By: aspooniesmakeupbag August 29, 2023

Top 3 Each – Complexion Edition

Hye doll hey! How’s your day/night going? Great I hope. I’m still having fibromyalgia issues but am able to sit up for more than a few minutes at a time now so that’s a win in my book.

Today is part 2 of my best of the best makeup favorites.

Hye doll hey! How’s your day/night going? Great I hope. I’m still having fibromyalgia issues but am able to sit up for more than a few minutes at a time now so that’s a win in my book.

Today is part 2 of my best of the best makeup favorites.

This post as well is its partner post Top 3 of Each – Eye Edition are of products that are my all time favorites… throughout testing new products and rediscovering products from my collection I will still have favorites for a month or even half a year. The products I gush over through the year are just right now favorites, the products I gush over in these 2 blog posts are my top tier loves that top anything else.

And the winners are…..

*remember as always, all hyperlinks provided are simply for fast location of the products used and not affiliate links… I just did the research so you didn’t have to, all swatches are done on clean bare skin with no primer and in 1 pass to show the true pigmentation of the products*

Before we jump into the complexion products, I also wanted to include my favorite scents… I didn’t include nail polish because I didn’t do my nails often enough to have favorite colors… however I do have favorite formulas. I love Zoya, OPI and Essie.

My Top 3 Perfumes :

Yves Saint Laurent La Parisienne ($125.33 for 3 fl oz / 90 ml of product on the Walmart website) was released in 2009 and is a powdery fruity floral.

The scent notes are:

Top Notes: Cranberry & Blackberry
Heart Notes: Damascus Rose, Violet, Peony & Leather
Base Notes: Patchouli, Vetiver, Musk & Sandalwood

This is one of those scents that everyone asks you about. This is actually my second bottle of La Parisienne which is saying a lot. I have so many perfumes that not only do I rarely go through them but I also rarely repurchase them.

This is one of the few scents that hubby really truly loves. I get so many “babe you smell amazing” statements from that man every time I wear it. I absolutely love this warm sweet floral scent of this one so much.

Nest Wild Poppy ($90 for the 1.7 fl oz / 50 ml bottle and $32 for the 0.27 fl oz / 8 ml roller ball at Sephora) was released in 2019 and is a fruity floral.

The scent notes are:

Rose de Grasse, Apricot, Jasmine, Pear & Raspberries

This one is newer in my collection but I am hooked. It’s fruity but in a grown up way… not too sweet and really is the type of scent you can wear for any occasion.

Gucci Bamboo ($90 for the 1 fl oz / 30 ml bottle and $117 for the 1.6 fl oz / 50 ml bottle at Sephora) was launched in 2015 and is a woodsy floral.

The scent notes are:

Top Notes: Bergamot & Casablanca Lilies
Heart Notes: Ylang-Ylang & Orange Blossoms
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Tahitian Vanilla, Ambergris & Amber

This is my feeling sexy perfume. Anytime I want to feel super dressed up or anytime we have a date night this is the one I reach for. It’s the type of perfume that just a little goes a long way and it’s the type of perfume that will always get someone asking what you’re wearing.

My Top 3 Primers :

My favorite humidity busting combo is both primers from onesize:

One Size by Patrick Starrr Secure the Blur Makeup Magnet Primer ($34 for 1.18 oz/ 35 mL at Sephora) is billed as a blurring, mattifying primer that minimizes the look of pores, visibly evens texture, and controls shine while gripping makeup for all-day, ultimate wear.

One Size by Patrick Starrr Secure the Sweat Waterproof Mattifying Primer ($34 for 1 oz / 30 g of product at Sephora) is billed as a sweat-proof, waterproof, aluminum-free primer that absorbs excess sweat and oil to visibly tighten pores, mattify skin, and prolong makeup wear.

I purchased this one to test for my party and this combo is a dream come true. Anytime I wear both of these primers I know my makeup isn’t going anywhere. I even use the Secure the Sweet under other primers whenever I need my makeup to be budge proof in this heat and humidity.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer ($36 for the 1.0 oz/ 30 mL size and $20 for the 0.5 oz/ 15 mL size at Sephora) is billed as a lightweight, hydrating makeup primer for normal to dry skin that nurtures, keeps skin comfortable all day, and extends foundation wear.

This primer feels so good on the face. I even use this one on days where I’m not wearing foundation to give my face a little extra boost of hydration. I love how this one isn’t sticky and honestly just feels like skincare.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer ($20 for the 0.33 oz/ 10 mL size, $38 for the 1.52 oz/ 45 mL size & $70 for the 5.28 oz/ 150 mL size at Sephora) is billed as a clean, silicone-free dewy makeup primer with hyaluronic acid that grips makeup for up to 12 hours and hydrates skin to prevent meltdown and caking.

I really don’t like tacky primers but this one is just tacky enough to lock onto the foundation without feeling sticky. I had a mini size of this one and decided I was just going to use it up so I could be done with it. Well a week into using it I fell in love and purchased the full size. It has tack to it but not so much that it feels like a mask on the face. I had the ELF Jelly Pop Primer and I liked the scent but always hated how it made my face feel like I just put on a spa day face mask. That was the feeling anytime I used it, no matter how little product I put on so I thought the Milk one was going to be just as suffocating on the skin… but it’s not at all. It’s a great primer.

Loreal Infallible Glow Lock Illuminating Primer (can still be found for $4.99 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml of product at Walmart…. the Milani Bright Side Illuminating Face Primer for $ 11.99 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml at Ulta is a great alternative) is billed as smoothing and refining and hydrating.

Out of all my glowy primers I absolutely love this one the best. So said that they have discontinued it. It’s hydrating and doesn’t feel greasy or break up my foundation at all. It doesn’t have too much glow to it so it’s great under light coverage foundations but still has enough glow to show through a medium foundation too.

My Top 3 Glow Enhancers :

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($19 for the 0.18 oz / 5.5 mL size and $49 for the 1.0 oz/ 30 mL size at Sephora) is billed as a complexion booster that blurs, smooths, and illuminates for a real-life filter effect. It comes in 12 shades, I have it in the shade 1 Fair (neutral beige for fair skin tones).

I totally purchased this because it was super hyped up. For good reason. This gives the most ethereal glow to the skin. I have it in a deeper shade for days when I don’t feel like doing my makeup but this shade is my favorite. It offers very little coverage but it’s not meant to… it’s not a skin tint it’s a glow enhancer. I also love to mix this into my more matte foundations to create a full coverage satin style foundation.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup ($13.99 for 0.68 fl oz / 20 ml of product at Ulta) is billed as a product that primes, conceals, highlights, and evens skin tone with light coverage. It comes in 8 shades, I have it in the shade 00 (fair-Light).

This is like the baby sister of the Hollywood flawless Filter. It’s not as glowy but still equally pretty on the skin. This one is great over the top of the foundation as well. It doesn’t lift the foundation and just gives it a boost of light to the skin.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop’Lit All Over Glow Enhancer ($34 for 1.22 fl oz / 36 mL of product at Sephora and ULta) is billed as a subtle-glow enhancer with skin-loving ingredients for natural-looking illumination. It comes in 4 shades, I have it in the shade Taffy Topaz (champagne glow for light medium-to-medium skin tones).

I don’t use this one on the face straight from the bottle. I mix this in with either my moisturizer or my full coverage foundations. On its own this one is way too metallic but mixed into other products it’s stunning. This one is also a little thicker than the other 2 so I find that the foundation doesn’t lay right over top but is mixed in… that’s where the magic happens.

My Top 3 Under Eye Correctors :

Smashbox x BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector ($33 for 0.15 oz/ 4.5 g of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a an-favorite color corrector that uses reflective light to brighten the look of under-eye circles. It comes in 4 shades, i have the shade Fair/Light.

I was super happy when I found out that Smashbox picked this product up for sale. I have gone through 3 or 4 over the past few years. It’s creamy but not so creamy that it creases or breaks up any concealer that I put over top. It also has a brightening pink hue that looks great on its own as well.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Color Corrector ($32 for 0.11 g / 3.11 g of product at Sephora) is billed as a buttery, lightweight, full-coverage color corrector that conceals pigmentation and brightens the appearance of the under-eye area. It comes in 4 shades, I have it in the shade Fair (pink for light skin tones).

This one is a bit less creamy than the BECCA one and has more peach tones than pink. I actually use this one as a concealer most of the time. I’ll put this on and then use whatever is left on my foundation sponge or brush to add a bit more coverage. It doesn’t crease and it doesn’t need much powdering.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Bright Fix Eye Brightener Concealer ($28 for 0.33 oz/ 10 mL of product at Sephora) is billed as an under eye brightener that hydrates, brightens, and conceals with sheer to buildable coverage delivering a no-makeup makeup effect and longwear formula. It comes in 16 shades, I have the shade 01 Rose Quartz (cool pink to brighten for light skin tones).

This is my go to corrector for when I haven’t slept well or for when I’m having a high pain day, those days I get super dark under eyes. This one is lightweight and a thinner consistency but super brightening. This one is also a great option for those days where I wear skin tints.

My Top 3 Concealers :

I’m cheating a little bit with this category. I honestly couldn’t make up my mind between these 4 … I love them all so I just couldn’t cut one out.

Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Buildable Coverage Crease Proof Concealer ($31 for 0.30 oz / 9 ml of product at Sephora) is billed as a buildable, creamy formula that can flex from medium to full coverage while it visibly brightens and conceals, is fragrance-free, long-wearing, crease-proof, and made to move with you. It comes in 29 shades, I have it in the shade Royal Icing 1.1 Neutral (fair skin tones with neutral undertones).

This is my favorite concealer all together. It’s a full coverage, satin finish, super pigmented concealer that doesn’t crease, doesn’t slip and only needs the slightest of powdering. It also works perfectly with all of my correctors as well. It’s also Florida summer proof.

Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Light Smoothing Concealer ($28 for 0.16 oz / 5 mL of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a buttery, serum-light, buildable under eye, creamy concealer that effortlessly glides on skin to camouflage and cover imperfections for up to 24 hours. It comes in 18 shades, I have the shade Vanilla Wafer (fair with golden undertones).

This one has a high satin coverage. This is a low medium coverage concealer that looks so hydrating under the eyes. I love this one for skin tint days as well as medium coverage days. This is my go to date night concealer because it gives the most natural glow to the under eyes. It does need to be set with powder but never looks dry or creasey.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Full Coverage Concealer ($29 for 0.43 oz/ 13 mL of product at Sephora) is billed as a hydrating, lightweight, full-coverage concealer that brightens the look of dark circles and covers imperfections without creasing or caking. It comes in 24 shades, I have the shade 90 Ivoire Neutral (fair skin, neutral undertone).

This is a satin finish concealer that is pigmented and full coverage. It’s brightening all on its own and I never have to wear corrector with it. This one doesn’t set down but doesn’t need powder… it just doesn’t crease.

Cover FX Power Play Concealer ($19 for 0.33 fl oz / 10 ml of product on Amazon) * The brand has shuttered their doors and was acquired by AS Beauty (who owns brands such as Laura Geller, Bliss, Julep and Mally Beauty, but this concealer is still readily available on Amazon* I have it in the shade N Fair 1.

This one is a nice mid coverage concealer. It’s a shame that cover fx went under. Now, I hate the doe foot but the product is a great summer time staple for me. It doesn’t fade in the heat and it gives great coverage for medium to full foundations.

My Top 3 Light Coverage Foundations :

L’oreal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum ($19.99 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml of product at Ulta) is billed as hydrating, luminous and medium coverage. It comes in 15 shades, I have it in the shade #0.5/2 (very Light).

I have always had a love affair with Loreal foundations. This serum skin tint is no exception. It is a high satin finish that evens out the skin seamlessly. This is one of those foundations that you don’t need to look in the mirror to apply. The only thing I hate about it is the dropper. I wish they would re-release this one with a pump or a squeeze tube… the dropper doesn’t always work and it’s so messy but I don’t care about any of that because the way this sits on the skin is perfection. This one doesn’t oxidize. It doesn’t set down but only needs a light dusting of powder. It’s so lightweight that I never feel it on my face.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drops Blurring Skin Tint ($35 for 1.08 oz/ 32 mL of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a lightweight, buildable light-to-medium coverage tinted moisturizer that leaves skin looking blurred and smoothed. It comes in 25 shades, I have the shade #1 (light with cool neutral undertones).

This is my favorite no makeup makeup foundation. It gives just enough coverage to even out any pigmentation but not so much that you can tell that I’m wearing anything. I also love this for adding just a hint more coverage to other skin tints or to help thin out matte foundations on days where I want a matte look without the heavy mask feeling.

Pat Mcgrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation ($69 for 1.18 oz/ 35 ml of product at Sephora) is billed as a long-wearing, lightweight foundation that builds from sheer to medium coverage in a wide range of universal hues that manifest the ultimate sublime skin standard. It comes in 33 shades, I have the shade Light 3 (light with neutral undertones).

When I first got this foundation I was confused. It’s very watery and I just thought I wasn’t going to do anything for myself. The first 2 times I tried it I hated it… turns out it was the primer I was using. Now that I know the best way to use it I absolutely love this foundation…. she’s expensive but so worth it. The finish is always stunning. It gives the face such a glow.

My Top 3 Medium Coverage Foundations :

One Size by Patrick Starrr Turn Up the Base Blurring Foundation ($35 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml of product at Sephora) is billed as a medium to full, buildable foundation that absorbs oil and provides a soft matte finish for a second skin, all day wear. It comes in 18 shades, I have it in the shade Light 1 R (light, rosy undertones).

I purchased this one because it was all over my TikTok feed. I am so freaking over the moon with this one! So much so that I purchased a second bottle. This shade is my spot on skin tone but I like my foundation to be a hint lighter than my skin tone because I go a bit overboard with the bronzer. This is marketed as a matte, it’s more a demi matte formula that is so amazing on the skin. It doesn’t oxidise, it sets down almost all the way and I only need to powder my sweet zone area. It’s bulletproof in this Florida heat .

Makeup by Mario Surreal Liquid Foundation ($42 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml of product at Sephora) is billed as a breathable, luminous foundation that effortlessly builds and blends to illuminate the complexion with customizable, long-wearing coverage. It comes in 30 shades, I have the shade 2 N (fair with neutral undertones).

This is a beautiful foundation. It’s a dewy foundation that reminds me of Too Faced Born This Way but better. It’s lightweight and never oxidizes. When this first came out some said it had glitter in it I never noticed glitter. In the bottle you can see mica particles, which gives this foundation its glow but they do not translate to the face. I never have a bad makeup day with this foundation.

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga ($45 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml of product at Sephora) is billed as a medium coverage, weightless, clean foundation with fermented arnica that helps reduce redness and protects from environmental stress. It comes in 51 shades, I have it in the shade 070 Fair Neutral (air with neutral peach undertones).

I had wanted this foundation for so long. I finally purchased it and for a month couldn’t put it down. This one is high medium coverage and builds to full coverage with no issues. It’s light and dewy but in a natural way. This may very well be my all time favorite foundation of the year. I was enough able to wear it in the humidity without much issue. This is that foundation that looks amazing from the time you first apply it to it’s time to take it off at night.

My Top 3 Full Coverage Foundations :

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24 Hour Long Wear Matte Foundation ($57 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a full coverage, natural matte foundation with sweat and waterproof longwear. Now ultra-breathable and packed with skin-loving ingredients. It comes in 50 shades, I have it in the shade 120 N (air skin with neutral/peachy undertones).

As is the case with the next 2 foundations, I purchased this one only recently because I was on the hunt for Florida summer friendly foundations. This one is super popular within the beauty community as is the next 2… I now understand why! It’s full coverage, demi matte and super long wearing. It’s also sweet proof. I love how this one looks on my face.

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation ($13.99 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml of product at Ulta) is billed as a longwear, full coverage 30 hour foundation with a light as air feel and seamless natural matte finish. It comes in 24 shades, I have it in the shade 112 Natural Ivory.

This one reminds me of the KVD Lock It foundation. It’s got the same coverage but is slightly less matte than the Lock It is. This one is budge proof…. sweet proof… and didn’t need much powdering.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation ($49 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a 24-hour liquid foundation with a flawless, natural, matte finish that unifies uneven skin tone and covers imperfections with buildable coverage. It comes in 56 shades, I have the shade 1 C 0 Shell (very light with cool pink undertones).

I have always had this one on my wish list. I just never purchased it till now. I am so amazed with this one. It’s indestructible. I got caught in the rain without an umbrella and between the One Size primers and this foundation my face makeup did not fail me. I even used a paper towel to pat my face when I got to the doctor’s office and nothing moved. This is my birthday foundation.

My Top 3 Cream Contours :

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Stick ($25 for 0.32 oz/ 9.1 g of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a full-pigment, cream stick for contouring with buildable coverage and a natural-looking, matte finish. It comes in 4 shades, I have it in the shade Mink (toasted almond).

This is the perfect shade for my liking. It has just the right amount of taupe to the base to really give me a sculpted look. The formula is heaven and I think it may just be my favorite contour stick.

Juvia’s Place Bronzed Cream Bronzer ($18 for 0.78 oz / 22.11 g of product at Ulta) is billed as being crafted with shimmering pearls & glide smoothly onto skin creating a seamless and radiant finish that mimics the warm embrace of the sun. The pearls delicately reflect light unveiling a mesmerizing luminosity. It comes in 8 shades, I purchased the shade Espresso.

This is a newer product in my collection but I knew from the first day that I would have a hard time putting it down. It’s super creamy and easy to blend and doesn’t disappear when I apply foundation over top of it. It’s also nto so creamy that it breaks up the products I apply over it.

Fenty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer ($35 for 0.22 oz/ 6.23 g of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a light-as-air, non-greasy cream bronzer that effortlessly melts into skin for a natural-looking bronze or soft contour. It comes in 7 shades, I have it in the shade 01 Amber (cool undertones for fair skin).

I love this contour for light and low medium coverage foundations. It’s a bit more taupe than I like but that’s ok because it actually works out perfect for lower coverage foundations. It’s creamier than the Anastasia Beverly Hills contour stick but drier than the Juvia’s Place bronzer. It blends out seamlessly and has lasting power.

My Top 3 Cream Bronzers :

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer ($58 for 0.74 oz / 21 g of product at Sephora) is billed as a 16-hour wear cream bronzer that blurs skin, hydrates with hyaluronic acid, and is sweatproof. It comes in 4 shades, I have it in the shade 03 Tan (Medium Deep Bronze).

While this bronzer is on the spendy side it does offer a lot of product for that price point. This cream bronzer is on the stiffer side of the spectrum and I tend to use this one the most when I am under painting. I do use it with full coverage matte foundations when I am not under painting but find that it’s not the best for more creamier foundations.

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick ($30 for 0.37 oz/ 10.5 g of product at Sephora) is billed as a dual-ended cream shaping stick that is buildable and swipes on seamlessly for true-to-skin definition that dries down to a natural matte finish. It comes in 6 shades, I have it in the shade Medium (warm golden natural matte finish for light-medium to medium skin tones).

This bronzer is such a joy to work with. It’s lighter in texture than either of the other 2 on this list but builds up without any trouble. This is a bronzer that I can use with any foundation and it always looks beautiful.

Newer to my collection but was love at first sight. It’s the perfect tone for my style. I love a bronzer that is more red based than orange base. this one looks like sun kissed skin.

My Top 3 Powder Bronzers :

Makeup Revolution Bronzer Reloaded ($7 for 0.53 oz / 15.03 g of product at Ulta) is billed as that just-off-the-beach glow in one go. It only comes in the shade Long Weekend.

I never liked glowy bronzers until I tried this one. This bronzer is so darn pretty but you do have to be careful how much you build it up. Too much and it pulls orange and it almost pulls metallic… so a light hand is all you need.

Nabla Skin Bronzing ($24 for 0.23 of 6.52 g of product at Ulta) is billed as summer all year around, a radiant and bronzed look. It comes in 4 shades, I have it in the shade Profile (dark warm brown).

This is the most unique bronzer I own. It swatches muddy but with a brush it’s perfection. It’s the bronzer I used for my Anniversary get away. It has a slight sheen to it that helps it blend into the skin like a real tan.

NARS Matte Bronzing Powder ($38 for 0.038 oz / 11 g of product on their website) is billed as long-lasting matte warmth with an imperceptible finish. It comes in 4 shades, I have the shade Samoa (deep golden brown).

For the longest time I didn’t think I would ever find a bronzer that I would like from NARS. I tried every rendition of the famous Laguna bronzer and hated every last one. This one is matte and has less orange than Laguna does. I feel like it has a similar feel as Tarte Park Ave Princess.

My Top 3 Cream Blushes :

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23 for 0.25 oz/ 7.5 mL of product at Sephora) is billed as a weightless, long-lasting liquid blush that blends and builds beautifully for a soft, healthy flush. It comes in 13 shades and 2 finishes, I have it in the shade Lucky (hot pink – dewy).

For as long as I can remember my favorite go to shade has always been coral… in any hue of coral… as long as it was a coral I fell in love with it. Well… I purchased this one after watching a few TikTok videos with everyone wearing pinks and decided to try it. I have never loved a bold cheek but there is something so special about this shade. I also love to under paint with it since it’s so bright it really shines through.

Juvia’s Place Blushes Liquid Blush ($18 for 0.27 fl oz / 8 ml at Ulta) is billed as a lightweight multi-use liquid blush that creates effortless radiance and a dewy finish on the cheeks. It comes in 12 shades,, I have it in the shade Barbie Rose (bright rose pink).

I could not put this blush down the week that I got it. It’s super pigmented, easy to blend and the tiniest bit goes a long way. I own 2 of the shades but have plans to buy so much more.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($24 for 0.1 oz / 3 g of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a light-as-air, non-greasy cream blush that instantly melts into skin for a wash of color and natural-looking flush. It comes in 12 shades, I have it in the shade Big Melons (soft coral).

This is the shade I’m wearing for my birthday. As I’ve said many times before… Fenty can do no wrong. I love the Cheeks Out blushes so much and every shade I’ve tried I have instantly fallen in love with. It’s creamy but not overly creamy where it disappears and the pigmentation is stellar.

My Top 3 Powder Blushes :

Alamar Cosmetics Press Blush in the shade Hermosa Rosa (deep red coral satin). This was a limited run collab with Disney for the Encanto movie… a close shade and texture match would be ColourPop Super Shock Blush ($9 for 0.15 oz / 4.2 g of product on their website) in the shade Holiday (bright mid toned peachy pink).

I am so bummed that I didn’t pick up a backup of this blush! This is coral perfection. It’s a satin blush that won my heart with just a swatch. Alamar Cosmetics does amazing formulas. This one lasts all day and never loses its punch.

Nabla Skin Glazing ($24 for 0.23 oz / 6.5 g of product at Ulta) is billed as a kaleidoscope of thin and dazzling pearls that redefine the concept of light with have zero thickness and light up your skin with a mirrored effect and unexpected brilliance. It comes in 4 blush shades, I have the shade Truth (peachy rose)

This was the blush I used for my Anniversary get away. It’s my all time favorite shade. I typically hate frosted blush… I prefer my highlighter and blush to be 2 products but there is something about the way this one looks on the face that is just so beautiful.

Clinique Cheek Pop ($29 for 0.12 oz/ 3.5 g at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a ong-wearing, buildable cheek color that imparts a bright hue. It comes in 5 shades, I have the shade Ginger Pop (red based coral satin).

I only just got this blush and the first time I used it was when I did the mock up for my birthday makeup and instantly knew this was the blush I would be using for my birthday. It is a stiffer of a formula so it needs to be layered up but it’s so worth the extra steps. This is satin blush at its finest and the shade is spot on what I was going for. I also think this one would be cute as a sort of new sun burnt look across the nose and over the temples.

My Top 3 Cream Highlighters :

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight ($25 for 0.5 oz/ 15 mL of product at Sephora) is billed as a silky, second-skin liquid highlighter that creates a lasting, soft, and luminous finish. It comes in 8 shades, I have it in the shade Mesmerize (rose bronze, Selena’s go-to shade).

This has got to be one of my all time favorite purchases. This is the kind of highlighter that you can under paint with because it’s so reflective. As with all the liquid products from Rare Beauty, just a dot is all you need. This one can be very ethereal if you go in with the lightest of hands but it can also be super punchy if you build it up. I’ve even mixed a bit in with matte foundation for a bit of glint.

Juvia’s Place Nubian Glow Liquid Luminizer ($18 for ($18 for 0.27 fl oz / 8 ml at Ulta) is billed as a lightweight, illuminating liquid luminizer that blends effortlessly leaving skin looking lit from within. It claims to have a formula featuring squalene helping to keep the skin hydrated with a natural glow and radiance. It comes in 5 shades, I have it in the shade Egyptian Glow.

I really love this highlighter… I want to get the lighter shade too but this one is super pretty for the summer. It’s warm enough that you could wear it with just bronzer and it would look amazing but it’s also light enough that topped over blush it shines so well.

Flower Beauty Day Glow Highlighting Glaze ($11 for 0.12 oz / 3.4 g of product at Ulta) is billed as a lightweight, cream highlighter that diffuses light for a natural-looking, lit-from-within glow. It comes in only the shade Ablaze.

This is my go to highlighter for no makeup makeup days, for low maintenance days, for low coverage days and even for days where I don’t have any makeup on at all. It’s also really pretty when you tap it over a medium coverage foundation. It gives the most natural glow to a full coverage look and if used with a matte foundation it gives this subtle glow that is just super pretty too.

My Top 3 Powder Highlighters :

Rare Beauty by Selena GOmez Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter ($25 for 0.098 oz / 2.8g of product at Sephora) is billed as an innovative powder highlighter that gives skin an instant glass-like sheen for an easy, natural-looking glow that lasts. It comes in 4 shades, I have it in the shade Exhilarate (champagne gold).

This highlighter is so shiny. It’s a softer formula that gets easily dented but this makes it so easy to apply as well. It’s not an everyday highlighter for me because she is super glowy but every time I do wear it I always get asked about it.

Nabla Skin Glazing ($24 for 0.23 oz / 6.5 g of product at Ulta) is billed as a kaleidoscope of thin and dazzling pearls that redefine the concept of light with have zero thickness and light up your skin with a mirrored effect and unexpected brilliance. It comes in 2 highlight shades, I have the shade Ozone (neutral ivory).

This one and the next highlighter are tied for first place in my life. This one can be light and subtle but you can quickly build it up to club hopping status. I love this one so much that this is actually my second one. (that’s saying heaps because I have so many highlighters that it’s almost impossible for me to go through a whole one).

Benefit Powder Highlight ($35 for 0.28 oz / 8 g of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a silky-soft, superfine powder highlighter.. It comes in 2 shades, I have the shade Cookie (golden pearl).

Cookie is the sweetest highlighter I have ever had. It always looks exquisite on the high points of the face.

My Top 3 Setting Powders for Eyes :

One Size by Patrick Starrr Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder ($34 for 1.2 oz/ 34.5g of product at Sephora) is billed as a finely-milled blurring powder for all day wear, 24-hour shine control, and a soft matte finish. It comes in 4 shades, I have the shade Universal Translucent (fair/medium).

This setting powder really locks my face in place all day and night. I never have to touch up with this one and I never look cakey or dry. It’s newer in my collection but I haven’t stopped using it since getting it.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder ($36 for 0.98 oz/ 28 g of product at Sephora) is billed as a superfine, weightless, loose setting powder in eight sheer shades to perfect and extend makeup wear for a filtered, photo-ready finish on lock. It comes in 8 shades, I have it in the shade Butter (fair/medium).

This was the first item that sparked my love for all things Fenty. This one is finely milled and has a satin finish. There isn’t a time that I’ve used this setting powder that I haven’t loved the was my face looked after using it.

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder ($38 for 0.71 oz/ 20 g of product at Sephora) is billed as a lightly pigmented, silky setting powder that bakes & sets, blurs the look of fine lines, and locks in makeup for 10 hours with an airbrushed finish. It comes in 9 shades, I have the shade Cupcake (fair/light).

I love how brightening this powder is. It’s finely milled and gives the face a natural looking set.

My Top 3 Setting Powders for Face :

Yes… I did in fact fall in love with the 3 setting powders above so much that I purchased them in shades for the under eyes. This pink shade doesn’t brighten as much as I had hoped it would but it makes my under eyes indestructible. It doesn’t matter what concealer I use when I use this powder… it isn’t budging.

Hello bright under eyes! This lavender powder is my go to center of the face powder. It never looks ghostly or cakey and always looks smooth.

This is another powder that is brightening and smooth but this one’s scent can be a bit much so I only use this one on days where my Fibromyalgia doesn’t bug me too much. With Fibro you can have Hyperosmia so certain scents can cause headaches or nausea. This one can trigger an attack from time to time but it’s so pretty that I am willing to deal with it.

My Top 3 Pressed Powders :

Catrice Prime & Fine Waterproof Mattifying Powder ($8 for 0.31 oz / 9g of product on their website) is billed as being able to withstand humidity and mattifies your skin for hours with a transparent shade that adapts to most skin tones. It only comes in transparent.

This pressed powder is a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury one… it’s the same texture, the same finish is just sheerer and transparent. It’s milled finely and really helps polish up my makeup throughout the day. I have repurchased this pressed powder at least 4 times. It is my favorite pressed powder.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder ($48 for 0.28 oz / 8 g of product at Sephora) is billed as an ultra-fine setting powder that blurs imperfections and visibly reduces shine. It comes in 4 shades, I have the shade Medium 2 (medium to medium deep).

I love this powder so much. But this shade is no longer a good shade match for me. I do still wear it because I love the finish that I get I just have to be careful to not use it in the center of my face. When I’ve used it up I will definitely repurchase it, only in a lighter shade.

MAC Pressed Blotting Powder ($35 for 0.42 oz / 12 g of product on their website) is billed as a pressed powder that adds minimal colour and texture and offers a very sheer finish. It comes in 5 shades, I have it in the shade medium.

An oldie but goodie. This was the first higher price point pressed powder I ever purchased over 10 years ago and I loved it so much that I have repurchased it over and over. It helps take down any shine throughout the day without adding extra coverage. It’s basically a powdered version of blotting paper.

My Top 3 Setting Sprays :

Dermablend Lock & Last Water-Resistant Setting Spray ($28 for 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml of product at Ulta) is billed as a skin-hydrating longwear formula that locks in makeup up to 24 HR and is smudge, transfer, & water-resistant.

I purchased this on the recommendation of Lady Venom Official from TikTok. She had said it was her hands down 100% favorite setting spray for all day hold. I purchased it to test for my birthday and it turns out this is a pretty darn good setting spray. No scent that I can detect, the nozzle is finely misted and this is a budge proof setting spray.

Cover FX High Performance Setting Spray ($30.99 for 4 fl oz / 120 ml of product on Amazon) * The brand has shuttered their doors and was acquired by AS Beauty (who owns brands such as Laura Geller, Bliss, Julep and Mally Beauty, but this concealer is still readily available on Amazon* .

I purchased this one because it was on sale and well… it’s a damn good setting spray. No scent, fine misted nozzle and doesn’t mattify the face. It’s pretty longwear well.

One Size By Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray ($32 for 3.4 fl oz / 143 ml of product at Sephora) is billed as a waterproof setting spray that gives skin an all-day matte finish.

Here’s another TikTok made me purchase it item that I am super grateful for. This one stun the first few times I tried it… but after that it didn’t. She is waterproof, sweatproof and really clamps down on the makeup but you can’t feel it on the face. The only thing I don’t like is the aerosol can. It makes it hard to determine if you are actually spraying your face. My work around for that is that I just spray it closer to my face.

My Top 3 Lip Scrubs:

Tree Hut SugarLips Lip Scrub ($5.99 for 0.34 oz / 9.6 g of product at Ulta) is billed as the perfect start to a smooth, exfoliated smile. The gentle 2-in-1 formula contains natural sugar grains polish away dry, flaky skin while also hydrating skin for smooth, soft lips. This flavor is sweet mint.

I love the feel of my lips after using this scrub. I like that it’s mint and I like that it doesn’t feel too oily, it feels like a lip mask. It’s also not gritty it’s fine spun sugar.

Fourth Ray Beauty Lip Scrub ($8 for 0.14 oz / 3.96 g of product at Ulta) is billed as a softening lip scrub that gently exfoliates to reveal smoother lips. This is in the scent Key Lime.

I love the easiness of this scrub. It has a nice scent , doesn’t crumble easily and travels well. It’s a bit more sandy in texture than the first one but not as much as the next one. This one isn’t oily it feels like a balm.

E.L.F. Lip Exfoliator ($5 for 0.1 oz / 2.83 g of product at Ulta) is billed as ven sweeter with an improved formula and yummy scents. It comes in 7 scents. This is in the scent Strawberry.

E.L.F. doesn’t have this scrub in this component anymore, this is the last of the ones I purchased before they changed the look but it’s the same good formula. I love the scent and ease of application. It’s a blam like consistency with a sandy grit but nothing too uncomfortable. This one doesn’t travel well as the formula is very soft but nonetheless I love it.

My Top 3 Lip Conditioners :

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($24 for 0.7 oz/ 20 g at Sephora) is billed as a leave-on lip mask that delivers intense moisture and antioxidants while you sleep with Berry Fruit Complex™, Murumuru seed and Shea butter. It comes in 5 scents and the original, I have original.

This is a mini of this lip mask, I’ve finished the full size and have ordered more. I don’t use this as a sleeping mask, I use it as a conditioning treatment whilst I do the rest of my makeup. It gives me a pillow soft lips and doesn’t have any greasy residue.

Kopari Lip Gloss (this one was in a set of 3 that was part of last year’s holiday collection the original is just as good) Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy ($16 for 0.3 oz / 8.5 g of product at Ulta) is billed as a non-sticky, hydrating lip balm with the perfect amount of shine.

I’m sad that they don’t sell this scent in a single. It’s grape scented but the formula is still the same as the original coconut one. It’s runnier in consistency than the first one and the last one but it’s packed with hydration.

E.L.F. Jelly Pop Lip Mask (this one is no longer available but they do offer a hydrating lip mask… that one is called ->) E.L.F. Holy Hydration Lip Mask ($7 for 0.01 oz / 2.83 g of product at Ulta) is billed as a hydrating lip mask infused with skin-loving ingredients to give you a softer, smoother pout.

This one is like the first one save for being a hint more sticky in the formula. This one has no scent and stays longer than the other two.

My Top 3 Neutral Lip Liners :

LA Girl Shockwave Lip Liner ($4.99 for 0.04 oz / 1.13 g of product at Ulta) is billed as full-coverage pigment for up to 8 hours. It comes in 12 shades, I have it in the shade Coquette (nude).

This pencil is creamy and pigmented and has replaced my love of ColourPop’s Lippie Pencil in the shade Cool BFF. The undertone of this lip liner makes it easier to pair with reds and corals as well.

NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner ($5 for 0.035 oz / 0.99 g of product at Ulta) is billed as a velvety soft lip pencil that enhances & adds definition to your favorite lip color. It comes in 36 shades, I have it in the shade Whipped Caviar (muted plum).

The suede matte lip pencil is by far my favorite formula, taking the place of ColourPop Lippie Pencils. At one point I owned nothing but ColourPop Lippie Pencils and then one day I picked this shade up at the NYX store and fell in love. By the next week I had ordered every shade I needed and decluttered the lippie pencils. Whipped Caviar is by far my most re-purchased lip pencil shade. This color pairs well with any nude lipstick and any coral lipstick. I’ve also used this shade to tone down red shades when I want red but not puchny red.

Cold Brew is that shade that works well with any brown you own. It’s newer to my collection and I loved the tone of it so much that I purchased the shade in their Suede Matte lipstick.

My Top 3 Colorful Lip Liners :

Clinger by far is my favorite hot pink lip shade, purchased to pair with the lipstick shade Unlocked from Fenty, I quickly fell for this shade. I have been known to just line and fill in my lips with this shade a time or two.

Kitten Heels is that bright blue based red that has just enough depth to punch up any red lip. It’s the shade I use when I don’t know what shade of lipstick to use… again, mostly using it on it’s own as my lipstick.

Spicy is that perfect toned true red that really pairs well with any red lipstick you use.

My Top 3 Lip Glosses :

Fenty By Rihanna Gloss Bomb ($21 for 0.30 oz / 9 mL of product at Sephora) is billed as an ultimate, gotta-have-it lip gloss with explosive shine that feels as good as it looks. It comes in 7 shades, i have it in the shade Sweetmouth (soft pink).

Sweetmouth is my hands down favorite lip gloss. It’s super cute on its own but adds a pretty dimension to any lipstick. Not sticky and never gloopy.

Fenty By Rihanna Gloss Bomb ($21 for 0.30 oz / 9 mL of product on their website) is billed as an ultimate, gotta-have-it lip gloss with explosive shine that feels as good as it looks. It comes in 7 shades, i have it in the shade Cheeky (bright red orange).

I love this lip gloss on it’s own. It’s my go to when I don’t want to mess with lip pencil or lipstick.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss (discontinued, I am working with a new product that I believe to be a spot on dupe for this shade… I need more time to test it before I reveal it.) in the shade Girly (pink with rose gold pin points).

I’m sad that Girly is discontinued. I do have a new lip gloss that I purchased but am still testing it to see if it is a dupe. In the meantime the dimension of this lipgloss is so pretty and there is glitter but it’s not gritty. This one is a bit sticky but nothing too bothersome.

My Top 3 Liquid Matte Lipsticks :

Fenty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint ($28 for 0.13 oz/ 4 mL of product at Sephora and Ulta) is billed as a weightless, long-wearing, liquid lipstick with a soft-matte finish. It comes in 6 shades, I have the shade Uncuffed (rosey mauve).

The lip paints are some of my favorite formulas ever. I wish Fenty would release new shades, maybe a black, blue and some peachy coral shades. These are easy to mix together for a super cute ombre lip. This is the best matte liquid lipstick formula ever. It never feels crusty or tight on the lips and never gets crumbly when you reapply. This shade is mauve perfection.

Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink ($12.99 for 0.14 fl oz / 4.14 ml of product at Ulta) is billed as no-budge lip color that lasts up to 16 hours with a color lock formula that defies smudging and transfer.. It comes in 20 shades, I have it in the shade 20 Coy (dusty mauve rose).

I truly love this formula. It stays all day and has a shine to it. It’s comfortable, and never feathers or cracks. This shade is super pretty paired with a nude eye look too.

KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick ($23 for 0.23 fl oz / 6.8 ml of product at Ulta and Sephora) is billed as their iconic liquid lipstick with all-day, transfer-proof wear, and in an evolved formula for hyper-lightweight comfort. It comes in 30 shades, I have the shade Cobra Lily (rusty red).

This is the shade of red for all seasons. It’s not too bright not too orange… it’s a comfortable liquid lipstick but does crack if you reapply without removing the first layer. I use this formula on occasions where I will only be out for a few hours.. but this shade is amazing.

My Top 3 Neutral Lipsticks :

MAC Matte Lipstick ($23 for 0.1 oz / 0.28 g of product at Ulta) is billed as a creamy, rich lipstick formula with high-color payoff in a matte finish.. It comes in 28 shades, I have it in the shade Velvet Teddy (deep beige).

Teddy is a shade I discovered at a friend’s house when we were playing around with her makeup collection. It’s this perfect peachy beige that really flatters any skin tone. It’s a comfort matte which means it’s matte with a hint of creaminess. It’s long wearing and this is my 2nd tube of it.

L’oreal Colour RIche Satin Lipstick ($11.49 for 0.13 oz / 3.68 g of product at Ulta) is billed as luxuriously creamy colors that are infused with pure, caring ingredients for rich hydration. It comes in 34 shades, I have it in the shade Fairest Nude (neutral beige pink).

The perfect pale nude shade… it reminds me of myth and snob from MAC mixed together. It’s creamy and never looks like concealer lips. This is the lipstick I use when I don’t want to do too much work.

Pat McGrath Satin Allure Lipstick ($30 at Sephora) is billed as a modernized, satin lipstick that veils lips in a weightless, silky-smooth color with a luminous, dewy finish. It comes in 12 shades, I have the shade Venusain Peach (light peachy nude).

Newer in my collection, this creamy lipstick is my lips but better shade that I love so much. The staying power isn’t that great but It’s so pretty that I don’t mind having to reapply it.

My Top 3 Red Lipsticks :

Hands down my favorite bullet lipstick red! She’s blue based but has just enough orange in it to allow for any look. Every time I wear this shade I get asked what’s on my lips. Unlike most reds this one doesn’t feather into fine lines and doesn’t travel outside the lip line. It’s perfect enough to not need a lip liner (though I still use one) and has effortless application.

I was worried about this one… since it’s a stay put liquid lipstick but is also still shiny. But I had nothing to worry about with this one. It doesn’t smear everywhere and never loses its shine. I like this one so much that for my birthday I’m picking up the deeper red shades too.

This is my all time favorite red lipstick. So much so that this is my 2nd bottle of this shade. I would love to see Fenty release a deep blood red shade too but even so I mean look how perfect it is.

My Top 3 Gothic/Dark Lipsticks :

Juvia’s Place Nubian Earth Lipstick ($15 at Ulta) is billed as a soft matte formula infused with hyaluronic acid. It comes in 6 shades, I have the shade Sheeba (cool toned dark chocolate brown).

This Juvia’s Place lipstick formula is amazingly comfortable and long lasting and can we just take a minute to appreciate the tone of this shade…. It’s deep and smokey and has dimension to the tone. It’s vampy but also sophisticated.

MAC Matte Lipstick ($23 for 0.1 oz / 0.28 g of product at Ulta… this shade is no longer available) is billed as a creamy, rich lipstick formula with high-color payoff in a matte finish.. It comes in 28 shades, I have it in the shade Studded Kiss (deep true red) try the shade Sin (this one is a true deep blue based red).

Studded Kiss is such a unique shade. It’s deep yet bright and pairs amazingly with a black lip liner for that gothic witchy vibe. This is a comfort matte that is so red statuated that it leaves behind this pretty lip stain.

NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick (discontinued) in the shade Alien (deep black). NYX has this same shade in a bullet lipstick… NYX Suede Matte Lipstick ($9 for 0.12 oz / 3.4 g of product at Ulta) in the shade Alien (true black) is billed as a non-drying matte lipstick offering hours of smooth coverage.

I’m bummed that the LIquid Suede line was discontinued. It’s one of the best liquid lipstick formulas of the drug store. Alien is the deep true black that dries down matte without feeling heavy on the lips. It’s nowhere as drying on the lips as other mattes can be. I’m happy to have this one in a bullet lipstick form… but wish they never took this one away.

My Top 3 Colorful Lipsticks :

I mean just look at this shade… do I have to say anything more? I’m almost out of this shade and need to pick up a backup… this one would be missed in my collection. It’s just so pretty and unlike other pink liquid matte lipsticks this one doesn’t get smeared or travel outside the lip line.

Half Magic Mouth Cloud Soft Matte Lip Cream ($20 for 0.19 fl oz / 5.6 ml of product) is billed as an addictive, velvety-soft lip cream for all day matte coverage that never looks or feels dry.It comes in 9 shades, I have it in the shade Excuse Me Sir (cobalt blue).

This is a comfort matte formula that doesn’t dry down. I love a good blue lip and for the longest time my go to lip shade was Scorpiris from KVD… that one is a bit grey in tone and this one from Half MAgic is much brighter and truer blue.

NYX Powder Puff Lippie ($5.89 for 0.4 fl oz / 12 ml of product at Walmart) is billed as having a pillow soft cushion-applicator, mousse-y cream formula and a powdery soft finish.It comes in 9 shades, I have it in the shade Senior Class (dusty blue based purple).

I love this purple so much and the formula is amazingly comfortable. The shade gives a blue, pink vibe to it and it leaves a stain behind. This formula is sort of matte but mousey. I have other shades as well but this is my favorite one.