Those who may check out the what-I’m-wearing product lists attached to various review posts may have seen a pattern develop…  For the last month or two, I’ve been primarily wearing Too Faced’s Born This Way foundation, which I tried again recently after they launched the Born This Way Concealer (also on this list).  I usually mix two shades together, Almond and something, Ivory if I want to go a little lighter for my mix or Warm Nude for more warmth/depth.  With the foundation, I dab Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter on my forehead, down my nose, chin, and cheeks in Light (2) or Light/Medium(3).  Kevyn Aucoin’s Celestial was what I often reached for to mix in with my foundation for a luminous finish and runs a bit more golden compared to the Charlotte Tilbury shades I’ve tried (but they’re all fairly translucent).

I often use Laura Mercier’s Translucent Setting Powder, particularly if I want a more matte finish, all-over or Hourglass’ Diffused Light for a more natural finish or Luminous Light for a natural finish and more warmth.  When I want a little depth and subtle color (not quite a contour but not quite a blush either), I use Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze & Glow (just the sculpt side) or Hourglass Diffused Bronze Light.

View the List

Hourglass Diffused Light

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Diffused Light is a translucent, yellowed beige with subtle, warm undertones and a natural finish. As a finishing powder, it had translucent coverage... Read full review.

Charlotte Tilbury Light (2)

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Charlotte Tilbury Light (2) Hollywood Flawless Filter ($44.00 for 1.00 fl. oz.) is a soft peach with warmer, yellow undertones and a soft, luminous... Read full review.

Hourglass Luminous Light

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Hourglass Luminous Light Ambient Lighting Powder ($45.00 for 0.35 oz.) is described as a "champagne pearl." It's a... Read full review.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow ($65.00 for 0.56 oz.) is compact that features a bronzer and a highlighter. I can see why this is one of the... Read full review.

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Illuminating Emulsion ($52.00 for 1.0 fl. oz.) is supposed to be a... Read full review.

Too Faced Almond

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder

Read Reviews View Swatches

Too Faced Almond

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Hourglass Diffused Bronze Light

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Hourglass Diffused Bronze Light Ambient Lighting Bronzer ($50.00 for 0.39 oz.) is a muted, medium, rosy brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a... Read full review.

I love layering highlighters over blush, which is why shades like Makeup Geek’s Moon Phase and Celestial remain go-tos for me, as they help add coolness to any cheek look and lots of neat shift.  I’ve been loving Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter under and mixed in with foundation, and I tend to switch between the first three shades in the range with no particular favorite within those.  If you’re wondering about some other picks you may have seen me wearing, they’re likely included in other posts in the series and I didn’t want to be too repetitive.

View the List

Becca Berlin Girl Glow

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Becca Berlin Girl Glow Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed ($38.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a soft, peachy, beige base with a pink-to-blue shifting pearl. The... Read full review.

Makeup Geek Moon Phase

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Makeup Geek Moon Phase Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a very light, iridescent white that had shimmer that shifted from a bluish aqua to an icy... Read full review.

Maybelline Molten Peach

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Maybelline Molten Peach Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter ($9.99 for 0.24 oz.) is a light-medium peach with warm, orange undertones and pink-to-gold... Read full review.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Dew You

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Marc Jacobs Dew You Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter ($44.00 for 0.80 fl. oz.) is a medium gold with warm, yellow undertones and a pearly sheen. The... Read full review.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... Dark (7)Deep (8)Fair (1)Fair (2.5)Light (2)Light/Medium (3)Medium (4.5)Medium (4)Tan (5.5)Tan (5)Tan/Dark (6.5)Tan/Dark (6)

The formula is supposed to be a "customizable complexion booster" that can be used as a primer, highlighter, or mixed with base products. The line includes seven shades, like a more typical foundation or concealer range, but they have sheerer coverage and fine pearl, so there is some flexibility, though for added luminosity (but not altering color) all-over, one would want to choose a shade closer to their actual skin tone. Read more...

Laura Mercier Highlight 01

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Laura Mercier Highlight 01 Matte Radiance Baked Powder ($40.00 for 0.26 oz.) is described as "golden nude." The formula is described as an "ultra... Read full review.

Makeup Geek Celestial

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Makeup Geek Celestial Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a very light, icy lavender with cool undertones and a luminous sheen. The finish was... Read full review.

MAC Superb

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

MAC Superb Extra Dimension Skinfinish ($33.00 for 0.31 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy brown with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The color... Read full review.

It should come as no surprise that I’ve selected two shades of Marc Jacobs’ AirBlush formula (Marc Jacobs’ AirBlush, very neutral and goes with nearly everything might be my most-worn this year).  It’s easily followed by Natasha Denona’s Darya palette, and I’ve begged Ms. Denona to release Pink Champagne as a single, because that’s the one shade that’s truly special within the palette (though I use almost all the other shades when I use Pink Champagne).

View the List

Natasha Denona Darya

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Marc Jacobs Beauty Flesh & Fantasy (506)

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

MAC Fairly Precious

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Makeup Geek Daybreak

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Chanel Jersey (80)

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

MAC Hushed Tone

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Clinique Black Honey Pop

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Marc Jacobs Beauty Lush & Libido (500)

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Next up in products I’m thankful for this year, I wanted to share with you nine lip colors that I frequently reach for–I often will wear them for “full face” photos and then remove the color after photos are done so I can apply a new product for testing. I might not get to wear them long or often, but they’re shades I go to over and over again when I get that chance.

Though Urban Decay made sure I wouldn’t run out (I think I have six, courtesy of UD!) of one of my all-time favorite lipsticks, Rebel, I’d love to see a shimmery mauve added to the permanent range!  It’s easily the go-to color for me — it looks great with warmer and cooler looks, feels comfortable, and always looks good on my lips.  I keep Fenty’s original Glossbomb in my purse for on-the-go hydration.  I’m still bummed over the fact that my favorite coral, Estee Lauder’s Naked Truth, was discontinued!

View the List

Urban Decay Rebel

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Urban Decay Rebel Vice Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a medium, rosy mauve with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had nearly opaque... Read full review.

Fenty Beauty Fenty Glow (Universal)

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Fenty Glow (Universal) is a muted, medium coral with strong, warm orange undertones and a pearly finish paired that was very shiny and glossy. The... Read full review.

Urban Decay Heatwave

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Urban Decay Heatwave Vice Lipstick ($18.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a rich, deep copper-brown with warm, red undertones and a metallic finish. It had rich,... Read full review.

Bite Beauty Gold

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Bite Beauty Gold Creme Lip Gloss ($22.00 for 0.14 fl. oz.) is a bright, true gold with warm, yellow undertones and flecks of gold shimmer and sparkle.... Read full review.

Bite Beauty Peacock Pearl

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Bite Beauty Peacock Pearl Creme Lip Gloss ($22.00 for 0.14 fl. oz.) has a blackened brown base with cool, teal pearl. This is the type of color that... Read full review.

Pat McGrath Unfaithful

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Pat McGrath Unfaithful LuxeTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a medium plum with warm undertones and a cream finish. The pigmentation was... Read full review.

Estee Lauder Naked Truth

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Estee Lauder Naked Truth Hi-Lustre Pure Color Envy Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a brighter, medium pink-coral with a golden, frosted shimmer. It... Read full review.

Estee Lauder Tiger Eye

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Estee Lauder Tiger Eye On Hi-Lustre Pure Color Envy Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is medium-dark copper with strong, warm orange undertones and a... Read full review.

Bite Beauty Pickled Ginger

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Bite Beauty Pickled Ginger Amuse Bouche Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.15 oz.) is described as an "electric coral." It's... Read full review.

Bite Beauty Oyster Pearl

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Bite Beauty Oyster Pearl Creme Lip Gloss ($22.00 for 0.14 fl. oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plummy brown with flecks of pink, copper, and teal pearl. ... Read full review.

Secret’s out: I love sparkle, glitter, shine, and all things glitzy. If it twinkles, I’m already 25% interested. One of my favorite products that have released this year have been the Marc Jacobs Beauty See-quins, which are pots full of sparkling, fully pigmented eyeshadows that wear and apply wayyy better than one would expect given all that sparkle and glitter! I’ve also fully rediscovered my love and appreciation for Bite’s Creme Lip Glosses, which I often throw on for photos (even if I remove shortly after and put on something I’m testing), as they layer and add so much dimension to any lip combo.

Three of these are in my vanity drawers, too: Natasha Denona Light-Medium (02) (along with the other two shades), Marc Jacobs Beauty Topaz Flash (along with the other See-quins shades), and Dose of Colors Bathe. I usually have a few of the Bite glosses (I just tidied up, so it’s just Oyster Pearl and Gold right now) hanging out on top of my vanity but know exactly where the rest of them are in my stash.

View the List

Natasha Denona Light-Medium (02)

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Light-Medium (02) is a light-medium gold with warmer undertones and a high-shine, luminous finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable color coverage with a... Read full review.

Too Faced TF 20

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Too Faced TF 20 Throw Back Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a deep, raspberry pink with cool, blue undertones and pink and red sparkle and pearl. It... Read full review.

Fenty Beauty Sand Castle/Mint'd Mojito

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Fenty Beauty Sand Castle/Mint'd Mojito Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Duo ($36.00 for 0.24 oz.) consists of a medium taupe and cool blue. ... Read full review.

Bite Beauty Crème Lip Gloss

Read Reviews View Swatches View a shade... Blush PearlBronze PearlChampagne PearlCherry PearlGoldLavender PearlOyster PearlPeacock PearlPink PearlRose Pearl

The Creme Lip Gloss is supposed to give a “modern, foiled lip look” with “pearlized color pay off” while softening the lips. The formula had a light-medium weight to it, which I think helped ensure that the shimmer didn’t feel gritty on the lips. Read more...

Marc Jacobs Beauty Gilty

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Marc Jacobs Beauty Gilty O!Mega Glaze All-Over Foil Luminizer ($49.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a light-medium, peachy gold with warm, rosy undertones and a... Read full review.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Topaz Flash

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Marc Jacobs Beauty Topaz Flash See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow ($28.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a smoldering, medium-dark taupe with subtle, war, reddish... Read full review.

Pat McGrath Rebel Red

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Pat McGrath Rebel Red BlitzTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a bright, pinky-red with cool undertones and a sparkling, shiny finish. It had a... Read full review.

Dose of Colors Bathe

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Dose of Colors Bathe Highlighter ($28.00 for 0.41 oz.) is a medium, rosy copper with warm undertones and a high-shine, metallic finish. It was richly... Read full review.

This week, I want to share some products that have inspired me this year (and I’ll still be doing my best-of posts at the end of the year); they’re products that translated into a look I loved, found their way into my must-haves list, or otherwise caused my heart to go pitter-patter for one reason or another.

View the List

ColourPop Chasing Rainbows

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

As ColourPop’s newest palette for the holiday season, it was absolutely refreshing to see this color scheme during the holidays.  It also takes a special knack to include such a variety in colors, finishes, and undertones in a single palette and still have it work cohesively.  I loved how well the palette paired with the other eyeshadows and shades launched within the collection, too, because I think that’s part of the point of having a collection.  All three looks I created around this palette were colorful, vibrant, and brought a smile to my face.

Pat McGrath Bronze Seduction

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Over the last few months, I’ve been having an internal debate with myself as I start prepping and dialing in on year-end favorites and editor’s choice award winners on whether Pat McGrath’s eyeshadows might just be my very favorite.  So often when I use her palettes, I am enamored with my eye makeup–I love the way the textures and colors come together, how the sparkles twinkle, and the formulations themselves to a degree that I don’t feel all the time, even when a product is good.  Bronze Seduction, to me, made the brand’s larger Motherships more “accessible” in a festive, fun, and very holiday-esque combination but still injected something special into it.  I was more than happy to wear and test this palette with these looks!

Pat McGrath Decadence

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

I really hope that Pat McGrath brings back the Decadence palette and makes it part of her core range or else releases singles of her eyeshadow range, because since I first reviewed it in late January, I’ve loved it every time I’ve used it. When there’s a rare moment where I wear makeup that I’m not testing, this is almost always the first palette that I think about using (sometimes I resist…).  I particularly loved how well it paired with Bronze Seduction in this look.  (Psst… we also added a way to look up looks by product! You can view the four looks I’ve posted using this palette here.)

Pat McGrath Subversive Metalmorphosis

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Out of the three six-pan palettes that Pat McGrath launched this holiday season, I feel like this one appealed to me the least (though by no means was I disinterested!) as it contained shades I felt like I had seen before… but the quality was so high, the textures were so creamy and smooth, and the pigmentation and shine were out of this world.  The way the six shades came together made me ooh and ahh in the mirror.

Urban Decay Born to Run

Read Review View Swatches

Add to Wishlist

Urban Decay makes some of my favorite eyeshadows, both past and present, but some of their eyeshadow palettes (especially in the last few years) haven’t always been as impressive as their singles are.  Born to Run isn’t just a high-quality palette, but it’s an excellent, versatile palette that’s permanent that features more than just one pop of color but several. I was able to put together an earthy, greenish look just as easily as a copper/plum look.  I was thrilled to see a brand add something like this to their core range!