This Glow-Boosting Setting Powder Is TRULY Translucent
Based on my experience with most face powders, "translucent" is almost always a lie. Most translucent powders work only for people firmly in the middle of the skin-tone spectrum. If you have dark skin, those powders look chalky and unnatural on your complexion; if you're pale, like me, they make you look like you went face-first into a pile of bronzer.
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, $46, is different. I can't speak to how this powder looks on deep complexions — although its Sephora reviews are almost universally glowing — but it's perfect on porcelain skin like mine. It doesn't create an orange-y or brown cast on my face and contains a super fine shimmer that leaves skin radiant, not glittery. And it's created by a company that's on track to be the first vegan luxury beauty brand. Sold! — Katie McCarthy
Cover image via @hourglasscosmetics
The Brow Product That Makes Me Look Groomed, Not Overly Dramatic
I like my brows to look good — full, groomed, neat — but not overly done. I basically just always want them to look somewhat natural, because that super-sharp, ultra-perfect, majorly dramatic arch thing that looks cool and striking on some people, is ultimately just not me. So for this reason, I've always been somewhat wary of brow products that add color, because I don't want to change the look of my brows too much. I want nice brows, but not WOW NICE BROWS, you know? This is why I love, love, love Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, $24. I discovered it while getting my brows shaped at a Benefit brow bar a few months back, and have been obsessed ever since. The mousse-like gel keeps my brow hairs in place, adds an ever-so-slight tint that subtly evens out the overall color, and bulks them up just enough. It gives me my brows, only better. It's amazing. — Alyssa Hertzig
Cover image via @benefitcosmetics
This Spendy Lipstick Is Worth the Extra Dough
Is it a tinted balm? A sheer, shiny lipstick? The distinction isn't quite clear, which is actually one of Cle de Peau Refined Lip Luminizer's, $58, many, many charms.
Honestly, it's everything you could ask for in a lip product: It's hydrating and comfy to wear, it's non-sticky and lightweight and it's got great color payoff that sticks around for hours. Perhaps best of all, it's the kind of thing you can swipe on and forget about (aka no need to worry about it causing any flaking or wearing off unevenly). It's also worth pointing out that it lives up to its "luminizing" moniker — thanks to its satiny-shiny finish, it adds a plump, dewy glow to your lips.
Okay yes, at $58, it's more than I'd usually advise spending on a lipstick. But you know what? If you're looking to treat yourself, this is definitely a good way to do it. It's the full package — because in addition to feeling fancy, it also looks fancy, with its slim navy blue tube. And it's slightly heavier than your average lipstick, which gives it a satisfying heft. Come on, you know you want it... — Rosie Narasaki
Cover image via @cledepeaubeaute.us
The Creamy, Dreamy Lipstick I Can't Put Down
I'm a huge fan of hydrating lipsticks — I'm perhaps one of the few that just can't get on board with the dry matte lippies. I'm also quite into Ciate Wonderwand Mascara, $22, which launched a couple years ago (in fact, it's one of my go-tos).
When I heard the brand was extending its Wonderwand collection to include a satin lipstick, I was over the moon. Upon first examination, I found the packaging to be extremely eye-catching. The lipstick comes in an elongated, slim tube that features a gradient of the actual shade that's inside. The narrow shape of the tubes is key to precise application when you're on the go… in fact, there's no need for lip liner.
The formula is incredibly rich and hydrating. The eight-shade range features nudes, pinks, reds and plum: Each one feels like a balm, but is still incredibly pigmented (not to mention long-lasting). And it's so comfy that I put the lipstick on in the morning and forget I'm wearing it — plus, it keeps my lips soft, conditioned and colorful all day. In addition to the deep, vampy shades, I love to mix "Exposed" and "Sunday" to create the perfect coral-rose gradient lip.
So, if you're looking for creamy, hydrating lipstick that offers loads of color payout, I highly recommend you give Ciate Wonderwand Lipstick, $18, a try... your lips will actually thank you. — Hannah Savin
To see more of my beauty favorites, follow me on Instagram @hannah_savin
Cover image via @ciatelondon
The All-Natural Vaseline Dupe I'm Hoarding This Winter
During the recent polar vortex, I decided to get a chemical peel, which is about as smart as it sounds. My skin would have been flaky and thirsty even without any chemical intervention; post-procedure, I was a total mess. It was like having really, really chapped lips... except my lips were the size of my face.
Luckily I had the foresight to pick up Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil, $28, before my treatment. It was just what I needed to smear on my dry, burning face — like Vaseline, if Vaseline was all-natural, cruelty-free and smelled like citrus fruits. With argan oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and a bunch of lovely botanical butters, it's soothing to the skin and makes a killer lip balm, too. Next time you're shedding like a lizard, give it a whirl. — Katie McCarthy
Image via @josiemarancosmetics
