Tag: makeup experts

Is Rare Beauty Worth the Hype? Our Editors Weigh-In on Their Favorite Products

Published on by Crystal Lee1 Comment

A badass founder with a powerful mission is enough to make us fans of a brand, but when the products perform, have a broad shade range, are vegan and cruelty-free, and are affordable, you’ll be hard-pressed to get us to stop talking about them. Since its launch, Selena Gomez’s makeup brand, Rare Beauty, has had its fair share of waitlisted products, and for a good reason—everyone (including all of TikTok and our editors) is obsessed with them.

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We try a lot of products around here, so when the Founder Crystal Lee, calls a product “God-tier,” you know we mean business. From the bronzing stick that melts into the skin, our Founder is sharing her favorite Rare Beauty products so you know which ones you need to get your hands on ASAP:

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Our favorites from Rare Beauty

Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

If you scroll on TikTok for a mere five minutes, there’s a pretty high chance you’ll come across this blush more than once. And while I hate to be preaching to the choir, this stuff is popular for a reason. When I say that a little bit of this formula goes a long way, I mean it. It takes one singular dot of this blush on each cheek to warm up my entire face, it blends so seamlessly and will last a long time. For me, that makes it worth every penny.

Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Sticks

I have dabbled with bronzing and contour sticks in the past but, earlier this summer, I wanted to find one that blended easily and warmed up my face. A lot of sticks I’ve used in the past were tough to blend (eating up way too much time of my morning routine) and, at times, would leave me feeling like I just smeared dirt on my face. I picked up this Rare Beauty bronzing stick and let me tell you—this stuff puts in work. It’s super creamy without feeling too liquid-like and melts into my skin like butter. When it comes to warming up my face fast, this formula gets the job done and is one of my favorite parts of my makeup routine.

Kind Words Lip Liner

My lips are extremely sensitive, with most lip products I use causing reactions (plump lips are in, swollen ones? Not so much). The Rare Beauty Kind Words lipliner is truly a godsend. It glides on so smoothly and leaves my lips feeling nourished rather than dry. I use a shade close to my natural lip color for everyday wear and I couldn’t recommend it more.

Positive Light Luminizer Highlight

The second Rare Beauty launched I knew I’d need to get my hands on this highlighter, and it has not disappointed me. It gives a beautiful glow without being in your face about it. On days I want to wear a little less makeup, I mix a drop of this with my blush and blend the two. It’s a holy grail kind of combo.

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Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush

Everyone always talks about Rare Beauty’s liquid blushes (which for the record, I love) but nobody ever talks about how incredible their cream blushes are. If you’re someone who loves a natural flush, you’re going to adore these. They blend out to give the prettiest, flushed cheek, and unlike the liquid blushes, they’re hard to overdo. I have two different shades that I love for day-to-day wear.

Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer

As a tinted moisturizer fanatic, this is one of my favorites of all time. Unlike many tinted moisturizers, this one gives me a bit of coverage and leaves me with a blurred, poreless, healthy-looking complexion. I love this for daily wear, but it’s also significant enough that I wear it to the office all the time, too.

Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

This mascara has some mixed reviews on Sephora, but it still has a 4-star rating. Its eye-hugging brush is meant to lift, lengthen, curl, and volumize the lashes, and reviewers say that it does—as long as you wipe excess product off of the brush first to prevent clumping.

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Stay Vulnerable Liquid Eyeshadow

Liquid eyeshadows are a God-send because they make applying eyeshadow seamless and quick. This one in particular is a weightless, liquid-to-powder formula that remains creaseless and because of that, reviewers are loving it.

Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist

This 4-in-1 primer hydrates, primes, sets, and refreshes skin with ingredients like niacinamide to improve the appearance of skin and lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily to soothe and nourish. While oily-skin gals say it makes them look like a “grease ball,” dry-skin gals are loving the glow.

Primp Tip: This is for black and brown people aka POC, don’t apply too much because too much product will leave your face sparkly ghostly unless that’s your thing.

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Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

Serum-like, weightless, and buildable foundations always sound too good to be true, and reviewers are torn on this one. Some say that it is the “best skin-like foundation on the market” and others are claiming that it is “patchy and cakey with REALLY bad separation.” This is one you’re going to have to test out for yourself to see if this foundation is for you.

Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder

This talc-free, loose-setting powder visibly smooths, blurs, and controls shine on all skin types. Five shade options deliver a natural, comfortable finish. One reviewer says “it leaves your skin blurred and smooth, without mattifying,” so you can still get your glow on without looking greasy.

Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer

This lightweight, hydrating concealer offers medium-to-full coverage in 49 shades. With 1,500+ reviews on Sephora and a 4-star rating, this has been tested by the masses and the resounding verdict is that it’s a must-have.

Pore Diffusing Primer

This gel primer claims to blur the look of pores and fine lines, boost and extend makeup wear, and help fight shine. As confirmed in the reviews, it is suitable for all skin types and worth a try if you are on the hunt for a new primer.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RARE BEAUTY ESSENTIAL?

Follow These 14 Makeup Artists on Instagram for the Best Beauty Inspo

Published on by Crystal Lee2 Comments

We admit it: We spend a lot of time on Instagram. Who among us can say they don’t? After all, it’s a one-stop shop for endless beauty and makeup inspo. From colorful cut crease designs to geometric shadow looks, the jaw-dropping creativity on the ‘gram never ceases to amaze us. We decided that the talented beauty experts and makeup artists behind our most-scrolled feeds deserve a shoutout, so we’re rounding up our favorites to follow right here.

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Aniyah, @aniyah.s

Even if you don’t personally have the patience to commit to elaborate eye makeup looks (and we don’t blame you), you’ll still appreciate Aniyah’s colorful, totally out-of-the-box eyeshadow creations. She often incorporates dreamy celestial elements, like stars and galaxy-Esque swirls.

Maha Alselami, @maha.gram

Maha Alselami is one of the best things to happen to our IG feeds. From funky lip art to neon eyeliner, she can truly do it all. Her work ranges from runway and editorial to everyday beats, so there’s inspo for everyone and every occasion. If you haven’t given her a follow yet, what are you waiting for?

Rowi Singh, @rowisingh

If you ask us, Rowi Singh isn’t just a makeup artist, she’s an icon. She’s constantly exploring the boundaries of makeup with her cool, colorful looks that are literal pieces of art. She’s not an influencer to follow for easy-to-create makeup looks, but rather because her creativity and innovation are inspiring.

Ehlie Luna, @ehlieluna

Not only does Ehlie Luna’s Insta offer top-notch beauty inspo, but it’s also full of informative videos with tips on how to identify your glam type, apply different types of makeup and choose which products are right for you. We’re also obsessed with her “subway series” videos in which she pulls off the seemingly impossible feat of impeccably applying lip liner on a moving train.

Jonet Williamson, @jonetwmakeup

Jonet Williamson is our go-to for easy-to-follow trend tutorials, like these fluffy brows video or this guide to nailing the siren eyes look. Her beauty ethos is all about fresh, glowy skin and bold eye and lip look.

Patrick Ta, @patrickta

Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta tends towards a classic beauty style — think red lips, defined brows, and winged eyeliner. He’s worth a follow if you want to try to copy some of your favorite stars’ makeup, too.

Pat McGrath, @patmcgrathreal

When it comes to dreaming up runway-ready makeup looks, nobody can beat Pat McGrath. Her work is all about fantasy and sparkle. If you aren’t already a fan of glittery eyeshadow, you will be after following.

Grace Lee, @graceleebeauty

Follow Grace Lee, lead makeup artist at Maybelline New York, for her product recs and try-ons. She posts helpful videos like this one comparing different shades of lipstick, so you can decide which one you want to buy.

Sasha Chudeeva, @chudesasha

We could scroll through Sasha’s dreamy, intricate eyeliner inspiration all day. Between a cat-eye composed of tiny red hearts to a lid look with a cheeky message, each post is more whimsical than the last.

Tatiana Rose, @tatianaroseart

If there’s anything we love stumbling upon in our IG feeds, it’s creative and highly editorial makeup. Tatiana Rose nails it every single time with her magazine-worthy photos and innovative makeup, hair, and skin look. The best part? No two images look the same. Instead, she’s able to reinvent herself with an entirely different look each time she posts.

Shalini Kutti, @urshaynesss

Maybe you’re more into minimalist makeup. In that case, check out Shalini Kutti’s profile. She posts tutorials and photos of her looks, but she also shares handy infographics with beauty tips like how to remove mascara without losing eyelashes.

Shayla Mitchell, @makeupshayla

Shayla Mitchell has racked up an impressive three million followers thanks to her full glam makeup tutorials using tons of different products. She also posts “get ready with me” videos that show off her adorable outfits, too.

Nyma Tang, @nymatang

Nyma Tang’s Insta feed truly has a little bit of everything. There is pretty, shimmy eyeshadow swatches, cute nail art ideas, and fun lippy shades. The South Sudanese influencer is also known for promoting inclusive face makeup ranges, and testing products in darker complexion shades.

Erin Parsons, @erinparsonsmakeup

Erin Parsons shares her take on vintage makeup, testing out beauty looks, and techniques inspired by different eras such as the 1960s. In between her videos, she posts snapshots of iconic beauty moments from old movies and TV shows.

Photo: Aniyah

Dewy Setting Sprays That Will Make Skin Glow All Over

Published on by Crystal Lee1 Comment

Highlighter isn’t the only makeup product you can use to achieve an ethereal glow. You can further enhance radiance and counteract dull skin by finishing your look with the right setting spray. Dewy setting sprays can do a lot for your skin — like boost luminosity, extend the wear of your makeup and keep skin free of shine. To help you make your glass skin dreams come true, we rounded up nine of our favorite dewy setting sprays, below.

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NYX Professional Makeup Plump Finish Setting Spray

  • Keep your makeup fresh and your skin looking plump with this supercharged dewy setting spray. The unique formula contains five electrolytes and vitamins — including aloe, magnesium, zinc, citric acid, and biotin — to plump and hydrate skin so you look moisturized, not oily.

Dermablend Lock and Last Setting Spray

  • Lock your makeup in place for up to 24 hours with this long-wearing dewy mist. One spritz makes makeup smudge-, transfer- and water-resistant; plus, it works to hydrate and soothe your skin, so your makeup feels comfortable even through the longest days.

Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow Setting Spray

  • The iconic OG All-Nighter Setting Spray gets an update with an infusion of hyaluronic acid and agave to give you a dewy, fresh-faced finish that lasts from morning to night.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray

  • Infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and aloe vera extract, this dewy setting spray provides a naturally glowing finish. It also curbs excess shine and oil — and touts a yummy coconut scent.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray

  • Quench your skin’s thirst with this refreshing spray packed with blue agave extract and hemp-derived ingredients. It’s also infused with vitamin B3 to help nourish the skin and provide a glassy, hydrating finish.

 Milani Make It Dewy Setting Spray: Hydrate+Illuminate+Set

  • Set your skin on the path to glowing central with Milani’s versatile dewy finish setting spray that also doubles as a primer. Don’t you just hate it when you get both your eyeliner wings just right and when your foundation looks almost airbrushed but melts away through the day? The Make It Dewy Setting Spray ensures your statement stays put with a brightening boost. This is a good dewy setting spray that cloaks your skin in hydration and shines for up to 16 hours with no fading, creasing or smudging! And with its refreshing feeling, you can very well use it in crazy hot weather too. You can also wear this hydrating setting spray without any makeup for a natural-looking glow that is bound to steal hearts wherever you go.

 TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

  • It’s well-known that TATCHA delivers some of the most eye-catching packaging, but their formulas deliver too. The Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is the best face-setting spray that gives off a soft shimmer under or over your makeup. It contains a blend of Okinawa red algae for the ultimate moisturizing benefits, camellia oil for optimum nourishment, and hyaluronic acid to quench parched skin. TATCHA’s dewy setting spray for dry skin is also infused with Hadasei, a 3-ingredient anti-aging complex. With the power of Japanese superfoods like green tea, rice, and algae, your skin will look and feel super youthful. Carry this long-lasting dewy setting spray around in your purse for an instant dose of freshness.

ORPHEUS RESSURECTION Bio-Luminous Dewy Essence

  • ORPHEUS’ award-winning moisturizing setting spray comes in a silky essence consistency that feeds irritated skin with nutrients and a luminous finish. The Orpheus Flower Cell Peptide Complex contains potent peptides, stem cells, and antioxidants that work to safeguard your skin from pollution. With the dual hyaluronic acid, the active serum deeply penetrates the skin for long-lasting hydration resulting in plump and younger-looking skin. A blend of the vitamins C, B3, B5, and E refines your pores and evens out skin tone, while a bio-luminescent flower extract imparts a shine that could put lights to shame. One spritz of this dewy finish makeup setting spray transforms your skin from within for the ultimate jaw-dropping glow.

 l.f Dewy Setting Mist

  • If you’ve been looking for a cheap dewy setting spray, your search can end at elf’s Dewy Setting Mist! Apart from keeping your makeup intact for a long time, this drugstore dewy setting spray feeds your skin with nourishing ingredients that contribute to a healthy radiance. Infused with coconut, this lightweight formula hydrates, and conditions your skin intensely so that it glows like never before. Green tea and cucumber moisturize skin and fight premature signs of aging for an ever-youthful look. Trust us, and you’re not going to regret adding elf’s dewy face mist to your vanity.
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Now that we’ve gone over the best dewy setting sprays on the market, let’s look at how you can bag the right one for you!

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How To Choose The Right Dewy Setting Spray

  • Skin type

Dewy setting sprays are ideal for dry and dull skin as they come packed with moisture or water-based formula. This helps give a soft glow to dry skin while also providing hydration benefits. Combination and oily skin types may find that dewy setting sprays make their skin even greasier, but if they don’t have excess oil, a lightweight setting spray which is also non-comedogenic may work. But dewy sprays suit dry and normal skin types better. Even mature skin will benefit from a dewy finish as the formula won’t cake up or settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Formula

Ensure that the formula is lightweight and has a non-sticky and non-greasy consistency. Dewy setting sprays that are quick-drying help immensely for on-the-go touch-ups. Some sprays may have fragrance and if you’re sensitive to it, ensure to read the label to avoid it. A few setting sprays can have strong scents which may cause a reaction as they are directly sprayed on the face. You can patch test setting sprays as with every other beauty product or read some reviews online.

  • Ingredients

It is essential to invest in formulas with high-quality ingredients devoid of harmful additives. To prevent flare-ups, opt for formulas that don’t contain alcohol, fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals.

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After you’ve purchased a dewy setting spray you like, it’s time to learn how to use it for the ultimate glow!

How To Use Dewy Setting Spray

  • Step 1: Ensure that all your makeup is done, and you’re satisfied with how it looks.
  • Step 2: Shake the contents of the dewy setting spray bottle for an even mixing.
  • Step 3: Hold your dewy setting spray bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face and lightly spritz on the right side of the face.
  • Step 4: From the same distance, spray the mist on the left side of your face.
  • Step 5: Spritz once in the center of your face with your eyes closed.
  • Step 6: Wait for the setting spray to dry.
  • Step 7: Repeat if you feel the need for a brighter glow.
  • Step 8: Reapply throughout the day as and when needed to give your skin a boost of freshness.

Note: You can also apply dewy setting sprays on bare skin without any makeup for a natural glow to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh.

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Our facial skin is always exposed to dirt, pollution, and harmful sun rays. They damage the skin and strip away its natural glow. But worry not, because the best dewy setting sprays can give you a stunning glow to ensure a natural-looking makeup finish. They seal your makeup and make it last longer than usual. The products mentioned in our list have lightweight formulas that are non-greasy and keep the skin hydrated and primed. They dry within seconds of application and leave your skin with a silky texture. If you prefer vegan and cruelty-free makeup, you will find them on our list too. Most of these formulas are chemical-free and last for hours. Some of them offer anti-aging benefits and add brightness to dull and dry skin. Consider factors like skin type, product formula, and ingredients before investing in a spray. You should also avoid sprays that have sticky consistency or an overwhelming fragrance.

Comment Below Your Favorite Dewy Setting Spray!

Easy Back-to-School Makeup Tutorials for People of Color

Published on by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

Back-to-school season is always full of excitement and nerves, especially if you’re returning to in-person class after a long time away. The last thing you need to worry about is your back-to-school makeup amid all this change. Lucky for you, we rounded up our favorite beginner-friendly makeup tutorials for women of color to rock in the virtual classroom or person. Keep reading for the tutorials, which are full of affordable drugstore makeup recommendations.

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Glowy, Natural Makeup

We understand the rush that sometimes comes with making it to school on time, which is why we love this quick and easy natural beat by content creator Tea Renee. She gives an especially in-depth description of how she gets her brows so flawless while using minimal products.

Natural Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin

If you’re looking to cover acne and hyperpigmentation without your makeup appearing cakey, turn to this video by Colleen Ho. She also showcases a quick and easy way to create faux freckles!

No-Makeup Makeup

This back-to-school makeup tutorial is the epitome of natural beauty. While Ashley Quiroz has a medium skin tone, her minimalist, less-is-more makeup approach translates flawlessly on all skin tones.

Foundation-Free Drugstore Makeup

Looking to add coverage without using foundation? Watch Haley Kim’s back-to-school makeup tutorial using concealer and color correcting to pinpoint areas she wants to draw attention away from. Bonus: she only uses drugstore products.

Subtle Glam Makeup

Want to add a little more drama to your back-to-school makeup look? Lexsa Marie has you covered with this beginner-friendly back-to-school makeup tutorial targeted at oily complexions. Learn how to lock in your makeup all day and keep shine to a minimum with her techniques.