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Best New Makeup Formulas | 2017

Best of 2017

Best New Formulas

As 2017 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect back on the products I’ve reviewed during the past year and share with you my personal favorites. This post looks at newly released formulas, not just shades, that really stood out from all of the products I reviewed this year. Thankfully, the majority of these new formulas are permanent, too, and here’s hoping we’ll see some additional shades in 2018. What were your favorite new formulas from 2017? Share them in the comments! 🙂

It’s always a relief to find that a highly hyped-up, expensive product is actually as amazing as you’d expect it to be–like Pat McGrath’s LuxeTrance Lipsticks (and the MatteTrance were quite good, too!), Burberry Liquid Lip Velvets (so nice if you love the idea of liquid but aren’t keen on a flat, matte finish), Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayons (I reach for these all the time).

On the flip side, I feel like we saw more hits from affordably-priced products in 2017!  As much as I enjoy and indulge in higher-end brands and products, I love how many options there are these days.  ColourPop’s new Pressed Powder Shadows (and pre-made Palettes) are a much needed addition as pigmented, long-wearing powder products haven’t always been easy to find under $10.  Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighters just launched late this year (and technically, they’re part of the brand’s spring collection) and are so gorgeous on the skin!

Check out the full list of products that made my list this year below…


Pat McGrath LuxeTrance Lipstick

ColourPop 12-Pan Pressed Powder Shadow Palette

Availability
UltaColourPop

MAC Robert Lee Morris Powder Blush

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick

Urban Decay Metallic Eyeshadow

Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color - Blush

NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment

Huda Beauty Lip Strobe

NARS Liquid Blush

Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder

Tarte Color Splash Hydrating Lipstick

ColourPop Pressed Powder Highlighter

Availability
UltaColourPop

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon

Bite Beauty The Lip Pencil

Chanel Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur

NYX Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder

Hourglass GIRL Lip Stylo

Burberry Liquid Lip Velvet

ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow

Availability
UltaColourPop

Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter

20 Comments

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Logan Avatar

My top pick, for things I’ve tried, would have to be ColourPop Supernova Shadows… I adore the formula and love the effect they give. The price is perfect (much more reasonable than the Stila shadows), too. I have Firecracker and it’s just so pretty. Next time they have free shipping, I’m going to pick up Uf-Woah.

Logan Avatar

Oops, didn’t see your reply until now. I do my transition/crease first, then apply it all over my lid with the applicator. I very lightly blend the edges into the crease, then keep my eye closed until it’s fully dry.

Nancy T Avatar

I’m just SO happy to see a major return of the non-matte lip, that I’m ecstatic!

For lip gloss formulas: Fenty has hit it out the gate with the Universal Lip Bomb and the holiday lip gloss for comfort, lasting ability, and beauty! So has Huda Lip Strobes!
For lipstick: Thank you Pat McGrath for the LuxeTrance Lipstick formula! It is heavenly and very much worth its $38!

Many products that I’ve fallen for are mentioned above in your list: CP had a few fantastic new products this past year with their pressed eyeshadows, eyeshadow palettes, highlighters and bronzers! UD Heavy Metal Palette eyeshadow formula, when used over a non-pigmented primer, is so shiny and just beautiful! While not mentioned above, I absolutely loved MAC’s Fruity Juicy Collection last summer, and their Selena Collection from last winter!

Products I discovered outside of this blog that have fantastic quality: Nyx Faux Black and Faux White eyeliners, Sugarpill Feline Fancy collection set. Or, in the case of DoC x Katy and Desi collection, I bought some of the collection before your reviews, and love Mírame highlighter and The Girls eyeshadow palette!

And a special call-out to Fenty Beauty is due: Thank you for giving us all a foundation shade to match not only different skin color depths, but all the various undertones! Would love to see a luminous, less dry option come out in the future…also, I adore the Matchstix and Metal Moon Highlighter!

Robin Avatar

Interesting list ! I’ve tried only three things on the list but indeed, all three are fantastic . Saw the Tarte Lipsticks on this site and purchased one for the color and was very pleasantly surprised as to how they stay put without traveling in to the lip lines . They are my new go to every day.

The Marc Jacobs gel mattes are wonderful but a bit pricey so I only have two . So easy to use and beautiful colors .

The Bite Beauty Lip Sticks are great . Again, I have lots of bad lip lines and they don’t bleed quickly .

Thanks for all your hard work this year Christine . You amaze me !

Mariella Avatar

My favourite forumulas from 2017 would be MAC’s Extra Dimension blushes and highlighters (though I guess the formula isn’t really “new” but these new releases do seem to exhibit an ongoing improvement in the formula). I also love the Hourglass Lip Stylos though more for the positive names than for the formula itself. Setting aside my ongoing “grudge” against Hourglass, I find the lasting power of these to be disappointing, especially when you consider the price. And I’d sort of forgot about the Nars liquid blushes. I love them (well, 2 of them) but really wish they would release a more truly pink version – something along the lines of Mata Hari or Desire – something pinker than the liquid version of Orgasm and with a bit of sheen.

Betty Avatar

I am happy to see budget minded brands such as Colourpop, NYX, Milani and Wet n Wild earn a well deserved place in top new formulas – kudos to them.

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