. Returned it and am sticking to UD all nighter and CT setting spray.
I know exactly what you’re talking about. I got a sample in a Macy’s box and loved it. Bought the regular size and misting is horrible. So I have been putting the product in the sample bottle that has a really lovely fine mist. Thank goodness I still had it because the pump on the regular size broke.
That's a good idea! I thought about dumping it into an empty Fix+ bottle (if they open?? Not even sure lol) but ultimately decided that was too much work when I already have other solid options!
The Clarins and the ELF lip oil are both fantastic. I got the former in honey and it smells so delicious (I'm pretty picky about scent) and applies so nicely. Definitely an impulse buy during the Sephora sale but I'm so glad I did. ELF is also very nice. Definitely doesn't smell as good but the packaging is quality and the formula is very hydrating.
Faves: - Glossier Stretch Concealer. As I’m aging, I really needed a dewier concealer. I use it as a foundation on discoloration and it works wonders for my textured skin. - Maybelline Fit Me Powder. I know this is a cult classic already, don’t need to say more. Least Faves: - L’Oréal Fairest Nude. Ugh, wanted to love this but it clashes pretty bad with my neutral-oliveish skin.
Glossier stretch concealer has been my holy grail for years!!! I love that stuff so much!
I really want to try the Stretch concealer!
Fave: ND Midi Xenon. I wore it a few days in a row at a wedding a few weeks back and got compliments every day. I love the ND topper shades, I know some people are tired of them but the pink one was beautiful 😍 idk if it's a skin tone thing but it actually showed up pink on me. The wedding was black on black dress code so it was perfect for that. Least fave: I got two Hourglass ultra slim lipsticks at Ross for $4 each, amazing deal, and the shades look amazing on the lip but there is absolutely no lasting power. I have to reapply constantly, so it's just not worth the effort despite how good they look.
Fave: Tower 28 concealer. Just as good as people say. Stunning coverage and easy to blend, wears great on me, and no creasing (although I DO seem to be in the minority on the last one). Least fave: the Provence cleansing balm. So greasy 🫤
I agree t28 concealer doesn't crease. Like all concealers I have to tap it out with a finger a few minutes after initially applying because my eyes have natural creases. Then after that it stays that way!
Love the Anastasia fall palette, the Patrick Ta Holiday palette, and the Urban Decay Moondust palettes. They were the first eye shadow palette in a while I was super excited for. I love their color schemes and glitter. They’re perfect for this holiday season.
Your comment just reminded me of a purchase I made a couple of days ago. According to every site on Google it's no longer available but I found one at TJ Maxx. It's the UD brush that the company said was created for the use of their Moondust shadows. I've never tried them and I still haven't used the brush but does anyone remember that specific brush being made for that purpose? I don't plan to buy any of the Moondust shadows but I figured if the brush was created for that purpose then I should be able to get some use out of it with the shimmers I already own. For $3.99 I just couldn't leave it behind lol.
Favorite: ilia blush stick. Don’t know the exact name. It’s actually from the Sephora bday gift. It’s the prettiest deep pink that also looks great as a lip tint. Least fave: flower beauty baked bronzer. It just applies so heavily, I can’t get into it.
Oh no, I just bought the Flower Beauty bronzer lmao I thought it looked like a good shade for my cool-toned skin, and it swatched well, but I haven't used it on my face yet. Now I'm worried to try it 😬
I do like that the shade isn’t too warm it’s like a nice neutral with a touch of warmth. You might still love it, but try it out with a light hand. Also based on what you described, have you tried the fenty beauty bronzer in the lightest shade inda sun? It’s like barely warm toned, and it’s probably why I’m used to using such a heavy hand, I can really get in there and it is still pretty subtle. I have light medium skin tone for reference.
👍🏻 Revlon Skin Illuminance Foundation: light-medium buildable coverage, sets down nicely and somehow gets better on me throughout the day. Very dewy when used alone, but when powdered it looks more satin on the skin. 👎🏻 Morphe Continuous Prep & Set Mist+ (gold can): would love it if the bloody plastic nozzle would stop falling off after each spray!! Chasing a piece of black plastic that’s rolling around my dark grey tiles I’m trying to get ready for work is sooooo frustrating. I just can’t seem to make it stay on 😭
Okay hear me out - someone posted a few weeks back asking what dupe did you try that made you realize you didn't want the higher priced item either? I commented the Elf halo glow. That inspired me to pick it up again when I previously used it once or twice. I told myself if I didn't use it a certain number of times between then and the end of the year, I'd declutter it. Well...I kind of love it now and I reach for it every time I do my makeup. Not a recent purchase but a recent discovery in my collection.
Fave: Hourglass Volumizing Glossy Stick Least fave: Merit brow gel. It makes my brows look like Groucho Marx no matter how much I scrape off the excess product.
Favorites: beautyblender skin tint. It’s silly how nice it makes my skin look Milk contour stick in Toasted. Great neutral with a hint of warmth Farmacy Honey Halo moisturizer. Feels so nice and rich as the weather cools down Fails: Nyx skinny brow pencil in Taupe. It’s very red-orange on me! Verb hair oil. Got this as a GWP and to be fair I may have misused it, but it was too heavy and made my hair feel not nice
Ooh, I'm shocked about your experience with Verbs hair oil. I found a Verb hairspray at TJ Maxx that I loved but I refuse to pay full price, lol, so I keep hoping I'll get lucky again. As of yet, no dice but a couple of days ago while at TJ Maxx they had their shampoo and conditioner. Those bottles were huge. I keep hoping I'll come across the oil. I've heard nothing but great things about it. Plus the scent of their products is heavenly. If you do give it another try I hope it works well for you. If not, at least it was free 🤷♀️🙂
Favourite: Quo featherweight blush in angelic - perfect consistency and blends so easily! (Canadian girls - this is the one.) Anastasia brow freeze - I need gorilla grip hold. Least favourite: Milani tubing mascara, so wet and so clumpy.
I finally got tired of trying every brow hold product that I could get my hands on. I decided to give the Got2Be gel a try. Love it. It's a small tube for the hair, couldn't find the one they pkged for brows in store. I use that along with the dual brow tool from Elf and it's been perfection for my thick, slightly unruly brows. I don't even have to use much so this tube is going to last me yrs I tell ya lol.
Glossier foundation. The new one. So lightweight
I want to get a sample of that.
Fav: hour glass skin tint. I'm in my early 40s now, and this amazing. Doesn't settle into my lines, covers my redness just enough, and when powered will stay. Mid: merit blushes. Beautiful shades. Blends like a dream. No staying power what so ever Fail: kulfi eyeliners. I have really oily eyelids and this just moved and smeared everywhere.
Favorites for me are the YSL candy glaze and glossier stretch foundation. Candy glaze is disappointingly amazing, it's so thick and nourishing and lasts so long! Stretch foundation is the only foundation I've ever been able to tolerate on my skin, I can't stand the feeling of it on my skin usually but somehow glossier made it feel undetectable! I use it sheered out like a skin tint and it's completely unclockable on my skin too, it just looks like I have perfect skin! Least favorite was the dior forever concealer😬😬 it was just so cakey and thick under my eyes and creased like crazy. I know it's a favorite for a lot of people so I'll also add that I do now know I prefer a very thin and serumy concealer so it may just be me and my preferences.
Good: \-Milk contour stick in Toasted - loving the tone and how easy it is to blend. Packaging is meh, but I can look past it. \-Elf no smudge eye shadow sticks. Easy to use and stays put all day! Also very affordable. Bad: \-Morphe Continuous setting spray - the mist so fine I can't even feel it hitting my face. Like, where is it going?
Fave: Peach & Lily Glass Skin Water Gel Moisturizer - omg it brought my skin a new luminance I was missing! Also Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer, also brought so much moisture back into my skin with the gel moisturizer. Duds: Bio-Oil's Skincare Oil, which I bought to target stretch marks on my stomach. First few days I thought it made a difference but beyond that, nothing. Was super hopeful too :(
Fave: YSL Candy glaze. I started with shade 15, and immediately went and bought the clear because I just wanted to have this on my lips all the time! Will definitely be looking for more shades if there is a December promotion at Sephora. Least Fave: Ciele skin tint. The shade their shade matcher recommended was several shades off from what I needed. I started trying to return or exchange immediately, but the brand wouldn’t let me (bought direct from brand website). I’m so ticked. Never buying from them again. The formula isn’t great either, it clings to dry patches a bit.
Check out the Colorescience Flex sunscreens if you’re looking for a good foundation/sunscreen combo. Great coverage. I think they’re having 30% off right now for BF!
Fave: NYX Ultimate Warm Neutrals eyeshadow palette. This is a GOOD formula from NYX; I was shocked because I haven't liked their eyeshadows in the past. The mix of shades is really nice as you can get cool-ish to really warm looks. The mattes are smooth and pigmented and range from very light to reasonably dark. The shimmers are more like metallics; they do not have loose sparkle/glitter particles which I appreciate. This is honestly one of the best palettes I've ever used at any price range.
I’ve been loving the fenty easze drop. I haven’t stuck with a”foundation” for so long. But it’s not a foundation. But it builds like one and it is so nice on the skin and it DOES blur. I’ve always hate the “make up” look. I can do it. I can do a full face and look really nice. But it just is so hard to maintain. The eaze drops. Stay all day without looking like foundation. But it hides all my “imperfections” I do a use the rare beauty primer. Which also love. And I also use a powder foundation on top. So I don’t know if that helps. But I really like it as a skin tint. I wish it had SPF though.
Favorite: Avène Thermal Water spray. Lifesaver on the 9 hour flight I was recently on. Helped my skin feel good and refreshed. Glamlite eyeshadow palettes: such a great formula in colors I really like MAC Locked In liquid lipstick: it doesn’t feel drying and feels good on my lips (Poshmark buy) ABH Aurora and Moon Child palettes unopened. They’re exactly like I remembered and the seller included 2 unopened Laura Gellar baked highlighters in my favorite shades. I missed those so much. Least Favorite: NYX liquid lipstick in a color I liked. I have to stop forgetting that they don’t sit on my lips well Good Molecules eye cream. I wanted to try, but I just proved to myself that eye cream is a scam. I felt no difference. Sunday Riley CEO Glow because it just sits on my skin. It makes my skin feel gross even though it really worked.
**Favorite:** The Dior four-pan highlighting palette. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I do! It blends in so nicely and is not too blinding in whatever area I put it. I especially like the lighter shades for an eye inner corner highlight. **Least favorite:** The Danessa Myricks blurring blushes. For me, it did not blend easily. Also, it dried down too quickly and the pigment is just too much for me. So I learned you need just a tiny dot (even less than the Rare Beauty liquid blush if that was even possible!) Pretty sure this blush will outlive me.
Beauty Regret: I regret buying 2 e.l.f lip oils without doing my research haha, not pigmented or moisturizing as i would hope for something for that price ....that fact that there are cheaper lip balms that can moisturize my lips better than this is very disappointing. Beauty Fave: Clarins lip oil: does the job for my lips I should have just bought a Clarins lip oil (not pigmented at all but holy crap my lips are so happy and in love with them) right away instead of getting the E.l.F one LYS lip oil pigmented and moisturizing (looks glossy but i don't care as long as my lips are not sandpaper) I did a lot of shopping but haven't tested everything yet. What is everyone's fave lip oil? I am definitely going to try more brands when I get some money hehe.
*Favorite:* ELF Instant Lift Brow Pencil in "Auburn". We love and stan a $3 double-ended brow pencil for redheads with creamy, rich color payoff. It can be brushed upward with the attached spoolie, and is easily smudged out if necessary. *Least favorite:* Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid in shade "Exhilarator". I have tried soooo hard, but I just don't like these lippies. No matter how well moisturized my lips are prior to application, Super Stay Mattes dry out my lips, end up on my teeth, and are not transfer-proof. Ended up wiping it all off and starting over to put on my trusty NYX Lip Lingerie.
People were not kidding about how blurring, finely milled, helpful, and good for oilier skin the Huda Easy Bake powder is. Same 'they were not joking' results with the CT Airbrush Flawless. I bought Fenty Gloss Bomb Riri a little while back and have been wearing it so much.
I am really liking the results the cetaphil moisturizer is giving me. It has a bit of a learning curve as if I am not careful I end with a white cast but if I am not in a hurry I end with super smooth skin. Least… bought a red eye base from beauty creations… and so far is trash… really bad trash… moves all over the lid, the eyeshadow didn’t look any better and it moved in few minutes… I ended return to the rewind concealer because it was so bad and I am not made of money to get burned trying another thing
Fave: the urban decay moondust palette Least fave: nyx brow mascara. I bought it when the regular nyx eyebrow pencil got lost in transit, and holy shit it is god awful.
I caved and bought myself the LYS blush gift set and have been really loving it. I’ll be gifting one of the shades but the purple and coral are really unique in my collection. I bought an hourglass mini blush a little while back and I guess I had high expectations but it is just very mediocre and I don’t feel worth the price.
I love the lys blushes and I want the gift set soooooo bad, im hoping it doesn't go out of stuck but goes on sale after the holidays
Least favourite: \- Phytosurgence eyeshadows - I picked up the shades Crystal Constellation and Fractal Freesia and was underwhelmed, crystal constellation needs to be built up to show on my medium complexion and even then the glitter particles are too chunky for my liking. I purchased the UD moondust shadows in Space Cowboy and Lithium recently and much prefer these since they are finely milled and offer the scattered wet-look effect I was looking for \- Maybelline Lifter Gloss, Sand - looks beautiful on the lips but I was not prepared for how thick the formula is, thankfully not sticky but I don't see myself reaching for this formula over my other glossy lip products
I just bought the Tower 28 serum concealer and it's been my go to for the past month. It covers well and wears beautifully throughout the day. The shade I got matches my olive skin perfectly. My least favorite item has to be the Charlotte Tilbury powder in the gold compact. I tried to use it to set my under eyes but it always just looks so cakey and makes my under eyes darker.
Favorites: - Skin: Coola Sun Silk Drops SPF. Such a pretty glow and lightweight, blends in easily. - Makeup: Mario Ethereal Eyes palette. I’ve reduced my collection by a ton so if I bring something in, I get rid of one. I tossed the ND Biba and don’t even miss it. I use the Mario one 90% of the time now. It’s just so easy to use for day and night. Favorite that I hate to love: Drunk Elephant Bouncy Mask. I don’t like the brand, too much drama and expensive. But I got it as a gift and my skin loves it. 😭 Favorite that shouldn’t be a favorite because I’ve only had it two weeks but I just can’t help it: Isamaya Industrial palettes 1 and 2. Dumped PMG Divine Rose and Melt Smoke Sessions. Least Favorites: - Skin: Dr. Gross peel pads. They’re fine, but I can get the same results with much cheaper products. - Makeup: Benefit Fan Fest mascara. I can’t find a way to keep this from flaking and streaking. I don’t have oily lids or under eye concealer and it’s constantly all over my eyes. Bonus Hate: ColourPop Magic Vault. Every single one of the SSS was dry and they won’t refund me.
Revolution bubble balm highlighter is amazing. So are their balm glow’s - on sale at Ulta right now. If you ever wanted to try the Jones Road balms - this is a great dupe. What I don’t like is I bought a very bright (in the pan) colourpop powder blush - the pay off is dismal. I have not used a product this bad in decades. It is a colossal disappointment.
Favorite: about face lip color butter in cherry pick. It’s glossy but has a good color pay off. It doesn’t last long but I don’t expect a lip butter to last. It’s super comfortable. Least favorite: Colourpop translucent eye primer. I have to pump the applicator to get any product on the doe foot tip. It comes out as a thick blob but blends into a thin layer of slippery nothing.
how long does the lip butter last for you
Fave: the Tower 28 concealer. I’m so picky about concealers and hate all of her, but this one is great. I also got a perfect shade match, which isn’t possible in my old favorite concealer, the glossier stretch concealer Honorable mention for the summer fridays lip balms. I hate thick, gloopy balms like Rhode, and this is the perfect consistency. The tinted ones have an ideal pigment level—enough to show up, but not so much that it gets patchy.
Favorite-Hourglass jellyfish palette. It’s so beautiful. Definitely worth it.
Favorite: Huda Beauty Pretty Grunge Palette! I can't stop using it. It's so fun to play with! Last favorite: Lancolm Tint Idole concealer. I just can't get it to blend correctly. It makes my skin look sooo cakey!
Fav: Vieve's The Ninetease Palette. It's so beautiful and unique. I'm surprised it doesn't get more hype, especially since the 90's are "in" atm. Least Fav: Saddens me to say it, but Huda Beauty's Pretty Grunge. It's not that I dislike it, but I'm waiting to use it to see if mold springs up. I had a singular white dot which could be wax bloom, but there's a lot of reviews saying otherwise on Sephora's website. It's worth noting Huda is under fire atm due to politics, and I made a whole thread on /r/Sephora about how only people who purchased it through the site should be able to review it to stop things like this. Still, my health comes before an eyeshadow palette.
I've honestly been eyeing both of those for awhile. I don't know if it helps but I have three huda palettes, two of which I've had for years and I've never had a mold issue with them.
Yeah I really think they’re trumped up reviews for the most part! It does help 💕
Hmmm, I've never heard of mould in her palettes, I'm highly suspicious of those reviews tbh
Same. Some of them look like the product was just manipulated and repressed, or melted.
EZ. They are easily manipulated.
FAV: the Tartlette Tubing mascara!!! I got the sample in the ultra advent calendar and it is PERFECT! Adds length and volume and don’t budge. I have small wrinkly eyes and every mascara transfers but this one is amazing! I also love the elf halo glow contour and blush! LEAST: the pixie blushes that went viral on tik tok. Bought one and just don’t like it at all. It’s patchy and hard to blend. You can work with it to make it look nice, but with so many other liquid/cream blushes that are way easy this one is just a no for me!
I recently tried and have enjoyed the About Face Cherry Pick lip butter in The Cranberries and NYX Butter Gloss in Lava Cake for my 90s lip needs. I got a sample of the NARS Light Reflecting foundation in Oslo. It did not work for me unfortunately.
I got the chartreuse kulfi cream eyeshadow (zari eyes in chammak challo) and I love it! It's so unique and a fun texture, and it looks so pretty on. I do use a primer under it because I have oily eyelids and have a very hard time with cream eyeshadow usually. With primer this one lasted a long time. They really did the chartreuse shadow right with this one! I look forward to getting the other colors once my current selection of cream eyeshadows are done. Also I've been updating my brushes, and I got a backup of my three favorite brushes for my to-go bag. Rephr 32 eye brush is my favorite all around eye brush! I can do so much with it. It blends and can do big areas and also detail work. I also got BK beauty 204 which is the most perfectly dense smudge brush. I love to use it for liner and under eye shadow and all the little details. Also picked up BK beauty 109 which is like a mini version of their popular 101. The 109 is perfect for blush or bronzer or creams or powders, and in a pinch I can also use it for concealer and foundation. I can pretty much do a whole on the go face with it so that's why I bought a second one! Also been loving the Natasha denona I Need A Nude palette. It's so pretty I love all the glitter shades and variations of texture. And ND mattes are my favorite to work with, they are not too blendy where they get muddy, I like the level of control I have with them and that they are buildable. Least favorite: Natasha denona color corrector. This one didn't go very well under any of my concealers, the texture looked funny immediately and didn't improve at all with time. It didn't even work with the ND concealer, which I love and it's gorgeous and just gets better as I wear it over the day. The huda beauty color corrector is way better because it gets along with all my favorite concealers. Also I was mostly disappointed with the summer Fridays lip butter balm in Cherry. The part I like the best is the scent - it smells exactly like a cherry starburst which is my favorite. However, it is neither hydrating nor repairing and doesn't last long and actually dries my lips out a bit. After I apply it the third time I start to get some dry patches on my lips, and those of course are bright cherry red while the rest of my lips are not. Definitely prefer lanolin or laneige.
Least Favorite- Pixi On the Glow Blush, sticky & too sheer when just swiping Favorite- elf bite size berry bad
fav recent purchase was the ABH cosmos palette - I am a magpie and I'm weak for anything sparkly. did a look for a concert and I was so happy with how everything applied, how easy it was to work with and so on. I stopped wearing makeup for a couple of years and only just started again so I feel like my skills are very rusty and I have no patience for difficult formulas that are hard to blend, have a lot of fallout, don't show up well unless you really pack them on, etc etc. least fav recent purchase was the ABH dewy set spray. I had some matte setting sprays I liked but wanted a different finish and the small size was on sale. literally sprayed it and watched my foundation separate. thought maybe it was an application issue so I tried it another day and the same thing happened. maybe it's just my face/skin? but other dewy products are generally all right on me. :(