As the holidays roll around, you might be wondering which makeup products to purchase for yourself or friends and family. Look no further than Izzy and Leilani’s guide on which products are the best and worth your money.
Lip Oil – Izzy
As an avid lip gloss wearer, I have tried many different glosses, oils, and balms but one really stands out to me: the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip Gloss. Its texture is thick and creamy without feeling gloopy on the lips, and it comes in a range of fun shades that enhance your lip color perfectly. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a new lip gloss but not wanting to spend too much!
Photo Credit Nyx
Lip Oils – Leilani
Many lip gloss wearers know of the infamous Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil. The classy packaging and glossy look have helped catapult the product to Tik Tok fame. Hundreds of tiktokers have tried and reviewed the lip oil. It comes in a clear tube with a silver handle and a wide doe foot applicator, one of the product’s main talking points. However, the high price point at $40 and the lackluster effect leave something to be desired. I have owned this lip oil for about a year and I hardly ever reach for it. For me, the shine does look good, but it disappears quite quickly. That’s why I was elated when e.l.f Makeup announced they were coming out with a set of lip oils. e.l.f is a brand renowned for their dupes, supplying affordable options to customers who want the same level of products. Despite being a drugstore brand, many of their products are the best in the business. The new e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil comes in seven colors: Coral Fixation, Crystal Clear, Honey Talks, Jam Session, Pink Quartz, Red Delicious, and Rose Envy. At just $8, it’s $32 cheaper than the Dior lip oil, making it an amazing option. I picked it up a couple days ago in the shade Rose Envy, and was so excited to see how it looked. It’s super glowy and shiny, and the tint is amazing. If you’ve been eying one of the two, then I definitely recommend the e.l.f, which is available at Ulta right now.
Photo Credit e.l.f
Another lip oil garnering a lot of buzz on TikTok recently is the Nyx Fat Oil Drip Lip Gloss, which comes in eight colors and retails at $9. I own the color Missed Call, which is a light glittery pink. These lip oils are not a direct dupe of the Dior lip oil like e.l.f., but they’re pretty close. The shades are pigmented, but I’ve found that they’re a bit more sticky and have a gritty texture when applied. They do look nice on, but the tint and shine disappears fairly quickly. If you’re in the market for a lip oil, then I would recommend the e.l.f!
Lip Balm – Leilani
If you’re a fan of makeup, then you’ll know that in the last few months, the popular brand Glossier has revamped many of their products. Glossier was formally only available online, but after being released in Sephora stores, several of their formulas were changed. The most notable difference is the popular Balm Dotcom, a tinted lip balm that comes in an assortment of flavors. The adorable packaging and nourishing ingredients garnered a loyal fan base for the balms, so many customers were outraged when both the packaging and formula were changed. Many have tried the new product and report a drop in quality. It seems that Glossier has heard these complaints, as two seasonal products were released last month: Hot Chocolate and Cookie Butter Balm Dotcom. These two flavors are available in the original formula and are only online. I tried both flavors, and can report that both were amazing. The flavor is lovely, and both provide a beautiful sheen on the lips. The Hot Chocolate appears as a dark brown tint, while Cookie Butter is a lighter warm brown. Personally I prefer Cookie Butter, as the Hot Chocolate is a bit too dark for my lips, but the flavor and feel of the Hot Chocolate is so good that I still wear it. If you were a fan of the original Balm Dotcom or love seasonal items, then these two are for you. The Balm Dotcom is a great option for days when you want a more subtle, natural look.
Photo Credit Glossier
Perfume – Izzy
Ouai Melrose Place is the most delicate and beautiful scent I have ever tried. It is described as a “velvety-rich rose scent infused with a swoon-worthy blend of bergamot, lychee, white musk, champagne, and more.” The floral scent is not overpowering, it is blended beautifully with the other ingredients giving the perfume a clean, fresh smell. The scent is also very versatile, making it perfect for all seasons and night or day. When wearing the perfume it settles into my skin and clothes beautifully, leaving me smelling fresh all day long. I highly recommend this scent to anyone looking for something new with a classic, clean scent.
Photo Credit Ouai
Mascara – Izzy
Mascaras are hard to perfect, they are either too clumpy or too subtle, they can flake off or smudge throughout the day, and for as long as I have been wearing makeup I have been searching for the perfect mascara. Recently, I came across the Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara. Immediately, I was a fan. Unlike other mascaras I have tried in the past it lengthens my lashes and gives them volume, without appearing too clumpy or dramatic. For an every-day makeup-wearer like myself, the effect is perfect. The mascara has a dual sided wand that allows you to perfect your lashes and achieve your desired look. On one side is a classic mascara brush that applies the perfect amount of product, and on the other is a delicate comb that perfectly accentuates the lashes. The mascara doesn’t smudge or flake and leaves no shadowy residue under the eyes. My only qualm is that it can fade throughout the day, so if you have a long day ahead of you opt for a waterproof mascara alternative. However, it is easy to remove and is formulated with nourishing ingredients that won’t leave your lashes feeling stripped.
Photo Credit Ilia
Mascara – Leilani
I am also a huge proponent of the Ilia mascara, and this summer it was my go-to mascara. However, as fall approached and the weather got colder, I wanted a more natural, subtle look for everyday wear. On a whim I decided to try the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara in the shade berry-brown. This mascara is by far the best brown mascara I’ve ever tried, and the effect on my lashes is beautiful. The formula helps my lashes hold their curl well into the day, and the soft brown color looks very natural and helps enhance my eyes without overpowering them. It’s also very easy to remove at the end of the day, and a simple cleanser or even water in a pinch will take it off.
Photo Credit Charlotte Tilbury
Blush – Izzy
I LOVE blush. Over the years I have tried many formulas and shades, but none have been comparable to the Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush. The Saie blush carries the perfect amount of pigment and blends out like a dream. Unlike other liquid blushes I have tried, it is not overpowering and there is plenty of work time after you first place it on your skin. The effect is delicate and beautiful, giving you a desirable flush and a lovely dewy finish. I recommend the shade Chilly. It’s a cool-toned berry shade that appears like a natural flush you would get on a cold day spent outside. Chilly is a perfect blush as we move into colder months this year.
Photo Credit Saie
