My mother (Mindy) is, frankly, a bit of a makeup snob. She’s an expert in the world of mature skin glam and knows the foundations that won’t crease into fine lines, the concealers that work best on puffy under-eyes, and the primers that plump (and never pill). While I love that she’s a bona fide pro makeup artist, it makes shopping for her holiday gifts damn near impossible. But! There’s one brand that she’s always happy to receive: Sarah Creal. Lucky for me, Sarah Creal is on super sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so I will be adding all the stocking stuffers and presents to my cart this weekend.
While Sarah Creal is designed specifically to meet the needs of mature skin—the eyeliners don’t run, the lip gloss plumps, and the concealer never settles into fine lines—it’s also one of my personal all-time favorites (I’m 28 for what it’s worth). I refuse to use anything other than the Sarah Creal Back of the Cab Tubing Mascara, love the Eyes Up Creamy Kajal Liner for tightlining, and will die on the hill that the Just Like Paradise Bronzer is the creamiest contour to ever exist.
To get the full breakdown on the products that we think are worth your money (and make a fabulous holiday gift), scroll ahead. PSA: With any order over $150, you’ll receive a complimentary mascara and a limited-edition Sarah Creal black makeup bag.
“My eyes have gotten more sensitive with age, so tightlining has become increasingly difficult. Everything runs. This eyeliner however, has such a quick dry down and stays put for hours.” — Mindy
I’m partial to shades Shut Up and Calm Down (how good are these names, by the way?), but all seven in the range are gorgeous. These are super soft, not at all sticky, and give the appearance of plumped up lips.
“I’ve been loyal to the same concealer for nearly 20 years, so the fact that I’m now using this product says something. A little goes such a long way and it brightens my under eyes without settling into creases. I barely even need powder.” — Mindy
My mom and I have done an extensive review of this bronzer, but the TLDR: It’s very creamy, blends with ease (I like to use a brush and then diffuse any harsh lines with a Beauty Blender), and has a neutral undertone to ensure that the finish doesn’t oxidize into a ruddy or sallow tone.
“It’s the Goldilocks of lip balms—it’s perfectly hydrating, has the ideal amount of pigment (not too light, not too little), and gives my lips just the right amount of hydration. I swipe this on multiple times a day and always get asked what I’m wearing.” — Mindy
I’ve easily powered through 10 of these mascaras since its launch last year. It is easily the single best mascara I’ve ever tried for watery, sensitive eyes, and will forever and always be my desert island product. Added length, no smudging, and perfect volume—what more could you want?
“This is the most genius invention. My lips have all these fine little lines, and this product creates a barrier. It’s like a lipstick primer. When I apply lipstick, it looks like my lips are 10 years younger than they actually are.” — Mindy
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