For the latest post in my battle of the brands series, I’m ranking my bullet lipsticks collection to tell you which is my all-time fave.

My battle of the brands series is where I rank my makeup collection by a specific product type. From foundations and bronzers to lip liners and brow products, battle of the brands is my ultimate makeup collection rating, so you can see my holy grail products.

Starting from my least favourite product and working my way up to my number 1 product in any given category, this is the fastest way to see my thoughts on my makeup collection. I’ve previously ranked my contours, cream blushes, mascaras, skin tints and tinted moisturisers, lip glosses, brow products, and more.

Find out which bullet lipstick is my fave in terms of colour, formula, longevity, comfort, and application.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

20. Avon Ultra Satin Lipstick

£6

This Avon Ultra Satin Lipstick is quite nice. It glides on easily, imparts a natural flush of colour, and is comfortable. I like the nude pink shade, as it’s soft and subtle. However, I never reach for this formula as it wears off within a couple of hours. IMO, it’s obvious this isn’t a high-quality lipstick.

19. Colourpop Velvet Blur Lipstick

Discontinued

The Colourpop Velvet Blur Lipstick is cute. It delivers a blurred lip and can really change your makeup look. However, this pink lip shade is way more vibrant on the lips than it is in the bullet. The shade doesn’t suit me, and, despite being comfortable and wearing quite well, I just never reach for it. The formula is good, but nothing special.

18. e.l.f. SRSLY Satin Lipstick

Discontinued

For a drugstore lipstick, the e.l.f. SRSLY Satin Lipstick is nice. It’s smooth, creamy, comfortable, and delivers medium pigmentation. I like this cool-toned brown nude. It’s wearable and works with a good range of neutral- and cool-toned makeup looks. I just don’t reach for this formula often, as there are other ones in my collection that perform better.

17. Milani Color Fetish Shine Lipstick

£12.50

The Milani Color Fetish Shine Lipstick is a lovely drugstore option for a smooth, satin lipstick. This one is surprisingly pigmented for a shiny formula. It’s not particularly balmy, but the shiny nature of this lipstick means it wears off within a few hours. But the formula glides on, feels comfortable, and gives lips a hydrated and smooth finish. The colour is quite intense, so I don’t reach for it regularly.

16. Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle

Discontinued

The Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle is a classic matte lipstick. Very long-wearing, fantastic colour payoff, and a range of rich, impactful shades. These have been discontinued, and I can largely see why. Fenty Beauty’s other lipstick formulas are better. The Mattemoiselle formula is fairly drying and can cling to lip texture, which isn’t flattering. However, the Mattemoiselle range had some great orange-toned shades, which are typically hard to find. They also wear exceptionally well without budging.

15. Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Lipstick

£24

The Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Lipstick offers medium, buildable pigmentation, a pretty range of nude shades, and feels smooth and comfortable on the lips. It delivers a satin matte finish that looks natural and glides on the lips effortlessly. But it fades fairly quickly. While I think this formula is nice, for a mid-to-high-end lipstick, the quality doesn’t blow me away. There are better lipsticks out there that cost less. I’m also not a massive fan of the shade Natasha. It washes me out and looks quite grey, even though the bullet itself doesn’t look cool-toned. It’s one I have to pair with a gloss to make the colour work for my complexion.

14. Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick

£8.99

The Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick is an underrated drugstore satin, shiny formula. Although the shade Baddest Beige doesn’t appear to be stocked anymore, I love how effortlessly this formula slips on. It’s creamy, hydrating, smoothing, and makes lips instantly look fuller and plumper. Baddest Beige is a gorgeous neutral light beige that pairs well with loads of lip liners and is ideal for when you want a more washed-out lip look. I sometimes pair it with a darker gloss on top for a richer colour, which looks so pretty. Being shiny, it wears off within a few hours, which is the downside.

13. HNB Cosmetics Creamy Soft Satin Lipstick

£14

The HNB Cosmetics Creamy Soft Satin Lipstick is a smooth and moisturising formula. This is a nude lipstick range and is perfect if you want an elevated concealer lip look. It blends easily and can be blurred for a softer finish. However, this lipstick can feel a bit heavy on the lips and wears off quickly. But I love the finished look.

12. Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick

Discontinued

While Anastasia Beverly Hills still makes matte lipsticks, the specific Matte Lipsticks I own from the brand have been discontinued. It’s a shame because while these lipsticks are a bit on the dry side, I love the shade range. I own a soft petal pink, peachy nude, and rosy brown, which are all gorgeous and wearable. As this formula is a bit drier, the lipsticks also have great lasting power and do not budge once applied. There are better matte lipsticks on the market, though.

11. Chanel Rouge Allure

£42

I’ve had this Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in my collection for years and still think fondly of it. This is a classic Chanel red in a vibrant, slightly luminous, and comfortable formula. It glides on seamlessly, stays put for hours, and doesn’t cling to any dry patches on the lips. Despite being a great lipstick, I prefer ones that are smoother, creamier, and more hydrating.

10. Makeup by Mario SuperSatin Lipstick

£29.90

The Makeup by Mario SuperSatin Lipstick is one of the most pigmented satin lipsticks I’ve tried. With a lovely shine, this lipstick delivers an intense, saturated colour. It’s silky, creamy, and wears surprisingly well for a satin finish. It will stay put for a good 6 hours with minimal top-up required. This is really flattering too, as it doesn’t look dull or dry on the lips.

9. Pat McGrath Labs LuxeTrance Lipstick

Discontinued

The Pat McGrath Labs LuxeTrance Lipstick has been discontinued. It’s a shame because the formula is lovely. It’s velvety, richly pigmented, and feels expensive. The lipstick is creamy, offers a slight sheen, and doesn’t budge, flake, or transfer throughout the day. It wears all day and night. Plus, it’s pretty hydrating and feels lightweight on the lips. I don’t reach for this lipstick often, but I still really like it.

8. Chanel Rouge Coco

£43

Chanel Rouge Coco is a gorgeous satin lipstick. This formula offers medium, buildable colour payoff, a gorgeous creamy formula, smooth application, and a flattering sheen. My lips feel hydrated, comfortable, and nourished. It wears well, lasting a good 4 hours before needing any sort of reapplication. This lipstick feels effortlessly chic, timeless, and sophisticated. It’s a stunning rosewood mauve that looks good with every makeup look.

7. Glossier Generation G

£20

Glossier Generation G is the most unique formula in this post. This lipstick provides a distinct, blurred, diffused, and soft-edged lip look that gives your lips a cloud-like finish. It’s completely weightless and provides a smooth flush of colour that looks as though it’s your actual lip colour. I own the shade Zip, which is a stunning poppy red that is wearable, dialled down, and reminiscent of a warm summer’s evening. I love this formula.

6. Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour

£27

The Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour is the most long-wearing lipstick in this post, lasting up to 10 hours without budging, smudging, fading, or flaking. I’ve got the shade Velvet Ribbon, which is the classic pillarbox red. This is a neutral/blue-red that suits everybody. If I want a statement red lip that’s vivid, bold, and makes my lips look smooth and full, this is the one I reach for. The formula is creamy, velvety, moisturising, and non-drying. It never looks dull or flat.

5. Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick

Discontinued

I was surprised to learn that the Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick has been discontinued, as the formula and shade are gorgeous. It’s a neutral-toned soft nude pink in a formula that’s creamy and nourishing. My lips feel silky and smooth when I’ve applied this lippie, while delivering a natural matte finish that doesn’t look flat, dull, or one-dimensional. This is the lipstick I go for when I want a reliable shade that looks good with everything and a formula that wears well without fading patchily.

4. MAC MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick

£25

The MAC MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick is perhaps the most iconic matte lipstick in this post. I still own the older version of this formula, but it has since been upgraded to a newer, silkier, and smoother consistency. My version is perhaps a little bit on the dry side, but this is completely forgiven, as this cult classic does not budge, wears for 8 hours without fading, and has the best shade range on the market. MAC’s matte nudes provide a brilliant array of undertones to ensure you can find a colour that works for your complexion. MAC Chili is my fave red lipstick of all time – a warm brick red that’s wearable, flattering, and versatile.

3. Tom Ford Lip Colour

£49

The Tom Ford Lip Colour is my fave satin lipstick of all time. These lippies are insanely pigmented, offering rich, multi-dimensional colours that look and feel expensive. While £49 is a lot of money for a lipstick, this formula is a standout. The colours are creamy, glide on in just 1 swipe, feel comfortable, and stay vivid on my lips for hours and hours. The shine reflects the light beautifully to ensure your lips look smooth, plump, and full. If I’m after a bold lip look that’s sure to get compliments, this formula is my go-to.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution

£29.50

The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution is my number 1 matte lipstick. This offers everything I want in a matte formula: long-wearing, creamy, hydrating, matte but not flat, non-drying, comfortable, easy to apply, buildable, and transfer-proof. Pillow Talk is the ultimate nude pink lipstick that I reach for time and time again. There’s a reason why this shade is universally loved and revered! It always looks phenomenal and works with so many different makeup looks. This formula makes lips look soft and kissable. I’m obsessed and will always repurchase it.

1. MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick

£25

The MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick is my favourite bullet lipstick formula. It’s shiny, smoothing, nourishing, flattering, pigmented, buildable, comfortable, has good lasting power, and makes lips look juicy and plump. While this satin formula isn’t as long-lasting as its matte counterpart, I just love the sheen and visible hydration that this formula imparts. It always makes lips look conditioned with a rich, creamy colour that can be dialled up or down, depending on your mood. Of course, MAC’s shade range is to die for, with everything from flesh-toned beiges and mid-toned plums to reddish browns and dusty lavenders. I can’t praise this formula enough and am always looking at new colours from this beautiful range. It’s just the best.

The post Battle of the brands: Bullet lipsticks – Satin and matte formulas ranking appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

Indie makeup brands create some of the most exciting, fun, imaginative, and unique products on the market. Driven by passion and a desire to make waves in the makeup industry, these brands often fill a gap in the market and deliver some of the best and most inspired formulations.

This post highlights 9 of the best indie makeup brands to check out right now, including Tower 28, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Half Magic, and Saie.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

What is an indie makeup brand?

An indie makeup brand (short for independent makeup brand) is a beauty company that operates without the backing of a major parent corporation. Instead of being owned by conglomerates like Estée Lauder, L’Oréal, or Coty, indie brands are typically founded and run by individuals or small teams with a strong creative vision.

Indie beauty companies often start small, building loyal followings through social media, artistry, or word of mouth. Many are founded by makeup artists, influencers, or entrepreneurs who want to bring something different to the industry. Indie brands typically champion individuality, creativity, and a direct connection with their customers. They’re known for listening closely to their communities, innovating, and shaping beauty trends rather than simply following them.

The best indie makeup brands

1. Danessa Myricks Beauty

Get 15% off Danessa Myricks Beauty at Sephora with SARAHSSPH. Shop here.

Danessa Myricks Beauty was founded by self-taught makeup artist Danessa Myricks, whose early frustrations with makeup that didn’t work for deeper or textured skin inspired her to build her own line. Starting in 2015, Danessa leveraged her experience as a makeup artist and educator to create products that empower creative expression and inclusivity, especially for underrepresented skin tones.

The brand quickly became known for multi-functional, unique, and highly pigmented formulations, such as the Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder, a TikTok sensation that can be used as a primer, foundation, or finishing powder to blur pores, reduce excess oiliness and shine, and leave skin with a smooth and soft matte finish. Danessa Myricks Beauty’s eyeshadow palettes are also well known for offering insane colour payoff, the most gorgeous sparkly duochromes, and shades you won’t find anywhere else.

The Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint is one of my fave skin tints, as it blends the benefits of skincare with glowy makeup for a buildable, natural, and sheer base.

2. Half Magic

Half Magic comes from makeup artist Doniella “Donni” Davy, best known for her Emmy-winning work designing the expressive makeup aesthetic on Euphoria. Launched in 2022, Half Magic encapsulates the show’s bold, glitter-infused looks but is built as a standalone beauty brand for anyone who wants to explore makeup playfully. The brand’s ethos is about self-expression and “wearing your heart on your face,” attracting devotees of statement colour and whimsical beauty. If you adore shimmery, playful, and out-there makeup looks, Half Magic is a must-try!

Wing Magician is one of the brand’s most inventive products: a silicone, star-shaped tool that enables you to draw a perfect and symmetrical eyeliner wing, every single time. Glitterpuck is a viral glitter that can be used on your eyes, face, and body, giving a wet-looking and multidimensional sparkle.

The brand’s Eyeshadow Single in Blushing Lizard is one of the best duochromes in my collection, which shifts from mauve taupe to blue. 

3. Saie

Saie was founded in 2019 by Laney Crowell, a beauty blogger and former Estée Lauder and StyleCaster communicator who saw a gap for clean, effective makeup that also supports skin health. Pronounced “say,” Saie blends makeup with skincare benefits. Cult favourites include the Glowy Super Gel, a fluid gel highlighter that provides lit-from-within luminosity, and Dew Blush, a dewy and seamlessly blendable blush that moisturises and provides a flush of colour.

Saie’s minimal, effortless aesthetic reflects its mission to make beauty feel intuitive and skin-friendly without sacrificing performance. I’m a huge fan of the Glowy Super Gel and frequently mix it with my foundation for a radiant – but never greasy – complexion boost.

4. Tower 28

Tower 28 was created by Amy Liu, a beauty industry veteran and eczema sufferer who wanted makeup that truly worked on sensitive skin. The brand’s name nods to a Santa Monica lifeguard tower — representing inclusivity, community, and care. From its 2019 launch, Tower 28 has emphasised non-irritating formulas that adhere to the National Eczema Association’s strict guidelines, making it a go-to for those with sensitive skin.

Its best-known products — Swipe Serum Concealer, MakeWaves Mascara, and LipSoftie Tinted Lip Treatment — blur the lines between makeup and skincare with nourishing, easy-to-wear finishes. The overall style is fresh and subtly radiant, perfect for minimalistic beauty with skin-first performance.

Tower 28’s ShineOn Lip Jelly blends a shiny lip gloss with the pigmentation of a lipstick for a nourished, non-sticky lip colour that’s wearable. I love it!

5. Made by Mitchell

Made by Mitchell was founded in 2020 by British makeup artist Mitchell Halliday, who built the brand around bold, vibrant products that resonate with a digitally native beauty community. The brand gained massive traction through TikTok, where its viral releases — particularly the cult-favorite Blursh Liquid Blusher — helped it rapidly grow into a breakout indie sensation.

Made by Mitchell’s ethos centres on creativity, inclusivity, and expressive colour, offering affordable palettes, blushes, highlighters, and beauty cases that channel the founder’s dynamic, theatrical makeup approach. Its community-driven content and bold aesthetic have defined it as a youthful, trend-forward indie makeup brand.

The Curve Case is hailed as a must-have product for makeup artists, as its compact, travel-friendly design and multi-purpose cream colours can be used on the eyes, lips, and face to sculpt and add a pop of healthy colour to any makeup look.

6. Kaleidos

Kaleidos was founded by beauty blogger Zoey Pu alongside Tony Chen and Mark Henry, driven by a shared desire to make makeup celebrate individuality and creative self-expression. Frustrated with mainstream beauty’s conformity, they built a brand rooted in playful, bold colour and fearless experimentation. Kaleidos champions authenticity and eccentricity — its name evokes the shifting mosaic of a kaleidoscope, reflecting ever-evolving beauty and diverse identities. The brand’s lineup features vibrant eyeshadow palettes, distinctive multichrome highlighters, and formulations that encourage users to define beauty on their own terms.

If you love multichrome products and out-of-this-world shades, Kaleidos is exceptional. The Space Age Highlighter offers otherworldly shifts that look mystical, while the brand’s Eyeliner delivers saturated melt-on multichromes for disruptive and bold makeup looks.

7. Kulfi

Kulfi was launched in 2021 by Priyanka Ganjoo, a former corporate beauty executive who felt South Asian consumers were underrepresented in beauty. The brand’s name nods to the colourful South Asian frozen dessert, symbolising joy and cultural pride. Kulfi focuses on inclusive shade ranges and culturally inspired products such as kajal eyeliners, long-wear concealers, and richly pigmented blushes — all crafted to honour diverse undertones and expressive play. Its aesthetic blends heritage and modern fun, aiming to make beauty feel accessible, joyful, and reflective of varied cultural identities.

The Badi Lash Mascara, a tubing mascara that supports lash health and doesn’t flake; Underlined Kajal Liner, a smudge-proof pencil liner that offers intense, long-lasting colour; and Lassi Lips Staining Lip Oil, a unique formula that applies as a lip oil but leaves behind a matte lip tint, are some of Kulfi’s bestsellers.

8. EM Cosmetics

EM Cosmetics is the makeup brand of beauty pioneer Michelle Phan, one of the earliest and most influential beauty vloggers on YouTube. Built with Michelle’s community in mind, EM Cosmetics focuses on empowering users at any skill level with standout basics and innovative formulations. Its philosophy emphasises dermatologist-tested products designed to enhance natural features. EM Cosmetics helps people tell their own beauty stories confidently, blending artistry with accessible, everyday makeup formulas.

Among the brand’s staples are the Color Drops Serum Blush, which gives the most gorgeous dewy flush of colour while feeling hydrating, and the Daydream Cushion Foundation SPF, a buildable cloud-like cushion foundation that smooths imperfections and blemishes but still looks like skin.

9. Karla Cosmetics

Karla Cosmetics is a UK-based indie makeup brand focused on rich pigments crafted to inspire confidence and creative expression. Founded by Karla, the brand prides itself on insanely shimmery eyeshadow pigments and whimsical colour stories. The style is bold and expressive, with an emphasis on individuality and standout eye looks, particularly with stunning duochromes and multichromes. Handmade elements and a commitment to safety and compliance reflect Karla’s dedication to quality.

Want to try a one-of-a-kind pastel rainbow multichrome eyeshadow? Check out the Velvet Dreams Opal Multichrome Pressed Eyeshadow. Looking for your duochrome and multichrome shadows to pop? Try the Eclipse Shadow Potion Paint with a black base.

The post 9 of the best indie makeup brands to check out appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

As 2025 is over, I’m sharing some of the best hair, skincare, body, fragrance, and makeup products from the year.

These are the products that I’m reaching for the most. They improve the look and feel of my skin, add lots of volume and body to my hair, facilitate gorgeous makeup looks, and ensure I smell incredible all day long. I had a hard time narrowing down this list to my faves, as I tried loads of excellent products in 2025, but here are my beauty must-haves.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

The Valentino Born In Roma Donna Extradose Parfum (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is a gorgeous perfume. With notes of vanilla, jasmine, cassis accord, and rhum accord, this perfume is sweet, slightly floral, and romantic. It’s elegant and is the type of perfume you can wear for any occasion, as it’s not overpowering. This perfume lasts all day without fading. I’m obsessed.

The Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre is one of my favourite shimmery single eyeshadows. They’re creamy, insanely pigmented, easy to blend, and come in a beautiful range of shades. You can pack on intense colour to your eyelids by using your fingertips, or use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to diffuse the colour for a softer shimmery look. From golden olive and warm rose gold to navy blue and silver chrome, the shades look expensive. These are perfect ‘one and done’ shadows that deliver incredible results every time. I frequently reach for them.

The Redken Volume Injection Shampoo (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is one of the best shampoos for adding volume and lift to my hair. This shampoo makes my hair look fuller and thicker, while preventing my scalp from getting oily as quickly. A little bit of product goes a long way.

The Redken Volume Injection Conditioner (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is an excellent conditioner for adding volume to my scalp without weighing my hair down or making it greasy. This conditioner ensures my hair stays moisturised and healthy, all while giving it extra body.

The Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner and Moisturiser (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is my fave milky toner. It adds moisture, hydration, and dewiness to my skin instantly, without making my skin oily. This toner instantly refreshes my skin; it’s a cheat code to healthy skin in a bottle and absolutely worth the hype.

The Sculpted by Aimee LashLift has quickly become one of my fave mascaras. It adds effortless length and lift to my lashes without looking clumpy or flaking. It’s pretty smudge-proof, too. I love that the formula is lightweight, separates lashes, and delivers length with just 1 coat. I’ve got this mascara in Ultra-Black and Rich Brown, and both shades are stunning.

The Wavytalk Blowout Boost (25% off with Sarah25) is my first foray into thermal brushes, and I wish I’d tried it sooner. This heated brush allows you to easily get a ’90s blowout hairstyle, add volume to your hair, or get smooth waves. It heats up quickly and allows you to get salon-worthy results at home. Obsessed.

The Rhode Pocket Blush is a beautiful and versatile formula. Whether you apply the blush directly to your cheeks and lips, use a brush, or use your fingertips, it will blend easily and never look overdone. I find this blush works best when warmed on the back of my hand, and then using a brush to pick up the product from my hand and diffuse across my cheeks. This blush has a soft matte, skin-like finish that gives skin a natural flush of colour. The shade range is gorgeous. Sleepy Girl (a soft mauve) and Toasted Teddy (a bronze terracotta) are my go-to shades.

The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is fantastic. This cleanser makes my skin feel clean, fresh, hydrated, and smooth after use. As the exfoliation comes in a cleanser form, this is more tolerable for sensitive skin, as the formula is washed off your skin, which makes it great for those looking to introduce an exfoliator into their skincare routine without damaging their skin’s barrier. This cleanser foams easily, so a little bit of product goes a long way. My complexion looks brighter and more even after using this cleanser.

The Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F Triple Serum is an expensive and innovative serum that’s worth the money. It contains skin-loving ingredients like ferulic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to smooth, brighten, and moisturise the skin. It’s also designed to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since using this serum, my skin looks more radiant and feels firmer.

The Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. UVMUNE SPF50 Cream is one of my fave moisturisers in recent years. It’s rich, luxurious, and thick. Yet, despite being ultra-nourishing, it never feels heavy or greasy. Instead, it melts into the skin easily and provides long-lasting hydration. Some moisturisers containing SPF feel like they never absorb into the skin and just sit on top in a heavy, clogging way. This one smooths into the skin like a breeze, thanks to the plumping peptide complex.

The ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray is perfect for locking makeup into place. If I’m wearing makeup for over 6 hours or want my base to stay perfectly in place, this setting spray is my go-to. It means my makeup won’t budge and will look fresh all day. I love how fine the mister is on this setting spray, as it ensures even distribution of the product across my face.

The Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream balances being lightweight and absorbent, alongside delivering long-lasting nourishment. After using this on my feet, which can get quite dry and cracked after swimming, this helps repair any soreness and soothe dryness for soft, supple skin.

The Jones Road Gel Liner is creamy, which means it doesn’t drag across the eyelids on application or feel drying. It glides on seamlessly and doesn’t budge once applied. The gel liner foolproof to use, as you can achieve smooth, precise lines, without it wobbling or smudging. I’ve got the shade Navy, which adds a subtle touch of colour to eye makeup for a sophisticated look.

The Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry | 48 (15% off at Sephora with SARAHSSPH) has quickly become one of my fave gourmand scents. This cherry fragrance has an elevated and complex fragrance profile, with notes like caramelised praline, patchouli, palo santo, and guaiac wood. On paper, I wouldn’t opt for this perfume, as I don’t tend to like woody fragrances, but this one smells balanced, sophisticated, and not overpowering. I love it.

The Skinfood Rice Brightening Pad (money off YesStyle with CONFIDENCE10) is a toner pad that’s worth investing in. These sumptuous toner pads make skin hydrated, look glowy, and feel refreshed. Rice pore complex helps restore elasticity and tighten the skin, PHA gently exfoliates the skin, and niacinamide helps brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. After using these toner pads, my skin instantly looks and feels better.

The By Beauty Bay Desert Haze 20 Colour Palette is a colour story that instantly stood out to me, with fiery coppers and golds, royal blue, earthy khakis and browns, stunning rose golds, and soft beige sandy tones. Although this palette is cheap, the shadows feel expensive. The mattes are soft and buttery with minimal fallout, while the shimmers are fiercly pigmented and deliver a range of shimmer intensities to create a diverse range of looks. I reach for this palette quite regularly at the moment.

The MAC Lustreglass Lipstick in Alone Time is a unique cool-toned lipstick. I don’t always suit cool-toned lipsticks, as they can wash me out and appear greyish on my complexion, but Alone Time is wearable. It’s a pretty mauve brown that will work with just about any neutral or cool-toned makeup look. The formula is smoothing, flattering, sheer, and buildable. It makes lips look glossy and keeps them hydrated. 

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is another excellent milky toner. This formula is richer and more nourishing than the Laneige one in this best beauty products of 2025 list, which makes it ideal for drier skin or in colder weather. The toner is ultra-hydrating and seals in moisture all day. It also makes my skin look radiant, feel soft and smooth, and removes the need for a thick moisturiser.

The Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Glassy Lip + Cheek Stick is perfect for when I want a glossy cheek look. This gorgeous formula blends effortlessly. Whether I’m after a saturated pop of glassy colour or a more subtle flush of colour, this stick blush will work. It removes the need for a highlighter, as it provides a glowy non-shimmery finish, which is flattering and never clings to skin texture. The shade range is phenomenal, offering pretty lilacs, berries, nude browns, peaches, and soft pinks. This is one of my fave blushes of all time.

The TYMO CurlGo is a great styling tool for soft, bouncy curls or silky waves. Although I wish the curls lasted longer, I love the results: elegant, classy curls with minimal effort. The curler does all of the hard work for you, as the barrel auto-rotates your hair in the wand. Once you get the hang of using the device, the CurlGo truly is easy to use.

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ (20% off at LookFantastic with LFTFBLOGSARAH) is one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever tried. No white cast, no sticky feeling, and it absorbs instantly. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and refreshing. It layers over skincare products without pilling and sits underneath makeup without disturbing it. This SPF50 also has a cooling sensation on application, so it’s refreshing to use on a hot day. I’d repurchase this in an instant.

The post The best beauty products of 2025 appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

It’s time to ditch the makeup wipes – which are terrible for both your skin and the environment – and learn how to remove your makeup properly. This post breaks down how to remove face, lip, and eye makeup like a pro, ensuring your skin is in great condition afterwards.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

Step 1: Get hair out of your face

Begin by getting your hair out of your face by either tying it up or using a skincare headband. The last thing you want is for skincare products to get in your hair while you’re removing makeup. This is also the time to remove any jewellery to ensure it doesn’t get ruined.

Step 2: Use a cleansing balm or oil

The first step of a double cleanse is to use a cleansing balm or cleansing oil to break down any makeup, SPF, dirt, or grease from your skin. These formulas are designed to easily emulsify, lift, and remove any product or oil from your skin, without any irritation. If you’re wearing eye makeup, it’s important to look for formulas that are designed for use around the eyes to avoid any irritation.

To use a cleansing oil, dispense 3-4 pumps of the product into your palms and then massage the oil onto dry skin. Use circular motions with your hands to gently massage the formula into your skin. As you do this, you’ll notice your makeup removing and lifting. Then, use water to emulsify the oil so that it (along with any makeup) easily rinses off your skin. If you’re wearing stubborn makeup, you can repeat this process to lift any lingering makeup.

To use a cleansing balm, take a grape-sized amount of product and massage it onto dry skin. Use circular motions with your hands to gently massage the formula into your skin. As you do this, you’ll notice your makeup removing and lifting. Then, use water to emulsify the balm so that it (along with any makeup) easily rinses off your skin. If there’s still some makeup left on your skin afterwards, you can repeat this process to remove any remaining makeup.

With both cleansing balms or oils, you can also use a damp muslin cloth to remove your makeup. I find this option less messy than using my hands to remove the emulsified makeup.

Product recommendations:

• The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter
• iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
• Perricone MD Chia Cleansing Balm 
• Heimish All Clean Balm

Step 3: Use a dedicated eye makeup remover (optional)

If you find that a cleansing balm or oil didn’t remove all of your eye makeup, you can use a dedicated eye makeup remover. Mascara – especially waterproof formulas – can be particularly stubborn, so this optional step can make it easier to remove.

I personally never find a need to use an eye makeup remover, as cleansing balms or oils do an excellent job, but they can make the process more seamless.

Product recommendations:

• Charlotte Tilbury Take It All Off
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover
• Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

Step 4: Use a cleansing gel or foam

To remove any residue leftover from your cleansing balm or oil, go in with a sensitive skin-friendly cleansing gel or foam. This is the second step in your double cleansing routine and will ensure your skin is left feeling clean, fresh, soft, and hydrated.

To use a cleansing gel or foam, dispense 2-3 pumps into your palms and apply to damp skin. Use circular motions with your hands to gently work the formula into your skin. Then gently splash water onto your skin to rinse off the formula. If your skin feels tight or dry after using a cleansing gel or goam, that means the formula is too harsh or drying for your skin. Opt for formulas that are hydrating, work for sensitive skin, and don’t “bubble up” too much (as they tend to be quite drying).

Product recommendations:

• Dermatica Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser (SARAHAWC2 for 10% off)
• Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam
• KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser 

Step 5: Follow up with your usual skincare routine

After double cleansing, it’s time to follow up with your regular skincare routine, whether that’s applying a toner, serum, moisturiser, facial oil, or SPF (in the daytime). Your makeup should now be thoroughly removed, with your skin left fresh, clean, hydrated, calm, and soft.

The post How to remove makeup properly appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

For the latest post in my battle of the brands series, I’m ranking my entire contour collection to tell you which is my all-time fave.

My battle of the brands series is where I rank my makeup collection by a specific product type. From foundations and bronzers to lip liners and brow products, battle of the brands is my ultimate makeup collection rating, so you can see my holy grail products.

Starting from my least favourite product and working my way up to my number 1 product in any given category, this is the fastest way to see my thoughts on my makeup collection. I’ve previously ranked my cream blushes, mascaras, skin tints and tinted moisturisers, lip glosses, brow products, and more.

Find out which contour is my fave in terms of colour, definition, ease of blending, texture, longevity, and application.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

8. e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand

£10 for 10ml

The e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand is affordable, easy to apply, and glides smoothly onto the skin. For a drugstore contour, it’s pretty good. However, it’s shimmery, which I don’t think works for a contour, as the areas where you create shadows and definition on your face should not be reflective. I also find the shade to be a bit too warm, so I use this as a liquid bronzer instead of a contour wand. It’s fine, but I just don’t reach for it.

7. Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour

£26 for 6g

The Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour is a cult classic and loved by many. This contour stick is easy to apply, blends seamlessly, and never looks patchy. However, I find the shade too warm for a contour. I love that it doesn’t have an orange undertone, but I’d only ever use this as a bronzer for that reason. Also, I find this contour stick almost too creamy, as it blends into nothingness quickly. I prefer my contours to be a bit firmer, so I can get a more precise application.

6. Illamasqua Gel Sculpt

£25 for 8g

The Illamasqua Gel Sculpt is a great natural contour product. In my full review of this product, I noted that the contour stick has a lovely cooling effect when applied, which is really fun. Despite its ease of application and buffing into the skin, this contour stick is a bit too natural for my liking. It easily blends into nothingness, and I find that any definition I’ve created disappears quickly. Although this is largely due to me not being great at applying contour, but other products in this post work better for me.

5. Peripera V Shading

£11.10 for 9.5g + up to 5% off at YesStyle with CONFIDENCE10

I included the Peripera V Shading compact in my powder bronzers ranking post, as this product works as both a bronzer and a contour due to its neutral hue. This is a gorgeous and affordable powder contour product. The consistency is buttery, smooth, and soft. It blends beautifully without any patchiness. And the compact is very versatile, because the neutral tone means it works with any makeup look. It’s not super pigmented, but it’s great for soft definition across the cheekbones, jawline, side of the nose, and forehead.

4. Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

£37 for 15.8g

I also included the Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo in my powder bronzers ranking post, as this duo contains both a powder bronzer and a cream contour. For this post, I’m focusing on the contour section. This is a stunning contour. It’s cool-toned without looking too grey or ashy, blends like an absolute dream, and is impossible to overdo. It never looks like a strip of colour on my face. Instead, the formula buffs into the skin effortlessly. This is more of a natural contour, but it adds noticeable definition to any makeup look.

3. Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick

£22 for 5.7g

The Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick is a true cool-toned contour, without looking ashy or too grey. This is my favourite product for when I want to add sharp definition, as it creates a realistic matte shadow, which is what you want when you’re trying to sculpt and highlight different areas of your face. This formula is quite stiff and firm, which I love, as when you buff it into the skin, the product doesn’t just disappear. But if you apply too much product, you can just keep blending to get your desired intensity. This contour stick is also the longest-wearing in this post, as the formula doesn’t budge throughout the day.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

£49 for 22.5g

I’ve had the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow for years, and it’s still my favourite powder contour. The powder is so finely milled that it’s buttery soft, blends itself out, and never looks patchy. It doesn’t cling to skin texture and always looks seamless. If I want to contour in a hurry, this is the product I’ll reach for, as the results are excellent every time. This is a fairly neutral contour shade too, so it works with any makeup look. It can be layered for more intense definition or buffed out for soft sculpting of the face. I love it.

1. Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick

£32 for 10.5g

My holy grail contour product is the Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick. This contour stick everything I want: cool-toned without being ashy or dull, easy blending but doesn’t fade away, creamy, doesn’t cling to texture, creates soft or sharp definition, layers seamlessly, never looks patchy, and is super comfortable. I find this contour pretty long-lasting too, despite its soft consistency. It has a gorgeous natural matte finish that never looks or feels dry.

Whether you draw this contour directly onto your face and blend with a brush or beauty sponge, warm the product on the back of your hand and dip a brush or sponge into it, or use a brush and dab it onto the contour then apply the product to your skin, this formula will work. It’s super flexible and forgiving, and you’ll never overdo it. This contour stick is absolutely worth the hype.

The post Battle of the brands: Contour ranking appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

I’ve pulled together a clear, concise list so you can shop quickly without digging through endless pages of promotions. These are the best offers live right now across K-beauty, skincare, makeup, haircare, and beauty tech.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

Luxury & Premium Beauty Deals

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Retailers With the Biggest Savings

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• ESPA — up to 50% off, including Christmas, plus a free mini (use code ESPABFMINI) Shop now
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Makeup Deals

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The post The best Black Friday beauty deals 2025 — Your ultimate UK edit appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

I love glowy beauty products. Whether it’s a dewy serum, sparkly duochrome eyeshadow, or luminous complexion product, I’m here for it all.

The recently launched Perricone MD No Makeup Radiant Glow Balm promises to deliver radiance and a sheer wash of colour to the complexion. I’ve tried lots of products from Perricone MD’s No Makeup line, including blushes, bronzers, mascaras, primers, and lip oils. They’re fantastic for creating effortless and natural makeup looks. I had high hopes for the new Glow Balm, as it looked and sounded amazing.

In this review, I share my thoughts on the Perricone MD Glow Balm, including the formula, how long-wearing it is, the shade range, and how easy it is to work with.

Get 20% off Perricone MD products with PMDM20. Shop today!

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About the Perricone MD Glow Balm

The Perricone MD No Makeup Radiant Glow Balm is a multi-use complexion balm that delivers a sheer wash of colour with a dewy, luminous finish. It comes in 3 shades – Pearl, Cool Rose and Bronze – each adding a soft tint that brightens the skin while still looking natural. It’s fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.

The formula blends skincare with makeup, featuring vitamin C ester to help brighten and smooth skin, niacinamide to even out skin tone and reduce dullness, and shea butter to nourish skin. With regular use, it’s designed to visibly improve dullness and discolouration over time.

It’s easy to apply. Warm the surface of the balm with your fingertip on first use and tap it onto the cheeks, high points of the face, or anywhere you want extra glow. It works well on bare skin, over makeup, or under makeup, and the shades can be mixed for a customised finish.

The balm normally costs £35 for 35g. Use PMDM20 for 20% off, making the Perricone MD Glow Balm just £28! Shop here.

Perricone MD Radiant Glow Balm swatches

I’ve swatched all 3 shades of the Perricone MD Glow Balm so you can see the depth of colour, differences in colours, radiance, and shimmer. These swatches were done on my bare arm.

Pearl is described as having natural sheer luminosity with opal shimmer. Cool Rose is described as a cool sheen of pink with silver shimmer. Bronze is described as a natural, sheer bronze tint with golden shimmer. See the swatches below.

There isn’t much variation in each shade, as they impart a subtle and soft tint. Pearl is the most shimmery of the 3. The shimmer particles look natural and aren’t big chunks of glitter. Instead, they capture the light beautifully.

Makeup look using the balm highlighter

I created a makeup look using the Perricone MD Glow Balm. I applied Pearl on top of my skincare, but before any makeup products, to add some luminosity to my base. Then I mixed the shades Cool Rose and Bronze and applied them on top of my blush as a tinted highlighter. Here’s how the look turned out:

I’m really pleased with this look. I stuck to autumnal tones and used a blonzer so that the balm could be tapped on top.

In the section below, I delve into more detail as to how easy the balms were to work with, how well they wore throughout the day, and whether they’re must-have products in your makeup collection.

Get 20% off Perricone MD products with PMDM20. Shop today!

Honest Perricone MD Glow Balm review

I’m thoroughly impressed with the Perricone MD Glow Balm.

Firstly, I like the packaging. The balms feel sturdy and luxurious, and the pots mean the accompanying Perricone MD Makeup Brush fits into them perfectly.

I like the texture of the balms. They’re quite solid and not greasy. Instead, when you tap your brush or fingers into the balms and apply them to your face, they don’t slip around.

The formula is hydrating, smoothing, and applies effortlessly. On my skin, the balms feel creamy and non-sticky. Even on the oily areas of my face, the Perricone MD balm is comfortable. They glide over the skin with a moisturising finish.

I swirled the Perricone MD Makeup Brush into the balms and tapped them onto my skin. Initially, I was concerned that this method might lift the blush and foundation underneath, but it didn’t. My complexion products stayed put.

Having said that, even with multiple layers, you can’t build much colour payoff. These balms are very sheer. To say that these balms provide a wash of colour is a stretch. You wouldn’t be able to wear any of these shades alone in place of a blush or bronzer. Instead, I’d view these balms as purely highlighters, glow boosters, or blush/bronzer toppers.

All 3 shades are pretty, but as the tint is so subtle, you don’t need the entire collection. Pearl is my favourite shade, as it’s the most light reflective, so it looks glowier on the skin. It’s also the most versatile colour.

As a highlighter, I’m obsessed. They’re shimmery, without looking chunky, as the particles are tiny. This means they’ve got a gorgeous reflective quality. The luminosity is soft, healthy, and so pretty.

Most impressively, the Perricone MD Glow Balm is pretty long-wearing. After 10 hours, my skin had become a bit greasier, but I didn’t look like a sweaty mess. A little translucent powder would fix any excess shine. On my cheeks, the highlighter was still glowy and hadn’t budged.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Overall, I love these glow balms. They’re easy to apply and give skin a healthy glow. The Perricone MD No Makeup Radiant Glow Balm is a better version of the Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm IMO. It’s less greasy, provides soft light-reflecting shimmer, and is more long-wearing.

If you love radiant balm highlighters that aren’t greasy, the Perricone MD Glow Balm is excellent.

Get 20% off Perricone MD products with PMDM20. Shop today!

The post Perricone MD Radiant Glow Balm review + 20% off appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

TikTok influences the majority of makeup purchases these days. From the cherry cola lips trend and clean girl makeup aesthetic to trying popular brands like The Beauty Crop and JUNOCO, TikTok is a great place to find innovative, affordable, and high-quality makeup products. The platform features loads of creative beauty videos that inspire me to add yet another product to my collection.

The Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick went viral on TikTok. This glossy blush was praised for its dewy finish, easy blendability, pigmentation, and diverse shade range. And the lilac shade – Glassy Lilac – was a particular standout from the line, with people drawn to the vibrant and gorgeous lavender tone.

In this honest review, I share my thoughts on the Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Lilac and discuss whether it lives up to the hype.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About the Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick

The Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick is a versatile cream-to-balm blush available in 12 shades, from vibrant tangerine and deep berry to brownish red and dusty pink. It works on both cheeks and lips, adding a soft, dewy finish that’s easy to blend and buildable.

The formula claims to be long-wearing, easy to use, and non-sticky. It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, talc-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, so it’s suitable for a wide range of skin types. The stick format makes it travel-friendly and quick to apply, whether you’re doing a full face or a minimal routine.

Formulated with over 70% skincare actives, it’s made to hydrate, calm visible redness, and help keep skin feeling smooth.

Goji fruit extract helps defend the skin from environmental damage, squalane hydrates, apricot kernel oil smooths and nourishes skin, shea butter deeply moisturises skin, tocopheryl acetate (a form of vitamin E) provides antioxidant benefits, liquorice root extract soothes skin, and green tea extract soothes and improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin.

The blush retails for £30 for 5g.

Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick Glassy Lilac swatch

Here’s what the Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Lilac swatch looks like on the back of my hand. This was done on my bare hand, without any primer.

I’d describe Glassy Lilac as a bright, cool-toned pink with lavender undertones. This blush is a pretty intersection between pink and purple, but it’s not the colour that springs to mind when I think of lilac.

Lilac blush makeup look

No makeup review would be complete without a makeup look! 

As the blush is cool-toned and very vibrant, I opted for a neutral-cool makeup look that incorporated soft eyeshadow and a nude pink lip to allow the blush to be the focal point. Here’s how the makeup look turned out using the Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick in Glassy Lilac.

I’m really happy with how this makeup look turned out! The blush complemented the rest of the makeup look really well and added a bright pop of colour to my makeup without looking clownish.

Below, I delve into my honest review of the Haus Labs blush, including how pigmented, buildable, long-wearing, and easy the formula was to use.

Honest Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick review

I’m so obsessed with the Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick. It has quickly become one of my fave blushes, and I’m dying to get more of the shades now.

Firstly, the packaging looks luxurious. Although it doesn’t feel weighty, the sleek silver mirror design with the shade ring around the centre gives an expensive vibe. The lid easily comes off and clicks back on.

The texture of this blush stick is what stands out to me. It’s ultra-moisturising, smooth, creamy, and glides onto the skin seamlessly. On both the swatch and my cheeks, you can tell this innovative blush is packed with skincare ingredients, as it feels hydrating, soothing, and soft on application.

As the formula is so creamy, I expected the blush to break down, become oily, and fade after about 3 hours. To my surprise, this blush is very long-lasting. After a good 12 hours, the blush hadn’t budged, faded, or become greasy at all. It even outperforms a lot of the matte blushes in my collection in terms of longevity!

As for ease of use, this blush is a dream to work with. It’s super pigmented and vibrant, but because it blends so effortlessly, you can easily sheer out the colour intensity to something more wearable. Even when you blend the blush, it retains its gorgeous glassy finish. The blush is also super buildable.

I was a bit hesitant as to whether a lilac blush would suit me. However, as this colour sits somewhere between pink and lavender, it’s more wearable and versatile than I expected. It adds a beautiful pop of lilac-pink that looks fresh, fun, and you,thful but not OTT.

Do I even need to say anything about the finish? I’m in love with it. It makes my skin look so healthy and radiant, but never greasy. I’ve not tried a hydrating, dewy blush that’s as nice as this. It truly feels innovative and different to other blushes on the market.

Rating: 5 stars

Yes, this blush is absolutely worth the hype. If you love glossy, smooth, and pigmented blushes that blend effortlessly and give a glass skin finish, you won’t find better than the Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick!

The post I finally tried this viral lilac blush | Haus Labs Glassy Blush Balm Stick review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

Although achieving the watercolour blush trend can be deceptively tricky if you don’t follow the right steps. So I asked 3 beauty experts for their top tips on how to achieve the watercolour blush trend and how to make it work for different skin tones.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

What is the watercolour blush trend?

The watercolour blush trend is characterised by a hint of colour with a natural to dewy finish. The edges are feathered, and the placement is diffused rather than concentrated colour on your cheeks.

As Jackie Kim, Co-Founder of The Glow Beauty Shop, a Korean skincare e-commerce store, puts it: “If traditional blush is a bold brushstroke, watercolour blush is a wash- sheer, weightless colour that looks like it lives in your skin. It’s the kind of blush that makes people say, ‘Your skin looks great’, not ‘Nice blush’.”

It’s a barely-there pop of blush that’s wearable and versatile.

How does watercolour blush differ from traditional blush?

Jackie explains that watercolour blush differs from traditional blush as it’s more transparent. “Think tint or stain rather than full-coverage pigment.” The edges should be blended, with the colour fading softly into the surrounding skin with no hard lines.

Watercolour blush placement should be wider and higher. “A gentle sweep across the upper cheekbones (sometimes bridge of nose/temples) instead of a concentrated dot,” Jackie adds.

Importantly, watercolour blush should always prioritise a skin-first finish. Freckles, texture, and glow should still peek through.

How to do watercolour blush

There are several methods to achieve the trending watercolour blush.

Shanna Bynes Bradford, a professional makeup artist and the CEO of Grow Out Oils Clinical Aromatherapy Company, suggests 2 different ways to achieve a soft blended look.

“The first way is using a foundation flat brush and lightly tapping application on the cheekbone and along the side orbital bone. This application will allow a natural look and help the blush absorb completely into the skin for a flawless glow.

“The second method can be done using a sponge applicator and adding a few drops of makeup primer or facial serum to smooth out the texture and colour. This application gives the skin a healthy, hydrated glow and is especially helpful for clients who need a boost of hydration to improve dullness or dry skin.”

Jackie recommends using a light moisturiser or hydrating primer as part of your skin prep before makeup application to give the blush something to glide over. Oily skin should tap translucent powder in shiny areas.

Another way to achieve the watercolour blush trend is by underpainting. “Underpaint, then veil,” Jackie suggests. “Dot blush on bare skin, blend to a haze, then add a sheer skin tint on top for that ‘from within’ look.”

Always work in sheer layers to achieve a watercolour blush. Use 2-3 tiny dots per cheek, blend, and then reassess. Build slowly. Jackie also recommends widening the area where you’re applying the blush for a natural look. “Start high on the cheekbone and diffuse toward the temple; a whisper over the nose ties it together.”

How to adapt the watercolour blush trend to different skin tones and undertones

This blush trend works for all skin tones, depths, and undertones. Although makeup has a theory, there are no barriers to being creative and experimenting with different colours. That being said, if you’re looking for a starting point, the guide below will help you choose a blush colour that will work for your complexion.

Here’s Jackie’s simple guide to selecting a blush shade that will flatter your skin tone.

• Fair, cool/neutral: petal pink, cool rose, soft mauve.
• Fair–light, warm: peach, apricot, soft coral.
• Medium, neutral/olive: warm rose, dusty peach, terracotta-peach.
• Tan–deep, warm: apricot, burnt coral, terracotta, brick.
• Deep–rich, cool/neutral: berry, plum, wine, deep rose (choose translucent formulas to stay vibrant).

Looking for a blush to flatter your undertone? Here’s Shanna’s advice:

• Warm undertones: peachy, yellow, and gold hues look great.
• Cool undertones: red, pink, and blue hues enhance cool-toned skin.
• Neutral undertones: can select a wide variety of hues.

“Go with a rose or berry wash for cool undertones, and use a sheer veil; include a sheered out apricot or peach for warm undertones,” Dr. Eleonora Fedonenko, Medical Director and Dermatologist at Your Laser Skin Care, suggests.

Product recommendations

You can use cream, liquid, and powder formulas to achieve the watercolour blush trend.

Cream blush

Cream blushes typically give a natural, skin-like finish. Although this formula can be used by all skin types, it’s particularly good for more mature, dry, or dull skin types.

Jackie’s picks:

• Fenty Cheeks Out Cream Blush (SARAHSSPH for 15% off) – translucent with a gentle sheen.
• Rose Inc Blush Divine – creamy but sets; great for normal-to-oily.
• MAC Glow Play – bouncy texture that naturally blurs edges.

Liquid blush

Liquid blushes and serum tints provide the easiest watercolour finish, according to Jackie. Again, this formula can be used by all skin types but is particularly good for normal or combination skin. They provide skin with a healthy glow of hydration, Shanna says.

Jackie’s picks:

• Glossier Cloud Paint (SARAHSSPH for 15% off) – gel-cream that thins evenly, resists patchiness.
• Saie Dew Blush – sheer, dewy, forgiving; beginner-friendly.
• NARS Liquid Blush (SARAHSSPH for 15% off) – more pigment; one drop mixed with moisturiser = instant veil.
• Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush – ultra-concentrated; sheer out with a damp sponge.

Powder blush

Powder blushes are excellent for combination to oily skin, as they easily absorb excess oil on the cheek while giving the skin “a kiss of sunshine”, Shanna explains. This formula is also great for topping up blush throughout the day without it looking greasy or cakey.

Jackie’s picks:

• Laura Mercier Blush Colour Infusion (SARAHSSPH for 15% off) – buildable, fine-milled.
• Dior Backstage Rosy Glow – fresh lift; go light with a fluffy brush.
• ColourPop Super Shock Cheek – cushiony hybrid, budget-friendly.

Common mistakes to avoid, and how to fix them

When trying any new makeup look, there’s always a chance it’ll go wrong. Even the best makeup artists make mistakes every now and again. But don’t worry! It’s easy to clean up any mistakes.

One of the most common mistakes when doing the watercolour blush trend is concentrating the blush in one fixed point on the cheeks, which makes the blush look blotchy and unnatural, according to Dr. Fedonenko.

“The fixes include using ultra-thin washes of layering pigment with a damp sponge, moving away from the face and using strokes that follow the soft roundness of the cheekbone, not using pressure at one defined point on the cheek, and using less product.”

Shanna agrees that one of the most common mistakes she sees as an experienced MUA is when the blush application is too heavy and looks like a bruise. This happens when too much product has been applied with not enough blending to soften the look.

The fix? “Add a few drops of serum or primer onto your brush or sponge applicator and gently dab until you see the colour lighten up. Then apply a light translucent powder to set the blush in place.”

Shanna adds that another common mistake is applying blush on top of makeup or on top of dry or dull skin. “The best canvas for makeup or applying blush is a clean face that has been cleansed, moisturised, primed, and ready to go.” This ensures that makeup lasts longer and wears better throughout the day.

If the edges of your blush look too harsh, one quick way to fix this is to buff the edges with your foundation brush (do not add extra product), Jackie recommends. She also says that if your blush looks too dull and not glowy, this is due to too much powder. “Set only where you crease; finish with a hydrating mist”.

The post Beauty experts share their top tips for achieving the watercolour blush trend appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

By Beauty Bay has just released the new Desert Haze Palette, a vegan and cruelty-free eyeshadow palette inspired by glowing horizons and sun-soaked sands.

By Beauty Bay is known for its affordable yet high-quality eyeshadow formulas. The brand is particularly renowned for its dazzling, richly pigmented shimmers. I’ve previously tried the By Beauty Bay Bright Matte 42 Colour Palette and Jade Thirlwall x BEAUTY BAY 42 Colour Palette and was impressed with the quality of the shadows.

After seeing the beautiful shades in the By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette and at an irresistible price of £16, I had buy it.

In this review, I share my honest thoughts on the new By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette, along with swatches, a makeup look, and whether it’s worth checking out.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About the By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette

The By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette costs £16 for 20 shades.

It contains a mix of warm, neutral, and cool shades, with a diverse range of wearable and vivid colours. This palette features 10 shimmers and 10 matte eyeshadows, each with varying textures and intensities.

From an icy white shimmer, copper and green duochrome, and neutral plum matte, to a matte butter yellow, matte khaki, and fun coral shimmer, each shade promises to be pigmented, blendable, buildable, and long-lasting.

By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette swatches

Swatches should never be used as your ultimate decision as to whether to purchase a product or not, as eyeshadows can perform better on the lids, and makeup is very much down to the individual’s preference. However, swatches can help you see how pigmented a particular product is and what the formula is like.

To give you an indication of the colours, pigmentation, and textures, I swatched the 20 By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette shades on my bare arm, without primer, below:

How pretty are the shades? While this palette is largely dominated by yellow, orange, and gold tones, there are also pops of blues, greens, browns, neutrals, and purples. The shimmers swatched particularly well. They’re so vivid and sparkly. Some of the matte shades felt chalky but still had good pigmentation.

By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette makeup look

No makeup review would be complete without a makeup look! 

I was particularly drawn to the gorgeous butter yellow matte shade called Yucca, so I knew I had to incorporate this trending colour into my look. The deep aubergine matte Scorpion and khaki matte Agave colours also jumped out at me. Plus, the champagne shimmer Hazy looked great for brightening my inner corners. I used the shade Fennec, a neutral brown matte, to blend the edges of the eyeshadow for a softer look.

Here’s my By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette makeup look using these shades.

I like how this makeup look turned out. While I love all 5 shades, I sort of regret using the khaki shade on the outer corner and crease. I think this makeup look would be nicer without it.

Below, I’m going to share my honest review of the By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette, including how pigmented, buildable, long-wearing, and easy the shadows were to work with.

Honest By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette review

The By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette is a nice palette and inspires me to get creative with eyeshadow looks, but there are some inconsistencies with the formula and quality of the shades.

Firstly, the packaging is good but nothing special. But the fact that it’s lightweight and comes with a handy big mirror inside the palette makes it ideal for travelling with.

The eyeshadow pans are big and clearly labelled, which makes working with the shadows straightforward.

The main reason I love this eyeshadow palette is the colour story. I think this palette has the perfect balance of fun, colourful shades and wearable neutrals and browns. While this palette is more warm-leaning, there are some cool and neutral tones, so it’s pretty versatile. Plus, both the mattes and shimmers vary in depth, intensity, tones, and colourfulness, so it’s a palette you can get creative with.

As for the quality of the eyeshadows, the formula varies depending on the shade. When I swatched the shimmers, they’re all buttery, have excellent colour payoff, and deliver gorgeous sparkle. Even for the shimmers that are designed to be more wearable, they capture the light beautifully. The shifting green-copper duochrome called Mirage looks particularly insane, so I can’t wait to play around with that.

However, the mattes vary in quality. Some of the eyeshadows felt smooth and soft, notably Sirocco, Fennec, and Canyon. But some of the eyeshadows felt chalky and swatched patchily, particularly Yucca and Prickly Pear.

Overall, the pigmentation throughout the eyeshadow is great. Some shades, like Sirocco, Yucca, Agave, and Scorched, take a bit of layering to get good colour payoff, but it’s still easy to get your desired intensity with the eyeshadows. Other shades, like Oasis, Heat, Desert Rose, Scorpion, Mirage, and Afterglow, are insanely pigmented.

I found working with the shades pretty easy. They’re buildable, and the intensity of some of the softer shades can be built up in layers with little effort.

Blending Agave was a little tricky. It blended a bit patchily. Once you’ve put the shade on your eyes, it’s quite hard to manipulate the eyeshadow to move it where you want to, so apply with caution. Yucca was better to work with than I expected. It feels a bit chalky, but it doesn’t feel dry or look chalky once applied. I also got more intense colour payoff than I expected for such a soft tone.

Scorpion and Hazy were vivid, effortless to work with, and layered seamlessly.

As for the longevity, Yucca unfortunately faded and creased. After 8 hours, the majority of the colour had worn off and faded. Agave also wore off quite a bit. Hazy and Scorpion stayed put brilliantly and maintained their intensity throughout the entire day.

Overall, I like this eyeshadow palette. Some of the shades require a bit more effort to blend and build, and not all of the shades are long-wearing, but I still think this is excellent value for money.

Rating: 4 stars

If you also love this colour story, the By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette is worth checking out. However, it doesn’t perform as well as some of the pricier palettes in my eyeshadow collection. I also don’t think the quality of the shades lives up to the Jade Thirlwall x BEAUTY BAY 42 Colour Palette.

Overall, I’m happy with this eyeshadow palette. I can’t wait to try the beautiful royal blue shade, Oasis, and rich rose gold shade, Desert Rose.

The post Is this £16 eyeshadow palette worth it? By Beauty Bay Desert Haze Palette review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.