Hello my loves! Today I have a big post for you all about my favorite new beauty launches from a bunch of different brands that have released in the last couple months. Whenever a new beauty product comes out, I always wish there were more reviews or information about it before purchasing because I am so tired of accumulating products I don’t love and never using them while they collect dust in my valuable bathroom space. None of these items are drugstore or cheap by any means, so I think that is what makes these kind of posts so helpful. When I am going to splurge on a higher end beauty item, I scour the internet and read lots reviews before purchasing it myself because I want to make sure it is actually going to be worth the money. I have been using all of these products for several weeks, and have fallen in love with them, and I am here to tell you exactly why I like them so much and explain a bit better how they work so you can decide if they are products you may like to try for yourself. There are a few new releases not featured here because I didn’t enjoy them as much, that were either returned or passed on to a friend. The products I am talking about today are the ones I believe are truly standout items that I would repurchase in a heartbeat, but if you do want to hear about some of the new releases that disappointed me, let me know and I can do that for you as well!
Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette $49
Let’s get the best thing about this palette out of the way first – it smells exactly like peaches! That in itself is quite a joy in using this palette. The Chocolate Bar Palettes smell like chocolate, so Too Faced followed their own footsteps with this new release and it is such a nice touch to what is already a gorgeous, gorgeous palette. One thing I really look for in a palette is being able to do an entire eye look without having to dip into other shadows. This means having a white or cream matte base color, a light transition color a couple shades darker than my skin tone, a deeper crease shade, a dark brown or black shade to smudge into the lash line, and a shimmery highlight shade for the brown bone and inner corners of eye. This palette fits that bill perfectly and contains some beautiful warm browns and orangey shades as well as some plums, a gorgeous peachy champagne highlight shade, and a very wearable sage green color that I am enjoying more than I ever thought I would. I have created so many different looks using just this one palette and it is so fun to get so much versatility from one product. I think this is one of their best palettes yet and definitely suggest picking it up if you like any of their other palettes. The quality and color range is fantastic.
Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush Palette $62
This sucker is expensive, so I wanted to explain what it is and who would like it before you run out and spend money on it. I will say that I absolutely love love love the finish of these blushes. They are a blend of Hourglass’ Ambient Strobe Lighting powders containing ultra fine pearl particles in varying size and refraction levels with three different blush tones. The effect is a luminous blush that does contain some shimmer, so if you prefer fully matte blushes, you probably won’t like this palette. I personally didn’t think I would enjoy this at all because I tend to stay away from shimmery blushes as they emphasize any and all texture and pores on my skin but I swatched them at Sephora and loved the 3rd shade so much that I decided to give it a try and return it if I couldn’t get into it. Needless to say, I kept it and have been using it a ton and am very happy I sprung for it. There is something about the shimmer in these blushes that just works for me. It is more of a radiant glow versus a glittery shine, but I do want to be clear that the shimmer is definitely there, so if that’s not your thing, go swatch it before you buy it and see how you feel about the finish. I do think this gives my skin a multi dimensional look, and it is the first shimmery blush I have found that makes me look more youthful versus highlighting all of my fine lines and pores. I have been a big fan of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders for a couple years now (I plan to wear them on my wedding day!) because they just give a lit from within look to the skin that is so beautiful and seamless without looking like you’re wearing any sort of visible highlight, and these blushes fall right in line with that same vibe. I highly recommend!
Tarte Tarteist Pro Amazonian Clay Palette $53
Tarte makes 2 of my favorite shadow palettes of all time – the Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette and the Tartelette in Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette. But, I will be honest that there have been some misses for me since those. I am not a fan of their Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palettes (chalky, powdery, blah colors lacking pigment) nor do I love the limited edition Energy Noir Palette I have. I thought this new Pro palette looked absolutely gorgeous and the colors are all very me, so I decided to give it a chance and I am so so happy I did. This is like the Tartelette palettes mixed together with the addition of some deeper, more colorful shades. I have already hit pan on 4 shades in this palette after 3 months of use, and it is just a palette that really inspires me to have fun with makeup and try new things. There are 20 shades in here with 16 mattes, which I think is so necessary and really appreciate in any palette since it is very hard to do a complete eye look without mattes, and 4 iridescent luster shades with a duo-chrome finish that are STUNNING! They look like liquid metal on the eyes when used with a wet brush and are just so much fun to use for a pop of shimmer. The mattes are so smooth and blend out like a dream with zero patchiness or dryness. I really love how I can create super neutral every day looks with this palette, but I can also create deep smoky nighttime looks and also colorful fun party looks if I want to go more bold. The purples and berry tones really make me want to play with color and any palette that inspires me to create new looks is a winner for me.
Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow $24
THESE. ARE. BRILLIANT. Stila released 8 shades of these long-wearing liquid glitter eyeshadows, and I now have 6 (all purchased with my own money). I am a big fan of the look of glitter on the eyes, but if any of you have used a loose glitter pigment, like MAC or similar, you know how much of a hassle they are. You have to use separate glitter glue, and by the time you’re done there is glitter all over you face. Forget about doing your base before your eyes because you will completely destroy it during the glitter application. Not only that, but even when I take my time and do my eyes first, if I look in a mirror a few hours later, there is still tons of glitter all over my cheeks and nose! If you love a glittery eye look for a night out or party look, but hate using loose glitter/pigments– run, don’t walk to go buy these. They are phenomenal! They have an extreme luster and pearly simmer that is so iridescent it’s ridiculous, but they dry down and lock onto the lids and will NOT budge until you remove them with a makeup remover. I wore Kitten Karma on NYE and it looked just as perfect when I got home as it did when I got ready many hours earlier. I got so many compliments on my eye makeup that night, so the next day I purchased 5 more shades because I felt like I cheated the system since they are SO easy to use. You just swipe the glitter on your lid using the doe foot applicator and you have the most effortless glittery eye that looks like it took a lot of effort. And the colors are absolutely stunning and I am such a fan.
NARS Smooth and Protect Primer SPF 50 $36
This is one of 3 primers I am mentioning today because there have been some incredible new ones on the scene recently, but let me explain when I use this so you know why I like so many right now. This primer is not something I use everyday, but has a very specific and necessary role in my makeup routine now. I am a f*cking freak about protecting the skin on my face. I will run around in the sun on vacation all day long, but my face will not see any of it. My body? Ok, no problem. But my face? Hell no. Since I am a makeup girl, I have a really hard time finding sunscreens that sit well underneath my base and aren’t too thick or greasy. It has really been a challenge and something I am always on the hunt for. When I saw this primer, the first thing I noticed was SPF 50 and I grabbed it instantly because it’s a high SPF product designed to go UNDER makeup and make makeup actually look good. That is exactly what I need. As an added benefit, if you like smoothing primers like Benefit PoreFessional or Make Up For Ever Smoothing Primer that help fill pores and blur imperfections, this has that same silicone-y smooth feel on the skin that helps foundation apply evenly over any blemishes, textures, dry patches, or pores.
I want to be clear that I DO NOT use this on a daily basis when I am not going to be outside because SPF causes flashback in photos. When you see a white reflection from your makeup in a photo, it is the SPF causing the flash to bounce off and reflect back. This is not ideal because I tend to take photos frequently throughout the day at events or just for my blog or Instagram, so this is a product I reserve for the beach, hikes, or vacation when I need the extra protection.
First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer – $28
This primer has been a winter skin saver that I am loving so hard at the moment! On days when my skin is extra dry and I am concerned my makeup is going to cling to my dryness and look cakey, I use this as my primer and it hydrates like no other and immediately pulls my skin from the depths of dehydration and makes it look dewy and luminous. It has light reflecting micro pearls that don’t come across as shimmer, but just give a really beautiful healthy look to the skin. But, beyond the look of the skin, what I really love about this is the feel it gives right upon application of just so much hydration and moisture, even if my skin is very very dry. So many primers are meant to mattify the skin and keep oils at bay, but that doesn’t do much for me when my skin is already so dry. This one feels like it is actually nourishing my skin and makes it look healthy and alive, while still working to make my makeup last all day. It’s a really great combination of benefits in one product because it’s hard to find a long-lasting primer that is also hydrating. I like the Too Faced Hangover Primer for how hydrating it is, but it has oils in in that break me out, so if you need an ultra hydrating primer that doubles as skincare and is oil free, I think this would be a great fit for you! An added bonus is you can skip a step and apply your moisturizer and primer in one go.
Becca First Light Priming Filter $38
Yes, ANOTHER primer! I have been a major fan of the Becca Backlight Priming Filter for a long time, and I truly think it is the best illuminating primer on the market. When I saw this new First Light Primer I knew I had to try it because I have gone through 2 bottles of their Backlight and know it works very well for my skin. This new version feels a lot like the old one in it’s lightweight consistency and luminiscent finish, but it has a cool violet tint that instantly brightens the complexion and evens out imperfections. This cuts any redness around my chin and mouth area, and also makes my dark circles much less prominent so I find myself applying less makeup overall because unevenness in my skin is already corrected in this first step. I never thought I would say this, but I definitely prefer this violet First Light Priming Filter to the original Backlight Priming Filter because it does the same thing, but more by evening out the skin and blurring imperfections before you even get started on your makeup. Of all 3 I am mentioning in this post, this one is the primer I have been reaching for the most because it works perfectly on days when my skin is normal and makes my skin look beautiful.
Becca Soft Blurring Light Powder $38
Another win from Becca! Of all the products I am mentioning today, this is definitely my favorite. We are in love and I am fully committed. This is such a gorgeous product and I haven’t seen anything quite like it from any other makeup brand. It is a translucent loose setting powder that is literally like a filter on your skin. It blurs imperfections and is just so so soooo flattering and not the slightest bit powdery or cakey on the skin. The finish is so feather light and velvety, you can’t even tell you have an ounce of powder on when you apply this. I really appreciate that it is not a white toned translucent powder, because those can sometimes be too stark on my skin when I am tan and do not photograph well in my undereye area. This powder is in the shade Golden Hour, which is just a gorgeous universal flesh tone shade that melts into any skin tone and disappears. This is not completely matte as there is a subtle glow, but it doesn’t translate as shimmery AT ALL. It provides the most healthy, luminous glow of any powder I have ever used and I am such a huge huge fan of this new product. Kudos to Becca!
Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder $38
Again with the setting powders! Another new release winner is this gem from CoverFX. The reason I purchased it is because the Laura Mercier translucent setting powder has been my holy grail setting powder to bake with and set my undereye concealer for several years. Lately, I have been looking for more natural and healthy alternatives to some of my favorite products, and I saw that this Cover FX powder is talc free (the LM powder is talc based). I was very curious to see how it performs compared to my longtime favorite, so I purchased it and am thrilled I have it in my collection now! This has totally replaced my LM powder and I just love that it actually looks less dry and powdery on my skin. The way I use this with the new Becca powder above, is I bake my undereye concealer and laugh lines with this powder after doing my base while I do the rest of my face and eye makeup. Then, I dust off the excess and sweep the Becca powder in one even layer all over my face at the end to set everything in place and give that finishing touch glow. As far as the white cast goes, this actually comes in Light/Medium and Medium/Deep, so it doesn’t leave that stark translucent powder look that dulls down your foundation and just makes everything look flat. It is a wonderful powder I definitely suggest checking out!
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Powder to Clear Pores $30
I was a complete idiot ordering this and not realizing it is a POWDER, so to say I was disappointed when I realized this while washing my face for the first time with it is an understatement. But shame on me, because this is one of my most favorite cleansers I have ever used and definitely plan to repurchase. I have the Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask by Origins, which I love and have used since high school, so I assumed a charcoal cleanser from them would be a similar creamy liquid formula. When I squeezed the bottle and powder came out, I read the directions to add a bit of water and massage it into a lather on your face. Not only did this work into a great lather and cleanse my face incredibly well, but it also felt exfoliating which I looooove for my skin! Anyone with dry skin knows that you need daily exfoliation to remove any flakiness and allow makeup to lay smoothly over the skin, and this is the perfect gentle way to do it. I also love how the charcoal base really makes my skin feel squeaky clean and removes all traces of makeup. This is such a wonderful all around cleanser for absorbing dirt, debris, makeup, and toxins as well as buffing away dead skin cells and flakiness. By far one of my most favorite cleansers I have come across in a while! BTW – the powder aspect is perfect for traveling!
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream $52
You guys know I have really dry skin, and winter has not been helping a girl out. Right before going to Aspen (so dry up there!), I ran out of my Belif Aqua Bomb, so I went on Sephora to overnight a new one before my trip, and saw this under it in the “similar products” section. I purchased it as well based on good reviews because I like to try everything that might work for my skin, and I really really really love this!!! It is even more hydrating than the Belif Aqua Bomb while still being oil free and lightweight. It doesn’t sit on top of the skin at all and sinks in beautifully for makeup application a few minutes later. It contains 30% hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for drawing moisture into your skin, and I’ve noticed it really keeps my skin hydrated and plump looking all day. I saw there is a Water Drench serum as well that I want to try also after having such a great experience with this product! If you are dry, but also acne prone and need a super hydrating lightweight oil-free moisturizer, this is for you.
NARS Narsissist Unfiltered Cheek Palette $59
Let’s start this one by saying that I am already SO in love with NARS blushes, and I think they have one of the best formulas in the makeup industry. They are extremely blendable and have the exact right amount of pigmentation for a blush. With eye shadows, the more pigmented, the better, but with blushes, too much pigment can be very difficult to work with. There is nothing more frustrating than lightly dipping your brush into a blush and depositing way too much color on your cheek that will just not blend out no matter what you do. NARS blushes are incredibly easy to use in that way because you can build them up so seamlessly to your desired intensity and the shades are just so complementary to a wide range of skin tones. I have at least 10 of them in my collection already so when I saw this palette I didn’t think twice before purchasing it immediately.
There are 2 versions of this palette – Unfiltered 2, which is cool toned (shown here) and Unfiltered 2, which is warmer toned. I always go for cool toned blushes because I find they work best for my complexion. I love blue-based pinks and berry shades for me, but warmer corals and red based blushes look absolutely stunning on warm undertoned gals. I almost bought Unfiltered 2 to use as eyeshadows because it’s just so beautiful!
This palette features 6 blushes that are pretty close to full size, which is an amazing deal considering NARS blushes retail for $30 a pop. I also love blush palettes for travel because I often like to have a few options on longer trips to go with different eye looks, but carrying individual blush compacts can get bulky. Overall, I am extremely happy with this purchase and highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of NARS blushes. It does not disappoint.
Make Up For Ever Star Lit Powder $21
Highlight queens, listen up! This is something you definitely want to know about and likely need in your life if you love a good, glow in the dark, in your face glow. MUFE came out with new Star Lit Powders and Star Lit Liquids (the liquids look like nail polish with a little brush), and after trying both, I have to say these powders won my heart a million times over. This is the only highlight I have used in the month of January because I can’t get enough. I love everything about the glow it gives my skin and I’m in that phase where nothing else looks as good in my mind so it’s the only thing I want to reach for when doing my makeup. They are ultra-fine shimmering powders that contain pure Mother of Pearl and result in the most radiant finish when applied as a highlight to the tops of the cheekbones, cupids bow, brow bone, and tear ducts. I also mixed a bit in with my clear lipgloss to make it shimmery and it was beyond stunning. I will say, I haven’t purchased and will not be purchasing the 3 darker shades (the cobalt blue, gunmetal grey, and black) because these would only be usable on the eyes as a shadow and that would entail using a glitter glue since they are a loose pigment and that’s just more work than I want to get myself into. I have the Stila Metals for that! But, #13 (a champagne-y golden shade) and #15 (a golden pinky shade) could not be more ideal highlight shades for me to dust on the high points of face if they tried. I love these so incredibly much and urge you all to go buy those 2 shades right now! My other favorite is #2 which is a white gold shade that looks amazing when I want a super light and bright highlight.
OK…if you’re still here, congratulations, you made it! I hope this was helpful for some of you who have seen these products but weren’t sure if you wanted to spring for them, or helped you discover brand new products you haven’t seen yet! Please let me know if you have tried any of these item and whether or not you like them, as well as any new releases I didn’t mention that you think I need in my life. As always, thank you so much for reading and I will see you in my next post!
X
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