the Hannah Hardy

Milani Supercharged Cheek + Lip Multistick
–Claims :: Buildable wash of color; luminous finish; easy to apply gel stick; ultra-creamy
–Price :: $8.99 at Ulta
–Shade Range :: 8 (3 bronzers, 1 highlight, 4 blushes)
–My Shade :: Electric Bronze
–Pros :: Affordable; cruelty free; sleek packaging; creamy; glides on easily; easy to blend; buildable
–Cons :: None
–Final Verdict :: Perfect for those new to cream products; builds easily and glides on like a dream; so easy to blend; fool proof

APPROVE

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup
–Claims :: Perfected glow look that primes, conceals, highlights, and evens skin tone with light coverage; self-adjusting shades blend into skin tone
–Price :: $12.99 at Ulta
–Shade Range :: 5
–My Shade :: 00 Fair Light
–Pros :: Gives the most beautiful, stunning, glowy base
–Cons :: Availability, Ulta exclusive; packaging, I don’t like the sponge; shade range; not cruelty free
–Final Verdict :: I use this as a primer and I would not wear it alone. The shade is off and while it offers a beautiful glow, it doesn’t provide coverage. The glow comes through even with foundation and powder over it. There’s a slight scent, but it doesn’t linger and doesn’t bother me. I LOVE this and it is my new go to primer. It a total dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter.

APPROVE

LOreal Unbelievabrow Longwear Top Coat
–Claims :: Extends wear of brow pencil for up to 30 hours; quick-dry; waterproof; smudge-resistant; transfer-proof, ultra-precise applicator
–Price :: $11.99 at Target, Amazon; $14.99 at Ulta; $11.97 at Wal Mart
–Shade Range :: 1, Universal Transparent
–Pros :: Small wand for precision; agree with all claims; locks brows into place without crunchy, hairspray feel
–Cons :: Not cruelty free; no shade variations (yet)
–Final Verdict :: I’ve never found a clear brow gel that compared to the Anastasia, but this one is on par. ABH has been my go to for years, but it def has some “crunch” and it’s more expensive. If ABH isn’t your favorite formula, but you want extreme hold, try this. This is my new go to clear brow gel and I will definitely repurchase.

APPROVE

Rimmel Wonder Cloud Eyeshadow
–Claims :: All-day wear; buildable color; built in primer; whipped texture; zero creasing; blends like a dream
–Price :: $5.49 at Walgreens; $7.11 at Wal Mart & Amazon
–Shade Range :: 5
–My Shade :: Truffle Haze
–Pros :: Affordable; longwearing; didn’t crease; can wear alone or as a base
–Cons :: Difficult to remove; availability; not cruelty free
–Final Verdict :: I tried to use this as aa liquid shadow by applying and blending out in my crease and the pigment completely blended away. It definitely works better alone or as a base. They mean it when they say it’s all day wear as it is difficult to remove. (I received this product free for testing purposes, all opinions are my own.)

MEH

elf Putty Bronzer
–Claims :: Putty-to-powder formula; semi-matte finish; buildable; sun-kissed glow; lightweight; non-greasy wear; Argan Oil & Vitamin E to moisturize, nourish, and soften skin
–Price :: $6 at Ulta, elfcosmetics.com
–Shade Range :: 8 on elfcosmetics.com, 5 at Ulta
–My Shade :: Tan Lines
–Pros :: Buildable; shade range; shade match for me; blends easily; cruelty free
–Cons :: Availability; not all shades available at Ulta
–Final Verdict :: I’ve used this every time that I’ve worn makeup since I bought it. It’s the best cream bronzer I have ever used. Buy it.

APPROVE

Pacifica Vegan Collagen Skin Serum Solve Primer
–Claims :: Primes, blurs, & hydrates; helps improve skin texture; light-reflecting pigments for a radiant canvas
–Price :: $14 at Ulta, pacificabeauty.com; $13.99 at Target
–Pros :: Packaging, pump!; glass bottle to reduce plastic waste & recycle; ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, caffeine, floral extracts; vegan; cruelty free; no talc, parabens, phthalates, or mineral oil; creates a smooth base for makeup application
–Cons :: Availability; didn’t blur my large pores
–Final Verdict :: Price is fair for formula and packaging; didn’t find it to be overly blurring or hydrating; my large pores were still quite visible; does create a nice, smooth base for foundation; I will use it, but I wouldn’t repurchase it

MEH