Tag: Beauty

I Wore a Different TikTok-Viral Blush Every Day for a Weekβ€”This Won Hands Down

Published on by Lee1 Comment

I have a thing forΒ blush. Maybe it’s the storied history of it or maybe it’s the glamorous associations I have with it, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite makeup products to use. That, in itself, is wild, considering I used to avoid it altogether. It wasn’t until I entered my almost mid-20s that I realized the power and potential of blush. When placed correctly, it brightens up my complexion, whisks away dullness, and makes me look, well, alive.Β 

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I also recently joined Beauty TikTok, which means I’ve been spending a gross amount of time scrolling through videos, many of which happen to be the review and the get-ready-with-me type. What I’ve noticed is that the majority of TikTok-viral makeup products are blush. Whether cream, liquid, or oil (more on that last one in a minute), TikTokers can’t get enough of them. So as any good beauty editor would do, I decided to test them all, pitting the products against one another to find the best of the best. Ahead, see every blush I tested, and which one was the winner. (Hint: Even I was surprised at the result.)

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Monday: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

I have a theory that it’s impossible to scroll through TikTok without seeing this blush somewhere along the way. It seems like every single beauty influencer swears by it, so needless to say, I had high expectations. From what I’d seen on TikTok, I expected the cream formula to have a bold color payoff, blend easily, and look natural on the skin.Β 

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My expectations were met. I used the bright-pink shade called Lucky, which would normally be outside of my comfort zone, but hey, go big or go home, right? I loved how the color complemented my skin.

As for the formula itself, it was certainly highly pigmented, so I used a light hand. I think I only applied two to three dots along each cheekbone before blending it out with my trusty Beautyblender ($20). The color stayed put all day long, and the radiant finish didn’t make me look too shiny. All in all, I only have good things to say about it. 

An Affordable Alternative:Β PIXI BY PETRA On-the-Glow Blush in Ruby $18

Tuesday: Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Divine Powder Blush

Pat McGrath’s makeup brand is wildly popular, which only makes sense considering she’s probably the most recognizable makeup artist in the world. I’ve seen this blush all over social media, but IRL, I didn’t expect it to look as pretty as it does online. I was wrong. When I opened my compact, the rose design was perfect. It was almost too pretty to use (almost). 

I used a heavy hand with this one because I wanted to see how the silky powder would hold up on my skin. Not only did the blush look incredibly natural (to me, it kind of looked like I just went for a jog or I’d been outside in the sun), but it also settled into my skin seamlessly. It didn’t look like I had blush on at all; it was more like the color was coming from my skin, which I loved.

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That’s the reason I tend to prefer powder blushes over cream formulas. If they’re lightweight and silky, they apply like a dream and blend well. Plus, they don’t leave me looking too shiny throughout the day. As someone prone to oiliness in some areas, that’s important.

An Affordable Alternative:Β WET N’ WILD Color Icon Blush in Pink Me Pink $3

Wednesday: Youthforia BYO Blush Color Changing Blush Oil

This is the one I was most interested in using at the start of this weeklong experiment. It’s a color-changing oil formula that looks green in the tube, but when it’s applied to the skin, it changes to a flattering pink shade according to your specific pH.

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 It was certainly fun to use, and I liked the pink flush I got from it and it gave me that natural glow. If you are someone who tends to get oily throughout the day, adding an oil-based blush to the cheeks can not be the best choice. With that being said, if you have skin that’s on the drier side or you prefer a super-dewy finish, this is the blush for you. 

An Affordable Alternative:Β MAKEUP REVOLUTION Superdewy Liquid Blush $7

Thursday: Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Bush

Another iconic blush, this is one I’ve been itching to use ever since it first went viral for being one of Kylie Jenner’s favorite products. The bubblegum-pink color might look a little shocking, but I think it looks kind of chic, too. Also, now that bright-pink blushes are trending on TikTok, I felt like there was no better time to try them out for myself.Β 

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I’ll cut right to the chase. I love this blush. I expected it to be brighter and even a little costumey, but I was wrong. It looks quite subtle if you use a light hand. My cheekbones looked bright and pronounced but not in an obvious way. 

The powder is fine and silky and applies like a dream. It reminded me of the Pat McGrath blush because of how well it blended. As I said, I love this blush. 

An Affordable Alternative:Β SEPHORA COLLECTION Sephora Colorful Face Powder $14

Friday: Saie Dew Blush

Since this is a highly pigmented cream blush, I expected it to be a lot like the Rare Beauty one. However, it was slightly different. The pigment wasn’t as in-your-face as the Rare Beauty one, and I felt like it blended out easier.Β 

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The day I wore this, I ended up meeting my friend Kathryn for coffee. She took one look at me and said, “Wait, why do you look so good?” The only different thing was this blush. I told her about it, and she instantly asked if she could try it. She went on to tell me that my skin looked bright, and my eyes looked more intense.Β 

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I loved this blush just as much as my friend did. It was just the perfect pop of color with the perfect finish. It’s creamy, the colors are on point, it blends well, and it provides a natural-looking, lit-from-within flush to my face

An Affordable Alternative:Β E.L.F Putty Blush in Caribbean $7

Saturday: Charlotte Tilbury Pinkgasm Beauty Highlighter WandΒ 

Yes, this is technically a highlighter, but scroll through TikTok, and you’ll see and hear almost everyone use it and call it a blush. That’s because it’s a highly pigmented formula that leaves a soft petal-pink color on the skin. So in the spirit of testing out all TikTok-viral blushes, I felt compelled to include this one too.

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Once I applied it, I could see how it’s a highlighter first and foremost. It has a soft, shimmer finish that looks flattering in the light. It also added a nice flush of petal pink to my cheekbones. However, I noticed it did make my skin look a little shiny by the afternoon. Still, it wasn’t anything a little translucent powder couldn’t fix. 

An Affordable Alternative:Β MAKEUP REVOLUTION Bright Light Highlighter in Divine Dark Pink $10

The Winner

The winner, and my new favorite blush, is the YOUTHFORIA BLUSH OIL. I honestly don’t have a single bad thing to say about it. Its formulation reacts to the skin’s natural pH to give your cheeks a unique pop of color. While it is a blush, it’s technically formulated asΒ both a makeup and skincare product, which is a double win. Ever since my weeklong experiment, I’ve worn it almost every day, and the compliments keep rolling in.Β 

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Overall, Youthforia’s BYO Blush is worth the hype and is my new go-to blush. The consistency and formula have impressed me far more than any other powder and liquid blush has before β€” and that’s coming from a girl who loves to coat her cheeks in a liquid blush or two.

I tried the Rare Beauty mascara, and my lashes are *very* grateful

Published on by Lee2 Comments

REASONS TO BUY

  • +First of all, the packaging is gorg
  • +It elongates and fans out the lashes without being clumpy
  • +Lasts all day, no flaking to be found

REASONS TO AVOID

  • -Wish it came in a brown shade
  • -On the pricier side for a mascara…
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I tried the Rare Beauty mascara as a lover of natural-looking, perfectly fanned-out lashesβ€”and I think it deserves a bit more love and attention…

@heybriajones

Can only keep an eye out for Selener if the lashes are on fleek @rarebeauty #mascara #blackgirl #makeup #rarebeauty

♬ PRETTY BOY FLOW – Sturdyyoungin

It’s safe to say that finding your go-to, daily mascara is just as important as selecting your best non-comedogenic foundation or ride-or-die sunscreen for your face. It’s a very personal journey and one none of us beauty enthusiasts take lightlyβ€”especially when there’s so much choice.

Do you opt for waterproof, brown, lengthening, or super volumizing? And how can you tell which of the best mascaras will deliver lusciously long lashes, without that peskyΒ mascara flakingΒ all over your cheeks before you drop your hard-earned cash on them? All very important questions.

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This is why I’ve done the leg work for you when it comes to the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes mascara, wearing it on the daily, seven days a week. And much like with theΒ Rare Beauty products, I have some thoughts…

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MY MAKEUP PREFERENCES

I keep my makeup pretty natural. For my base, I wear a glow filter (usually Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight), followed by Armani’s Luminous Silk foundation, eyebrow gel, blush, and highlighter.

Eye-wise, I keep it pretty minimal, just opting for mascara on a normal dayβ€”sometimes I pair it with an all-over eyeshadow, but I’m not an eyeliner gal, despite there being some greatΒ eyeliners for beginnersΒ out there. So, I rely on my mascara to make me look awake andΒ somewhatΒ put together, while still keeping it naturalβ€”so preferably, no clumps in sight

@realstephaniegreene

Taking the @rarebeauty perfect strokes mascara out for a spin tonight ✨ use code LASH23! today and get a free travel size mascara with a purchase of $40+ at rarebeauty.com to celebrate national lash day 😌 #rarebeauty #rarebeautygiftedme #beautytok #beautyreview #rarebeautymascara #rarebeautyreview #blackgirltiktok #blackbeauty #blackbeautyblogger #nomakeupmakeup

♬ just like magic – Ariana Grande

IS THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA WATERPROOF?

Now, onto the key info, is the Rare Mascara waterproof? 

It’s described as having a ‘water-resistant formula,’ so theoretically it should be able to withstand getting caught in a surprise rain shower or a gentle cry sesh. Technically though, it’s not fully waterproofβ€”but I prefer that as it’s easier to remove with a makeup remover or micellar water, without needing to be too vigorous.

HOW TO APPLY THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA

To apply this mascara, I’d recommend curling your lashes first with your preferred eyelash curler, before then gently wiggling the mascara wand from side to side as you stroke up along your lashes, from root to tip. This side-to-side motion will feather out your lashes and will help to get an even coating on your lashes and avoid clumps.

WHAT’S IN THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA?

This mascara is formulated with castor oil, which helps to condition and nourish your lashesβ€”plus it’s vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, ophthalmologist-tested, dermatologist-tested, and suitable for anyone with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.

BEAUTYLEEBAR VERDICT ON THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA

So, is this Rare Beauty mascara good? My answer is yes. It does everything it promises to doβ€”it’s buildable, comfortable, volumizing, and lasts all day without smudging.

I’ve worn it every day, seven days a week, for over a month, and haven’t experienced any transferring or flaking. I’m also a big fan of its chunky tube, with its soft, matte pink finish. It feels expensive and looks soo cute in my makeup bag.

It’s also easy to apply, even with a slightly large wand, which I wouldn’t necessarily have gone for, but didn’t find it in any way messy or hard to handle. In fact, with every use, it leaves my lashes looking lengthened, voluminous, and curled upβ€”and it lasts all day long, so everything you can ask of a mascara. The formula itself feels great on the lashes as well, not super stiff or brittle.

@nikkissecretxx

In honour of seeing @Selena Gomez last night @Rare Beauty event I HAD to try out this little hack😍 #selenagomez #selenagomezmakeup #rarebeauty

♬ original sound – vsqethereal
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This Rare Beauty mascara fends off moisture well (from tears and even sweat from a gym sesh) but comes off like a dream with a bit of micellar water.

My main gripe with this product though is that it’s only available in blackβ€”if this came in a soft brown shade, it would be a real game-changer. There’s also the question of the price…

This mascara will set you back $20 which is pretty pricey for a mascara. That being saidβ€”like with all of Rare’s line-upβ€”the amount of product you get for the money is generous since the tube is pretty chunky.

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So, my final verdict: it’s great and if you’ve been hunting far and wide for a mascara that is both gentle on your eyes but still delivers length and volume, this could be one to try. I will say this though, other mascaras out there are comparable and more inexpensive on the market, but if you’re a Selena stan looking to make another (or your first) Rare Beauty purchase, I’d recommend it for the cute tube alone!

TikTok’s Coquette Trend Is Giving Flirty Energy (& We Love It)β€” Plus, Some Stunning Inspo

Published on by Lee3 Comments

We don’t know about you, but we can’t resist a major TikTok trend, especially one as cute and flirtatious as #CoquetteMakeup. The coquette aesthetic has been gaining MAJOR traction on TikTok for the past year. It’s all about embracing your feminine energy, romanticizing your life, and being oh-so-girly.

@mariahkayley

love it #coquette #coquetteaesthetic #blackgirltiktok #dovecore #barbiecore #dollete #pinterestaesthetic #pinterestmakeup

♬ Say Yes To Heaven – Sped Up – Lana Del Rey

Now, #coquettemakeup is making waves, and it makes TOTAL sense since it relies heavily on everyone’s fave product RN, AKA blush. For us, it ticks every box: it’s super cute, easy to achieve, and also customizable. And it appears to have graduated from TikTok and elevated its status to the celeb stratosphere, with icons like Hailey Bieber and Lizzo both experimenting with the trend. So without further ado, here’s everything to know about #coquettemakeup, plus soooo much inspo… we just couldn’t help ourselves; it’s TOO cute.

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Okay, let’s start by clarifying WTF a coquette is?! A 17th-century French word, coquette was originally a derogatory name for a flirtatious, attention-seeking woman. Now, however, a few hundred years later, we know that it can be empowering to flirt and that femininity does not equal weakness, so TikTok and Instagram users are reclaiming the word. In its current cultural context, β€œcoquette aesthetic” is a phrase used to describe a style of dress, makeup, and design sensibility inspired by the aesthetics of the 18th and 19th centuries β€” with a hint of 2010s Tumblr vibes. Think ribbons, fresh flowers woven into braids, lace trim, and all pink everything. It’s hyper-girly with a slight winking, satirical edge.

@my.heart.is.4.her

everyone is beautiful and can fit any aestheticπŸ™„πŸ’— (especially poc<33) #greenscreen #coquette #fyp #viral #coquettegirl #coquetteaesthetic #lanadelrey #foryoupage #wlw #coquettemakeup #woc #poc

♬ original sound – speed songs

When it comes to translating the coquette aesthetic to beauty, the flirty, ultra-feminine makeup look hinges on romantic rosy hues and soft-focus finishes. It’s flirtatious, it’s cute, and it’s utterly irresistible. So lean into your DIVINE feminine energy, be a bit of a tease, and have some fun *wink wink.*

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If you’re looking for coquette queens to inspire your look, head to Netflix and binge-watch Bridgeton. It’s the ultimate coquette mood board. IRL, celebs like Hailey, Lizzo, and Madison Beer lurrve dipping their toe in coquette territory. And then, of course, you have BeautyTok and FashionTok. The hashtag #coquette currently has over seven billion views, so you won’t be short of inspo. It also leans on other TikTok makeup trends like cold girl makeup, siren eyes, doe eyes, and douyin blush. Ahead, we’re breaking down the key elements of the look and sharing some inspiration.

@ladestinyluna

quick grwm πŸ§–πŸ»β€β™€οΈβœ¨ #makeuptutorial #grwm #coquette #makeup

♬ theyd be bens partner – bells

How To Slay Coquette Makeup Look  

Concealed Under-Eyes

When it comes to your complexion, you want a fresh and dewy glow, so opt for a light to medium-coverage foundation with a natural, luminous-skin finish. With Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch, Brightening Concealer is perfect for this look as it has buildable coverage and is perfect to use in place of traditional foundation. We’re obsessed with the Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight as it can be applied as a highlighter, or you can add a couple of drops into your foundation for a little glow-getting boost.

Since your complexion should look luminous and youthful, generously concealed under-eyes are a must. We adore the Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Under Eye Brightener β€” use it to brighten up your eye area.

Lots of Blush

There are tons of different ways to interpret the coquette aesthetic, but most takes on the trend revolves around statement blush. Find a pigmented formula like the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush –Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, and apply it along your cheekbones for a sculpted, rosy glow. You could also opt for a draped blush look, which is when you apply your blush along your cheekbones to your temples and up around your browbone.

Wispy Lashes

Long, wispy lashes are another staple of the trend, perfect for batting. Whether you swear by falsies or prefer a lengthening mascara, be sure to go for a super long, feathery effect. As for the rest of your eye makeup, feel free to play around. Siren’s eyes would look stunning with the other aspects of the coquette look.     

Blurred Lips

For the ultimate coquette pout, you want your lips to look full and juicy, but other than that, it’s really up to you. Pink, nude, and berry shades are all great, but you can make any shade work. Stick to shiny, glossy finishes, or if you are a matte lipstick devotΓ©e, look for a sheer one. We love the shade of the Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm Nearly Rose – flushed pink, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Kind Words Lip Liner Strong – rich chocolate, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Lip SoufflΓ© Matte Cream Lipstick Kindness – nude pink or with Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
Kind Words Matte Lipstick Lively – rose pink. This is the perfect pink combo for the woc girlies.

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Coquette Aesthetic Makeup Ideas

It’s a clichΓ©, we know, but when we think hyper-feminine makeup, one color comes to mind, and that’s pink. Yup, when it comes to coquette makeup, think pink and roll with it. We’re talking rosy pink blush, soft pink eye shadow, and glowy skin. A pink monochromatic moment is THE moment, after all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl1fAPbqtTE/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b320d637-ca97-4c21-9a83-cf4366bd8217
@02dolls

c’est trΓ¨s rose #fypγ‚· #coquette

♬ Watercolor Eyes – From β€œEuphoria” An Original HBO Series – Lana Del Rey

Coquette Hair Inspo

Of course, no makeup look is complete without a stunning hairstyle, so we had to deliver some coquette hair inspo.  Ribbons and bows translate the coquette vibe effortlessly.

https://www.tiktok.com/@heavenlyfawnie/video/7189354142362651946
https://www.tiktok.com/@.rasberryq/video/7100106479834860806

Coquette Nails

@dollettedoll

coquette nail inspo🀍 #coquette #nailinspo #oldmoneyaesthetic #coquettecore #lanadelrey #dolletteaesthetic #madisonbeer #SimsSelves #SpotifyWrapped

♬ diet mountain dew bby – estelle β˜†
@.kissescards

nails inspo ❀ #nails #coquette #nailsinspo #lilyrosedepp #lanadelrey #fy #dior

♬ Γ©coute chΓ©rie bestspedup – bestspedup

As nail art STANS, we couldn’t forget about #nailspo! Coquette nails have garnered rave reviews on TikTok with 35.9 million views! However, there isn’t one nail design that dominates the trend; it’s simply nail art that’s hyper-feminine and pretty. The color palette features pastel pinks, milky nude tones, and of course, lustrous red. As for the design details, there are hearts, lace designs, and pearl adornments. Honestly, could it be any cuter?

Okay, now you know about the coquette trend, the real question is: are you going to try it? Let us know in the comments below.

Rare Beauty’s 6 best makeup products, reviewed by a celebrity beauty brand sceptic.

Published on by Lee1 Comment

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about the launch of Rare Beauty, I was hesitant to jump on the hype train. When celebrity beauty brands are launching at the rate of approximately 14930 a year, it can be difficult to get excited for everyone.

Despite this, not long after its launch, recommendations for Rare Beauty products came flooding in from friends, colleagues, and across my Tiktok FYP. I tentatively started trying out a few products from the brand, starting with its viralΒ Soft Pinch Liquid BlushΒ andΒ Liquid Eyeliner. If you’re already a fan of the brand, it probably won’t shock you to hear that it didn’t take long for Rare Beauty products to become my top-drawer makeup staples.

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The thing is, it can be easy for a celebrity to just attach their name to a beauty brand without putting much thought into it. This isn’t the case with Rare Beauty, which feels very much like an extension of Selena Gomez’s authentic approach to beauty. The products have been thoughtfully curated in beautiful packaging, yes, but more than that, they look to enhance and celebrate our beauty, rather than masking it.

In the end, I found it pretty difficult to narrow it down to my six favorite products, but after quite a bit of deliberation, these are my top Rare Beauty makeup picks that I recommend trying from the brand.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

A Tiktok fave, I can safely say this liquid blush is like no other that I’ve tried. The amount of pigment this blusher packs is astounding; when you apply it you only need the tiniest dot, which will seamlessly blend out into a natural, healthy flush.

Currently, you can get your hands on 11 shades with two different finishes, dewy and matte, so there’s something for everyone. The doe-foot applicator is a welcome addition too, as it allows you to be precise with your placement and avoid depositing too much product.

At $23, it might be a pricier blusher buy, but it is worth the investment.

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner

I’m super picky when it comes to my lip-liners, but this has become one of the top three I have on rotation. It features a soft, almost gel-textured pencil which I find preferable, especially for perpetually dry lips. Although it has a matte finish, the formula glides on smoothly and doesn’t tug or skip, before drying down and staying put.

The color payoff is intense too, with a range of 10Β nude shadesΒ that deliver immediate color. I’ll often just wear mine alone, but it also makes a reliable base for lipsticks and prevents them from bleeding beyond your lipline.

Rare Beauty Silky Touch Highlighter

One of Rare Beauty’s newest launches, the Silky Touch Highlighter was another immediate hit on Tiktok. When it comes to highlighters I’m super picky (I was raised on Becca Champagne Pop after all), so one had to perform to make it into my good books.

To me, this is a very unique highlighter formulation. It’s a silky powder but the finish and luminosity of the highlighter would make you think it’s a liquid. Where I’ll normally have to use my finger with a powder highlighter to get the intensity I want, a light dusting of a powder brush in this powder delivers the most insane pigment.

The finish is a mix of wet-look with some very fine shimmer, which I think is more obvious in the lighter shades than the more golden hues. It’s a highlight that will get you compliments and might just momentarily blind passersby.

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

When it comes to foundations, lightweight formulations are non-negotiable for me. While this used to mean that I was limited to skin tints and BB creams, more high-coverage foundations with barely-there textures are now entering the arena.

This one from Rare Beauty has become one of my go-to’s if I’ve got an event or a night out where a little more coverage is wanted; I love the serum-like feel which blends seamlessly for a second-skin finish.

The weightless formula makes it a great option for both dry and oily skin types as it won’t settle in dry lines or clog pores. It’s also ideal for that office-to-evening touch-up thanks to the no-mess doe foot applicator, so that’s one less excuse for not making it to the office after work drinks.

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Eyeliner

Whether you’re an eyeliner pro or still trying to get to grips with a wing, this liquid liner is worth a try. Rather than a felt tip which the majority of liquid liner pens feature, this applicator is made up of 8000 super fine bristles for an ultra-precise brush tip that doesn’t feather or gets worn at the end.

I’ve tried probably hundreds of liquid eyeliners at this point and this one seriously impressed me. It doesn’t skip, drag, or require you to press down hard to release pigment; just give it a shake and get drawing. The matte finish is just that too; it doesn’t bleed or smudge throughout the day, so whether you’re battling against watery eyes or oily eyelids, these wings will stay sharp.

Rare Beauty Positive Light Under Eye Brightener

An under-eye brightener always seemed like an extra step I didn’t need, but this formula is truly brilliant. First off, it’s so hydrating.

Most eye-brightener products tend to be balmy or waxy, which only makes my skin even drier. This is deeply hydrating, while the metal applicator gives tired peepers a gentle cooling sensation to help wake them up.

My under eyes were disguised in a swipe and the formula didn’t seep into fine lines.