We Tried 3 New Luxe Beauty Products, Here's The Low Down
The musings of a beauty-obsessed editor blithely trying products and (hopefully) bringing the knowledge.
It's difficult to tell whether or not the price of a product is ever really worth it. The ingredients in makeup and skincare creations are pretty astounding these days. Plant stem cells, 24 carat gold, diamond powder… you name it, someone's stuck it in their fancy makeup and jacked up the price. But does it work that differently than its drugstore counterpart? That remains to be seen. So, in the name of financial security, I slipped on my detective cap (took a quick selfie) and tried three of the newest prestige offerings. Here's what happened next:
1. Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet Foundation ($45). My first impression? This fluid-y substance really does feel like velvet. It's soft and luscious and makes my face feel expensive. Like I'm a model and I have to get it insured or something. The foundation is so lightweight but still provides a really nice matte coverage. It also smells really great, like fresh fleurs and $$$. This one has my official checkmark, ladies. Buy it, buy it, buy it.
2. Givenchy Blush Memoire De Forme Pop Up Jelly Blush ($37). The packaging certainly stands up — it has a lacquered black cap that swivels off and unveils a really beautiful fuchsia. The texture, though, is strange. It feels sort of like Gak (that weird jelly toy from Toys R Us). The blush does, however, go on super evenly and leaves a nice flush on your cheeks. I may prefer the richness of cream blush a bit more, but this product still looks just as good. Bonus: It works as a really great lip stain. I may just wear it on my lips all the time.
3. Lancôme Gradiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara ($32). The "Swan Neck" brush is what makes this mascara different. It's angeled just so, so that you can get the nooks and crannies with each swipe. It provides that doe-eyed effect that the Twiggy-obsessed (me) dream of. The best part? It does. not. smudge. My biggest pet peeve is when you leave the house looking all gorgeous and wide-eyed, only to return home with black goop settled under your eyes for all to see. That problem is dead and gone thanks to this mascara. Check, check.
Related:
We Tried the Glossier Products, Here's the Low Down
We Tried the Kjaer Weis Products, Here's the Low Down
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
Hallie has worked in beauty editorial for ten years and has been editorial director at Byrdie since 2021. Previously, she was a senior editor at Byrdie since 2016. During her time at Byrdie, she's written hundreds of high-performing stories on skincare, wellness (including fitness, diet, mental health, body image, et al) makeup, and hair. She's a regular on set, helping to source inspiration for makeup and hair looks, as well as interviewing celebrities, models, and other notable women and men in the beauty space.
Before that, Hallie ran Marie Claire's social media and wrote beauty and culture stories for the site, and helped launch Time Inc.'s digital-only beauty brand, MIMI. After college, she contributed to Time Out New York’s Shopping & Style section before landing her first beauty editor gig at Hearst's Real Beauty. Hallie's writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle. Hallie graduated with a BA in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
-
Meghan Markle Says She's "One of the Most Bullied People in the World" During Another Solo-Appearance
The Duchess of Sussex got candid while speaking to a group of young girls about social media.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Taylor Swift Matches Her Versace Sandals to a 'Reputation'-Coded Bag
Swifties are convinced the pop star is preparing for a big announcement after back-to-back date nights.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Rihanna Sizzles in an Opulent Lace Bodysuit and Fur Coat
"Lingerie to me should be worn anyway and anywhere that you want."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to Experts
It's also less painful than some alternatives.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
13 Best Drugstore Concealers That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious
Great things *do* come with small price tags.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
Starface Founder Julie Schott Shares Her Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneur spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Last updated
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Beauty Experts Called Out Youthforia's New Foundation in May. The Founder Apologized Four Months Later
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated