The January Round Up
It’s an ever-evolving practice of trial and discovery, and with each new product comes a new look, a new possibility, a new favourite. I keep my top 5s because one of my preferred exercises is testing products in the same family and seeing which stands the true test but just because I’ve published a top 5 doesn’t mean my work is done. Here are some of my standout makeup products that I tried in January that I stumbled upon after a top 5 of that category was created. These faves are not sponsored and the only thing I am endorsing is my love of makeup! In the spirit of plenty, I added a whole bunch extra, so without further ado, here is my January top 10.
1. Chanel – Eyeshadow & Liner Khol, clair 12 | 2. Laura Mercier – Caviar Stick Eye Colour, nude rose | 3. Guerlain – Liquid Eye Liner | 4. Dior – Eyeshadow Palette, Golden Snow 549 | 5. Lawless – Summer Skin Velvet Matte Bronzer, Golden | 6. Clarins – Glow 2 Go Blush & Highlighter Duo | 7. Gucci – Mascara L’Obscur | 8. Kosas – Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer 03 | 9. Tarte – Sea Quench Lip Rescue Balm | 10. Marc Jacobs – Highliner Gel Eye Crayon, black
Chanel is known for many a splendid things and one of my all-time show stoppers is their makeup collection. I know, you thought I’d say handbags, and trust me, they run a tight race, but their makeup is sensational. I particularly love their eyeshadows and liners because they glide on so smoothly and blend like magic. That’s probably what I love about Dior as well. I have a love affair with how delicate their multi-tasking eyeshadows are and the more I use their palettes the more I realize how perfectly curated the colour combos are. And while we are on the topic, Guerlain’s liquid liner can legit make a makeup artist out of any amateur: the graphic felt liner pen is the easiest way to achieve that cat eye (in case you wanted a pro-tip!).
Perhaps it’s a thing about designer houses, that incredibly luxurious quality that you just can’t fake, because that L’Obscur mascara by Gucci is impossible to replicate. From the smallest and straightest lashes, expect this mascara to basically curve and extend from lash to tip, it’s miraculous. I’m not even overselling, is just fact. Lol. (check out my top 5 mascaras here)
The Marc Jacobs limited gold-edition Highliner sounds like a mouthful, but the intense colour lives up to its name. it has a flawless application and is instantly smudge proof. I can honestly say that not all eyeliners are made equal.
When it comes to all things face I have tried everything from here to there and back so I can say with certainty that when you find that powder bronzer that makes you feel like you’ve take a natural sun bath, well that’s what Lawless’s soft matter formula is all about – that perfect sun-kissed velvet skin. I think we could all use that about now, oh and this one is clean! I have a ton of bronzer faves - read here for my top 5. Same goes with Clarins contour stick: bronzer and highlighter in one, it’s travel-friendly and compact and sometimes I love to mix up my powders from my creams just to layer on that natural complexion. But before I swipe on that bronzer, I recently tried the Kosas super creamy concealer and I have to say it works wonders for spot treatment, so let’s say a blemish or a dark spot – this stick will fix that right up! read here for my top 5 concealers
Even when I don’t have time for a full face liner and shadow, I always leave time lipstick. Especially in this dray weather – I always keep a nice rotation going in terms of hydration and colour and recently the Tarte collection has my lips smacking. I love the colours and the sheerness of it, but mostly I love the moisturizing effect. Oh and it tastes delish.
Most of the products I reach for are clean and cruelty free which is a big deal these days. I try to keep only the safest products stalked on my shelf. Even some of my old school staples from those long-time beauty brands are making consorted efforts to go greener with everything from testing and product to packaging. I take that into consideration when I curate my lists, something for everyone from eco-conscious to skin-safe. What’s your favourite product you recently discovered and what do you love about it?
Photography by Patricia Brochu