New In | Lip Products

Yes, I'm back with another "new in" post this week because yes, I've been buying/using too much stuff lately. Lip products are my go-to when I'm itching to try something new, and as a result I've collected a few new things worth mentioning recently.

MAC Lipglass, 'Nymphette' | After my "Falling for Lip Gloss" post last month, my friend Beti suggested I try one of MAC's newly repackaged (and maybe reformulated?) Lipglasses. That was all the enabling I needed so I hopped online and ordered the shade Nymphette - I remembered seeing it on Pinterest a while ago. It's a really pretty golden pink that's not too metallic, but just enough. I really like the formula, too - it feels kind of thick, but I like that in a gloss. It makes it feel like it's going to stick around for awhile. I've been reaching for this when my face needs some general perking-up because it does just that right away.

Glossier Generation G, 'Zip' (20% off) | My collection of Generation Gs is finally complete. I had avoided Zip because I was afraid it would pull orange on me (because everything does), but it surprisingly maintains its beautiful poppy red tone. It adds such a nice touch to an otherwise monochrome makeup look/outfit. I like that it's a bit more sheer, so you can wear it as more of a subtle wash or build it up for more pigment. I love the Generation G lipsticks, and so I'm glad to finally have them all.

Lancome Matte Shaker, 'Beige Vintage' | The Juicy Shakers were a bit of a let-down for me - they were nice, but I just never found myself using mine, so I ended up passing them on. I was still intrigued when Lancome released a matte counterpart, though, and ordered one of the nude shades (of course). The formula is quite thin and sets to a lightweight stain. I love this formula much more than the Juicy Shakers, and I've been reaching for it a lot. The shade Beige Vintage is much more pink than the name lets on, but it's such a good everyday shade.

Tom Ford Matte Lip Color, 'Velvet Cherry' | I definitely did not need another lipstick, let alone one by Tom Ford, but I saw my friend Miran wearing this in her Instagram Story one day, and it looked so beautiful on her that I went out and bought it the next day. It's a beautiful deep red color that brings a little drama to any look. I had never tried a Tom Ford Matte Lipstick before, but the formula is absolutely divine. It's comfortable and velvety, but still longwearing. This is one I'll be wearing to special occasions for years to come.

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxe Lipstick, 'Billie on the Bike' | I had been eyeing these lipsticks since they came out - I mean, have you seen how beautiful the packaging is? And then they were featured on Into the Gloss, and I hoarded two or three shades in my Nordstrom online cart. I brought it up in the group while we were in New York, and my friend Emma really convinced me I needed it - I ordered it the day I came home. I ended up going for Billie on the Bike, the purple shade, because Emma said it gave a similar, but more pigmented, look to Glossier's Jam. One swipe gives a more sheer wash of color that looks really beautiful, but it also builds to a stunning berry purple shade. It's super comfortable on the lips, but lasts a long time and fades evenly. I definitely need the deep red (Red Hedy) next.

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss, 'Caresse' | I've had this for awhile now, but I never got around to talking about how much I love it. It's a beautiful formula, as expected from Chanel, and it feels creamy and comfortable rather than sticky. It doesn't settle into lines and keeps the lips looking plump and full. The shade Caresse is the most perfect nude shade - I got the Rouge Coco Lipstick in Adrienne at the same time, and they make the most perfect pair.

What new lip products have you been trying?

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The Blush-Hater's Guide to Wearing Blush

I have a confession to make - despite writing about loving pink blushes a couple weeks ago, I used to be a full-on blush-hater. I have quite fair, pink skin, so I thought that adding to my already natural rosiness would look clownish and overdone. I really wanted to get in on wearing it, though - it seemed to make everyone look so fresh, awake, and glowy - so I started small and worked my way up. If you're a blush-hater but you've been wanting to branch out and try it, maybe the tips I followed will help you, too.

Opt for nude shades

When I first started wearing makeup, I didn't even know there were more shades of blush than pink. Once I figured out there's a whole world of flattering nude shades out there, I felt like I needed to collect them all. Nude shades add a bit of definition and warmth rather than a rosy flush. It's the easiest way to wear blush in my opinion, as they're usually quite subtle and foolproof. Some of my favorite nude shades are the Marc Jacobs Air Blush in Flesh and Fantasy, Burberry Light Glow Blush in Earthy, and Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Nude Pop. 

Avoid the apples of your cheeks

When you're first getting used to how your face looks with blush applied, I'd recommend a different application technique than the usual "smile and apply." I really fell in love with blush once I applied it farther back on my cheekbones, right underneath where I would apply highlighter. I also avoid getting too close to the center of my face - I tend to keep it in line with the outside of my irises. This creates more of a shaded, dimensional effect, and in my opinion is easier to pull off than strong color on the apples of the cheeks. It's all down to experimenting with what works with your face shape though, so if the "farther back on the cheekbones" method isn't working for you, maybe your face suits blush on the apples of your cheeks better! Speaking of application tips, if you're still finding blush looks "weird" on you, I'd try adding some to the bridge of your nose. This is a tip I heard from Into the Gloss's Emily Ferber and Glossier's Eva Alt, and my friend Jodie does it a lot in her get-ready-with-me Instagram Stories (which are my favorite, so you should go follow her). Adding the same color to the bridge of your nose just ties everything together and makes it look natural and more wearable. I was skeptical at first, but now it's one of my favorite little touches to add.

Try cream products

For some reason people tend to be more afraid of cream products than powder products, but for me it's the opposite. I find cream products are actually quite easy to apply, especially with fingers, and quickly blend out to the desired look. Cream products are typically more sheer and buildable as well, so they'd be a perfect place to start small. My favorite cream blushes are the Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk, Bite Beauty Multistick in Cashew, and Smashbox LA Lights Lip & Cheek Color in Mulholland Mauve - these are all lovely nude shades as well. Sometimes cream products don't mesh well with oily skin, but I can still recommend the Cloud Paint - they set down to more of a stainlike finish that don't budge.

What are your tips for flattering blush application?

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Three Sheer Bases

I've written (probably extensively, by now) how much I love a good, light coverage base. My preferred method of base makeup is to use a light coverage all over, and then go in with concealer where I need it. I just like how this keeps my skin looking natural, and as I have quite dry skin, this keeps everything from going cakey and keeps it dewy.

MAC Next to Nothing Face Colour | This is the newest of the three I'm going to mention, and it's a new favorite for sure. It's meant to provide a sheer wash of color that gently evens out the skintone. It's a rather balmy consistency that beautifully melts in to the skin. It leaves quite a glossy, almost wet look without feeling super tacky or transferring. I've found it applies best with a beautyblender, although MAC did come out with a specific brush that I haven't tried. I hadn't tried a MAC foundation before, but I'm so impressed with this one. Bottom line - if you're looking for a sheer base that'll leave you with an almost editorial glossy (but not greasy) look, then this is for you.

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint (20% off here) | I just had to mention this one - it's probably my number one favorite base ever. It's super versatile, as it's a little bit buildable and also mixes with higher-coverage bases beautifully. I think I've heard this referred to as "Spanx for your face" somewhere, and it really does seem to firm and subtly lift the skin. It's definitely good skin in a bottle. It doesn't cover blemishes at all really, but it somehow still makes them look better. It's just like adding a nice blurring effect to your face, without the FaceTune. It leaves a lovely dewy finish that lasts a decent amount of time on me.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion | I've tried several cushion foundations now, and this one is definitely my favorite (as well as the most affordable). It's quick and easy to apply on the go, and again, it leaves the skin looking glowy and almost juicy. This one lasts the longest of the three on me, and it never cakes up. It layers well up to almost medium coverage, I'd say, and there's a good amount of shades to choose from, especially for a drugstore product. I'd say this is more for normal to dry skin, but if you're looking for an affordable cushion foundation for more oily skin I'd recommend the Maybelline one - my sister swears by it.

What's your favorite sheer base product?