As a skincare and makeup junkie, there are very few brands I haven’t tried. However, there’s one brand that I was wary of trying for a while: Crunchi. I had heard that their products didn’t apply well or stay on well, and considering I have high standards when it comes to makeup, I wasn’t interested. Yes, I prefer clean and safe products, but they must perform as well as my non-clean makeup. And in my experience with Beautycounter (another clean, non-toxic brand that recently shut down) the makeup didn’t last very long or look very good (with a few exceptions like the foundation and lipsticks).

So when a friend of mine sent me some Crunchi makeup to try a few weeks ago, I was skeptical. It’s rare that a product blows me away, so I’m shocked to admit that there are now a handful of Crunchi products that have made their way into my daily makeup routine. I really like these products. I applied them for the first time on camera in this reel.

In this post, I’ll share some background on Crunchi, including what makes it a clean brand, what kind of products they carry, and how shopping from Crunchi works. I’m also sharing a detailed review of the products I’ve tried and my recommendations for what you should buy and skip.

Let’s jump in.

My Crunchi Makeup Review (what I like and what I don’t)

Is Crunchi Truly Non-Toxic?

Yes! Crunchi is known for being a squeaky-clean beauty brand. They test every ingredient they use, and everything in their products has been validated as “safe” via a 30-step screening process. They have a long list of “banished” ingredients you’ll never find in their products. See the Crunchi banished ingredients listed on their website here. The US doesn’t have a standard definition of “toxin-free” in the beauty industry. Still, Crunchi has defined “toxin-free” this way: It does not contain any ingredients known to cause harm or health hazards, based on available ingredient data and research. Non-toxic makeup is better for you because it reduces the risk of skin irritation, allergies, and long-term health issues. It’s also generally safer for the environment.

Every single Crunchi product is vegan (with one exception- the Hydrogloss Lip Oil contains organic beeswax) and gluten-free. And while almost every ingredient is natural, Crunchi does include a few synthetic ingredients (safety tested, of course) to help with performance, efficacy, and longevity. One of my favorite things about Crunchi is that its products are made here in the USA. Read more about Crunchi’s mission and safety standards on this page.

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff now!

My Crunchi Makeup Review

I haven’t tried any Crunchi skincare, but if and when I do, I’ll report back on that as well. Today, I’m breaking down the best (and worst) Crunchi makeup products, along with my recommendation of buy, maybe buy, or don’t buy. I also have a Crunchi promo code at the bottom of the post, if you decide to buy anything!

Beautifully Flawless Foundation – Maybe Buy

The Beautifully Flawless Foundation makes my skin look really good. It’s a medium to full coverage foundation (more on the full side). I’ve found it challenging to find a non-toxic full-coverage foundation, and this isn’t perfect. I don’t love how it feels on my face for the first 30 minutes after I apply it – it’s heavy until it settles in. I think this is an excellent option if you’re looking for a non-toxic, full-coverage foundation, but I still reach for other foundations in my bag more often.

The main ingredients in this foundation are snow mushroom, organic botanical sunflower and aloe. The Snow mushroom hydrates, smoothes, and plumps the skin, while the sunflower and aloe give you a smooth, buildable texture.

Sunlight® Tinted SPF 30 – Buy

The Sunlight® Tinted SPF 30 is a definite yes. This is my favorite Crunchi product by far, since it’s the perfect tinted moisturizer! Not too much coverage, not too little, not too greasy, not too drying. I’ve tried many different brands (Beautycounter, Ilia, Elta MD, Wonderscreen, Tarte) and I like the Sunlight® Tinted SPF 30 the very best. If you buy just ONE thing to start, get this

It’s hydrating, and the SPF does not dry me out (rare for tinted moisturizers). The coverage is better than the other clean-tinted moisturizers I’ve tried. It also doesn’t have any weird smells, unlike my other favorite tinted moisturizer (Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, which I’ve also reviewed) and it doesn’t leave my skin looking greasy (like Dime Beauty Wonderscreen, another clean brand I’ve reviewed).

This tinted moisturizer’s SPF is non-nano mineral zinc oxide, a safe form of SPF. It also contains vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten the skin and minimize the appearance of pores. Squalane and hyaluronic acid help hydrate and lock in moisture.

My Alibi® Liquid Concealer – Buy

Definite yes. The My Alibi® Liquid Concealer brightens and covers so well – it even covered my dark circles flawlessly on a particularly hard day, after being up all night with my baby. I love the small packaging too. I’ve been grabbing this over my Tarte concealer (reviewed here) and ILIA concealers. It’s made with a superfruit oil blend, which hydrates, smoothes, and depuffs the under eyes. It also contains snow mushroom, which gives it that smooth texture and helps brighten the area under the eyes.

Cheekmate® Liquid Blush – Buy

Absolute yes. The Cheekmate® Liquid Blush is the second-best Crunchi makeup product I’ve tried (or maybe tied with the concealer!). It’s super pigmented and looks fantastic once you buff it in. If you’re new to liquid blush, however, it may take a bit to get used to. You only need a tiny dot of product and blend it very well with a fluffy brush, since it’s easy to overdo it.

The pigment is made of 100% pure earth pigments that are naturally derived and long-lasting. Plant squalane gives it a smooth, lightweight texture. Snow mushroom and meadowfoam seed oil hydrate and plump the cheeks, and licorice root extract is a natural antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental stressors.

Nutribrow® Eyebrow Pencil – Buy

The Nutribrow® Eyebrow Pencil is another definite yes for me. The color is the best I’ve ever found in a brow pencil and easy to apply. However, it doesn’t have any fancy frills that other brow pencils do (you have to sharpen it yourself, and it doesn’t have a spoolie on the end), but I still find myself using it over my other brow products and just grabbing another spoolie to brush after applying.

This pencil is made with fruit waxes, which keep the brows defined and sculpted.

Everluxe® Lip Crayon – Maybe Buy

The Everluxe® Lip Crayon is a “maybe” for me. I like how it looks and applies, but it has a very weird smell that turns me off. I rarely use it for that reason, but when I do, I love how it looks. This crayon is made with 100% pure earth pigments that are naturally derived and long-lasting and fruit waxes that give it a natural glide.

Hydrogloss® Lip Oil – Maybe Buy

I am not a huge gloss girl in general, but this Hydrogloss Lip Oil applies well and looks nice. It’s not sticky, and I like the shade options. This is more a preference than a true opinion, since I’m not a gloss person.

This gloss is made with organic beeswax which gives it high shine, an organic fruit blend for hydration, and 100% pure earth pigments for natural color.

Highliner® Pencil Eyeliner – Don’t Buy

HARD pass. This Highliner Pencil Eyeliner has a very stiff consistency and is very difficult to use. It required so much effort to apply that it actually irritated my eyes. If you really want a safe eyeliner, I suppose you could use this, but you may need to warm it up under a blow dryer to get it to work. I’d buy Ilia’s Gel Liner instead.

This eyeliner is made with sunflower seed oil for a creamy smooth application (I did not think it was smooth), and fruit waxes for smudge-proof wear.

Shadow Bar® Enchanted Neutrals – Don’t Buy

Hard pass on this, too. I reacted to the Shadow Bar Enchanted Neutrals eyeshadow (which I realize might not be the case for most), but I also don’t like the pigment or staying powder as much as other eyeshadows I have.

These shades are made of 100% pure earth pigments for long-lasting color (these are heavy metal tested) and organic olive and jojoba oils for smooth, buildable texture.

What is Crunchi’s Return Policy?

You can try Crunchi products for 30 days; if you aren’t happy with them, they’ll refund you. Unfortunately, you do have to pay for return shipping.

Where to buy Crunchi makeup?

Crunchi makeup is only sold online and has a direct-sales business model. In this model, someone receives a commission when you buy Crunchi using their link (this is called affiliate marketing). Like a realtor makes a commission when they sell you a house, I’ll make a commission when you buy Crunchi using the links in this post (so thank you!).

Bottom Line

I have been pleasantly surprised by Crunchi’s makeup. It performs better than expected, and I absolutely love the blush, tinted moisturizer, and brow pencil. Don’t forget that you can use the Crunchi Makeup coupon code ADVOCATE20 for 20% off orders when you use my Crunchi link.

The post My Crunchi Makeup Review (what I like and what I don’t) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I’m VERY picky about what I choose to put on my face and clean beauty is something that I’m passionate about. I’m always on the lookout for my new favorite product (I consider myself a pretty big skincare and makeup junkie – see my full makeup routine here), and ILIA has so many options to choose from. Today I’m sharing my ILIA Beauty review and my honest opinions on what’s worth picking up for yourself.

You’ll see a short description of each product and my take on each one. Lots of winners but a few I don’t love.

ILIA Makeup Review

ILIA Beauty is different from most makeup brands since they also incorporate active skincare ingredients to protect skin during the day from environmental stressors and sun damage. (I try to be extra productive wherever I can, so multitasking formulas get bonus points in my book.)

Sasha Plavsic launched this beauty brand in 2011 in Vancouver, using her background in homeopathic health and wellness to develop a safe makeup line that is still high-performing. Their clean approach to makeup prioritizes healthy ingredients, sustainable packaging, and skincare-led formulas to protect and improve skin texture over time.

I love this approach to makeup. More and more brands are starting to include skincare ingredients in their makeup, but that was part of ILIA’s mission from the beginning. Their makeup uses ingredients that renew your skin’s moisture barrier, which is especially great for dry, aging skin like mine.

I reach for their makeup when I’m going for a no-makeup makeup look and just want a subtle wash of color. It leaves such a glowy and fresh finish. Some of my very favorite influencers (like April Lockhart) wear almost exclusively ILIA and have such gorgeous makeup, which inspires me to try more ILIA products.

Is ILIA Beauty Clean?

Yes! ILIA Beauty is always made without gluten, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, mineral oil, talc, BHA/BHT, propylene glycol, PEG, cyclomethicones, or chemical screens. Their formulas are created using natural, non-irritating ingredients that are suitable for all skin types. I feel comfortable using their products knowing how much research and intentionality goes into picking their ingredients.

Is ILIA Beauty Cruelty Free?

ILIA Beauty is certified by Leaping Bunny and never tests on animals. Their brand focuses on sustainable practices through their packaging as well, using recycled aluminum, glass components, and responsibly sourced paper.

Is ILIA Beauty Vegan?

The only non-vegan ingredient used in ILIA Beauty is beeswax. Synthetic beeswax uses mineral oil, so Ilia uses ethically sourced natural beeswax to get around that. (Mineral oil is a byproduct of gasoline and clogs pores.) All Ilia Beauty products are vegan except the below. These do include beeswax:

• Limitless Lash Mascara
• Fullest Volumizing Mascara
• Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm
• Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment
• Multi-Stick
• Balmy Days

My Favorite ILIA Makeup Products

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

The Super Serum Skin Tint is a personal favorite of mine. The water-based consistency is similar to a tinted moisturizer and includes non-nano zinc oxide to protect skin from sun damage, blue light (love this!), and pollution.

It uses hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide to improve skin texture and hydration after a few uses. The lightweight finish stays intact all day and is so hydrating and natural looking.

My take: I go for this product on days when I don’t want to look like I’m wearing makeup, but still want to even out my skin and add a little extra glow. I do have to note, however, that it has a subtle smell when you first apply it…sort of like dog food. Gross, I know. The smell dissipates after a few minutes, but just a heads up if you experience the same thing. It looks and feels so good on my skin that it’s worth it for me.

This is far and away the best tinted moisturizer with SPF that I’ve tried. (I used Beautycounter’s Dew Skin for years but found it was too drying as I got closer to 40, so I now go for this Ilia skin tint instead.) I wear shade ORA ST6. Also, I wrote a full review of the Super Serum Skin Tint that you can read here.

True Skin Serum Foundation

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation is a medium-coverage foundation. The formula is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and safe for any skin type. Niacinamide, allantoin, and aloe help minimize pores, fine lines, redness, and uneven tones and the active skincare ingredients work even after you take off your makeup to improve your skin texture and dullness.

My take: This foundation is so breathable and natural looking, and it’s buildable so you can choose what coverage you’re looking for. And I also appreciate that the hydrating ingredients prevent it from becoming dry or cakey throughout the day. I love this one so much that I have a full review on this foundation which you can read here. And a round-up of all my favorite lightweight foundations here.)

Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

The Skin Rewind Complexion Stick is one of ILIA’s newest products. I was really excited to try it after loving Merit Beauty’s complexion stick, and while they’re similar, I prefer ILIA because the stick itself is bigger making it easier to apply. It also blends a little bit easier. It’s buildable for more coverage and look so natural! I wear Willow. It works well on my dry, mature skin but I do like a face oil underneath (I like this Merit Glow Serum). See how I compared it to Merit in this Instagram Reel.

True Skin Serum Concealer

The ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer pairs well with their Skin Serum Foundation, or on its own for natural-looking medium coverage. Vitamin C, mastic, and albizia julibrissin bark extract help improve skin’s appearance (particularly smoothness and dullness) while actively protecting your complexion from outside pollution. The crease-free formula is super creamy (like shockingly so) and blendable for easy application and a natural finish that lasts until I take it off at night.

My take: I really like this concealer for my cheeks, chin and forehead since it’s so easy to blend. I don’t like it as much for my undereye area since it’s not quite as full coverage as I’d like for that area. (For undereye, I prefer Tarte’s Shape Tape Radiant Medium Coverage Concealer.)

Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil

The Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil is super hydrating because it uses hyaluronic acid, meadowfoam seed oil, and salicornia herbacea extract. I hate when lip products leave a sticky finish, and the Balmy Gloss moisturizes your lips without stickiness.

The active skincare ingredients nourish your lips and don’t include phenol, menthol, and salicylic acid (which can make your lips feel more chapped), so I appreciate that this formula doesn’t include those.

My take: This is one product that I haven’t yet tried, but it’s sitting in my cart and I’m just waiting for a sale.

Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm

Tinted lip balms provide the perfect flush of color without looking like true lipstick. This is creamy and buildable and it helps with dry or chapped lips, both when you apply and over time. Salicornia, rosehip seed oil, and shea butter provide hydration. This was actually the product that started Ilia Beauty and is now a cult classic. It gives the most gorgeous. natural-looking tint.

My take: This is hydrating and creamy but you have to use a really light touch when you apply (at least with the color I have). It’s much more pigmented than most balms I’m used to and the product can bleed easily.

Multi-Stick

The ILIA multi-stick makes makeup so easy. It’s great on days when I’m short on time because it doubles as lipstick and blush. It leaves the prettiest long-lasting color and adds just enough to make you look fresher and more awake. It uses shea butter, avocado oil, and orange peel wax to condition, soften, and protect the skin. The multi-tasking formula is buildable, so you can customize how intense you want the color to be.

My take: It’s a great option to use if you’re running out the door since it’s so easy to apply. The buttery texture is super blendable and not too pigmented. It find it a little dry so I have to press harder than I’d like to apply but that may be the nature of my dry skin. I also haven’t found a shade I think works well as eyeshadow, but it works well for cheeks and lips for sure.

NightLite Bronzing Powder

The ILIA Bronzer is a talc-free powder that gives a matte finish. While the formula is powder, it feels almost buttery and is super blendable. Unfortunately I think ILIA may be discontinuing it. I was able to find a few shades available on Amazon, so be sure to order quickly if you’re interested.

My take: This stuff is seriously pigmented and it’s easy to go overboard… but if you like a matte bronzer, you will probably love it. My employee uses it daily and says to make sure to use a large fluffy brush to diffuse the pigment. We both have the lighter shade Drawn In.

Color Block Lipstick

The Color Block Lipstick gives a smooth, bold color while also hydrating your lips all day. It’s very full-coverage and uses organic castor seed oil which helps with the intensity of the color. This is probably my longest lasting lip color, almost like it stains them (in a good way) so I only do light touch-ups after meals.

My take: The lipstick is hydrating and two two shades I have are both very pretty. (I have both Amberlight and Rococco… I’m wearing Amberlight (no filter) below). I do find that I have to be super precise when I apply because it’s a true lipstick and not a lipsheer or balm-type formula.

ILIA Color Haze

ILIA Color Haze is another multi-use product! It’s a cream blush and lip color in one, and I can’t get over how long it lasts on skin! The most interesting thing about this product is that it’s dewy when applied to your cheeks, but has a matte finish on your lips. Just a tiny bit will go a long way––it gives the prettiest soft wash of natural color.

My take: I love love love the Color Haze blush. It’s very pigmented but blends beautifully and is long lasting. Most liquid blushes dispense too much product, which leaves a mess to clean up but this deposits the perfect amount and gives the perfect “I just finished a good workout” flush. I find it a little too matte on my lips (just not my style) but I LOVE it for blush.

Clean Line Liquid Liner

The ILIA liquid eyeliner is highly pigmented without the use of Carbon Black. Carbon black is a commonly used ingredient in eye makeup but many people don’t know that it’s been proven to be a carcinogen. Ilia uses charcoal instead to produce a safer (but still effective) pigment. This water-resistant eyeliner stays put all day and the applicator makes it easy to apply, even if you struggle with liquid liners.

My take: The felt tip is flexible but firm enough to effortlessly create a smooth, clean line. It gives the perfect level of control. So many kinds of eye makeup smudge on me, but this one doesn’t. I don’t use liquid liner often but when I do, it’s this one.

In Frame Brow Gel

This In Frame Brow Gel is a very easy-to-use brow gel for everyday. Most days I go for The BrowGal Clear Eyebrow Gel with the Glo Brow Pencil since I get a fuller brow that way, but I use ILIA when I’m more rushed.

Limitless Lash Mascara

The ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara is made of bee and carnauba waxes to nourish each individual lash and keep them lifted. The gentle formula is flake-free and water-resistant, so it stays in place until the end of the day. This product is made with shea butter and keratin to enhance lashes without being irritating.

My take: I have sensitive eyes and not only does the ILIA Limitless Lash mascara not irritate, but warm water easily washes it away without having to pull too much at my skin. However, this mascara isn’t my top pick (I prefer Tarte’s Tubing mascara), but it’s a great clean option, especially if you like a VERY natural looking, lengthened lash. I just prefer more volume and I have issues with mascara smudging, unless it’s tubing mascara. (More on tubing mascaras here.) Since this isn’t tubing, I can’t use it without smudges!

Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment

The ILIA Lip Wrap is an overnight lip treatment to help hydrate dry or cracked lips. It contains papaya enzymes, salicornia (sea succulent) and hyaluronic acid (!!) which work together to buff the dry skin off your lips and then provide majorhydration. You can use this in the morning and evening, but I tend to use it mostly at night.

My take: ILIA Lip Wrap is awesome. It’s super hydrating and doesn’t have a weird smell or taste at all. I use it every night!

Lip Wrap Reviving Balm

The Lip Wrap Reviving Balm is basically the daytime counterpart to the overnight lip mask. It’s an everyday balm that includes active levels of hyaluronic acid and salicornia (just like the overnight treatment), but it does not include the papaya enzymes, since those are what help to exfoliate and buff the flakey skin off –– and no one wants that during the day.

My take: I keep this in my purse at all times. It’s not tinted, but it’s the perfect balm. Seriously hydrating and makes lips look fuller without any craxy ingredients. It is kind of hard to dispense after a while so just know you’ll have to squeeze a bit harder than you expect as it starts to get about halfway empty.

Is ILIA Beauty Legit?

I am a big fan of many ILIA Beauty. Their makeup (especially their foundation and skin serum) gives such a natural-looking finish and hydrates my skin. They’re not my go-to when I’m looking for a more glam or full coverage look, but for everyday wear I love their products. If you’re on the hunt for subtle-looking makeup with clean ingredients, I would 100% recommend giving ILIA a try.

Where is ILIA Beauty Sold?

You can buy ILIA Beauty directly from ILIA’s website, but they also sell their products at a few other retailers including Sephora, Nordstrom, Revolve, Kohl’s, and even Walmart!

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The post ILIA Makeup Review – what I like and what I don’t appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I have strong opinions on what makes a mascara worth buying more than once and I’m always looking for a unicorn. And the Tarte Tartlette Tubing Mascara is that unicorn. I’m sharing my full review today and what I look for in a perfect mascara.

I want volume AND length. And most mascaras are one or the other. I also want a mascara that does not smudge, and only tubing mascara can truly promise that. Most traditional mascaras smudge on me since they’re oil soluble, which is why regular eye makeup removers takes them off. Because of this, the super popular volumizing + lengthening mascaras don’t work for me. The only mascara I can wear without smudging is water-soluble, a.k.a. “tubing” mascara. While tubing mascaras are great for length, they often fall short on volume. But today, I’m here to tell you that I have found a unicorn. I shared a bit more about how tubing mascaras work in this blog post.

For years I was wearing the Thrive Cosmetics Mascara. It was lengthening but didn’t provide much volume. I’d give it a B. However, a few years ago I learned that Tarte had a tubing mascara (and I love Tarte), so I quickly grabbed the Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette Tubing Mascara. And while there are still some things I wish were better, I’d give this mascara an A or A-, which is saying a LOT considering my high standards.

I wear Tarte Tubing Mascara almost exclusively right now, so I thought it was time for a full review. I should also note that since I first shared this blog post, Tarte has released a new tubing mascara called the Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara that provides MORE volume and length. This review is strictly about the basic Tarte Tubing Mascara, but I have to say, the XL version is my preference (I love a bold lash).

Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara

The Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara is Tarte’s first-ever tubing formula mascara. It’s made to create flake- and smudge-free 24-hour wear that’s super lengthening. They also have a Tarte Tartlette XL Tubing Mascara that came out earlier this year for even more volume and length.

The plastic-molded brush applicator has 296 bristles to help coat every inch of your lashes. It also contains shea butter, caster oil, and plant waxes, which help create a bold and long lash. Two coats provide ample darkness, but I often do a third since I like a bold lash look.

What is a Tubing Mascara?

Tubing mascara generally means it contains tube-like polymers that wrap around each individual lash, which creates an enhanced lengthening effect. The difference between regular mascara and tubing mascara is that when you apply a tubing mascara, you’re coating each lash with a ‘tube’ that won’t budge, versus painting layers of pigment onto your lashes, which is how regular mascara formulas work. It’s also why you have to apply multiple tubing coats before the first one dries. It doesn’t layer well.

Tubing mascaras are water-soluble, which means the fibers come right off with warm water and a gentle swiping motion with your hand or a washcloth. They won’t smear or smudge with the natural oils of your skin and face wash or eye makeup won’t remove them the way you’d expect.

Tarte’s Tubing Mascara Key Ingredients

One of my favorite things about Tarte’s Tubing mascara is that it contains ingredients that are good for your lashes.

• Shea butter conditions lashes
• Castor oil moisturizes lashes
• Carnauba wax helps create a smooth application with lengthening & volumizing benefits

Formulation

I appreciate that Tarte is formulated with clean ingredients and does not contain parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, or gluten.

Benefits

There are so many benefits to using this mascara other than the look.

• It’s vegan
• 24-hr that won’t flake and is smudge free.
• Ophthalmologist tested, so it’s safe for contact lens-wearers (I wear contacts and have sensitive eyes and have no issues with this mascara)
• Dermatologist tested, so it’s great for sensitive skin
• It’s sweatproof making it perfect for all day wear, even when working out. I can wear it to pilates or while strength training, but if I get super sweaty while running, I may have a few tubing stragglers. (For the 2019 Boston Marathon, I wore this waterproof mascara and it did not budge.)

Results

I have the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara on one eye and no mascara on the other. Impressive, right??  Tubing mascaras wrap each lash, which looks very natural but still provides great length.

And a finished look:

Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Review

Like I mentioned in the intro, I’d give the Tarte Tartlette mascara an A- or possibly an A. While it’s the best tubing mascara I’ve tried, I’d still prefer more volume and a softer lash feel, but that’s just the nature of tubing mascaras. Since they’re formulated differently than oil-soluble mascaras, they just don’t look and feel quite the same. But even with that one downside, it’s still 100% the mascara I recommend if you struggle with smudging like me.

I love so much about the mascara, however.

Not clumpy

I don’t feel like I’m coating my lashes in pigment, and I don’t have issues with clumping like I did with other tubing mascaras, like Thrive and Hourglass Unlocked. The mascara wand gives me full control of the application, and it’s sturdy but not too inflexible. The Thrive Mascara wand always felt too stiff, and Hourlgass was far too flexible and hard to apply (it felt like the tip might fall off at any moment.) I truly feel like I can coat each lash almost individually, even with tiny lashes under my eye.

Natural looking finish

One of the benefits of tubing mascara is that it looks very natural, especially with just 1-2 coats. Since you’re coating each lash versus building up product, your lashes look more natural than regular mascara. So, if you like a natural makeup look like me, you’ll love this. Since the mascara uses a polymer that wraps around the lashes, I feel like it gives me a wide-awake effect.

Long-wearing

The claims are true. It stays on all day and it doesn’t budge.

Lengthening

With this mascara, my lashes look very long. Part of that is thanks to the eyelash boost serum I’ve been using recently. I do think that the XL tubing mascara gives me a little more length and volume, which I prefer, so I’ve been using that more.

How to Apply Tubing Mascara

Apply Primer

If you want even more volume, first apply lash primer. Tarte makes a great lash primer, but if I had to pick a favorite, it’s this lash primer from DIME. It’s a game-changer for mascara, even regular versions. But for the sake of keeping your online order simple, just add the Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer to your cart. I’m SO picky about mascara/primer, but I know most people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between DIME and Tarte primers.

Apply the primer just like I would mascara, and while it’s still fresh and moist, apply mascara. Don’t wait for the primer to dry.

Apply mascara to lashes

Immediately apply mascara on top of the primer. I’ll even do one eye with primer and finish with mascara before doing the other eye’s primer. I find that it works best if the primer does not dry. However, I haven’t used a primer since switching to the Tarte Tubing Mascara. I don’t feel like I need it, but I did find it helped with volume a lot with other brands.

After I’ve done my top lashes, I use the applicator to brush a little mascara on my bottom lashes. I use a light touch to keep them looking natural and only do one coat on my bottom lashes.

Clean up with Q-Tip

Since tubing mascara is easily removed with water, you can quickly clean up any mistakes with a damp q-tip. Just get it wet in warm water, and then use it to clean up any mascara that’s on your lid. If you let the mascara dry on your lid before cleaning it off, I recommend using a clean spoolie to brush it off instead, since it’ll flake right off your skin.

The raccoon eyes effect is very minimal with tubing mascaras.

How to take off tubing mascara

While you wash your face

The easiest way to remove tubing mascara is with warm water. I have to splash my face a few times to get my lashes wet enough for the mascara to begin sliding off. Then, I apply my cleansing balm and then remove it with a warm, wet muslin cloth. I press the wet cloth into my eyes to loosen the formula while I remove the cleansing balm and then finish by fully removing my mascara. Read more about my cleansing balm in this full review.

In the shower

If you shower at night, you’ll love how easy it is to remove this mascara. Just let the water rinse over you for a minute or two, and use your fingers to help pull the tubes off. SO easy (and very satisfying).

Is Tubing Mascara Safe?

It depends on which tubing mascara you’re using. Tarte uses clean ingredients, so yes. Just like anything, it’s important to test a product yourself before using it right away. In general, tubular mascaras are good for people with sensitive eyes.

Where to buy Tarte Tartelette tubing Mascara

You can order it online directly from Tarte, or find it at Sephora, Kohl’s, Ulta, or Target.

If you order directly from Tarte, use code terilyn15 for 15% off your order!

Here’s a photo of the finished result. Awake-looking, long lashes!

ILIA Red lipstick in shade Rococco! Read more about my ILIA favorites here.

Use code terilyn15 for 15% off your Tarte order

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The post Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Review (from a mascara snob) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

So when my brand manager reached out a month ago and asked if I’d be interested in trying MERIT Beauty, I pretty much screamed YES. MERIT kindly sent me a very generous collection of products and now that I’ve tried them, I can confirm that it is truly a 5-minute makeup routine that’s easy to apply.

But would I spend my own money on this? For the most part, yes. But not everything is the best I’ve ever tried. While I received product for free, I was not required to blog about it. This post is not sponsored and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.

My Honest Merit Makeup Review

Merit Beauty gives a very natural no-makeup look so it’s not what I’ll go for when I need to take work photos or have a family photo shoot. But for everyday life when you just want to feel polished for running errands, working from home or even just hanging out at the house, it’s a great option.

I have dry, mature skin (I’m turning 40 this year) so I especially appreciate how hydrating and blendable the products are. Below are the products I own, what I like, what’s just okay and the shades I have.

Here’s a quick little before and after before I get into each product. So light and natural, right?

Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

It’s hard for me to explain what the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum even does but I love it. I wasn’t expecting to see that much of a difference in my skin’s appearance since it’s a very thin liquid (like a toner) and not a foundation or tinted moisturizer, but my skin definitely smoother and glowy after I use it. The design of this product is to prep your skin for the rest of your makeup look, but you could wear it on its own as well.

The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Other complexion sticks that I’ve tried in the past have been dry, didn’t blend well and left my skin looking parched. The MERIT Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is better than most but it’s still not the best. Yes, it provides lightweight coverage like a foundation and also works well as a concealer around the nose and under eyes. It blends easily with a firm brush and but I felt like it sat on top of my skin rather than blending in.

The best one? Ilia’s foundation stick. It blends more easily with more even coverage and it’s more hydrating than Merit’s foundation sstick. (This post has more foundations and tinted moisturizers I love.)

You can see a comparison of the Merit foundation stick vs. Ilia foundation stick in this reel.

Solo Shadow Matte Eye Color

I’m not great at applying eye shadow and do tend to favor cream shadow since it seems to be a bit more forgiving. The Solo Shadow Matte Eye Color is a bit different from other cream shadows I’ve tried since it is truly matte. That takes a little get used to for me, and I have to blend a bit more, but I do like the way it applies. I have shade Studio but I’m not sure it’s the best color for my skin tone. Of everything I tried, this is my least favorite, but I think it’s more that I didn’t choose the best color for my skin tone.

Flush Balm Cheek Color

I love love love this Flush Balm Cheek Color cream blush. I also love the packaging, how creamy it is, and how easily it blends in. While I have multiple other cream blushes, this is my #1 pick now because of the blendability. I have shade Cheeky, and it’s the perfect color for me. But it is not long-lasting, and I find I have to reapply throughout the day.

Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade

When I wrote my Best of Beauty Awards blog post, I didn’t have a brow gel that I thought was perfect. I liked aspects of the brow gels I had but also had complaints. Well ladies, I have found the perfect brow gel, and it’s the Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade from MERIT Beauty.

It provides volume without the brows looking huge and unruly; I know that big brows are a trend but sometimes brow gels overdo it. It doesn’t drop too much pigment and the formula isn’t too wet or too dry. Also, it provides volume and color without requiring clean-up with a q-tip. I have shade Brown.

Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick

I have dozens of lipsticks and like them all for different reasons. And previously if I could have only picked one lipstick, I would have said the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick. It’s a gorgeous shade, hydrating and long lasting and it’s what I always wear for photoshoots and family photos. But the Merit Signature Lip is even better. It’s more hydrating and makes my lips look plumper. It’s truly the perfect lipstick and I’m definitely ordering more shades. I currently have shade Millennial.

Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil

I have only tried one other lip oil so I don’t have a huge sample size to compare to but I do like this Shade Slick Tinted Lip oil better than the other ones I’ve used over the years, which seemed to bleed at the edges. Also, I prefer this over lipgloss, which lends itself to stickiness, while this is hydrating and shiny but not as sticky. I have shade Pink Beet.

Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara

This is one product I haven’t tried yet but I’m going to order it. I didn’t realize that Merit Beauty’s mascara was a tubing mascara, and like I shared in this blog post about the best tubing mascaras, it’s the only type of mascara I can wear. Given how much I love all their other products, I’m fully expecting to love this but I am rather picky about mascaras. So, I will update this post with details once I get my hands on it!

One thing to note is that MERIT Beauty doesn’t list their full ingredients list online (you can see the full lists for MERIT at Sephora), but from what I’ve read on other sites, they include lots of natural hydrating ingredients like avocado oil, sea daffodil extract, quinoa seed oil and others.

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While I haven’t tried all of their products (not even close!), I do have a few favorites that have become a regular part of my makeup routine, so I felt like a full review of Chantecaille was in order. In this post, I’m sharing my experience with the products I have tried, an overview of the brand, and a few links in case you’re interested in trying yourself.

Chantecaille Makeup Review

About Chantecaille

First, let’s talk about Chantecaille itself. The brand was started in 1998 by founder Sylvie Chantecaille and her daughter Olivia. Sylvie was not new to building beauty brands; before Chantecaille. she started her first cosmetic company with her friend Diane von Furstenberg, and was then asked by the Lauder family (Estée Lauder and her husband) to create a new beauty company, which became Prescriptives (which has now been discontinued). After a few other ventures, Sylvie began Chantecaille.

Chantecaille originally started as a niche French fragrance house with four original scents based on natural essential oils. And a year or so later, Sylvie knew she wanted to branch into beauty and skincare. During a trip to France, Sylvie and Olivia discovered a field of the rare Rose de Mai in Grasse (southern France), and from there, they focused on a new rosewater that had anti-aging benefits.

Now, rosewater is the first ingredient in most of their skincare products. They source super high quality botanicals to create their skincare, and care deeply about using plant stem cells, which are pure and use very little soil and much less water than field sourcing does.

Chantecaille is also very focused on environmental conservation efforts. Since 2006, they’ve started 29 Limited Edition Philanthropy Collections and donated more than $3 million on behalf of coral reefs, wolves, gorillas, elephants, bees, pangolins and more, with products that fund charities working to protect the world’s most endangered species and spaces (read more about those conservation efforts here).

All this to say, Chantecaille products are created thoughtfully and intentionally, using high concentrations of pure ingredients and smart science. I love that combo.

How to Pronounce Chantecaille

Chantecaille is pronounced “Shawn-te-kai”.

Is Chantecaille Clean Beauty?

In general, I would say yes, Chantecaille is a clean beauty brand. They aren’t quite as transparent or committed to excluding certain ingredients as Beautycounter is (who I view as the leader in the clean beauty industry), but similarly to ILIA Beauty (which I love, read about my ILIA favorites here), Chantecaille does not use phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, palm oil, or GMOs, which is great and better than the vast majority of beauty brands. Their skincare is also free of synthetic colors and fragrances. EWG ranks Chantecaille products at a 3, which is fairly decent.

Is Chantecaille Cruelty Free?

Yes, completely.

Best Of Chantecaille Cosmetics

I’m sharing the 7 products I’ve tried, along with a handful of products that are next on my list. I haven’t had the chance to try their skincare, just the beauty products.

Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation

My very favorite Chantecaille product is their Future Skin Foundation. I LOVE how smooth this foundation is and how long it lasts. It feels super natural on my skin and gives me a really nice glow. I have LOVED the Beautycounter Skin Twin Foundation – it’s so natural looking – but I found this one more hydrating for the dry winter months. If you struggle with dry skin, I’d recommend this. It is pricier than most foundations but a little goes a long way. When the warmer months roll around, I tend to opt for something with a little more radiance like this glow tint from Tarte.

This foundation has a gel-like consistency, and is made of up of 60% water, so it’s incredibly lightweight but still provides nice coverage. I use a makeup sponge, makeup brush or my fingers to apply it. It gives medium to full coverage, which is perfect for the winter months. (I prefer a lighter coverage in the summer). It contains aloe, chamomile and arnica which help calm irritation and soothe sensitive skin, along with rosemary, green tea and rice bran which prevent environmentally-caused oxidation.

Chantecaille Brow Eclat Highlighter

I REALLY like the Brow Eclat Highlighter (OOS at Chantecaille so linking at Saks!). It’s a brow highlighter (y’all know how much I love doing my brows). You use this on your brow bone for a lifting effect, and you can also help tame stray hairs with this. It has a caffeine-enriched formula, so your eyes feel awake and brightened as you use this too.

You wouldn’t use it to fill in your brows, but rather highlight the arch, so you’d use it addition to a brow gel or pencil. This is $27, which is a very fair price in my opinion and it lasts forever.

Chantecaille Mermaid Eyeshadow

I’m totally obsessed with the Mermaid Eyeshadow in the color Copper. This isn’t really a cream shadow, even though it comes in a little pot. I use my finger to apply and blend to my brow bone. It’s more powder than cream, and SO easy to apply. It blends beautifully. The copper color isn’t what I would have picked originally, but the ladies at Swan Beauty did my color matching and this is what they sent (which is proof that professionals are super helpful when choosing shades!).

This eyeshadow is infused with a silk tree extract which creates a lasting metallic sheen.  It’s richly pigmented, but not in a way that feels overwhelming to apply.

Chantecaille Luster Glide Silk Infused Eyeliner

I have the Luster Glide Silk Infused Eyeliner in Amethyst (it pairs BEAUTIFULLY with the copper eye shadow with my green/hazel eyes). It’s long wearing and transfer proof, but does come off easily when I wash my face my face at night. (Here’s my skincare routine.) I love that it’s soft and easy to apply, but it can be sharpened for tighter line too.

Chantecaille Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil Definer

Now if you do want something waterproof, this waterproof eyebrow pencil definer is a great product. It’s not for your lash line, but rather your eyebrows. I’m a BIG brows girl, and this is one of my favorite brow products. It’s a one-stop pencil, which is really nice. I use it to define my brows and then fill them in a bit. The spooly on the ends ends tame brows and the pencil shapes and holds them in place.

Chantecaille Real Bronze

This Real Bronze bronzer has a little shimmer, and I tend to grab it one more often than the ILIA bronzer I have since it’s more forgiving (which is VERY pigmented and a bit hard to apply and blend).  I find that just a little goes a long way. And it’s not too dark for my light-medium skin tone. I use the golden-bronze shade. I also love the gel-powder formula. But, if you want a matte bronzer, get the ILIA one.

This is an Allure Best of Beauty Winner, so you know it’s good!

Chantecaille Perfect Blur Finishing Powder

I find that most powders are FAR too drying on my aging skin, but the Perfect Blur Finishing Powder actually makes my skin feel more hydrated and sets my makeup incredibly well. Since I love cream products for most of my makeup, a setting powder helps keep things in place, especially in the warmer months. (The one on the left is a Tarte Glow Powder, which gives a tiny bit of sheen and is another favorite.)

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

While I do have a tinted moisturizer that I love, I’m always open to trying new products, just in case one is better than the one I have ;). The Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer is a Chantecaille best seller, and since it contains SPF, it meets my standards. This has smoothing coverage, and I love that it contains thyme and butterfly bush extract, which supposedly have powerful antioxidant benefits. I plan to order it when I’m running low on tinted moisturizer.

Chantecaille Pure Rosewater

Now, I think this would have to be gifted to me in order to justify trying it, since it’s $80. However, Sylvie Chantecaille swears by this product, and says its her holy grail. When asked what she loved the most from her brand, this was her answer, “I can’t live without our Pure Rosewater – I won’t fly without the travel size bottle, it’s the first thing I reach for in the morning and the last thing I treat my face with at bedtime. Ours is the only rosewater that is made from 100% of the very rare Rose de Mai—the extract from 1,000 petals is in every bottle.”

Chantecaille Radiance Elixir

This Radiance Elixir is another product I’d have to be gifted in order to justify. The Radiance Elixir is supposed to add a radiant glow to your skin, either with or without foundation. It can be applied to clean skin, or you can add a drop or two to your moisturizer or foundation. Since I have super dry skin, I bet my skin would love this. However, I think the same result can be achieved with a less expensive product (perhaps this one).

Chantecaille Bio Lifting Skincare

The Bio Lifting skincare line uses plant stem cell extracts and peptides, which help to restore the look of youthful skin. It helps tackle loss of firmness and dehydrated skin. I haven’t tried anything from this line, but I’d love to see how the Bio Lifting Serum+ works on my skin.

Is Chantecaille Worth The Money?

I’d say it’s a mixed-bag. Some of their makeup products are REALLY amazing and worth the price (I’d say the foundation falls on this side of the list), however, the rose water costs $80, and for a product that doesn’t do much more than hydrate, that feels VERY high. I will note however, that I haven’t tried the rosewater myself so I’m not a good judge. If you’ve tried it, I’d LOVE your thoughts in the comments below. Since Chantecaille is considered a luxury brand, you are definitely paying a premium.

Another thing I appreciate about Chantecaille is that you get a LOT of product for the price. The products are sized well and also last a long time. I’ve used all of the Chantecaille products I have for over 6 months and they barely have a dent in them.

If you were to try one product from Chantecaille, I’d recommend the foundation. Unfortunately, they won’t give you a full refund if you return a gently tested product, so for this reason, you may want to order from Nordstrom, where we know the customer service is truly outstanding.

Where to Buy Chantecaille

I love that Chantecaille can be found at many retailers so you can shop at your regular favorite spot.

• Directly from Chantecaille
• Nordstrom
• Dermstore
• Bluemercury (they do great gifts with purchase)
• Neiman Marcus
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Bergdorf Goodman

You can tell from that list of retailers that Chantecaille falls in the luxury beauty market.

Chantecaille Annual Sale

The best time to purchase Chantecaille is during the Sylvie Sale, which happens annually. The 2023 sale was in July, so while we don’t have the dates for this year yet, I expect it’ll happen in the summer! Be sure to join my newsletter so you’ll be notified when the sale hits and I’ll share my favorites.

During the Sylvie Sale, you’ll see discounts up to 25% off selected items.

Chantecaille Discount Code

Unfortunately I don’t have a personal discount code for you guys, but I’m working on it. I’ll update this post as soon as I hear from them. (I just reached out!) For now, you can use the 10% code on their website when you join the email list.

Let me know in the comments you purchase anything from Chantecaille or have a tried and true favorite.

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The post Chantecaille Makeup Review + my favorite products appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post. Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

Beautycounter launched a new full-coverage foundation a few years ago, Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation, and I am obsessed (read my full review of the Beautycounter foundation here).  And then, they launched a concealer, the Skin Twin Creamy Concealer, to go with it. And I’m also obsessed. So when they pulled it for about a year while they re-did the applicator tip, I was so disappointed since it’s the best concealer I’d ever used. While I was unable to buy it, I tried a few other brands (Ilia and Tarte Shape Tape (which I love for full coverage too) and they were okay, but nothing is as great as this one! I’m sharing my full review below!

Beautycounter Skin Twin Creamy Concealer Review

I used and loved Beautycounter’s old concealer, the Touch Up Concealer Pen, for years. I used it for dark under eye circles, any skin spots or imperfections, and the occasional breakout. (Thankfully my skincare routine has made my concealer needs pretty minimal!!) But, the pen did have its drawbacks, including how difficult it was to dispense the first time you used it (you had to click it like 50 times, no joke) and many felt like it didn’t provide enough coverage, even when I added another layer. Those issues have been addressed with the new Beautycounter concealer formula and packaging. Here’s what’s changed.

Better coverage 

Beautycounter increased this concealer’s pigment load for improved coverage that still looks natural. You can build the coverage from medium to full. The concealer pen was designed for light to medium coverage. If you struggle with breakouts or imperfections and use concealer to cover them, this provides much better coverage. But, unlike other full coverage concealers, it’s not sticky or tacky, something I always hated with previous full coverage options I tried. I felt like I damaged my skin, especially delicate under eye area, trying to blend those!

Better ingredients

Like all Beautycounter products, the ingredients in the concealer are safer than other brands, both from the drugstore and department store. Additionally, the Skin Twin Creamy Concealer is made with avocado butter-coated pigments for pure color, which feels like butter on your skin. It also contains knotgrass extract to give the appearance of smoother, firmer skin. All of that means it blends more easily, looks more natural and makes your skin appear better!

More shades

Just like the Skin Twin Foundation, the Beautycounter concealer comes in 20 shades instead of the previous Concealer Pen that came in only six shades. It’s much easier to create a look that matches your natural skin tone since you can get a better color match now. The below shade chart is really handy so if you know your Skin Twin shade, you can more easily pick the matching concealer shade!

New design

The old concealer came in a click pen. To dispense product, you’d click the bottom (similar to a mechanical pencil) until concealer came out onto a little brush. Then you’d apply it directly to your skin with the brush.

The Skin Twin Creamy Concealer comes in a vial (like lipgloss) so you have much more control over the amount you dispense. And, you don’t have to click a million times to get it to come out the first time – that was always frustrating with the pen, not knowing if it was broken or not! After they first launched the new concealer, there were some reports about the tip of the applicator breaking, so they took the product off the website for a few months, got the tip situation fixed, and now it’s back and better than ever.

You may have noticed the Beautycounter Better Blender in those photos too ;). It’s a great beauty sponge if you prefer to apply makeup with that over a brush. I tend to use my fingers most days.

How to use concealer

Start with clean, hydrated skin.

This is my skincare routine. And don’t forget SPF!

Next, apply your foundation.

I love the Skin Twin foundation.

Apply concealer

Then, you’ll move on to the Skin Twin Creamy Concealer to provide more coverage where your foundation didn’t provide quite enough. Typical areas that need more coverage are under eyes, eyelids (the skin there is very thin and can show veins which can make your eyelids look darker and more tired), around the nose and anywhere you’re having breakouts or have acne scars.

To apply the concealer, dab a very small amount to the area you’re covering up. Always start with less product than more! When you use too much product, that’s when creasing happens. (Applying foundation around your eyes also leads to creasing so leave that area clean and only use your concealer there.)

Then, using a makeup sponge blender or your ring finger (your weakest finger, which helps protect the delicate eye area), lightly tap the product into skin until it blends. Don’t rub the product into skin since that spreads it and won’t actually cover up the area you’re focused on. Repeat as necessary to get the level of coverage you prefer.

Set it

If your makeup tends to come off throughout the day, use a mattifying powder to help set it (I love the Blur Finishing Powder by Chantecaille). Tap a large fluffy clean powder brush into a loose, translucent powder, tap off any excess and then lightly press across your face.

Finish your cheek and eye makeup

After that, you can move onto blush, bronzer and/or highlighter and your eye makeup. You can see my full makeup routine on the blog!

Application tips

Covering Acne

For covering raised, active breakouts, sometimes applying a dot of concealer around the pimple, rather than right on top of it, looks better. I also recommend tapping on some mattifying powder to help set the concealer.

Eye Makeup

If you’re doing a lot of eye makeup, with eyeshadow in particular, you may want to wait to apply your concealer until that’s done. During eye shadow application, the powder can drift down to the under eye and cheekbone area and you’re left trying to clean it up, right after you applied your concealer. So keep that in mind! Another thing that will help prevent the drift is to tap your eye shadow brushes after you press it into the powder and before you apply it to your eyes to help shake off any excess.

This concealer has my full approval, and you can shop it on beautycounter.com

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The post Beautycounter Skin Twin Creamy Concealer Review appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post. Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

These are my top 3 picks for foundation while Skin Twin is unavailable:

• ILIA True Skin Medium Coverage Foundation – This looks and feels the most similar and is what I was using instead of Skin Twin even before BC closed since it’s more hydrating. I wear shade SF2.5 Molokai. I have a full review of the ILIA foundation here.
• Crunchi Flawless Foundation—This is the cleanest option since Crunchi does extensive testing, just like Beautycounter. I don’t love the way it applies, but after it’s on my skin for a bit, it feels fine and looks great. It has slightly more coverage than Skin Twin. I have shade 2.5.
• Tarte Maracuja Juicy Glow Tint – My personal favorite, but not as clean as the other two. I wear shade 24N.

I have a couple other options linked in this Lightweight Foundation roundup if you prefer lighter coverage.

The Skin Twin foundation’s coverage is much more buildable than the previous Beautycounter foundation, Tint Skin.

You can see in my YouTube video about lightweight foundations where I apply Skin Twin (the first one shown) so you can see how it blends and the amount of coverage.

Beautycounter Skin Twin Foundation Review

Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid

First, let’s discuss its anti-aging benefits. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, a popular anti-aging ingredient and moisture magnet often used in skincare. It helps skin glow and appear plumper immediately and even more with continued use. Skin Twin contains 10x more Hyaluronic Acid than Tint Skin.

Jojoba Esters

These are derived from the desert-dwelling jojoba plant and help moisturize, soothe, and soften skin.

Hydrophobic Pigments

These pigments provide long-wearing, buildable, second-skin coverage. These types of pigments are what help make it feel and look so natural!

Safer Ingredients

Skin Twin does not contain mineral oils, cyclic silicones, or synthetic film formers, all of which are common in foundations and may be linked to harmful effects to human health. You can read more about Beautycounter’s “Never List” here and use it to check your current foundation.

Stringent Screening & Safety Testing

Each batch is tested for heavy metals to ensure it meets Beautycounter’s strict safety measures. Beautycounter is super selective when it comes to pigments; out of the 65 cosmetic colorants allowed in the U.S., Beautycounter prohibits the vast majority—only using 18 colorants in their color cosmetics. (Read more about Beautycounter’s safety efforts.)

It’s also tested for peanut, soy and gluten allergens and contains no added fragrance or masking agents.

Beautycounter Skin Twin Colors and Shade Finder

Another benefit of Skin Twin is the shade range. Skin Twin has 27 shades versus Tint Skin’s 10. For years, I’d been sort of “in-between” colors with Tint Skin, and had to mix two shades together. I’m SO happy I don’t have to do that anymore. I mean check this out! It’s a perfect match!!

Before

After

To use it, you’ll just add 2-3 pumps to the palm of your hand and then use your fingertips, a foundation brush or damp beauty blender to blend it into skin. Continue to apply until you have the coverage you want. I usually need just 2 pumps and then maybe a little extra around my nose! Oh, and be sure to shake well before you use it.

I’m wearing shade 340. You can see all the makeup I use on this page and my makeup tutorial here. If you want a more in-depth makeup tutorial, get that here! (And here’s the skincare line I use.)

You can use Beautycounter’s Shade Finder here.

Another thing I love is that that this foundation comes in a glass bottle. Glass has a higher recovery rate, creating a better chance your empty bottle will be recycled into a new product in the future. Moving Skin Twin into glass (vs. Tint Skin’s non-recyclable tube) avoids an estimated 235k plastic tubes from entering landfills and waterways in just one year. And since the new glass bottle is sourced from North America, the packaging travels an estimated 5,000 fewer miles to get filled.

How to save money

Buy Skin Twin as part of Flawless in Five

Flawless in Five is Beautycounter’s makeup set and it’s a great option if you’re looking to get a simple, complete makeup set. The set comes with Skin Twin or Dew Skin, blush, brow gel or pencil, mascara, and lip gloss. You get to choose all your shades, and you save $30 when you buy the products as the set instead of buying each product separately.

Note: Dew Skin is a sheer, tinted moisturizer that I was obsessed with for YEARS before I turned into a foundation addict. (Here’s my review of Dew Skin – it was my first-ever Beautycounter product!).

Sign up for Band of Beauty

Sign up for Band of Beauty when you make a Beautycounter purchase. Band of Beauty is their VIP membership, kind of like Sephora Rewards or Nordstrom Rewards. You can read more about it here.

Get Skin Twin here! 

Make sure you’re on my beauty newsletter to get more skincare and makeup tips sent straight to your inbox!

The post Beautycounter Skin Twin Foundation Review appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

My new preference for a lightweight tinted moisturizer is ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint. ILIA Beauty is a clean beauty brand that focuses on natural makeup looks and high performing products that contain skincare ingredients and today I am focusing on a full review of the Super Serum Skin Tint.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Review

The Super Serum Skin Tint is a tinted serum with light, dewy coverage and 40 SPF. It’s designed to act as a base, similar to a BB cream, with sheer coverage. I apply the rest of my makeup over this.

Ingredients

One of the stand-out features of ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint (and all other ILIA products I’ve tried) is that it’s made with high-performing skincare ingredients. The key ingredients include hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide.

Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture into skin, which increases hydration and helps skinappear more plump, while squalane helps with your skin’s elasticity which reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The third key ingredient is niacinamide which helps control your skin’s oil production (so you won’t look greasy), minimize your pores, and give you a radiant glow. These ingredients are not only great for a daily base, but over time, they will actually improve your skin’s overall hydration and texture.

The SPF that is used in this base is a form of zinc oxide which gives SPF 40 protection. Since zinc oxide is used in this, there is a very slight white cast that appears when you first put this on, however, it disappears quickly and all that’s left is your tinted base. (If you’re looking for more non-toxic sunscreens for your face and body, I’ve got you covered.)

Coverage

Like I briefly mentioned, the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint is a very lightweight coverage. It helps to blurs imperfections like redness and minor blemishes, but since it’s sheer, it’s not going to cover blemishes completely (and therefore, may be too light for some) and it’s not necessarily buildable. A benefit to sheer coverage is that the shades are forgiving. As long as you’re within 2 shades of your exact match, you should be fine (and with 30 shades to choose from, this will be no problem). If you have freckles, this base won’t cover them up, which is another winning feature in my book. It simply adds a light tint to even your skin tone while still allowing your features to shine.

This base is the definition of a no-makeup makeup look: glowy, natural, and healthy. It’s a very minimalistic option for a base.

Wearability

When you’re talking about tinted moisturizers like the Super Serum Skin Tint, a big question is always about how long the coverage lasts. Since it’s sheer, does it give you coverage all day? In my experience, the Skin Tint has had great staying power. It does not oxidize (this is when a product’s color/tint changes once exposed to oxygen), and does not melt off in hot or humid weather. While it’s not going to look perfectly fresh, as if you’ve just applied it, after a full day, you’ll still have a natural coverage by the end of the day. One huge selling-point for the Super Serum Skin Tint is that it does not have problems with creasing – so it won’t settle into any fine lines.

Feel and Scent

Feel and scent are the only issues I have with the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint. And honestly, feel isn’t the issue. This base feels just like any other tinted moisturizer I’ve used, although perhaps a little thinner. It blends easily with your fingers, a brush, or a beauty blender. However the scent is an issue for me. This may sound strange, but when you first apply this serum, it smells (to me, at least) like dog food. Not ideal. But considering I still use it almost daily, despite the foul smell, it’s not a deal-breaker. The weird smell goes away in about 30 seconds.

Before and After

As you can see below, this product gives the perfect natural coverage that combines well with the rest of my makeup routine. Add a little concealer, bronzer, blush, and some eye makeup, and I’m good to go. I wear shade STA OR6 for reference.

Where to Buy ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint

ILIA is sold at a ton of retailers, so you have a lot of options in terms of where to buy! Of course, ILIA sells directly online, but you’ll also find it at Nordstrom, Sephora, Credo, and Amazon.

You can read about the rest of my favorite ILIA products in this review. I’ve also worn the fuller coverage foundation by ILIA and have thoughts on that too.

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The post ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Review appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post. If you’re looking for a specific shade swap, feel free to leave a comment on this post and I’ll try to help!

Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

When I was younger, I was perfectly happy with just a simple lip balm or nothing at all on my lips. Now that I’m nearing 40, I don’t feel fully ready without a lip gloss or lipstick, even if I just swipe on a neutral, sheer shade. I also love a bold lipstick too; while a heavy eyeshadow look has always felt funny on me, lipstick has always felt comfortable and natural. It’s easier and faster to dress up my makeup routine that way too – I just keep eyes neutral and put on a bright lip!

Even on days that I don’t feel my best, a bright lip really makes me feel alive. When I was in the early stages of postpartum life, I had so many people say that I looked too good for not sleeping much, and I truly give a bold lip, a polished brow, and concealer credit. Just a couple products (and always a lip color) work magic for making me feel more polished and pulled together.

But, until I discovered Beautycounter and fell in love with the brand, I never bought expensive lipstick. Nope, I’ve never even owned a MAC lipstick or even a Clinique one. I just bought the $5-$10 options at the drugstore. But, after I started learning more about what is in most lipstick and glosses, I started buying Beautycounter’s lipstick and lip glosses instead. (The fact that they have a Never List with ingredients they’ll never use — even though most color cosmetic companies in the U.S. do — gives me comfort in knowing their products are safe.)

Best Beautycounter Lipstick

Beautycounter has four main lip products and they’re all a little different, so depending on what type of finish you like will impact the best one for you. If I had to pick just one, I’d go for the Sheer Genius lipstick. They all have a nice vanilla scent, except the hyaluronic lip balm.

Statement Maker Satin Lipstick – This is the boldest, most long lasting option. It applies very smoothly, like a balm, but the color and coverage is bold and more impactful than a gloss or glossy lipstick.

Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick – This is my personal favorite because it’s a blend of a balm and a lipstick, and the color it leaves is more natural and sheer than the Satin Lipstick. I also find it really hydrating and it’s sheer enough that I can apply without a mirror so it feels low maintenance and is great when I’m rushing around (which is most of the time).

Beyond Gloss – I’ve never been a huge gloss person because I always found them sticky (or they smelled bad), but I actually like these. Some shades are very sheer and others have more pigment for a bolder, but shiny, finish.

Clean Sweep Hyaluronic Lip Balm – The newest lip product from Beautycounter, the Clean Sweep Hyaluronic Lip Balm is a sheer, hydrating everyday option. It leaves a very (VERY) subtle wash of color, but mostly moisturizes and nourishes dry lips. It’s like a grown-up lip balm; no more Chapstick for you.

All of the Beautycounter makeup shades are designed to work on all skin tones, so it’s hard to go wrong with a lip color. But I definitely have some favorites, which I’ll share below.

Statement Maker Satin Lipstick

If you’re normally a lipstick wearer, you’ll love the Statement Maker Satin Lipstick. It’s everything that you love about lipstick AND it’s clean and safe. (Many color cosmetics use unsafe levels of lead.) There are 14 colors and they’re all vibrant and rich and last all day without drying out. Beautycounter actually worked on this lipstick for years and it replaced their old Color Intense Lipstick.

The old one was a little chalky until you warmed it up, left a mostly matte finish, and had a sort of minty smell. The new one applies MUCH smoother, leaves a satiny, full coverage finish, and has a subtle vanilla scent. The packaging is also tres chic. It was designed so that you could flip the lipstick over and use the angled edge as a liner!

Ingredients

Shea & Mango Butter – Helps smooth and soften lips.

Açai Fruit Oil – A natural skin conditioner that’s rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.

Jojoba Esters – Helps with the balmy glide feeling during application. It also helps provide better coverage.

Candelilla & Carnauba Wax – Help moisturize and condition.

 Beautycounter Statement Maker Satin Lipstick Colors

Independent: Cool Nude Pink

Confident: Dusty Pink

Inspired: Pink Coral

Captivating: Soft Brown Pink

Brilliant: Rose Plum

Savvy: Neutral Berry

Brave: Warm Pink

Electric: Vivid Pink

Energized: Orange Red

Vibrant: Blue Red

Passionate: Brick Red

Powerful: Deep Burgundy

Daring: Rich Brown Red

Fearless: Warm Chestnut

Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick

The Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick is the perfect everyday lipstick. It’s smooth and ultra-moisturizing, which gives a really nice polished sheen look. It applies like a balm, i.e. you don’t need a mirror to apply it. I love this for everyday because it has more color than a regular gloss and stays on much longer than gloss, but doesn’t feel like a typical lipstick. The sheer lipsticks get their moisturizing finish from plant-based ingredients such as jojoba esters, and their light scent from real vanilla — not from synthetic flavors, fragrances, or ingredients linked to a negative impact on health.

Ingredients

Responsibly sourced vanilla – the subtle vanilla scent comes from ECOCERT-certified organic vanilla from Madagascar. Beautycounter intentionally chose their supplier because they are committed to improving the life of their famers while also only sourcing the best quality vanilla.

Jojoba esters – Give the lipstick the balmy texture and polished sheen.

Beautycounter Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick Colors

Lily, Petal and Twig are my three favorite shades since they’re all subtle. Lily is such a pretty, soft pink. Petal is very similar but doesn’t have the slight shimmer of Lily. And Twig is my go-to for something when I want a tiny bit of color but not really. It’s super natural-looking, but flattering.

Pearl: Clear With Soft Shimmer

Petal: Light Pink

Orchid: Cool Berry

Rose: Vibrant Pink

Lily: Luminous Neutral Pink

Terra: Earthy Pink

Twig: Rosy Beige

Rosewood: Warm Neutral

Plum: True Berry

Raisin: Brown Berry

Beyond Gloss

One thing that I normally hate about lip gloss is how sticky it feels, but Beyond Gloss doesn’t feel sticky at all. It’s smooth and has a tiny bit of a vanilla scent and uses vitamin E instead of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a preservative commonly used in lip products that may have harmful health effects. All of these are safe for pregnancy, just like all their skincare products I used during pregnancy.

It’s very shiny and just a little swipe goes a long way. I really like the applicator too. These are always stashed away in my purses and tote bags, as well as my car and office.

Ingredients

Responsibly sourced vanilla – This is the same ECOCERT-certified organic vanilla from Madagascar that I mentioned above.

Jojoba seed oil – Gives the ultra-cushiony wear that stays put, without feeling sticky. This is also a safer option than the potentially harmful ingredients like plasticizers and phthalates, which are common in most lip glosses on the market.

Tocopherol (vitamin E) – Helps maintain the integrity of the gloss over time, and it also helps with conditioning and provides functional antioxidants.

My favorites are Peony and Dahlia for a wash of sheer pink color, and I like Brulee for layering over lipstick for a little shiny and shimmer.

Beautycounter Beyond Gloss Colors

Brûlée: Beige Shimmer

Quartz Shimmer: Clear Shimmer

Mulberry: Deep Plum

Spice: Warm Neutral Shimmer

Rosewood: Warm Neutral

Bare Shimmer: Neutral Pink With Golden Shimmer

Peony: Warm Pink

Raspberry: Sheer Bright Pink

Dahlia: Cool Pink

Black Plum: Deep Eggplant

Magnolia Shimmer: Mauve With Silver Shimmer

Sienna: Sheer Raisin

Amber Shimmer: Warm Amber Shimmer

Clove: Warm Beige

Clean Swipe Hyaluronic Lip Balm

The Hyaluronic Lip Balm is a newer product to Beautycounter, and honestly an essential one, now that I have it! Think of this as your everyday chapstick or lip balm. It has all the hydrating benefits you want in a lip balm (with only the best skin-care ingredients), but it also comes in 4 shades, so that you can have a subtle wash of color too!

Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid – This is the main call-out for this lip balm. Hyaluronic acid a powerhouse for hydration (many people use an HA serum as part of their skincare routine for this reason) and helps make the lips look more plump!

Blend of Mango & Murumuru Seed Butters – These are rich in fatty acids and help soften and smooth the lips (but don’t leave a greasy finish). They also aid in hydration.

Blend of Jojoba Seed & Avocado Oils – Help mimic the skin’s natural lipids which means they help retain moisture.

I have Plush and it’s very pretty!

Clean Swipe Hyaluronic Lip Balm

Nada: Translucent

Pinch: Rosy Pink

Bitten: Warm Berry

Plush: Warm Pink

One of the nice things about Beautycounter lip products is that the colors are designed to work on every skin tone. That makes it much easier for me to venture out and try new shades since buying lipstick online can be a little risky. But, Beautycounter also has a 60 day return policy, for a full refund, no questions asked, no matter how much you’ve used. They even cover return shipping! So, if you get a shade that just isn’t for you, send it back.

Beautycounter’s lip products are also safer than most lipsticks you’ll find on the market. They test all of their makeup for lead (some major brands have been tested and have high levels of lead in them) and they even audit their mica suppliers. And they NEVER use synthetic fragrance in any of their products.

I hope this was helpful! You may also like these posts if you’re shopping with Beautycounter!

How to Save Money on Beautycounter

My Favorite Beautycounter Products (and the ones I don’t like)

Beautycounter Flawless in Five Review

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The post The Best Beautycounter Lipstick + My Favorite Shades appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.