Recent Makeup and Skincare Finds

MERIT Beauty

MERIT is a clean beauty brand that’s fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and EU-compliant. They’re known for a very minimal approach to makeup—the kind that’s meant to enhance your natural features and give that “your skin, but better” look. As a fun bonus, every first order comes with the MERIT Signature Bag, and shipping is free on orders over $45. They offered to gift me a few products, and so far, I’ve really liked everything I tried.

The Solo Shadow is an effortless, buildable cream eyeshadow with a soft finish. I have it in the shade Glace, which is quite light—more like what I’d usually use to highlight my brow bone—but it also works over the entire lid for a very subtle wash of color. I’d be curious to try some of the deeper shades, because I really love how smoothly it applies and how easy it is to build the intensity exactly where you want it.

I tried the Shade Slick in Pointelle and Maraschino in both Pointelle and Maraschino. It’s a lightweight, tinted lip oil made with plant-derived squalene and quinoa seed oil that adds just a hint of color. Both shades are much lighter on the lips than they look in photos, so don’t let that scare you—they’re very sheer and pretty, and honestly feel more like a tinted lip balm than a gloss. The color is just right layered over my go-to tarte Maracuja Lip Liner in Mauve. They’re comfortable, easy to wear, and great for everyday.

MERIT Flush Balm in Le Bonbon a creamy, buildable cheek color that gives a natural glow. I’ve never really used a cream blush before, so there was a bit of an adjustment. You do need to blend more than with powder, but it goes on easily and starts out sheer, which makes it hard to overdo. It definitely leaves a nice, healthy-looking flush. That said, I think I’ll stick with my favorite powder blush. I just find it faster and easier to apply.

Fenty Beauty

I’ve been a fan of the Fenty Beauty eyeshadow primer for years—and I still don’t understand why they discontinued it. Recently, I was influenced to try the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Concealer (also at Sephora), and I really love it. I wear shade 200 (Light Medium with Cool Undertones), and it goes on beautifully.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Longwear Liquid Concealer

It does a great job covering dark circles and discoloration without settling too much into fine lines. At my age, everything creases a little, but this one definitely performs better than most. It’s also just light enough compared to my foundation to really brighten the under-eye area.

Before that, I was using the DRMTLGY Luminous Eye Corrector® SPF 41 in Medium. I’m pretty sure an Instagram ad influenced me to try this one. The claim was that a color corrector works better than concealer for dark circles, and the demo was convincing enough that I was curious to give it a shot.

That said, I can’t say I see a major difference in how it performs. I actually feel like the Fenty Beauty concealer might give me better coverage overall. I’m planning to do a true side-by-side test to see if I can really tell a difference—so stay tuned on that.

While I was on the Fenty site, I also ordered the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in RiRi (Shimmering Rose Mauve Nude), and it’s excellent as well. The formula is smooth and hydrating, the shade is very wearable, and it adds just the right amount of shine without feeling sticky.

Victoria Beckham Beauty

I saw a few of the Victoria Beckham Beauty products recommended by someone I follow (I can’t recall who it was), and I believe it was either the eyebrow pencil or the eyeliner they called out. I ended up ordering both of those—and added the Reflect Highlighter Stick while I was at it. I’m wearing all three in these photos. Here are my thoughts!

FYI, shipping at Victoria Beckham Beauty is free on orders over $70, which—unfortunately—is not hard to do. You can also find it at Nordstrom, and sometimes it goes on sale at Violet Grey.

wearing: crystal station necklace & earrings // v-neck sweater (M) // Satin Kajal Liner // BabyBlade Eyebrow Pencil

The Satin Kajal Liner (also at Nordstrom) is a long-wear, waterproof eyeliner pencil with a smudger on the other end. It goes on incredibly smoothly, blends beautifully, and truly wears all day. It also works really well on the waterline, which is a big plus for me. It comes in a ton of shades, and I’m curious to try one of the lighter colors next.

The BabyBlade Eyebrow Pencil (also at Nordstrom) is one of the softest brow pencils I’ve used, and I love that it’s self-sharpening. The spoolie on the other end is great, and the tip is very precise—but I do have to use a light hand, or it can look a little dramatic.

I still find myself reaching for my longtime favorite Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz now and then, especially when I’m in a rush. I have the Medium Brown, but next time I’ll order the Dark Brown.

The Reflect Highlighter Stick (also at Nordstrom) was probably the biggest surprise of the bunch. I’m not someone who reaches for highlighter often, and when I do, it’s usually a powder. This stick is really good, though. (I have it in Pearl.)

I warm it up in my palm and apply it with my fingertips just above my cheekbones and on the tip of my nose after blush. Any leftover product gets lightly tapped above my eyebrows, and you can also use it in the inner corners of the eyes. It gives the skin a soft, luminous glow that looks natural—not sparkly or overdone.

Finding Ferdinand

Finding Ferdinand is another clean beauty brand that leans into a more minimal, natural approach to makeup. One of the products they’re best known for is The Black Lip Balm, which I was really curious to try.

Delicious Balms in Framboise Raspberry // The Black Lip Balm in The Black Chocolate

The Black Lip Balm has a sheer, cool-toned berry tint that adjusts beautifully and can be built up if you want a little more color. It’s very hydrating and leaves lips feeling moisturized without being sticky or heavy. It comes in three scent options—Mixed Berries, Chocolate, and No Scent.

The Black Lip Balm in The Black Chocolate // Delicious Balms in Framboise Raspberry

I also tried the Delicious Balm in Framboise Raspberry, and I think I might like this one even more. I’m wearing it here, and it has a slightly brighter, more vibrant look on the lips, while still staying sheer and easy to wear.

Both balms are incredibly moisturizing, never feel too dark, and can be layered to get just the right amount of color.

InnBeauty Project

I hadn’t heard of InnBeauty, and I was about to overlook their offer to let me try a few products until one of my team members told me how good it is. I’m so glad she did, because the Extreme Cream has actually replaced my go-to night cream for the time being.

I still love the Replenix Nighttime Therapy, but I’m really enjoying how the Extreme Cream applies. It does feel a bit greasy at first, but in a really good way—almost like it’s creating an extra barrier, which is exactly what my skin seems to need this time of year. It blends in beautifully, feels rich without being heavy, and somehow continues hydrating all night long. I wake up with my skin feeling moisturized and nourished. Bonus: it’s also a little less expensive per ounce.

They also sent the Extreme Cream Eye to try, and I like it a lot too. I wasn’t using an eye cream regularly before this, but this one goes on really well and sinks in without disappearing, if that makes sense. I’ve been using it morning and night, and during this extreme cold, both products have been making my skin very happy.

Tip: Sign up for their emails to get a 15% off coupon code.

Remedy Skin

Remedy Skin offered to send me their Daily Defense 15% Vitamin C Complex Brightening Serum to try. While I’ve been happily using the Timeless Vitamin C Serum for years, but I was curious to try something new, and I’ve really been liking this one so far. It has a creamier texture, which I appreciate this time of year, and it layers well under moisturizer and sunscreen.

To be totally transparent, I can never really see an immediate difference with brightening products like vitamin C. I use them because they’re consistently recommended by dermatologists and are considered an important step for long-term skin health—helping with things like tone, brightness, and environmental protection over time. This one feels nourishing on the skin thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and it doesn’t irritate or sting, which is a win for me.

tarte cosmetics

Last, but not least, I’m a longtime fan of tarte cosmetics, and they’re running a really good promo right now: their Hot Steals event with bestsellers starting at $10 (up to 65% off) through 2/12, plus free shipping on orders over $20.

I was excited to try a new eyeshadow palette since my longtime favorite was discontinued. The Positive Vibes Eyeshadow Palette is a really pretty mix of cool-toned pinks and mauves. It’s about half matte and half shimmer, which makes it easy to create a soft, polished eye look.

The new Sex Kitten Liquid Liner is great for more sophisticated evening looks. It goes on smoothly and makes it easy to create a clean, dramatic wing.

Finally, I’m a huge fan of the Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump, tarte’s all-in-one plumping balm, gloss, color, and hydrating treatment. I often wear it over lipstick or just with liner on more subtle days. I recently picked up Buffed Rose, but it turned out to be darker and more mauve than I expected, so I’m not sure it will earn a permanent spot in my makeup drawer. I definitely prefer the lighter, pinker shades like Cherry Blossom and Mixed Berries.

On My List to Try:

Fresh is sending me this Sugar Recover Lip Mask, which I’m excited to try. I’ve been using the Balm Amour Lip Treatment religiously every night, and I also keep a Handmade Heroes lip mask in my kitchen and apply it whenever my lips feel dry throughout the day. My lips are definitely less dry and peeling than usual, but I’m always open to trying new products.

I’ve owned this gua sha for a while and used it on and off, but after watching this tutorial, I’m recommitting to using it consistently to see if it helps with my sagging jawline. It’s supposed to be great for de-puffing and sculpting when used properly and consisently.

This 8 hour hair treatment by Kérastase comes highly recommended by one of my favorite beauty follows. It uses niacinamide to nourish, hydrate, detangle, and boost shine overnight. I’m already a loyal user of their heat protectant, so I’m excited to try this.

For body care, I’m still loving the Soft Services Carea Cream and keep the Buffing Bar in the shower. I recently saw this Japanese washcloth recommended and want to try it. It sounds like a gentler exfoliation option and is long enough to use on your back. Loofahs and scrubbers tend to gross me out, so I’m hopeful this will be a good alternative.

I also want to try this foot mask. I get regular pedicures year-round, but dry heels and calluses seem to come with age, so I’m curious to see how this works between appointments.

A Few Final Notes

Of course, not everything I try makes it into my routine long-term—but just because something didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. Overall, I think all of these products are worth trying, especially if you’re curious about updating your routine or testing something new.

As always, let me know if you have any questions—I’m happy to help!

For more more of my tried & true makeup and skincare favorites, see the Beauty tab on my ShopMy Storefront!