Today’s post is another special Collaboration with two other lovely cruelty-free beauty bloggers: Catherine from Buying Cruelty Free and Liza from Makeup Matters by LNC. About a month ago, we all posted about our favorite brushes. This time, we are each sharing our five favorite newly discovered products with you! The products need not be newly released, just items that we have recently tried and fallen in love with. I can't wait to see what Liza and Catherine have chosen! Definitely check out their posts because I'm sure their picks will be amazing!
Catherine's post
Liza's post
So, without further ado, let’s get on to the goodies!!! J
My first new favorite is not a new product, but I had never tried it! It is actually a bit of a cult classic – Stila’s Convertible Color! There are a few reasons I had never tried this genius little miracle before – I am somewhat scared by blush, and I am downright phobic when it comes to cream blush! Sephora was offering a sample size of the shade “Peony” through their VIB points program and, since I’d been hearing about this little beauty for years, I decided to cash in some points. I am so glad that I did because it is really wonderful and not at all frightening! It blends beautifully, it's nice and creamy without being sticky, it doesn't look streaky or patchy, it creates a healthy glow without being too shiny, and it doesn’t accentuate my pores!!! It is also super easy to apply with just my finger tips, and I am completely in love with it! I should add that this is also safe to be used as a lip color, but I have only tried it as a blush. I adore 2-in-1 products though, so that's another definite perk!
"Peony" on cheeks
My next product is also not a new item, but another that I had not yet tried. I picked up a Slim Gel Lipstick in #57 from Inglot at IMATS and it’s absolutely wonderful! It’s nice and pigmented, very comfortable to wear, has great wearing/staining power and the color is really pretty too! I get compliments every time I wear it, which never happens! It’s not at all drying and has a slight staining quality that’s not too powerful – two things I rarely find in one product. I definitely want to pick up more of these – and at $12 each, they are quite affordable by today’s standards! J
I ordered an Endless Silky Eye Pen from Pixi Beauty quite some time ago through HauteLook, but it wasn’t until this past month that I actually tried it out! It’s in the shade “True Teal,” and it is incredible! It is the silkiest, creamiest eye pencil I have ever used AND it doesn’t budge! It is incredibly pigmented, doesn’t skip or tug and I’m completely in love with it! I really need to go pick up some every day shades because, though the teal is a beautiful shade that's great for a pop of color, it isn’t always the most practical of liners…but it’s so pretty!!! J I’m not sure how I have lived so long without trying this pencil!
Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Pen in "True Teal" on waterline
My next item is another product I have had for quite some time. My mom gave me a mascara sampler set from QVC for Christmas, and I recently pulled out the wonderful IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara. I'm a bit of a mascara junkie and, though I haven’t decided if it is my favorite mascara of all time, it’s definitely my favorite of the moment! It does an excellent job of lengthening, separating AND volumizing! It is a deep, rich black and doesn't clump. The spiky rubber brush is much different than I would usually go for, but it makes it easy to grab every little lash. It has a 360° rounded tip which really does help find every last lash. This mascara really amps up my lashes without making them dry, brittle or flaky. Wonderful stuff and I am addicted! J
Left: No Mascara; Right: IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara
(2 Coats) on Top Lashes Only
Finally, I have a product that actually is a new release! J It is the limited edition Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye and Cheek Palette. I really love this palette! For starters, the packaging is adorable and, though it’s a large compact, it’s quite easy to hold in your hand while using it. Inside there is a huge mirror, a "Provocateur Shimmering Powder" highlighter in "Champagne," their well-loved "Park Ave Princess" bronzer, a beautiful pinky-coral blush in "Captivating" (all 3 are actually a touch larger than the individually packaged products!!!) and 6 eye shadows! I use the highlighter and bronzer as eye shadows as well and, if so inclined, you could use the blush on the eyes too. The eye shadow shades do not seem too varied, but they are different and work well for a variety of neutral looks. Plus, "Poolside" can add a nice pop of pool blue to any look. Still, this isn't the greatest palette if you're looking for a variety of colorful eye shadows. It is possible to vary the looks you create and I personally love the colors included in the palette! In addition, the shadows have a beautiful texture – very silky and buttery...and they don't crease at all on my lids! J The shade that really sold me on the palette is called “Bikini” and it’s a wonderfully surprising duochrome that flashes pink, peach and gold. It’s a stunning color! Nothing in the palette is glittery or over-the-top. All the powders are beautiful and very wearable, whether for every day or for a night out. Absolutely adore this palette...especially for the summer!!! J
Shadows used on eyes: "Champagne" highlighter on brow bone,
"Bikini" on lids, "Park Ave Princess" bronzer in crease,
"Hammock" in outer corner, & "Parasol" near inner corner
So there you have my 5 Favorite New Products! Though most are not actually new releases, I have just discovered them and they have all been stand-outs among the mountain of products I have tried. There are so many wonderful items I could have included, but these are my latest and greatest addictions. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you have found a few items to add to your own wishlists! Please don’t forget to check out Liza's and Catherine’s posts as well, as they have also shared their new favorite cruelty-free products! I can’t wait to see their picks!!! J
Catherine from Buying Cruelty Free
Liza from Makeup Matters by LNC
If you are interested in purchasing any of these products, they can be found on the following websites: Stila is available from Sephora, Ulta and on StilaCosmetics.com Inglot is available through InglotUSA.com in the US, or check Ingot.com for International information Pixi Beauty products can be found at Target and on PixiBeauty.com IT Cosmetics can be purchased through QVC.com Tarte products can be found at Ulta, Sephora and on TarteCosmetics.com
Tarte Shadows as mentioned above,
Pixi Eye Liner in "True Teal," IT Cosmetics
Hello Lashes Mascara, Stila Convertible
Color in "Peony" & Inglot Slim Gel
Lipstick #57