As I started to put together my 2022 favorites list, it started to look like the If I could Keep Only One Tag Post that I posted back in May. Since I often reference my favorite products and formulas throughout my reviews and sales suggestions, I was thinking it’d be more helpful to shine a light on some different products. So, instead of favorites, I want to talk about 4 products that surprised me (in a good way) this year. These products just don’t quite hit the mark to be my favorite but they are still great products that are worth checking out.
Despite blogging for 9 years (I published my first blog post in October 2013 😲), I’m one of those people that still get excited to try new formulas. I can appreciate that for instance, all blushes give you a flush of color, and still be curious to know how the formula and color differ from another blush. I go into most reviews expecting products to work just fine. There really aren’t a lot of products that are just bad these days. So when something impresses me and moves beyond that “just fine” feeling, it can be especially exciting for me since I have tried so much makeup over the years.
Oh and I do realize that there are a lot of new WordPress and e-mail subscribers that may not know my preferences as well as some of you, so I created a page that lists my favorite products with any corresponding blog posts. You can check out that page by clicking here.
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Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, $46**
Despite hearing rave reviews about this powder, I couldn’t find much information about it working for those with both dry skin and dark skin. Based on the claims, the powder is supposed to work for all skin tones and have a natural finish. So, in theory, there should have been no issue but I was still skeptical so I went to Sephora to check it out in person. As you can see, it impressed me enough in the store to go ahead and purchase it. I don’t typically like loose powders unless they have the mesh screen packaging that most people hate, but I thought this sifter style looked like it wouldn’t be too messy. I still like the mesh style best, but this isn’t too bad. Since I only need a little bit of powder, it dispenses way more product than I need for one use, so I haven’t had any issues. If you pack on powder or have oiler skin I can see how this style of sifter may not give you enough product.
There is no white cast on my Estee Lauder 4W4/NARS Tahoe skin tone and there is no flashback in photos. My skin doesn’t feel dry or tight when using this and it works for both my face and my undereye area. I like it better on the face because I feel like my NARS Light Reflecting Powder does a better job at setting my undereye area. I am however impressed that this is the only powder I’ve ever tried that helps foundation and concealer stay in place under the nose pads of my glasses.
It definitely mattifies but it doesn’t really look like I’ve set it with powder unless I apply too much. If I go overboard it can start to look dry, but that’s true with any powder when you have dry skin especially. It does have fine mica particles running through it but the lighting has to be just right and I have to be looking real close to see it. Considering that I’ve been using this in cold and overcast conditions, it remains to be seen if those mica particles will be more apparent in sunlight.
The more I use the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, the more surprised I am that people with oily skin are enjoying this powder as well. I know that not everyone likes to be completely mattified, but when a powder works this well for my dry skin, I just assume it won’t work for oily skin. That doesn’t seem to be the case with this powder. I’m glad I purchased this powder and am excited to keep using it.
 | $ 0.00 SalePrice $ 46.00 RegularPrice |
| Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder – Talc Free Standard Size – .36 oz / 10.5 g** | |
Covergirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm, $6.99**
This lip balm originally missed the mark for me. I felt like it was too lightweight and didn’t last long enough for my preferences. I personally like a thick balm like the Dior Addict Lip Glow or the Nivea All Day Nourishing Moisture (just discovered this one a couple of days ago). However, a couple of months back I was suffering some sort of allergic reaction and my lips were in tragic shape. For whatever reason, the Covergirl Clean Fresh Lip Balm was the only thing working for me. One major bonus is that it is fragrance-free and a lot of my other products had some sort of mint or camphor ingredient that was burning my lips.
I will warn anyone with dark lips that you may want to consider skipping the clear and getting a tinted version. The clear can start to look white once you apply a good amount and it is more effective if you apply it liberally. If you have chapping and flakes, however, I’d still stick to the clear version. The pigment from the tinted varieties clings onto flakes and looks horrible. The white look does eventually go away as you wear the clear, but if you are going to be seeing people, that’s not a good look.
 | $ 6.99 RegularPrice |
| CoverGirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm – Clear As Crystal** | |
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer, $38**
The surprising thing about this medium coverage luminous finish concealer is how well it wears without much creasing. The only downside is that the luminous finish isn’t as smoothing as a matte or even satin concealer. However, if you love a fresh, dewy complexion that may be preferable. For more details and how it compares to some of my other concealers, you can click here.
 | $ 0.00 SalePrice $ 38.00 RegularPrice |
| Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer 0.4 oz/ 12 mL** | |
NYX Cosmetics HD Finishing Powder in Banana, $11**
As I suspected when I reviewed this powder back in February, this powder works better for my dry skin in the summertime. The surprising part is just how nice it looks on my skin regardless of the season. It doesn’t look as undetectable as something like the NARS Light Reflecting Powder but for how mattifying it feels on my skin, it doesn’t make my skin look bad. I still think this isn’t the best for dry skin, but in the summer heat, it was more workable for me. The brand has some big claims, but I think this is just a basic powder so don’t get too swept up in that. I have seen a lot of reviews from oily skin people that say this doesn’t do enough for them. So it seems like it might be best for those with normal to combo skin. For the full rundown, you can check out my review by clicking here.
 | $ 11.00 RegularPrice |
| NYX Professional Makeup HD Finishing Powder Pressed Setting Powder** | |
Again, if you are interested in my 2022 favorites, check that out by clicking here and you can read my If I Could Only Keep One Tag/Shop My Stash post for some additional favorites. Thanks for reading!
If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like down below. If you’d like to check out more of my content, here are some places to start.
- Brands A-Z: Check out this index if you want to know what products I have posted about in the past.
- MAC Cosmetics: I likely have some swatches you’ve been searching for if you love Mac as much as I do.
- The Wanderlust List: Join me as I search for alternatives to new releases.
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Nikki From HR 
I was wondering if there was shimmer in the Hourglass powder because the unblended swatch looked twinkling but ah, the mica particles explains it. That finish is so beautiful on top of the swatch! Now, I understand the hype. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen samples available as a point reward. Next time I see that option, I’ll snag one to try out!
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If you do get to try it, let me know how it goes.
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