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Foreword
In this post I will be sharing my top five makeup discoveries of January 2020! Products so good, I had to write an article about them. Curious? Then please keep on scrolling!
Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer
There is an amazing (and affordable) skincare brand that you need to know about: Good Molecules. Think The Ordinary, but cuter. I was introduced to some of their products a few months ago (more about it in my next post), but it was Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer (14 USD; Made in Korea) that simply swept me off my feet.
As my regular readers would know, I have a dry skin type, which makes me a big believer in keeping skin properly exfoliated and hydrated at all times (otherwise any makeup will quickly take a no-bueno route). While I am still unsure how I feel about primers in general, I do enjoy prepping my skin with lightweight moisturizers.
This is when our first product comes in handy - made of the best nourishing ingredients (Shea Butter, Macadamia Seed Oil, Camellia Extract, Olive Oil), this Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer is a plant-based alternative to silicone with all of the makeup pros and none of the skincare cons. It has no scent, feels light/creamy (never greasy), absorbs in a matter of seconds leaving skin feeling fresh, smooth and ready for makeup. Plus an airtight pump will ensure you don't miss a drop. Added bonus? This formula is vegan and cruelty-free.
Similarly to how you would use a face primer, apply a small amount of this product right before doing your makeup; let it sit for a minute first.
Best For: drier skin types that need extra love and care
Studio 54 Hyped Eyeshadow Palette
Please click on images to zoom in
As always all of my swatches are raw and unedited (no added saturation, brightness or finger-licking here)
NARS Studio 54 Hyped Eyeshadow Palette (59 USD; Made in Canada) took me by surprise. I think this was one of the most fun holiday collections that the brand came out with in recent years; you may rest assured that I dipped my brushes into this palette on more than just one occasion.
You get twelve eyeshadow pans here, where finishes vary between matte, frost and pressed glitter. While this is not the most pigmented palette I have ever worked with, I find that there is just something so flattering and sophisticated about how these shadows apply, blend and wear. They allow you to create a soft wash of color that you can build on, rather than packing a punch from the get-go. Even brighter shades of pink have more of a sheer nature to them, which is a beneficial factor for those of you, who prefer to layer their eyeshadows gradually.
If you enjoy neutral and rose tones, you might really fall for Studio 54 Hyped Eyeshadow Palette. It might not swatch the best (frankly I am not proud of that magenta swatch), but it does look effortlessly beautiful on the lids. A toned down palette that gets the job done.
Best For: someone, who appreciates a subdued and forgiving palette of colors
Tinted Cover Foundation
Just the other day I shared my Best Foundations For Dry Skin (read here) and in all honesty, I now think that Nudestix Tinted Cover Foundation (35 USD; Made in Korea) is a proud member of that list.
The formula is infused with some of the most calming, skin-loving ingredients (Tea Tree, Peppermint, Rosemary, Cranberry, Grape extracts etc.) that soothe and nourish the skin. Now, this foundation has a noticeable lavender scent (Lavender Oil being one of the key ingredients), which can be a red flag for some, but it does not linger for more than a few seconds. I personally have love/hate relationship with lavender in my makeup or skincare, however, I am here to report that even with my sensitive skin - I did not get any irritation, clogged pores or breakouts. On the contrary - my skin seems to love this lightweight cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan formula.
I prefer applying Tinted Cover Foundation using my fingertips; unlike most "tints", this product has got a beautiful light-medium coverage and blends seamlessly looking just like second skin. Another great thing about it is that it does not really accentuate dryness and texture, same as it does not sink into pores as much as some other lightweight foundations do. It wears wonderfully for more than 8 hours on me, without ever getting blotchy or greasy. I do recommend setting it with powder (at least through the T-zone) since it has a very dewy finish.
There is a room for improvement in terms of shade selection - at the moment there are only 11 foundation shades available and I hope the brand expand the color range in the future.
Best For: drier skin types; perfect for beauties, who love that "no makeup makeup" vibe
Monochromatic Matte + Shimmer Blush Duo
Please click on images to zoom in
As always all of my swatches are raw and unedited (no added saturation, brightness or finger-licking here)
Completely sold out everywhere (both online and in stores), these little guys need no introduction. Cover FX Monochromatic Matte + Shimmer Blush Duo (38 USD; Made in Italy) is everything and your mother's favorite cookies.
The idea behind this product is genius: with every compact you get one color in two different finishes. Whether you want to keep your blush matte, glowy or create an even layer of both - this duo is what makeup dreams are made of. Oh! This is a clean formula too, which means it has no nasties in it and is 100% gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
The shade you see on the images above is Pink Dahlia - a perfect mix of peach and pink, that can translate as coral on my light-neutral skin tone. Both powders are incredibly smooth and pigmented, without trespassing the clown makeup territory (little goes a long way here). On most days I will apply matte side first and top it off with a light layer of shimmer to give my complexion that healthy radiance and glow. Longevity sits between 4-5 hours, before this blush begins to wear off gracefully.
Best For: all of the makeup lovers out there
Blush & Lite Stix
Please click on images to zoom in
As always all of my swatches are raw and unedited (no added saturation, brightness or finger-licking here)
I know it is so hard to keep up with ColourPop, but next time you shop their website do yourself a favor and check these little devils out. Yes, I am talking about the brand's amazing Blush Stix and Lite Stix (8 USD; Made in USA).
If you love cream products that are pigmented and long-lasting, look this way. This formula is a pleasure to work with; I do suggest dabbing these on with your fingers and never straight from the bullet (this might move your base or apply way too much). Product feels lightweight and smooth, blending out with ease and leaving you with the prettiest youthful cheeks of life.
These jumbo sticks come in a lot of colors, where highlighters are uber light-reflective and blushes are either glossy or shimmery. I find that they play nicely with all of my other makeup products and never look patchy or feel sticky. Once they are completely blended out, they will stay for minimum 5-6 hours, before fading away. Lite Stix tend to last longer though. And for 8 dollars these outperform a lot of high-end brands in my not-so-humble opinion.
Best For: beauties who love their blushes juicy and highlighters blinding
On the photo: wearing some of the products featured in this post; please head to my Instagram to find out more
What do you guys think about these products? Let's chat some more in the comments!
More online: sephora.com, narscosmetics.com and colourpop.com
PR samples and purchased products; full disclaimer here
