Merit Beauty, founded by Katherine Power, seamlessly combines clean ingredients, fuss-free application, and stunning results in a range of products that prioritize the health of your skin. The brand embraces modern minimalism, impossible-to-mess up products, and a well-edited makeup routine. Among the cult favorites from Merit are their Flush Balm Cream Blush, Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick, Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick, and the Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer.
Last week, shapewear and clothing brand Skims announced a Valentine’s Day–themed lingerie collaboration with singer Lana Del Rey, and we can’t stop gushing over the stunning promos populating our social media feeds. Del Rey’s vintage vixen makeup look, created by Los Angeles–based celebrity makeup artist Etienne Ortega, is the stuff of dreams. The look combines smoky taupe eye shadow, an ultra-dewy complexion, pouty mauve lips, and a splash of peach on the cheeks.
Combined with the Old Hollywood–inspired set design, cherub-like poses, and heartbreakingly beautiful lingerie (available in the Skims Valentine’s Shop on Tuesday, January 23, at 12 p.m. ET), this makeup look is giving us major Valentine’s Day inspiration. Keep scrolling to see our breakdown, including every beauty-editor-approved product we’ll be using to re-create it.
I’m a beauty editor, so it should come as no surprise that I love blush… and I mean love. Blame it on my recently dull complexion (Midwest winters are no joke) or the fact that I rarely have more than 10 minutes to put myself together, but blush is an essential part of my makeup routine. It’s one of the only products that can make a major difference with little time or effort. That doesn’t mean I love all blush, though. I’m actually pretty picky about the formulas I use. I want them to provide enough pigment, blend easily into my skin, and last for more than a few hours after application. The one blush that checks off each of these requirements is the TikTok-viral Saie Dew Liquid Blush ($25). I can attest test that the creamy liquid formula is packed with pigment, looks so pretty on the skin, and lasts forever. I don’t like to toss around the word “favorite” too often, but this is my all-time favorite blush. When I heard that the brand was dropping three new shades, I knew I had to get my hands on them. I wanted to know if they’d hold up to my old favorites (spoiler alert: they do). Keep scrolling to see how each new shade looks IRL and snag them before they sell out.
Originally, there were five shades (now there are eight, but more on that in a minute). My go-to shade is called Dreamy, and it’s a cool-toned berry hue. I find that it suits my skin’s cool undertones well (whenever I wear it, I get major compliments on my skin).
Usually, I go pretty natural with it, but this time, I used a heavy hand to show how the color looks against my light-to-medium skin tone. It matches the natural color of my cheeks when they flush from the cold or from working out, which is why I think I like it so much.
The first new shade is called Cutie, and it’s a warm dusty rose color. On my skin, it reads almost terra cotta. I think it’s super flattering. Honestly, I love it so much that it’s currently vying with Dreamy to win the title of all-time favorite. There—I said it.
Next is Sweetie, which is a foolproof, neutral pink color. This one is a good go-to for people who like a subtle yet universally flattering shade. It’s not the one that stood out to me, but it’s the one that I know I can wear as part of almost any makeup look.
Last but not least is Baby, which is an aptly named cool baby pink. I won’t give up on it yet, but I have a suspicion that this shade doesn’t suit my skin tone as well as the others. Still, I can see how it would look stunning on other people. Even though it looks pretty shockingly pink in the tube, it reads as springy and youthful once it’s blended on the skin.
Every blush needs a bronzer. This one has a blendable, balm-like texture.
This skin tint creates the most natural-looking base.
A modern take on highlighter, this can be used in multiple ways to achieve a pretty glow.
This lip gloss-oil hybrid is so moisturizing and shiny.
A featherweight setting powder that pairs down shine.
There’s absolutely no denying that model has a unique ability to flawlessly execute beauty trends while embracing her natural features. A quick scroll through her Instagram page reveals a feed peppered with everything from editorial photo shoots with major brands to snaps of her everyday life. “When I’m in a time crunch, my go-to products are Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation, Eyes to Kill Wet Waterproof Mascara, and Lip Powder Lipstick,” she explains. “Even just these three products make such a difference in helping me look put-together.” In many of her personal pics posted to her page, Palvin sports fresh-faced, barely-there makeup looks while on the go.
It’s no wonder her approach to quick and easy makeup happens to be the blueprint of the social media–driven “model off duty” look that’s risen to prominence over the past couple of years. Palvin also has a soft spot for 2023’s ‘90s-inspired makeup trends, more of which we’ll be seeing throughout this year on and off the runway. “[I] just want the ’90s strong-lip-liner trend to stay,” says Palvin. In 2024, beauty trends are certainly skewing in her favor, with chocolate-colored liner and full, glossy lips predicted to stick around a while longer with modern-day products.
The arrival of January gives us the perfect opportunity to hop on the last of winter’s beauty trends, and I’ll be taking cues from Palvin to kick off the New Year in style. “I always love to go with a stronger lip—not necessarily a classic red lip, but maybe something deeper and darker,” she says. To create this bold look, she layers Armani’s Lip Power Matte in shades 603 and 207. The stunning lip combo is also her go-to during the holiday season.
Welcome to Internet Famous, a monthly series in which we ask our Instagram followers to vote on a viral beauty product that’s taken social media by storm. Then the beauty team will take the winning pick for a spin and share their reviews—pictures included.
Can I humble brag for a second? Ever since I started working at Who What Wear, my co-workers have called me “the queen of blush” (their words, not mine). You can pretty much spot my blush in the darkest rooms, from the farthest distances, and on almost any occasion. It’s by far the most complimented part of my makeup, garnering comments from strangers online and in real life. I can never receive too many compliments, so I’ll try just about any blush out there to see what it can do for me. Even the most pigmented formulas don’t intimidate me—give me all the hot pinks, bright reds, and peaches that pack a punch. Patrick Ta’s Major Headlines Crème and Powder Blush Duo ($36) is known for its highly pigmented formula and gorgeous range of shades, so imagine my excitement when it won the Internet Famous poll on Instagram Stories this month.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
We’d typically do our makeup to resemble a golden goddess, especially when the sun isn’t out a whole lot in the winter, but everyone is hooked on the “sunburn blush” or “faux sunburn” trend. It’s blush overload but in the cutest way possible. We saw a little bit of the blush all-over look when e-girls were at their peak. However, the current sunburn blush trend is a little wetter, if you will. It’s flushed and dewy at the same time.
Celebs like Hailey Bieber have hopped on board and showed us exactly how it’s done, and we found a creamy blush that melts right into your skin and creates a beautiful and natural glow. Merit Beauty’s Flush Balm isn’t the kind of blush that completely covers up your complexion. It adds a sun-kissed tint to your cheeks so that your skin and freckles can still poke through. The result is a soft all-day glow that doesn’t look or feel cakey. The product already got an upgrade with new gold packaging, and now the Hailey Bieber-approved formula comes in four new shades.
Say hello to Fox (warm taupe), Persimmon (soft orange-red), Stockholm (baby pink), and Apres (berry). I have always been a Raspberry Beret stan (celeb makeup artist Leah Darcy has used this exact shade on her), but think it might be time to convert to Fox or Apres. Who doesn’t love a pop of deep red or berry on their cheeks? Stockholm and Persimmon, however, look like the perfect shades for spring and summer since they’re soft and bright.
If you’re already drooling over these shades and swatches, you’re in luck. Merit Beauty’s Black Friday sale is letting you take 20 percent off of the entire site. That means you can cop a Flush Balm for $24 instead of $30 before the sale ends on November 26.
Photo: Merit Beauty.
“I really like the round shape because it fits my cheeks very precisely. The color payoff is very nice because it’s quite pigmented but not over the top so it’s easy to build up for that beautiful flushed cheek look,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “It blends evenly and compliments my complexion.”
When trying to create the faux sunburn makeup look, you should reach for balms because this format is oftentimes easier to control, build, and blend. It looks much more natural and effortless and tends to take up less time, too (you can just use your fingers!). For the most stunning sun-kissed glow, try one of my personal faves, the Flush Balm. I have a feeling you’ll be applying it all year long.
Merit Beauty carries the exact shades you need to achieve the sunburn blush look. Their O.G. shades include Terracotta, which many reviewers like to use as a blush and contour, as well as Mood, a light burgundy. There’s also Beverly Hills, a soft peach, and Cheeky, a cool pink. To get the most full-on faux sunburn look, opt for Raspberry Beret since it’s a deep berry tone. Regardless of which shade you go with, you’ll be sure to look fabulously flushed just like all your fave TikTokers and Instagram cool girls.
Photo: Merit Beauty.Merit Beauty.
A while back, Merit Beauty sent me Flush Balm to try and I am honestly a huge fan. I typically stray away from blushes because I think they’ll be too pigmented and make me look like a clown. However, I’ve been applying Merit Beauty’s blush and it truly does make all the difference. I get a nice, dewy glow on my cheeks that completes my overall makeup look. And I’m not even close to the only one who loves this blush.
“I just did not expect this blush to be this GOOD! I get the hype now. I like it so, so much that I want it in every single shade now!” raved one shopper. “It has such a nice slip to it. Glides effortlessly on skin and feels like nothing at all. I’m so so obsessed with this blush. It’s pigmented just enough to give that beautiful flush of color to your cheeks. The color looks so natural on my medium skin tone. I’m obsessed if I didn’t say that already!”
Photo: Merit Beauty.
Another shopper found multiple uses in the Terracotta shade. “I adore the shade Terracotta. It’s the perfect 2-in-1 blush and bronzer shade for an easy sun-kissed wash of color. Blends super easily and smoothly. Color is sheer but can be built up easily,” they wrote.
I’ll stop rambling about the amazing Flush Balm and let you start shopping. It’s down to $24 at Merit Beauty and will help you achieve the sunburn blush makeup trend with just a couple of swipes across your cheeks and nose.
We caught up with beauty expert, makeup artist, and and entrepreneur Jenny Patinkin to get the scoop on the best makeup practices for individuals with gamine facial features. “Gamine facial features tend to be delicate, so overdoing contouring can give an almost sunken or hollow look,” says Patinkin. “If I do any contouring at all, it’s only a subtle wash done at the part of the cheekbone closest to the ears and not extended onto the face more than one to two inches and perhaps a little on the jawline to call attention to the V shape of the jawline.”
Instead, Patinkin prefers to focus on bringing a soft glow to the cheeks and a slightly contoured smoky eye to create a round, doe-eyed look with a sultry flair. “It’s important to use makeup brushes sized for more delicate features instead of very large ones that can over-apply products like bronzer or contour,” she tells us. Her tool of choice is her very own Sustainable Luxury Angled Multi-Blender Brush, which she uses to apply cheek products. With it, she’s able to control placement in addition to creating a beautiful soft blend with minimal effort.
“I know the temptation is to do a heavier brow with this look à la Audrey Hepburn, the ultimate gamine, but I would advise caution when it comes to squaring off the inner corner of the brow or using a very opaque color to fill in,” Patinkin explains. Both can look overly harsh in contrast to one’s more delicate features rather than complementing them as needed.
Now that you know how to give gamine facial features the attention they deserve with the help of Patinkin, keep reading to discover the 16 bronzers, blushes, contour sticks, and highlighters that will deliver a stunning makeup look every time.
When I’m doing my makeup, I act like I’m filming a Get Ready With Me-style TikTok. I introduce my products to the nonexistent camera and explain my application process to an imaginary audience. My views are always skyrocketing. My subscribers always begging for more. Just ask my fans: I’m the next big influencer
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been watching makeup tutorials since the YouTube days. Yes, when Jeffree Star’s honest beauty reviews were all the rage and people still used the James Charles x Morphe palette. NikkieTutorials and Jaclyn Hill were go-to makeup artists filming “easy” eyeshadow looks that never quite looked the same on me.
Now, the format has been replicated on TikTok. We doom-scroll through TikTok to consume 1-10 minute videos of everyone plugging new products and delving into makeup secrets. This content format is an even bigger marketing tool than we could have ever imagined— one used by celebrities, brand owners, and musicians flock to connect with new fan bases and become the Next Big Trend.
Times may change, but the goal stays the same: achieving celebrity-level makeup. How can I get the cheekbones of Kim Kardashian and the Kylie Jenner ombre blush? How do I make it look like I got my makeup airbrushed on my face?
Enter Patrick Ta: the longtime celebrity makeup artist for the likes of Bella and Gigi Hadid, the entire Kar-Jenner clan, Chrissy Teigen, Emily Ratajkowski, Shay Mitchell, and more. In 2019, after about six years as a MUA in Los Angeles, Ta launched PATRICK TA BEAUTY.
What is PATRICK TA BEAUTY?
Using formulas that are both good for your skin and perfect for the red carpet in inclusive shade ranges, Patrick Ta has created the beauty brand of your dreams. His makeup is the most viral brand of 2023, with his cream-over-powder blush method taking the world by storm.
I love a good celeb makeup artist’s brand: Mario Dedivanovic’s Makeup By Mario, Patrick Starrr’s ONE/SIZE, Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, the list goes on. So I don’t know why it took so long for me to do a full haul of Patrick Ta, especially since it feels like everyone has already tried it.
And unlike many celeb brands, it’s not just snake oil in luxury packaging. You actually get your money’s worth with his products — which often come with a powder and cream in one tin. Every influencer out there has raved about Patrick Ta, and for good reason. He even has his own TikTok to show the best ways to use his products. But is it all too good to be true? It was time I tried it for myself.
Not enough is said about this foundation and setting powder duo. It’s a full-coverage foundation in a pan, which already minimizes my waste — and there’s a protective cover over the creme foundation so it’s mess-free. Good enough to cover my imperfections while giving my skin this diffused, airbrushed look…and no primer is needed.
@patrickta @Patrick Ta Beauty Looks So Good On @Derek Chadwick ✌🏼 Foundation: Major Skin “Light Med 3” Contour: “Shes Sculpted” Blush: “Shes Flushed” Brows: Brow lamination Gel #mensmakeup♬ LALA – Myke Towers
Nothing excites me more than contour and bronzer in one product. Contour for sculpting, bronzer for warming the face-up. Easy for beginners, this duo is all you need for a facelift.
I used to be strictly on the powder blush train for the longest time. It wasn’t because I hated cream blushes; mostly, I stuck with the powder versions because I found them easier to apply. All you need was a good brush for a couple of swipes and you’re all set. To me, cream blushes meant more blending, which left a lot more room for human error. And as someone who is pretty low-maintenance when it comes to makeup, I was hesitant.
But all of that changed in the past year as I started covering beauty. I had to try things that were outside of my comfort zone in order to write about these new and new-to-me products. All for the sake of good journalism, right? So I was introduced to a couple of cream blushes and now I reach for them a lot more than my powder blush. They just give that dewy, glowy look that pretty everyone is aspiring to these days.
And as for the application difficulty level, I would say I definitely thought it would be harder than it really is. Just a light touch really goes a long way and you can build up the color if you want. When I’m on the hunt for a cream blush, I keep an eye open for products offering major color payoff and longevity. As with all makeup products, finding one formulated with skincare benefits can make a difference in my finished makeup look and the overall health of my skin.
So now that I’m totally obsessed with cream blushes I asked some of my colleagues to share their favorite recs. Here’s what they said.
Despite the overwhelming results accompanying an internet search for “the best blushes,” shopping for your ideal blush can be made simple. One of the biggest determining factors when I’m on the hunt for a new blush product is, without a doubt, its formula. Most blush formulas fall into one of the following categories: powder, cream, gel, or liquid. Recently, cream-based blush formulas have been on the rise, with makeup lines providing them as alternate versions of their best-selling powder blush products. For example, Nars’s cult-classic powder blush in Orgasm has been launched in the form of a multiuse stick.
I flock toward cream and gel blushes that have a sheer yet buildable quality to them since they tend to allow space for teeny-tiny mistakes and a chance to build up the product to my desired pigment. My skin type happens to be dry, so I prefer using products that are chock-full of long-lasting skincare benefits. Blush comes in a number of finishes that can impact a finished makeup look. Whether you’re in the mood for matte or longing for something dewy and fresh, there’s something out there for you!
Before we dive into the blushes I was completely obsessed with long before becoming a beauty editor, I thought it would be helpful to reach out to one of the beauty industry’s most reputable celebrity makeup artists who doesn’t shy away from adding a gorgeous flush of color any chance she gets. Courtney Hart, who has worked with the likes of Anna Cathcart, Kristen Bell, Hilary Duff, and Chelsea Handler, shared a couple of the blushes she’s always reaching for in her makeup kit. Check out her picks and a number of my personal favorites below!
Traditionally, French beauty has rested on a few foolproof pillars—namely tousled hair à la Jane Birkin, a fresh complexion à la Françoise Hardy, and effortless and slightly undone makeup à la Brigitte Bardot. Even when French women wear something bold, such as red lipstick, they still manage to do it in a way that feels natural and lived-in.
There’s just something about it that speaks to me, and because of that, I’ve spent countless hours reading articles, watching videos, and searching the internet to find the products French women trust. Somewhere along the way, I stumbled across Violette_FR, the YouTube channel belonging to a French makeup artist who creates impossibly chic and colorful looks for her clients, friends, and colleagues. Sure, I loved the looks, but I loved her easy-to-follow tutorials and effortless application techniques even more. For years, I followed her on social media to gain inspiration and product recommendations.
In 2021, Violette launched a namesake beauty brand. As you can imagine, I was excited. I mean, who wouldn’t want to use products formulated by one of their favorite makeup artists? I placed my first order, and the rest was history. Since then, two of the brand’s products have become makeup-kit essentials because they’re easy to use, require little-to-no touch-ups, and give me that French-girl effect that I love.
July is (unofficially) the month I overturn my makeup routine in favor of a more laid-back vibe. I’m gearing up for an epic summer, and the best way to achieve the no-makeup makeup look is to focus on blush. Luckily, the NordstromAnniversary Sale just arrived with exclusive beauty drops every week, so I can snag my favorite beauty products for less.
With brands such as Tom Ford, Hourglass, and so many more, this beauty sale is well worth a deep dive. I’m adding cream blushes in seasonal shades to my cart first, and of course, I can’t have a Nordstrom retail session without replacing some of my empties. (A pro tip for the beauty novices out there: a sheer lipstick works wonders on the apples of the cheeks.) To help you tackle this overwhelming sale, I’ve assembled the ultimate edit of the best blushes at Nordstrom below.
Blush is a beauty product that is looked over far too often. It’s an essential step in a makeup routine that is subtle with promising results. Of course, bronzers and contour powders are great for an instantaneous St. Tropez moment, and highlighters can make us look and feel like a radiant orb when our lack of sleep makes us feel anything but. But what happens when you want to look a little more effortless? There’s nothing like a quick hit of blush to liven up our complexion in a time of need or when we’re aiming for a natural beauty look.
Blush’s transformative powers make it easy to understand why it’s one of the most important beauty staples among celebrities, makeup artists, and beauty editors. It makes you look more alive and healthier than that fifth cup of coffee ever will. Simply put, blush does a lot without ever doing too much.
As you may already know (or soon will), blush is easy to become rather dependent on, and since you’ll likely find yourself reaching for your favorite formula daily, we did you and your bank account a favor by sharing 10 of the most beloved blush formulas (if your budget so allows) in addition to the 10 drugstore dupes bearing an uncanny resemblance in terms of ingredients, wear, and finish. Ahead are 10 of the best drugstore blushes your face will thank you for.
Interestingly enough, Ta’s tip for working with cream blush is to layer it on top of powder blush, not the other way around. “My technique with cream blush is to layer it on top of powder blush by stamping it on with a damp beauty sponge. My Major Headlines Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush duos are formulated to be able to layer the cream over the powder, and it just gives a luminous and glowy finish to the cheeks,” he says.
Dalí says she’s obsessed with cream blush. “It’s been my go-to since before they were a thing, and I would use lipsticks as blush, a trick I learned from my mom,” she says. “The new Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil ($30) is to die for! I use it on nearly every job. Cream blush is superior because it gives the skin a subtle glow and looks most natural (like a second skin) and has a more true color payout than many powders. Not to mention, it wears longer and better than powder blush, and it’s easier to layer and blend.”
She says cream blush works for all skin textures, providing a naturally glowing finish. “Cream blush lasts longer than powder and liquid. When you layer cream blush first then follow with a touch of powder blush it will extend its wear by many hours. I find it’s the easiest to blend and requires very little to any makeup skills,” she adds.
The formula of the new blush is absolutely dreamy, but it’s Dedivanovic’s placement that’s truly revolutionary. To start, Dedivanovic recommends patting the blush onto the apples of your cheeks and blending it up and into your hairline to give your face a more lifted appearance. To ensure your blush looks even, it’s recommended to stipple your blush on instead of swiping it. After you’ve blended the blush on your cheeks, take the brush you’re using and add any leftover product to your forehead, nose, and chin to add some color to the high points of your face.
This is where things start to get really interesting. Instead of stopping there, apply more blush to where your cheeks meet your under-eye area. This will help disguise dark circles and make you look wide awake in a pinch—even if you’re running on fumes.
Dedivanovic’s new blush comes in six universally flattering shades. “My new blush veil is a modern take on cream blush,” he shared in a press release. “This luminous and sheer formula melts onto the skin for a stunning, transparent veil of color that allows your natural complexion to shine through.” Keep reading to see every ethereal shade.
Do you remember the last time you saw a beauty trend and you were like “should I try that?” I know what you’re thinking: “ most predictable intro ever,” right?
Well, here’s the thing: I actually try the beauty trend.
Call it FOMO or the inability to be a free-thinker, but I would be a hypocrite if I said I didn’t want to hop on every TikTok beauty trend I’ve seen just to see if it works. If nothing else, I’m a product of the corporate machine and fall into any marketing scam thrown onto my socials. But, hey, if it changes my life…great! If it doesn’t, I can’t say I didn’t try.
Blame content creators on TikTok, who post their flawless makeup routines and create looks that the rest of us can only dream of imitating. And, reader, I dare to dream. If someone with flawless skin is going to share their routine, then I’m going to try some of their products. It’s the ultimate recommendation.
However, I’ve learned the hard way that no one’s skin is identical. So, even if some products make one person’s skin glow, they may irritate yours. And don’t get me started on the brands that pay creators to say good things about their products, just to convince viewers to buy their products.
So, yes, there can be scams and there can be wastes of time…but such is life. Either way, I like to experience the result of a product or trend for myself and make my own decisions. Which is how I’ve come to write this article.
I’ve spent years now falling for trends and trying out the newest, hottest products on the market as they cycle through. All so you can learn from my fatal mistakes and steal my successes. Here’s what worked for me and what didn’t.
Snail Mucin
After damaging my skin barrier during a weekend ski trip, I went feral trying to find some sort of remedy. This was right around the time that the K-beauty “slugging” trend launched into America, and I was desperate…even if it meant throwing snail secretion on my face in a Hail Mary attempt.
There are plenty of benefits for using snail mucin besides ultra-moisturization. It brightens up dark spots from acne marks and sun damage, reverses signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating collagen production, and contains antioxidants like zinc and vitamins A and E.
I didn’t want to love it, but I did. While this may be a dated trend in K-beauty standards, it’s one product I’ve used in its entirety and will be purchasing again. It successfully restored my dry, flaky skin and gives me a glow like no other serum. There’s nothing like this product right now, I’m sticking with it.
Bright Pink Blushes
The makeup industry lost its mind when the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush went viral. The bright, almost bubblegum pink was all the rage…and while I was fine missing out, a few too many brands duped it until I was forced to try.
It was during the time where “Cold Girl Makeup” was trending…that look of pink flush on your cheeks you get after you play in the snow. And since blush is the new contour, why not invest all of my money into the brightest pink I’ve ever seen?
I chose the Patrick Starrr ONE/SIZE Blush Trio because it came with a pink highlight as well, which is perfect for a sunkissed look in the summer. The trio has both a cream and powder blush, but I found myself only needing the powder to achieve the pop of color I wanted. It’s great, but definitely not for your everyday look.
Brow Products
I live by the mantra that you shouldn’t be spending a lot of money on brow products…I’ve seen no difference in a set of eyebrows that use the Refy products from those who use NYX. Honestly, I see the brow makeup industry as one of the biggest scams on the market.
It’s almost impossible to get your brows to stay in place all day without lamination, so most products that advertise “staying all day” are lying. It’s just not that easy. I’ve even seen people have better luck with drugstore hairspray making their brows stay than most luxury products.
If you think about it, everyone loves the NYX brow freeze…but you see an equal amount of people telling you to “save your money” on a brow product from Sephora. So don’t fall for the gimmicks of buying “separate brow brushes” (buy spoolies on Amazon if you must) and pay $6 for a tube of brow gel instead.
Pink Setting Powders
While I agree that translucent setting powders can leave a white cast or give flashback in photographs, I was always loyal to my DermaBlend Powder. It kept my makeup in place and gave me a poreless look while taking away unwanted shine. But, I wanted to see if I could get rid of that ghastly pale shadow it would sometimes leave on my face if left on for too long.
Sure, we all know the “baking” trend with setting powder…and I’m a habitual participant. But, baking for too long can mitigate my tan and make me look a little sick. So, I tried the Huda Beauty Setting Powder in Cherry Blossom. Since pinks cancel out the heavy bags under my eyes, I figured it’s worth a shot.
To be honest, I don’t see that big of a difference between the translucent Dermablend and the pink Huda Beauty powders. Yes, they’re both great setting powders. However, the pink doesn’t make a significant eough difference to use one over the other.
As stars arrive at this year’s Met Gala, every beauty and fashion fan is glued to their screens. This year’s theme is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” and the dress code du jour is “in honor of Karl.” For beauty, however, anything goes—but we’re starting to sense an emerging trend.
In the beauty realm, the color of the hour is undeniably pink. The best part of this materializing color trend is that stars are taking the classic color and subverting it in the most interesting ways to make their makeup stand out. Stars have pops of neon pink blush, rosy eyelids, and pale pink lips. Keep reading to see the best uses of pink at tonight’s Met Gala.
When it comes to beauty trends, it’s no secret that TikTok has risen to nearly legendary status as one of the biggest sources of inspiration for Gen-Z users. Trends come and go in record time; serving as the driving force behind digital creators, consumers, and brands. One of the most recognizable of these beauty trends (and perhaps, the trend that has remained as influential as it was when it first appeared on the platform three summers ago), is the “sunburnt” blush look consisting of sun-kissed skin and warm-toned makeup.
I spoke to celebrity makeup artist Edward Cruz who’s star-powered client list includes the likes of Anna Wintour, Brooke Shields, Danai Gurira, and Busy Phillips. “It’s a fun look that is going strong, three summers in a row,” Cruz says of the sun-soaked makeup look. “I think people love it because it’s easily applied and anyone can wear it.” According to Cruz, to fully recreate this look, the focus has to be on the glow. Using a bronzer, like Charlotte Tilbury’s Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter (Cruz’s personal favorite) or a warm tone blush is your key to bringing it to life.
To apply the highlighter or blush, Cruz is partial to Smashbox’s popular Sheer Powder Brush which is part of the brand’s Camera Ready Face, Eye, Brow, & Lip Brush Collection. For a sun-kissed look, he recommends beginning with gentle brush strokes at the highest point of one cheek bone and then sweeping the product across the face to the other. This quick and easy process also includes gently touching the bridge of the nose with the brush. Remember, you want to bring attention to the points of your face that would normally receive the sun’s rays to achieve that effortless, ‘just lifted my chin to the sun’ finish.
If you’re looking for inspiration, I highly recommend taking a quick scroll through the trend’s hashtag on TikTok or Instagram, paying special attention to the areas of the face that feature added warmth or highlight (makeup tutorials created by users Rachel Shea and Lakeya Simone went viral). The sunburnt blush trend is complimentary on everyone, but looks especially gorgeous on deeper skin tones. Ready to find out which powder and cream blushes I’ll be using to create the sunburnt blush look this summer? Keep scrolling.
I will always recognize this cream-based blush as the perfect shade of terracotta. One sweep of the product across my cheek bones, temples, and the bridge of my nose brings so much life to the face. As the weather warms up, it’s become a must-have step in my makeup routine.
Sheer, yet buildable blushes are also a fun way to add a natural-looking punch of color to any makeup look. Rush is my favorite shade offered for Nars’ Air Matte Sheer Cream Blush because it’s not quite pink or orange; more of a dusty tangerine.
On days when I’m in the mood for a pop of color, you’ll catch me reaching for Glossier’s Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush in Dawn (a vibrant orange shade that looks beyond gorgeous on my skin). It’s also super pigmented and easy to blend; so a little goes a long way with this one.
I always love a good multitasking product that gives my makeup the perfect finishing touches while cutting down on time. Jouer Cosmetics recent release of their Blush & Bloom Cheek + Lip Duo as part of their French Riviera line has been one of my favorites lately.
When has Bobbi Brown ever let us down? The brand’s Pot Rouge Blush has been one of my go-to products for a while; but I’m especially drawn to the shade Fresh Melon when creating an effortlessly sun-kissed look.
One easy way to bring a wash of warmth to the skin? Choosing a cinnamon red shade for the cheeks and the lips. Ilia’s Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Highlighter + Lip Tint in the shade Dreamer is truly what dreams are made of since it goes on semi-sheer but also happens to be buildable.
Olive skin tones look sublime in this shade of Glossier’s Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush. It’s a dusty rose, almost bordering mauve. If you’re going for a makeup look that leans more pink than orange, this is the blush for you.
Jouer Cosmetics’ Powder Blush Duo Palette has everything you need to recreate the TikTok-viral look with two blushes: one in a rosy-pink hue and the other a spicy, orange. Feeling bold? Try layering the two shades together.
According to Cruz, using a warm tone blush can add just the right amount of glow. This bareMinerals product is a bronzer and blush all-in-one; making adding a wash of sun-kissed color and a hint of shine easier than ever.
Add dimension to your look with this blush by RMS beauty. While I think all the shades offered for this blush would work well to recreate the blush trend, the shade Maiden’s Blush is the perfect blend of soft cinnamon and pink.
Pat McGrath’s powder blush in Desert Orchid is my pick for the best orangey-pink powder blush shade. I love using it both as a blush and a highlight, focusing my attention on my cheek bones and the very tip of my nose to add color.
While I’ve always considered myself partial to cream blushes, Haus Labs’ Color FuseTalc-Free Powder Blush may have changed my mind. Not only is every shade offered super pigmented, but they’re easy to blend out for the sweetest natural-looking color for the face.
Whether you’re attempting the TikTok-viral blush look are just on the search for an orange-hued blush that works well with dark skin tones, this Nars blush should be on your radar. The shade Savage is a sparkling cinnamon shade; bringing both sparkle and color wherever its placed. Melanin-blessed people; this is our Holy Grail!
I’ll never pass up an opportunity to wear a peachy cheek. The Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho looks beautiful on all skin tones and will keep your cheeks flushed and your overall makeup look fresh. It’s a win-win!
I have a thing for 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 crazy, considering I used to avoid it altogether. You see, I’ve struggled with redness and rosacea for most of my life, and the thought of exacerbating the flushed look wasn’t something I found very appealing. It wasn’t until I entered my late-20s that I realized the power and potential of blush. When placed correctly, it doesn’t accentuate my redness; instead, it brightens up my complexion, whisks away dullness, and makes me look, well, alive.
I also recently joined 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, what they look like IRL, and which one was the winner (hint: even I was surprised at the result).
