Earlier in the year I attended Beauty², a highly curated and specialized trade event for the beauty industry. Of the many impressive beauty brands in attendance, STARE Cosmetics stood out to me in particular.
I was initially attracted to STARE Cosmetics’ minimal/clean packaging, and a color range that looked more neutral and versatile for many skin tones/types. After talking to the STARE Cosmetics team(who were so friendly and approachable, btw!) and doing my own research, this is what I learned about the brand…
Their mission includes:
- Creating gentle makeup products that are intended to bridge the gap between skincare and makeup.
- Keeping their products free of harmful ingredients and avoiding unnecessary fillers.
- Focusing on quality, high-performing makeup that is long-lasting.
- Producing a makeup line for all ages, genders and skin tones.
I don’t know about you, but these are all things that I would love to have in a makeup line!
After the event, STARE Cosmetics sent me 4 products to try. Here is my review:
Mineral Bronzer – Pressed
This was my favorite of the products they sent me. Intended to be a universal shade that can be worn by almost any skin tone, this shade worked perfectly for mine as I went from no tan to tanned skin by the end of the summer. As a bronzer, I found it to brighten my skin in a way that looked naturally sun-kissed. I have acne/breakout prone skin, and this did not make me breakout which was great! It felt lightweight and silky upon application, and there is a glowy shimmer.
Trifecta Cream Hi-Lites – ‘Day Dream’
A highlighter to use on the brow bone, around the eyes, cupid’s bow or anywhere else that could benefit from a little shimmer, I loved this product as well. It has a very soft, smooth consistency that blends easily with a finger or brush. I found it to be longer lasting than many of the other highlighters that I’ve tried. It is available in 3 colors. They sent me ‘Day Dream’ which has a subtle pink shade. So pretty.
Dare to Stare Mascara – ‘Black’
A good quality mascara, I found this one to be good for a more natural, everyday look. I have short lashes so I prefer mascaras that are made to give more of a dramatic look since it takes a lot to make my lashes stand out. For people with naturally longer lashes or for a cleaner/everyday look, this one would be great. The design of the brush works well to focus on individual lashes or smaller sections.
Luscious Gloss – ‘Montecito’
A neutral ‘nude’ type of shade, this gloss is pretty and perfect to add a little moisture and subtle color. Personally, I prefer thicker gloss consistency, but that’s just me… Loved that this gloss is not sticky though. If you have long hair, you know how important that is!
Current Beauty Must Haves
In addition to trying new beauty products, there are always those beauty products that have found a permanent (or at least long term) position in my makeup bag. These are some of my current beauty must-haves.
Marc Jacobs – Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara
This gives me the dramatic lashes that I need, and use this everyday. It’s relatively long lasting as well. The only downside is that the brush is on the fatter side so may be harder (or just messier) to get in the corners. If you don’t want so much drama, go for the STARE Cosmetics one above. 😉
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
I’ve been using this curler forever. I’ve tried many others and this one is hands down my favorite. Great quality, it has a good grip and doesn’t pull on my lashes the way some cheaper ones do. Also, the shape of this one works the best for my face. I’ve tried ones that were not as curved and felt like I had to be extra careful to not slice my eyeball when curling my lashes!
Ole Henriksen – Banana Bright Eye Crème
I’ve had under eye bags my entire adult life and even had them as a teenager, so anything that helps minimize them is worth a try! I heard amazing things about this product and can confirm that they are true. I haven’t researched the science behind the ingredients, but this cream does help minimize the look of my under eye bags. Also, I love the silky yet lightweight consistency of this product and the way it easily blends under my makeup without caking up the way many eye creams do.
First Aid Beauty – Hello FAB Bendy Avocado Concealer
The past couple years I have been focused on finding a good under eye concealer. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer was my favorite until I tried this one. Hello FAB Bendy Avocado Concealer was given to me as a sample to review, and I loved it immediately. It has similar coverage to the one from NARS, but it feels more lightweight and much more hydrating. It blends in smoothly without getting cake-y even after hours of wear, doesn’t clog my pores and is long-lasting.
Laura Mercier – Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick
I never think of buying lipstick in a pencil format since it is almost always too dry for me. I was looking for a bright pink lip color to replace one I had been using for years that had been discontinued. The salesperson recommended this one for the color (Havana), and I loved everything about it. It is hydrating and the color is intense and long-lasting. In a pencil form, it can be more precise when needed and it is conveniently self-sharpening.
I use these products every day or almost every day. Have you tried them? Would love to hear your thoughts and some of your fave go-to products right now!
Alright, back to working on those Paris fashion week posts! See you back here soon!!
No Comments