MAC SQUIRT PLUMPING GLOSS STICK

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Rating : 5/5

Price : $24

Size : 0.08 oz

Where to Buy : maccosmetics.com, Ulta, Dillard's, Macy's, Nordstrom, Amazon

Cruelty Free : No

Heres yet another product that completely blew up on TikTok and has been sold out ever since. Mac’s squirt plumping gloss gained attention a few months ago when influencers like Meredith Duxbury tried to use it and the product completely fell apart. Of course, everyone had to try it for themselves to see if it was really as bad as it sounded. The gloss also comes in crazy colors like neon green and black which had consumers even more shocked. Mac claims that this product plumps, nourishes, and conditions lips with a hint of color and a non sticky shine. I was absolutely ecstatic when my future mother in law came back from London and had bought me one from the Mac store. I got the hot pink shade which was perfect for Barbie girl summer. The formula is quite unique because it is plumps using ginger root oil but then cools the lips with a hint of menthol. Mac also included coconut oil and shea butter to keep lips nourished throughout the day. Now, the reason people got so frustrated with this product is because they were simply using it wrong. The base is a twist up component which dispenses more gloss. But, if you twist too much, it’ll completely fall apart upon use. The best way to use this is just twist once and you’ll have the perfect amount of lip gloss! I love the shine it gives my lips and it looks incredible whether its on its on or layered on top of a lipstick. And for a gloss, it wears quite a while. I usually only will have to reapply after eating, but other than that it doesn’t move. Overall, I’m super impressed by the innovation of this product. I think this is one of the best plumping glosses on the market. If you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend!

TOO FACED BORN THIS WAY SETTING POWDER

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Rating : 3/5

Price : $39.00

Size : 0.59 oz

Where to Buy : toofaced.com, Ulta, Sephora, Amazon, Macy's, Nordstrom

Cruelty Free : Yes

Translucent setting powder is a CRUCIAL step when it comes to a full coverage face. Whether you choose to bake or simply dust all over, this locks all your hard work in. I’ve always been a die hard Laura Mercier powder fan, but occasionally I’ll branch out and try something new. However, everything I’ve tried up to this point has NOT been anywhere close to how good Laura Mercier powder (it’s the #1 selling powder for a reason). While Too Faced was 4x points at Sephora, I decided to try the Born This Way setting powder. Several years ago, I remembered how every influencer on YouTube used to rave about this product. But, they must’ve changed the formula or something because this just isn’t it. First of all, there is just one shade (translucent) which would usually be fine. However, this translucent shade is quite dark. I’m fairly pale and I can only pull this off when I have a tan. If I try to wear it normally there’s a stark line between my face and neck. Not cute at all. Another issue I have with this product is the packaging. I mean the outside is absolutely adorable but it’s a pain in the butt to get into. You have to take off the black lid just to take off ANOTHER cover. I understand that this is to keep as much powder in the container as possible, but I think a component similar to what Bare Minerals has is much more practical. Along with that, the holes to pour the powder out are so incredibly tiny that you have to bang it several times on a hard surface just to get a nickel sized amount out. And if you’re baking, you’ll be here a while. Despite all of this, the powder does work pretty well. As soon as you out it on, you’ll see an immediate blurring and mattifying effect. I also will have zero creasing or separating of my foundation whenever I set with this powder. It doesn’t matter how long I have it on or how terribly hot it is outside, it won’t budge. Although there are some redeeming qualities about this product, for the price I can’t justify it. I think if they could fix the packaging and tweak the shade, it would be an amazing product.

OLE HENRIKSEN BANANA BRIGHT FACE PRIMER

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Rating : 5/5

Price : $40.00

Size : 1 oz

Where to Buy : olehenriksen.com, Sephora, Amazon

Cruelty Free : Yes

I’m going to start off by saying, this is literally one of the best face primers on the market. And, it’s perfect for ANYONE. I’m talking any age, any skin type, any race, and no matter how much (or how little) makeup you wear. I know that’s a pretty big claim to make, but there’s several reasons why it’s a classic. To begin, this primer is packed full of vitamin c. Vitamin C is a skincare powerhouse known for its brightening effects. But, vitamin c is also rich in antioxidants helping to protect the skin barrier and boosts collagen production in an effort to diminish wrinkles. Along with the gorgeous glow that vitamin c naturally gives, there are also micro specks of shimmering pigments to enhance. Thats what gives the Banana Bright primer its beautiful champagne color. This product is also deeply moisturizing. Since I have very dry skin, if I use a mattifying primer my makeup will be ruined. So I have to use something that’s going to help to hydrate my skin, not make me look cakey. Although it is a hydrating formula, this primer has an added blurring effect to smooth the appearance of skin and creating an ideal base for foundation. And the cherry on top for this product? It smells INCREDIBLE. It has an intoxicating scent similar to orange creamsicle. Which just makes the boring process of putting on primer actually fun. Although the price is a little high for this product, if you consider its made by a world renowned skincare line along with all the other incredible factors, it justifies the price tag. I highly recommend this primer to anyone wanting to add some glow and extend the wear time of their makeup!