Seasons change, but our love for makeup stays the same
Foreword
Transitional weeks between summer and fall are my absolute favorite. In this post I will share some of my go-to makeup products that work so well for those "in-between" weeks when it is not too hot anymore, yet not too cold either.
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
Foundation
The minute heating is on, skin gets that extra bit dehydrated. Even worse if you are a natural-born Sahara case. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a light base.
Bite Beauty Changemaker Supercharged Micellar Foundation (39.50 USD; Made in Italy) – is my favorite foundation discovery of the year. This water-based, antioxidant-rich formula feels ultra-lightweight and gives you about light/medium coverage, depending on how much you apply. It sets to a natural-satin skin finish with a bit of a healthy, luminous sheen to it. It is hard to tell that you have anything on, as it looks seamless.
An added bonus – this foundation protects and nurtures your skin while you wear it, without ever getting cakey, drying or blotchy. A great little companion for any time of the year really, but particularly perfect for those "in-between" weeks when you are not ready to dive into all things matte just yet.
Vegan🍃 Gluten-Free🌾 Cruelty-Free🐇
Complete review here
Note: I am wearing shade L30 on the photo above (shot in natural daylight)
Blush
As days get shorter and winds get colder, you might feel like giving your liquid and cream blushes a rest. But who said that blush had to be all matte and flat?
MAC Cosmetics Glow Play Blush (30 USD; Made in USA) – is seriously one of the best blush formulas that I have come across in 2020. It is a cushiony hybrid between a powder and cream/putty, that feels uber soft to the touch and gives you the most flattering “glow from within” radiance. It is luminous, but not to the point where someone could only wear it during summer; personally speaking I think a formula like this will look stunning on your cheeks all year round (no matter what makeup look you have in mind).
This blush mimics that healthy “I just came back from a yoga class” flush, without ever looking greasy or patchy. To my delight, it applies perfectly with both fingers or brushes.
Shade on the photos: “So Natural”
Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion (30 USD; Made in Italy) – is a perfect choice for those of you, who want to go more of a satin route, preferably with something quite pigmented that lasts on your cheeks for at least 8-10 hours before it begins to fade away gracefully. This formula practically blends itself to perfection and thanks to its sheer nature, even the brightest color will look extremely flattering on the skin.
My favorite shade for the summer-fall season is Rosé (described as “matte rose pink”); it is one of more sophisticated, grown up blushes in my collection that pairs so well with any eye or lip makeup. A shade like this is a perfect choice when you want to gradually move from brighter summer colors towards something more muted, but still with a lot of life to it. No chalky, dry mess here – that’s for sure!
Note: I am wearing "So Natural" blush on the photo above (shot in natural daylight)
Eyeshadows
Now, I know we all associate fall season with warm, borderline orange-y eyeshadows. As much as I love a classic autumnal eye makeup, I feel like there is a room for pinks and greens too.
Natasha Denona Mini Retro Eyeshadow Palette (25 USD; Made in Italy) – is the cutest little “transitional” palette in my opinion. It does not scream bright neons or deep copper tones. This is a perfect mix of some wearable, retro pastels that remind me of my favorite era - the 60's.
You get two mattes, one metallic and two sparkly shades here, that can easily take you from desk to disco. Think “everyday nudes” but with a twist. Quality does not disappoint either; I feel like these shadows perform just like Natasha's bigger palettes (smooth, pigmented, blendable).
Cruelty-Free🐇
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow (29 USD; Made in USA) - there is hardly a makeup look, where I do not use one of these bad boys. If you love a long-lasting cream eyeshadow, one that can be used in multiple ways (base, liner, highlight - you name it), then you need these in your life.
A few months ago Laura released twelve brand new shades, most of which are so perfect for the summer-fall (or just fall) season. We now have some delicious raspberry, burgundy and opulent copper tones to play with, which is a fun and easy way to introduce new colors into your updated makeup routine.
I actually talk about these eyeshadow sticks at great length in a separate review here (unedited swatches included).
Lips
2020 must be the saddest year in the history of lipstick, but it doesn't mean we can't enjoy a juicy looking pout now and again.
Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Lipstick Love (24 USD; Made in Canada) - is my favorite creamy lipstick to wear during colder months. It feels nourishing (thanks to Hyaluronic Acid, Mango Seed, Avocado and Olive Fruit Oils), wears beautifully and is uber pigmented. One swipe is seriously all you need.
The brand recently added ten more shades to this beautiful line and two of them are really nice for the last warm weeks of the year: Flamingo (bright pink) and Sweetener (bright fuchsia). I know these are not your typical fall shades, but as a way to say goodbye to summer, I think they work perfectly (especially for cities with a warmer climate).
If you are looking for nudes and reds from the same range, be my guest and check out this in-depth review here (unedited lip, arm swatches included).
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Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint (25 USD; Made in Italy) - the shade Underdawg is fall season in a [vintage-looking] bottle.
Described as "deep burgundy", this color looks different every time I look at it; it has an interesting mix of brown, wine and red undertones. So vampy and daring. Now, this is a liquid lipstick and while I am not a fan of them (way too drying and unflattering on my lips personally), this formula is quite different from everything I have tried before. It is insanely saturated in color, however, is quite watery at the same time. It is impossible to tell that you have anything on - it is that weightless.
Stunna Lip Paint doesn't dry completely down, hence is not as transfer-proof and drying as some other liquid lipsticks out there.
The applicator picks up a lot of product, so I do recommend using as little as possible to avoid potential bleeding or feathering. Interestingly enough, the more you sheer this color out, the more berry tones you are able to see. It is like having two different lipsticks in one: wear it bold and dark or apply a little for a softer berry pout. You are the boss here.
Cruelty-Free🐇
Swatches
As always, all of my swatches are raw and unedited (shot in natural daylight)
What do you guys think about these products? Let's chat some more in the comments!
More online: sephora.com
Purchased products and PR samples; full disclaimer here
