Author: Nikki

I just have some swatches for you today. I didn’t have the best experience with the NARS Quad Eyeshadow in Taj Mahal, but 4 of the 6 eyeshadows in this palette remind me of the NARS single eyeshadows. So I’m hopeful this will work out just fine.

I knew when I purchased this palette that I was making a compromise with the two topper shades (top left and top middle shades). I don’t really enjoy them, but jordan (top middle shade) does have some base pigment. So I’m crossing my fingers that it will work decently for me. Unfortunately, it is rare for me to like an entire palette, but I do enjoy them since they typically take the guesswork out of coordinating colors.

If you were around to read my Lancome Makeup Round-Up back in February, you may be surprised that I’m posting about this brand. At the time, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be purchasing any more Lancome products, but nevertheless, here we are.

If you are a fan of Lancome and are interested in anything, now is a good time to place an order. They have a friends and family sale going on that ends at 11:59 PM PT on August 31, 2021. If you don’t have an account you can get 25% off and those who do have an account (free to join), get 30% off. They have revamped their brush line since I posted my round-up, but you can check that post for an overview of products I have tried from them. I also have stand alone posts for their Color Design Eyeshadow Singles (Gold Lame and Canyon Swatches) and their Dual Finish Highlighter Illuminating Powders (Dazzling Bronze and Sparkling Peche).

Now let’s get into my thoughts on the newly reformulated Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick.

UPDATE October 13, 2021: I decided to purchase a lighter shade with a warm undertone in hopes that it will match me better. I figured it would be helpful to show you swatches of the new shade (410 Bisque W) and how it compares to 450 Suede N for those that may be in that range of shades. Click continue reading below to see all the swatches.

I had pretty high expectations for this concealer. I typically have good experiences with Laura Mercier complexion products, so I was hoping this would work out well. Unfortunately, I couldn’t fully test it out because I had an allergic reaction to something in the formula. I do have a few thoughts that I can share based on the two times I was able to wear it.

When I was doing my own research into making this purchase, I couldn’t find anyone with the shade 5W. So, I figured I could at least share a swatch of the shade and compare it to MAC NC45 (pro longwear concealer) for anyone in my shade range that may be curious.

Update May 18, 2025: Sephora has discontinued the Microsmooth Multi-Tasking Baked Face Palettes and replaced them with the new Sephora Collection Colorful Face Bronzer, Blush, & Highlighter Palettes. The new palettes are offered in 3 versions: 01 Light to Medium, 02 Medium to Tan, and 03 Tan to Deep. I swatched the two darkest palettes (02 Medium to Tan and 03 Tan to Deep) in store today, so I wanted to share that picture for anyone interested.

Brand new to the Sephora Collection lineup, this face palette in their Microsmooth formula also comes in a lighter version called Enchant. Their Microsmooth face powder has been raved about for years so I had high expectations for this release. I liked the color selection of the darker palette (Captivate) and I actually thought that I’d be able to use every shade. I don’t have that thought often when it comes to face palettes.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about this brand, but this is my first time giving Violet Voss a try. This small palette caught my eye as I was on the hunt for green eyeshadows. I’ve only used four shades in this 10-pan palette so far, but I wanted to go ahead and share swatches. I’m pretty sure it was just released in the last few days, so hopefully, this is helpful for those interested.

The L’oreal Infallible Eyeshadows were definitely a cult classic from the drugstore at one point in time. Occasionally, I’ll hear someone mention the shade amber rush, but for the most part, they don’t come up too often. I used to really love the shade bronzed taupe back when I was newer to eyeshadow. I started to wonder if I would still feel the same about it now that I’ve been exposed to so many other formulas. I originally purchased this eyeshadow on the recommendation of Emily Noel on YouTube, who is also the inspiration for these “What’s Old at X” type of posts.

L’Oreal Bronzed Taupe Eyeshadow, $6.46 @ Walmart

Let me first just say that you absolutely don’t NEED to buy any lipstick today. There will be another sale in the future when you either want or need a new lipstick.

But, for those who do want to participate, let’s talk recommendations.

UPDATE August 13, 2025: I have an updated lipstick recommendation post that you can check out by clicking here. This post was originally posted in 2021, so although I have updated it with links to more current recommendations, you may want to check out the 2025 version.

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Drugstore Pick: **Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, $10.99

While this lipstick is technically part of Ulta’s National Lipstick Day promotion, it still costs less to buy this lipstick at Walmart ($6.87) or Target ($6.89) with no special sale required.