Speed reviews is brand new series to the blog. I got the idea from Nicole Cutler on YouTube. These are products that I want to share and talk about, but don’t want to devote an entire post to so I’m just going to share the highlights.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Illumination
Highlights–Talc free :: minimize shine :: blur pores :: illumination without glitter
Cruelty Free–Yes
Thoughts–I prefer the original formula. I didn’t like this at all and I ended up returned it. it caked and didn’t sit well on my skin.
NOT APPROVED
Smashbox Vitamin Glow Primer
Highlights–Lightweight :: water-gel formula :: Vitamins B, C, & E :: hydrates for a healthy glow
Cruelty Free–Yes and vegan
Thoughts–I LOVE this primer. It’s hydrating, absorbs quickly, and is packed full of good ingredients. I will definitely be purchasing the full size in the near future.
APPROVED
Laura Mercier Blurring Undereye Powder
Highlights–Finely pressed :: transparent :: weightless :: blur fine lines
Price–$28 at Sephora, Nordstrom
Shade Range–2
Cruelty Free--Status is unclear
Thoughts–I liked it, but I didn’t see much difference in using this powder instead of my Fenty powder. It’s expensive for a small amount. My Fenty Pro Filt’r Powder in Lavender still reigns supreme. I returned it.
NOT APPROVED
Tarte SEA Hydrocealer Concealer
Highlights–Medium coverage :: natural finish :: cover and hydrate for up to 12 hours
Price–$10-24 at Sephora
Shade Range–30
Cruelty Free–Yes and vegan
Thoughts–This is VERY light coverage. It claims medium which I was fine with, but I barely noticed a difference. I opted for the mini option, but there is barely any product in there. It blended and set fine, but I need/want more coverage. I returned it. I don’t think the formula is bad, it’s just not the right product for me.
MEH
Tarte SEA Breezy Cream Bronzer
Highlights–Waterproof :: buildable :: applies effortlessly
Price–$14-29 at Sephora
Shade Range–2
Cruelty Free–Yes and vegan
Thoughts–You only need a little bit and it is very easy to blend. I like that the shade isn’t too warm. Even though this is the mini, it will last you a long time.
APPROVED
Estee Lauder Little Black Primer
Highlights–Tint, amplify, and set :: base for volume, lift, and length :: helps reduce smudging and flaking
Price–$26 at Ulta
Cruelty Free–No
Thoughts–This wasn’t bad, but I prefer the LOreal Mascara Primer and it’s much cheaper
APPROVED
Wet n Wild x Bretman Rock Bad Bitch Lift Mascara
Highlights–Curls, lifts, and defines lashes :: instant curl that lasts
Price–$7.99 (no longer available)
Cruelty Free–Yes and vegan
Thoughts–It separates and lengthens, but doesn’t given much volume. It’s ok on its own, but I prefer to layer it with another more voluminous formula like the Lancome Monsieur Big. This was a limited edition product and it’s not available anymore.
MEH
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Bronzer
Highlights–Talc free :: airbrush away the look of pores :: add instant sun-kissed warmth to your skin :: coconut extract, collage, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and Vitamins A, C, & E
Cruelty Free–Yes
Thoughts–I love the shade and formula. It’s so smooth and easy to blend. It’s just warm enough without being too dark/orange for my fair skin.
APPROVE
Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder
Highlights–Matte :: Add shading and dimension to the face :: crease proof :: won’t settle into lines or pores
Price–$44 at Sephora, Nordstrom
Shade Range–3
Cruelty Free–Status unclear
Thoughts–I found mine at Marshall’s for $8!! The shade is the PERFECT tone. It blends easily, is pigmented, and a little goes a long way. Kevyn Aucoin set the bar with contouring so I knew this was going to be good. I love it but I definitely wouldn’t pay $44 for it. I’m so glad I got a deal!
APPROVE
Huda Beauty Matte & Metal Melted Double Ended Liquid Eyeshadows
Highlights–Create must-have looks in one swipe :: mattes are easy to blend and pigmented :: metallics are highly reflective and allow for precise application
Price–$25 at Sephora
Shade Range–15
Cruelty Free–Yes
Thoughts–Apply a few dots of the matte side in the crease, blend it with a fluffy brush, and boom, you have an eye look. It’s quick and easy. You need the SMALLEST amount of product so this will last forever.
APPROVE
Fenty Beauty What It Dew Makeup Refreshing Spray
Highlights–Hydrating :: use under or over makeup throughout the day :: absorbs quickly :: doesn’t feel sticky :: leaves natural, dewy glow
Price–$18-30 at Sephora
Cruelty Free–Yes and vegan
Thoughts–This spray has a great mist and is so light and refreshing. It definitely sets makeup, but doesn’t extend the wear time (nor does it claim to). I didn’t notice any dewiness though. I like this, but the Catrice Dewy Glow is better and MUCH cheaper.
APPROVE
Wishful Yo Glow Facial Enzyme Scrub
Highlights–Gentle yet powerful exfoliator :: BHAs, AHAs, pineapple and papaya enzymes :: leaves skin with a healthy glow
Price–$21-39 at Sephora
Cruelty Free–Yes
Thoughts–I received two samples of this with Sephora orders and fell in love. My skin felt SO soft and smooth. I will definitely be purchasing the full size. A little bit goes a long way and this is one my favorite finds of 2020.
APPROVE
Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40
Highlights–Hydrating :: makeup gripping :: blue-light protection :: pearlescent finish :: instant glow
Price–$36 at Sephora, Nordstrom
Cruelty Free–Yes
Thoughts–I LOVE this sunscreen. It is perfect under makeup and the formula is amazing for my dry skin. It’s hydrating and gives the most gorgeous, glowy base. I’m using something different right now, but I will definitely buy the full size in the future. If you have oily skin, I don’t think you will love this, but there is a matte version available.
APPROVE
Ofra Flexi Slick Lip Cream
Highlights–-Creamy like a gloss with the pigment of a liquid lip :: long-wearing :: moisturizing :: hint of shine :: comfort-first formula
Price–$19 at Ulta
Shade Range–10 (only 4 shades available at Ulta)
Cruelty Free–Yes and vegan
Thoughts–I LOVE this formula. It’s very similar to the NARS Velvet Lip Glide formula that I love, only cheaper! There are only 4 shades available at Ulta, but all 10 shades are available on the Ofra website. There are only mauve and nude shades right now. I really hope they expand the shade range. If you’re interested in purchasing, Google a coupon code to use on the Ofra site. Lots of influencers have discount codes!
APPROVE
Buxom Power-full Plump Lip Balm in Dolly Fever
Highlights–Plumping, moisturized, tinted balm :: reacts with the pH of your lips :: comfortable
Shade Range–3
Cruelty Free–Yes
Thoughts–This is the perfect shade to go with any look. It glides on with ease and for it to be a balm, the color lasts a decent amount of time. This will never leave my purse.
APPROVE
Tarte Creaseless Undereye Concealer
Highlights–Full coverage :: creamy :: waterproof :: doesn’t crease or sit in fine lines :: hydrating
Shade Range–30
Cruelty Free–Yes and vegan
Thoughts–I love that Tarte has a mini option in every shade. I went with the mini just to test it out. I like the formula, but the shade was off. I wear 8B Porcelain Beige in Shape Tape. There isn’t an 8B in this formulation so I got 8S Porcelain Sand. It is wayyyy too yellow for me. The formula is great, just wish there was a shade for me.
APPROVE
the Hannah Hardy 
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