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POCKET BLUSH/LIP TINT COMBO // HYDRATING FORMULA // MERIT BRUSH // IRIS & ROMEO CONCEALER // SHAVING BAR MEGABABE // BRONZER // FACE OIL
Heads up that many of the products in this post are on sale as a part of Sephora’s tiered beauty sale, which ends today — I tried to link to products on Sephora wherever possible for a little price break!
First up: I am loving these viral products from Rhode. I resisted for so long for some reason but I am in love with the consistency and staying power of both the adorable pocket blush and the peptide lip tint. They are selling these in bundles right now and I got the sleepy girl / raspberry jelly duo, both of which bost the perfect jammy hue for this season. Do I need all the pocket blush colors and more lip tints?! Eek.
Second: as you know, I’ve been a die-hard fan of Westman Atelier’s foundation stick for several years now — it’s an instant re-order / stock up whenever I find on sale — but I have to say, I’m loving this more hydrating formula from Iris & Romeo. Even though I adore the W.A. coverage and finish, it requires deep hydration to lay properly, and this Iris & Romeo is much friendlier to work with in these drying winter months. It wears just like your skin, but more luminous and glowy. I apply with my beloved Merit brush.
I have become such a fangirl of Iris & Romeo more generally. I have also been loving their treatment concealer. I actually had a long text exchange with my sister about this particular product, as we both agree that Cle De Peau is best in class, but I use I&R somewhat differently —
My sister and I have lots of lengthy conversations about beauty products; despite the “hahahah I love that” comment (shorthand for: IDK what to say) we love to go deep into the merits and demerits of every single beauty product we try. She is always introducing me to new brands!
Third: OK, what? This shaving bar from Megababe is the answer to my prayers?! It is so deeply hydrating — the razor glides so easily and your skin looks like a glass slipper afterward? I couldn’t stop touching my legs? What is this magic?! For $8, you must try this instead of your Gillette foam. Many Magpies have also raved about L’Occitane’s almond oil as a sub for shaving cream, and I ordered a bottle of that too — will report back after trying and comparing. I actually also picked up this apres-shave roll-on from Megababe because my skin gets so dry and irritated in the winter, and I’m also loving this product to negate razor burn / in grown hair / etc. You can buy both as a bundle for a discount here. But I can’t rec the shaving bar more — a great stocking stuffer! Update: Megababe just emailed me and offered us 15% off with code JEN15.
Fourth: I had tried this Westman mascara maybe a year ago and thought “hm, it’s fine.” I don’t know why but I tried it again and I’m now hooked. It’s a little more dramatic than our favorite $20 mascara — gives more inky volume — and I am loving it at the moment.
Fifth: Another slow start for me that I’m now hooked on: Saie’s Dew Bronze Soft Focus Bronzer. I got this over the summer and was a little puzzled by the formula. It’s not as spreadable as a blush or gel — it has a thicker consistency — and I was perplexed by how to apply. I tried again recently and I’m annoyed with myself for lacking the persistence earlier this year. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. I apply a few dots on my cheekbone, a swipe along my hairline, and a dot on the bridge of my nose, and then use the angled end of this $7 brush (really, really good makeup brush especially relative to price) to blend outward. It gives this great healthy sense of glow and dimension to your face. I’d say it’s more like a contour product than a true bronzer, but it really helps define your features. I’m hooked!
Sixth: I mentioned this a few times a week or two ago, but I have been loving this Flash Peel from UBeauty. A Magpie wrote to ask for more detail somewhere in a comment and now I cannot find it – but basically it is a thin, fluid-like layer you apply all over your face, and you wait five minutes before washing off with warm water. The first time I used it, I only left it on for three because I thought my face was tingling and worried it was maybe too strong for me? But after I rinsed off, I was so delighted by the results — smooth, glowing, glass-like skin that lasted days. I mean it really felt like a hard reset. I was so impressed I told Mr. Magpie to try it. Use code JENSHOOP for 20% off.
Seventh: OK, this is not technically new, but my skin has been very dry (peri-menopause? time of year? the peel?), and I have felt the need for an extra layer of moisture and hydration beyond my daily moisturizer. I have been using Maya Chia’s Plum + Chia Face Oil. It is a true oil — be warned of that – but it really leaves skin richly hydrated for a full day. I find I need to let it absorb for about 30 minutes before applying makeup or it’s still a bit oily on the surface, FYI. I usually wake up, do my skincare, let it absorb, and then apply my makeup after the kids have had breakfast.
Last but not least, not new, but if you buy nothing else from the Sephora sale, please treat yourself to this dry shampoo and hair towel. These are two of my top RWI discoveries this year. The dry shampoo smells like heaven and truly extends a blowout. You brush it on at the roots, sort of like old school baby powder. I don’t know how to explain this phenomenon, but it somehow makes the texture of my hair cool and beachy and preserves the bend at the ends. It’s really a magical product. I’ll never try another. And the hair towel! It truly dries hair more quickly and I love the elastic strap in the back that enables you to easily tuck the towel ends in and keep it all in place. And while we’re talking Crown, I have been leaning on their fabulous conditioning treatment recently. Between the cooler air and the Dyson AirWrap (which I love but I do find dries hair out), I have needed some intense hydration, and this stuff is fantastic.
P.S. What are the components of your “everything shower“?
P.P.S. The best beauty products for $20 and under.
P.P.P.S. Trust me, you will love the Dyson AirWrap (<<all my thoughts here).