Tag: makeup review

Taylor Swift Uses Pat McGrath And You Should Too

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We hail Taylor Swift for many things: her innate musical ability, her consistent chart-topping albums, her drive. And her personal life is something we’ve all been invested in for years, whether it’s her boyfriend Travis Kelce or even her private jet usage, people are obsessed with Swift.

And while the Eras Tour is all the rage right now, selling out in seconds and causing a outright siege on Ticketmaster, I’m not paying attention to surprise songs…or the teasing of the reputation (Taylor’s Version) re-release…I’m fully focused on Taylor Swift’s makeup.

You see, the woman has performed in rain, in the heat of the summer, dancing and charming, and belting out songs for hours upon hours…and her makeup doesn’t move. There’s not a single photo with Taylor’s mascara running down her face, her blush is still intact, it’s actually an anomaly.

Taylor Swift’s makeup routine may be one of the most sought-after recipes in the world. Why can’t we keep our faces in flawless condition, ready for any event or natural disaster that comes our way? It seems unfair.

Well, for one, we don’t have makeup artists and a team of stylists curating the best routine for our faces and skin tones. But, we can take a note from the artists and see what products they use.

Look, I’m not performing for hours on a stage for tens of thousands, but I am going out and sweating my makeup off night after night. And heaven forbid it rains. So, I need to prepare my makeup just like I’m on tour. It’s the only way.

Okay, I’ve done my research and I’m willing to share. If you want Taylor Swift’s makeup routine, here are the go-to Taylor Swift makeup products you need:

The Secret? It’s All Pat McGrath

Pat McGrath is similar to Patrick Ta: both celebrity makeup artists-turned-beauty-brand-gurus who make incredibly viral makeup. There’s a reason they’re two of the most in-demand names in the beauty industry right now.

Tons of celebrities are often seen wearing Pat McGrath thanks to its second skin-like finish and long-lasting wear. Fans have been asking for years for Taylor Swift’s routine, and while it’s never fully been confirmed…we have an idea thanks to some internet sleuths unearthing a number of hints.

Swift collaborated with legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath for the “Bejeweled” music video from her album, Midnights, where McGrath herself even makes a cameo. Not only that, but fans have figured out she’s a regular McGrath fan thanks to the likes of Deuxmoi.

Taylor Swift’s makeup routineDeuxmoi via Instagram

So, it’s safe to say that Taylor is exclusively using Pat McGrath makeup products. It makes sense, considering they’re luxurious, premium quality, and highly celebrated by makeup artists.

And while Pat McGrath may be on the pricier end of Sephora products, it’s well worth the money. When shopping for makeup, I use Girl Math. Sure, foundation can sometimes cost upwards of $50…but that’s $50 for six months of wear…or $10 per month! So cheap.

Now that we know the brand and some of the products that Taylor’s rumored to enjoy. Here are a few:

Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick

We’re all aware that Taylor opts for a bold red lip, it’s kind of her signature. But don’t be afraid to try the other shades in this collection. While LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte is very Taylor, it’s also great to layer with a gloss.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation

Pricey, but well worth it. The Sublime Perfection Foundation sets in like a second skin while covering any imperfections or discoloration that you may have. It gives a subtle glow that we all love while remaining full coverage. Plus, it stays on the skin forever.

Pat McGrath Labs PERMA PRECISION Liquid Eyeliner

One of Taylor’s lyrics is literally “dry the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man” so you know when it comes to eyeliner Taylor doesn’t play. Pat McGrath Labs’ PERMA PRECISION liner is silky smooth to use and glides effortlessly over any lid…giving you an easy wing in no time.

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo

What I love about the Skin Fetish Highlighter is that they’re easy to keep in your purse for on-the-go fixes. They pack a major punch when it comes to shine, and you can put it anywhere on your face, including your eyelids for a subtle glimmer look.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Setting Powder and Primer

While I’m personally not a fan of primer in general, I can’t discount Taylor’s makeup regmen. It endures. It stays on her face through anything, so it’s got to be working. Plus, when you pair the same foundation, setting powder, and primer, it’s going to look cohesive.

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership VII Eyeshadow Palette- Divine Rose

I’ve spoken volumes about this palette. While it may be on the more expensive side, it’s definitely worth your money. First of all, consider how often you’re buying eyeshadow. Palettes last a long time, and this highly pigmented one is packed with color.

It’s buildable, blendable, and easy for beginners to use. Plus, the rose shades are amazing.

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Jai Phillips

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September 3, 2024
Fenty Beauty: Just Another Celebrity Brand Or The Real Deal?

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We are all under the constant moral battle: is this makeup good or is it just a paid sponsorship? Is it a money grab by celebrities who have passionate fanbases willing to spend a bit of their paycheck for the name on the packaging? Or does it really work?

After constantly being surrounded by ads – whether they be blatant or disguised as Get Ready With Me TikTok’s – I have fallen victim as a consumer. I want makeup to make me feel as good as these TikTokers (or should I say budding actresses) claim they feel. I want to have the “wow” moment where the ring light accentuates my highlight and I’m rendered temporarily vision impaired.

And we know the disappointment once you open the product and realize that it cakes…or it’s not as pigmented as it looked online…or it doesn’t last through multiple meals and 100 degree heat as promised.

It’s a hard pill to swallow – maybe spending the extra money on those celebrity brands wasn’t worth it. I mean, not all of them can be winners. Unless you’re Rihanna.

It’s no secret that Fenty Beauty changed the makeup industry with the largest foundation shade range the world had ever seen. It forced other brands to follow suit, because no brand was as diversity inclusive as Fenty. There had to be a better shade for you in Fenty’s line because there were so many.

Fenty Beauty’s innovative product line is universally loved – with other celebrities like Madison Beer using the brand in their staple routines. During Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime performance, she quickly flashed the Invisi-Matte Powder which raked in millions of Google searches, selling out the product over multiple websites.

And with the success of Fenty Beauty came the birth of Fenty Skin, which is an affordable option for all things skincare. Once again, the products are innovative without minimizing the overall quality.

So if you’re asking yourself: is Fenty Beauty worth it? The short answer is yes. Hell yes.

After trying a wide range of their products, I rounded up my favorites. Let’s do a full face of Fenty.

Fenty Face Bundle – $148

Fenty Face Bundle

Fenty Beauty

Easily the best bang for your buck on the Fenty website is the Fenty Face bundle, where you build a 4-piece kit for a full face of makeup. It includes the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, which pleasantly surprised me considering dewy-look foundations are all the rage right now. Combining the foundation with a glowy base gives the perfect, subtle amount of sheen without looking oily. It’s full coverage for acne, discoloration, and more, but wears comfortably throughout the day.

It also includes the classic Match Stix Contour Skinstick, which makes contouring seem easy to even beginner makeup users. You get your choice of the KillaWatt Freestyle Highlighter, which I chose Madison Beer’s rec – Moscow Mule/Ginger Binge- that can be used as a blush or highlight. And then to top off the kit, you get the iconic InvisiMatte Powder to keep in your purse or makeup bag.

Let’s Talk About Fenty’s Gloss Bomb

Fenty Gloss Bomb Heat in Glass Slipper

Fenty Beauty

One of the bestselling Fenty makeup products is the Gloss Bomb, which is so popular that it now has multiple shades in Heat (the plumping version) and Ice (the cooling version). Their newest release is the clear, universal Glass Slipper shade in the Heat collection. It gives the perfect plump to your lips minus the Botox, and the clear shade is easy to throw on over any lipstick or by itself.

They are popular for a reason, my lips look hydrated immediately after applying it. The doe foot applicator is large, which is always a plus when applying.

Fat Water Pore-Refining Serum With Barbados Cherry

Fenty Fat Water Serum

Fenty Skin

With key ingredients like Barbados cherry, Niacinamide, Cactus Flower, and Japanese Raisin Tree, this toner will tighten all of your pores without stripping your face of necessary oils, just excess. I’ve been using this twice a day for two weeks and have noticed my dark spots and acne scarring starting to fade, and it gives a natural glow to the face without making me look (or feel) oily. I use it right before the Fat Water Essence and it’s made a huge difference.

Fat Water Hydrating Milky Essence

Fenty Fat Water Essence

Fenty Skin

In tandem with the Fat Water Serum, this essence will give your dry skin some serious moisture. It’s meant to repair and protect your moisture barrier without feeling heavy like an oil. It soothes and calms irritated skin without stripping it of moisture and oil, and it is especially great for when you’re sunburnt in the summer. Meant for stressed skin, the Fat Water Essence will put your skin at ease.

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Jai Phillips

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July 31, 2023
Saie Teaches Us That Clean Beauty Doesn’t Call For Sacrifice

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In terms of setting trends for clean beauty brands that can be both high quality and affordable, Saie leads the way. I always considered the clean beauty “Big Three” to be Kosas,
Saie, and Ilia. Because they’re consistently hailed for their luxurious formulas that won’t irritate your skin, and an overall sustainable production system down to their packaging.

Saie is powered by the community, with the motto being “you ‘Saie’ it, we create it.” They listen to what
you, the consumer, want in a product and they try their best to replicate it. In a world where celeb brands seem like desperate money grabs, this is a sigh of relief.

The comforting aspect about Saie is that they stand by “
The Feel Good Five” standards: C.L.E.A.N. This means their products are Conscious of people and the planet, Luxurious, Earth-minded, Award-winning, and New. Saie’s constantly creating fresh ways to innovate the clean beauty world without sacrificing the quality of their product.

@katiehub.org and u get more product for a better price. slay saie. #fyp #dupe #bronzingdrops ♬ Elevator Music – Bohoman

I couldn’t help but trying a full face of
Saie’s makeup because I genuinely trust them… I admit that this may be tough for you if you haven’t tried the line before. However, with such high standards this brand is the real deal.

I scanned their Bestsellers List and ordered the basics to see just what they’re all about. Here’s my haul:

Overall, I was insanely impressed with Saie as a whole. All products are glowy – a trending look right now – thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and licorice root. Since I’m huge on skincare, it’s fabulous that my makeup won’t clog my pores and benefits my skin while making me feel abso beautiful.

@bellarmrz Glow sculpt slay ✨💜☁️ @Saie #saiebeauty #saieglowsculpt ♬ Nimbus – BLVKSHP

While I’ll go more into detail on each product in a bit, the
Sun Melt Bronzer stood out. It’s a balm bronzer that blends more consistently than most. With ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, grapeseed oil, and elderberry extract, you’re guaranteed that it will moisturize and protect your skin.

With
Saie’s makeup you don’t need to sacrifice anything (price, quality, etc.). Their products are affordable, aren’t tested on animals, and keep your skin top-of-mind, which is more than most luxury brands can say.

Here’s my product review:

Slip Tint

Definitely the best tinted moisturizer I’ve used so far. And I’ve tried everything – from Rare Beauty, to Milk, to Laura Mercier – and most make me look oily, or – even worse – patchy. The Saie Slip Tint is award-winning for a reason.

Glowy Super Skin Foundation

Take the word serum seriously: it will come out a bit runny, but don’t be alarmed. This plus
the Base Brush create the perfect “your skin but better” look that everyone craves. If you want summer makeup, this foundation will give you the best medium-coverage look that covers dark spots and acne, but not your freckles!

Glowy Super Gel

@thebeautyshelf Replying to @rach Do you agree?👀 the saie feels more like a serum, whereas the Rare definitely is a more intense highlight! #rarebeautymakeup #rarebeautyhighlight #saie #saiebeauty ♬ Sunroof – Nicky Youre & dazy

Saie’s take on Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter is arguably better because it’s not as foundation-like or thick. It can be used as a primer, highlighter – or anything in between – to enhance your makeup. I love it as a primer for an added glow.
Hint: the Sunglow shade is a Drunk Elephant D’Bronzi Drops dupe.

Dew Blush

One of Saie’s hottest items, the Dew Blush is both pigmented and glowy. I think the Chilly shade is the perfect berry, sunkissed look that will work all summer long. It’s buildable, but also easy to blend.

HydraBeam Concealer

I adore this concealer’s formula! Plus, I’m a sucker for a doe-foot applicator. When you when you pull the applicator the bottle squeezes it out for you, so you don’t waste that precious concealer. It’s more luminescent than matte, and is fantastic for covering acne or those dark undereye bags.

Sun Melt Bronzer

Easy to blend, perfectly pigmented, and gives me a deep chisel that other bronzers simply cannot. I used to be impartial to Makeup By Mario’s Skin Enhancer, but Saie is giving them a run for their money right now. I’m torn.

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Jai Phillips

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June 30, 2023
The Highs And Lows Of Following TikTok Beauty Trends

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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.

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Jai Phillips

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May 25, 2023