Hourglass Holiday Palettes

I’ve been testing some new holiday palettes recently, including the ones from Hourglass. These palettes are called Ambient Light Palettes and they come in six pan variations. Retailing at $90, they are now available at Ulta and Sephora.

Shade Variations

There are three shade variations of this palette. The lightest one is named Jellyfish, followed by the mid-tone palette called Cheetah (or Jaguar, as I always mistakenly say). Lastly, the deepest palette is known as Snake. Each variation has its unique charm.

The Brush

In addition to the palettes, there is also a brush available in this collection, retailing for $54. I personally think that this brush is wonderful. Its shape is perfect for easily fitting into the pans inside the palettes, making application a breeze.

First Impressions

If you want to know more about my initial thoughts on these palettes, I have shared a video where I discuss my first impression. You can find the link to the video below. In that video, I go into more depth about my thoughts on the Hourglass palettes.

Availability

At the time of filming that video, the palettes were only available on the Hourglass website. However, they can now be purchased at both Ulta and Sephora. This wider availability allows more people to experience the beauty of these palettes.

Palette Review

These palettes have certainly caused a stir in the makeup community, with opinions ranging from absolute adoration to complete disdain. The price tag alone has divided subscribers, with some considering it a steal and others deeming it ridiculous.

If you’re a fan of hourglass powders and haven’t yet explored this range of shades, the palettes offer excellent value for money. Each pan in these palettes is the same size as the highly sought-after Minis, which are already sold out. This means you could opt for a mini blush instead and still get a similar amount of product.

Brush Review

While the brush may not be a necessary addition to your makeup routine, it does have its merits. The fluffiness of the brush allows for seamless blending of the powders, creating a beautiful look with the palette. It is particularly suitable for blush and bronzer application, thanks to its shape. However, if you prefer a more targeted highlight, this brush may not be your cup of tea.

Is it worth spending $54 on a brush? Probably not a necessity, but if you’re intrigued by this particular brush, I can vouch for its quality. It certainly does a great job in terms of blending and overall application.

Hourglass Bronzer Highlight Powder: A Mixed Bag

The bronzer highlight powder from Hourglass is a product that has both its positives and negatives. It comes in different color variations, each with its own unique shades. However, it is worth noting that not all of the shades within these palettes are available all the time, as some of them are limited edition.

One aspect that disappointed me is that the colors in the different palettes do not fully align. Unlike what one might expect, not every palette has two blushes, two bronzers, and two highlights. Instead, the combination of shades feels a bit random. For example, the leopard palette has three blushes, while the jellyfish palette has two blushes.

Despite this drawback, each palette offers a variety of tones that can be used on different parts of the face. The setting powders, for example, can be used as subtle and diffused highlighters. For those who already love Hourglass products or are willing to splurge on a high-quality palette, this would be a worthwhile investment. With all the products conveniently placed in one palette, you would get great value for your money, especially if you consider the alternative of purchasing each pan individually. There is a bit of savings to be had.

The Issue with Pan Size

However, one criticism I have is that the pans in the palette are relatively small. This can make it challenging to use certain brushes without going outside the designated pan. The brush included in the collection stands out due to its shape, which makes it easy to dip into the desired pan. But, when using a bigger, fluffier bronzer brush, for example, it becomes a bit more difficult to precisely apply the bronzer shade without accidentally blending into neighboring pans.

The Hourglass bronzer highlight powder offers a range of beautiful shades that can be used for various purposes on the face. Despite the slight inconsistency between palettes and the small pan size, this palette is a great option for Hourglass enthusiasts or those looking to add high-quality products to their collection. While it may come with a steep price tag, the value and convenience it provides make it a worthwhile purchase.

The Best Lip Liners of 2023

I must admit, I stumbled upon these lip liners by accident. While applying my blush, I ended up dipping into the shade, creating a minor downside. This experience made me realize that these lip liners might not be for everyone. Nevertheless, let’s dive into what has truly impressed me the new lip liners from Jones Road.

Retailing for $22, these lip liners have exceeded my expectations. In fact, I am currently wearing one of them in the shade “Nude Rose.” As I sit down to film this video, I can’t help but notice how frequently I’ve been using these liners. They have become a constant companion in my bag, even though I usually have an unwavering loyalty to my NYX lip liners.

The Jones Road lip liners have effortlessly taken the place of my beloved NYX liners. Surprisingly, I find that they offer a similar level of longevity and a beautifully defined line. The pigmentation is on par with NYX, but what sets these liners apart is their creaminess. They strike the perfect balance of creaminess without being overly so. This texture allows me to achieve the sharp line that I desire.

Admittedly, I haven’t experienced the same longevity as with my NYX lip liners. However, it wouldn’t be fair to directly compare the two. The NYX liners come at a mere $4, while the Jones Road ones are priced at $22. Despite this price difference, these lip liners have successfully won me over.

The Worst Mascara of 2023

Now, let’s turn our attention to a product that failed to meet my expectations the new mascara from XYZBrand.

Upon initially trying out this mascara, my hopes were high. However, it quickly became clear that it fell short in several areas. The first issue was the brush. It was clumpy and flimsy, making it challenging to achieve the desired lash look. The formula itself also left much to be desired. It lacked the volume and lengthening abilities I had anticipated.

Moreover, application was messy and resulted in numerous smudges. Throughout the day, I had to continuously check for smudges and reapply to maintain an acceptable appearance. This constant vigilance was frustrating and time-consuming.

Furthermore, the mascara lacked staying power. By midday, it started to crumble and flake, leaving specks under my eyes. The clumpy texture made it difficult to remove, often leaving behind remnants that required extra effort to clean.

Overall, the XYZBrand mascara was a disappointment. It failed to deliver on its promises of voluminous and lengthened lashes. I would not recommend this product to anyone seeking a reliable mascara.

Rimmel London Lip Liners

I recently tested out a few Rimmel London lip liners now that they’re cruelty-free. I must say, I am loving them! As you know, I have an obsession with lip liner, and these ones are wonderful. I highly recommend them. However, I don’t believe you need to spend a fortune on a good lip liner. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, I would suggest trying out the Nyx or Rimmel lip liners. That being said, the Rimmel London lip liners are still a great formula.

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Shift

Now, let’s talk about the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Shift lipsticks in the new shades. The pH-adjusting lip products from Tarte are not new, but they have recently launched new pastel shades in the collection. I decided to test out the green shade called “Limeade” and the purple shade called “Rock Candy.” These color-changing lipsticks are available on Ulta and Sephora with the original shades, but the new pastel ones can only be found on the Tarte website. They retail for $24 each.

Differences in Shades

Surprisingly, I noticed a slight difference between the shades, which is not typically the case with pH-adjusting lip products. Most of the time, they create a very similar tone on the lip. However, with these Tarte lipsticks, there is a minor variance between the colors. That being said, I believe the difference is minimal enough that you don’t need to purchase more than one shade.

The Best New Makeup of 2023

The lip products from Amucha have really caught my attention this year. I have been trying out their new formulas and I must say, they have exceeded my expectations. The colors are vibrant and beautiful, and they give my lips a radiant hue. I have noticed that the tone of the product does influence the final color on my lips, adding a touch of uniqueness to each shade. For example, the lilac shade transforms my lips into a bright, almost fuchsia pink, while the green shade takes on a reddish-orange tint. It’s fascinating how these slight variations can create different looks.

These new formulas are different from the original tinted lip products. They feel more like a hydrating lip balm on the lips, while still providing a hint of color due to the pH adjustment. I find them less thick and globby compared to the original Amucha Juicy Lips. However, I must mention that they do have a slight cold, tingly sensation upon application. Personally, I could do without it, but I know many people enjoy that refreshing feeling. Surprisingly, I have been reaching for the green shade a lot lately. It has become a staple in my purse, and it’s astonishing how much I have been loving it.

Another noteworthy product in the lip category is the new lip oils from Catrice. I recently talked about them in a video, but I wanted to provide a more thorough review of the Catrice Glow lip oils.

The Worst New Makeup of 2023

While there have been some remarkable new makeup products this year, there have also been a few disappointments. One product that did not live up to my expectations is the XYZ mascara.

I had high hopes for this mascara as it claimed to provide length, volume, and curl to the lashes. However, I found the results to be underwhelming. The mascara did give some length to my lashes, but it did not deliver on the promised volume and curl. The formula also smudged and flaked throughout the day, leaving me with panda eyes. It was quite frustrating because I had to constantly check and clean up the smudges.

Additionally, the XYZ foundation was another letdown. I expected it to provide a flawless, long-lasting finish, but it fell short. The foundation did not blend seamlessly into my skin and accentuated my dry patches. It also oxidized after a few hours, leaving me with a mismatched complexion. The coverage was also not buildable, and I struggled to achieve the desired level of coverage.

While there have been some standout makeup products this year, it is inevitable to come across a few misses. It’s essential to experiment and find what works best for your individual preferences and skin type. Remember, makeup is a personal choice, and what may work for one person may not necessarily work for another. Stay open-minded and always keep exploring new releases to discover hidden gems in the world of makeup.

Krice Tinted Lip Gloss and Glow: Mimicking Dior Lip Oils?

No, the krice tinted lip gloss and glow. Why was that so hard for me to say so? So, I’m assuming these were intended to kind of mimic the Dior lip oils? I know e.l.f. just launched their brand new lip oils and I’m really excited to test those out, but I want to talk about these because these actually are also pH adjusting.

Variety in Shades: Keep It Juicy and Drama Mama

So, I have two shades. This one is called “Keep It Juicy” and this one is called “Drama Mama”. And once again, I do notice a slight variance between the two shades, even though they are both pH adjusting. I think that more so comes from the fact that the gloss itself is tinted, so you’re seeing a little bit more red when you apply this versus this. One is a bit more of that sheared out pink.

Plump and Juicy with Hydration

These lip glosses are so plump and juicy, and they feel nice on the lips. They also provide a bit of hydration. I think this is a really great drugstore option for a lip oil. They retail for $6 a piece, so they’re actually, I believe, the most inexpensive lip oils or some of the most inexpensive at the drugstore. You know, we’ll say that compared to even the brand new elf ones that are $8, but like the Milani, the CoverGirl, the Nyx. Those are three of my favorite formulations, but those are between $9 and $12. So, to get these for about half the price of that is a steal.

The Best Lip Oil at a Drugstore Price Point

I recently shared a look on my Instagram using the shade Drama Mama to create a trendy lip look, reminiscent of Cherry Cola. To achieve this lip color, I used a darker lip liner and added a touch of brown eyeliner to enhance the intensity. In the center, I applied a red gloss to give it a glossy finish. If you’ve been wanting to recreate this look, I highly recommend trying out this wonderful lip oil option at a drugstore price point.

An Obnoxiously Priced Moisturizer: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream

Let’s talk about something that is undeniably overpriced – the new Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream. This product is different from their original magic cream, as it boasts a new formula. The first compliment I will give this product is that it doesn’t have any fragrance, unlike most Charlotte Tilbury products. I appreciate that they opted for a fragrance-free moisturizer.

However, the price of this cream is exorbitant. A full-size jar costs a whopping $100. While the packaging may be luxurious and beautiful, it’s difficult to justify such a steep price for a moisturizer. Unfortunately, my experience with this product doesn’t support its price point either.

Don’t get me wrong, this is a decent unscented moisturizer that effectively hydrates my skin. But when comparing the results to my drugstore options or even my favorite high-end moisturizers that are already pricey, I can’t say that this cream offered anything extraordinary. In fact, my skin didn’t show any significant improvements that would validate the higher cost.

The Best & Worst New Makeup of 2023

Moisturizer Dilemma

If you want to splurge on a moisturizer, you could spend a good $50 on a moisturizer from Pharmacy or Skin Fix Glow Recipe. I’m looking over at my table with my skincare products on it. My results with this were so unremarkable. For me, this is just a moisturizer. I can’t say that it left my foundation laying any better on the skin, even though that is the intended purpose of this. It’s really designed to be worn underneath makeup. You know, it has nice cinnamon in it, which personally I love and my skin loves, but there are a lot of alternatives that also include that ingredient. It’s pretty easy to find. Personally, I would skip this one.

Disappointing Shadow Sticks

Another one I would skip is the new Shadow Sticks from Fenty. I had really high hopes for these, but I just can’t say that they’re anything remarkable. I actually would avoid these products. They retail for $25 a piece and have two different options: Matte Shadow Sticks and Shimmer Shadow Sticks. The longevity is simply not there. With these products, they crease and fade. They do not wear throughout the day, which is what I’m really looking for out of a shadow stick. But beyond that, the Shimmer ones, as you go to blend them out, they really disappear. Any of that shimmery effect almost melts away as you’re going to blend it out, so there’s.

The Best and Worst New Makeup of 2023

Fenty Matte Shadow Sticks: User-Unfriendly and Patchy

The new Matte Shadow Sticks from Fenty have been a bit of a disappointment. While they offer a learning curve in terms of blending and visibility of the shadow, they are incredibly difficult to work with. Despite finding ways to make them work, I don’t think they are very user-friendly. Similar issues were noticed with the Matte Shadow sticks as well. They tend to blend out patchy and don’t wear well. As much as I love Fenty and have many favorites from their high-end brands, I would definitely skip on these, especially considering the price point. There are better options available, such as the Hard Candy Shadow sticks, which cost five dollars, or the Shadow sticks from e.l.f. I would highly recommend avoiding the Fenty ones.

Sigma Lip Creams: Unexpected Formula

Let’s now talk about the new lip creams from Sigma. Honestly, they weren’t what I was expecting. When I first heard about these products, I had the shade “Bonia” and they retail for twenty-two dollars each. The packaging is similar to their lip oils, so I was anticipating something similar but perhaps with more pigment. However, the formulations are actually quite different. These lip creams don’t feel like lip oils at all. If anything, they resemble a very hydrating liquid lipstick with a lot of opacity. It reminds me of the velvet liquid lipsticks we had years ago, but with less of that velvety texture. It’s more on the lines of a lip gloss.

The Best New Makeup of 2023

One of the standout products in the world of makeup in 2023 is a highly pigmented lip product that delivers stunning color payoff. When applying this product, it’s important to use a small amount to avoid a heavy, globby effect. The texture is comfortable on the lips, making it a favorite for many makeup enthusiasts. For a subtle look, applying a small amount on the bottom lip and tapping it out is recommended.

A particular shade from this lip product line pairs beautifully with a dark brown lip liner, creating a gorgeous 90s grungy nude lip. The formula of this product is unique, combining the glossiness of a traditional lip gloss with the intensity of a liquid lipstick. Unlike many lip launches in recent times, which have been more sheer in nature, this lip product stands out for its high level of pigment.

The Worst New Makeup of 2023

Unfortunately, not all new makeup launches in 2023 have been successful. One disappointing product is a mascara that promises extreme volume but falls short in delivering on its claims. The formulation seems to clump easily, resulting in a less-than-desirable effect on the lashes. Despite multiple coats, the desired volume is not achieved, leaving users disappointed.

In addition to the lackluster volumizing effect, this mascara is also prone to smudging and flaking throughout the day. This can be frustrating for those who prefer long-wearing makeup that stays put without any smudging or fallout. The wand of the mascara is also not very user-friendly, making it difficult to apply without getting product on the eyelids or lower lash line.

The Best New Makeup of 2023

I’ve been reaching for a product often lately, and to my surprise, I have grown to like it a lot more than I initially expected. At first, I was a bit skeptical, thinking to myself, “Is this really for me?” You see, I tend to prefer a more sheer lip oil look. However, I discovered that even a small amount of this product goes a long way, and it provides a delightful, hydrating effect on the lips.

This fabulous product, which I will have linked down below for your convenience, has truly won me over. The texture is superb, and it leaves my lips feeling nourished and moisturized. It’s become a staple in my makeup routine, and I highly recommend giving it a try!

The Worst New Makeup of 2023

While I found a gem among the latest makeup releases, I must admit that there is also a product that left me disappointed. I had high hopes for this particular item, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations.

The application process was quite cumbersome, and the end result left me underwhelmed. The color payoff was lacking, and no matter how many layers I applied, it just did not provide the desired pigment intensity. Additionally, I noticed that the formulation seemed to accentuate dry patches on my skin, which was disheartening to say the least.

While I hate to discourage anyone from experimenting with new products, I cannot help but express my disappointment with this particular makeup item. It simply did not meet the standards I have come to expect from quality cosmetic brands.

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed testing and experimenting with these Hourglass holiday palettes. The excellent brush, the wide range of shade variations, and the ease of application make them a great addition to any makeup collection. Whether you prefer a lighter, mid-tone, or deeper palette, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try these out for yourself!

Ultimately, whether you decide to splurge on these products or not depends on your personal preferences and budget. The palettes offer a comprehensive range of shades for hourglass powder enthusiasts, while the brush adds a touch of luxury to your collection. Consider your needs and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Overall, my experience with the best and worst new makeup of 2023 has been a mix of excitement and letdown. The Jones Road lip liners have managed to win a special place in my makeup routine, offering a creamy texture and long-lasting pigment. On the other hand, the XYZBrand mascara fell short, lacking volume, length, and staying power. As we navigate through the world of beauty, it’s essential to stay open to new discoveries while being aware of the pitfalls that may arise.

If you’re on the lookout for a lip oil that gives you a trendy lip look without breaking the bank, the drugstore option I mentioned is a fantastic choice. However, when it comes to the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream, I would advise against splurging on it. While it may be appealing due to its luxurious packaging, the results simply don’t measure up to its exorbitant price tag.

Overall, the new makeup releases in 2023 have been a mix of hits and misses. It’s always exciting to see what new products brands come up with, but it’s also important to be critical and honest about their performance. While the Fenty Matte Shadow Sticks and Sigma Lip Creams didn’t quite meet my expectations, there are still plenty of other amazing options out there to explore. Makeup is all about personal preference and finding what works best for you. So, don’t be discouraged by a few misses, keep experimenting and discovering your own favorites!

When it comes to new makeup releases in 2023, there have been both hits and misses. The highly pigmented lip product stands out for its intense color payoff and comfortable formula, offering a unique option in the saturated lip product market. However, the disappointing mascara falls short in delivering the promised volume and long-wearing effect, leaving room for improvement in its formulation and application.

That wraps up my speed reviews of the best and worst new makeup releases of 2023. I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and recommendations. Remember, everyone’s preferences and experiences may differ, so it’s always worth trying out products for yourself to form your own opinion.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I hope it has been helpful to you. Stay tuned for more makeup reviews and recommendations in the future!