Blogmas Day 21: 2023 Makeup Favorites
Keeping with the beauty theme, let’s talk my favorite makeup staples of 2023!
Complexion
Can confirm the hype is real with the Merit the Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation. I love this product because it multitasks as foundation and concealer, is perfect for travel, and a crucial part of my usual five minute makeup.
Along the same lines, but more of a liquid foundation vs. a solid, is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (with SPF!). While the Merit stick is medium to full coverage, this is light, good for everyday wear, and I love that is has SPF!
Concealer
I’m one of those weirdos that uses concealer for blemishes only. My tried and true is Tarte Shape Tape. I love both formulas, but have only been using the Shape Tape Ultra Creamy for the past year or so. It’s great coverage, and a ton of product!
My favorite drug store concealer is the NYX HD Photogenic Concealer. I’ve repurchased this product many times, and it holds up every time! It’s not as full coverage as Shape Tape, but will mask any discoloration.
For my under eyes, I’m all about a brightener, and I’m in love with Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Under Eye Brightener. It brightens and camouflages, and even though the metal applicator is a little gimmicky, I really like it!
Blush and Bronzer
When it comes to bronzer, I have one favorite, and one favorite only: the Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer. It’s the only bronzer I have ever hit pan on, and I will repurchase it over and over again. Why’s it my favorite? It’s the only one with a shade light enough for my fair skin, and it smells fantastic. With a range of six shades and a drugstore price, it can’t be beat!
Blush is probably my favorite makeup step and I have lots of favorites, but two new for this year. First (alphabetically, because I love both) is the DIBS Beauty Desert Island Duo. This multitasking cream stick offers blush and bronzer, blends beautifully, and is great for travel.
Another Merit winner here, the Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush. These are as easy to blend as DIBS but not quite as pigmented, which I actually prefer for everyday wear. The teensy packaging would be great for travel, and I just love that all of Merit’s products are created with acne prone skin in mind!
Brows
I had two very loved brow products this year. First up we’ve got the Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter. I don’t have thick brows, but they are long and generally unruly, and this is the only product I’ve found that will hold them in place all day. Yes, even better than the e.l.f. Brow Lift, which I have tried! My hot tip is to buy the mini version!
I am a longtime fan of Glossier’s Boy Brow, but it’s expensive and none of the colors are quite right for me. Then, I saw Jessica Braun raving about a drugstore dupe, and I was sold. The e.l.f. Wow Brow is five dollars and better than Boy Brow. Fans of Boy Brow, save your money!
Mascara
Old favorite that now comes in brown, Cover Girl Lash Blast Clean Mascara. If you’re into lengthened, separated lashes, and not a fan of tubing mascaras, you will love this! I’ve historically not been a fan of plasticky, silicone wands, but this totally changed my mind!
If you do happen to be a fan of tubing mascaras, you will love e.l.f. Lash ‘N Roll. I’ve used and loved so many high end tubing mascaras over the years, and this formulas is as good, if not better! At just six bucks, this cannot be beat!
When it comes to lippies, there’s nothing too fancy over here! On an average day, I’m sporting aquaphor or plain ole chapstick. If I’m gussied up, I’m likely wearing a tinted version of Glossier’s Balm Dot Com. Open to any and all recommendations to add some zest to this category!
What was your one HG makeup item this year?
Currently listening to: “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey
xoxo LA
The way i've already bought half of this because of you