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October was a slow makeup testing month for me. I didn’t go out or socialize as much as usual, and I wasn’t in the mood to test and play dress up at home. Even so, a slow month for me means playing with more makeup than some people even own. I tested 30 products, three of which now have a permanent spot in my makeup wardrobe.

Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation

In the interest of honesty — and demonstrating that I am quite discerning when it comes to beauty products — I will share that this is the first Glossier makeup product that’s stood out to me. I have tried most, if not all, of the Glossier lineup, and the products have been fine, but not remarkable enough that they secured a permanent place in my vanity. That said, the much-hyped and long-awaited Stretch Fluid Foundation is phenomenal. 

Simply put, it’s just easy, seamless, and natural — so much so that I apply it on my skin without considering if I’ve put on primer or even done my skincare routine. Thanks to squalane and glycerin, it’s really hydrating. It nourishes the dry spots, doesn’t settle into pores, and neither looks oily nor unnaturally matte. My dark spots are camouflaged, my redness is gone, and my skin looks smooth. It’s a one-and-done operation; I don’t need to use any additional makeup products before or after. 

About-Face Smokesticks Eyeshadow

If I was willing to spend 30 minutes and really apply myself, I might be able to achieve an eyeshadow look that vaguely resembles a smokey eye. That being said… I neither have the time nor patience to do that despite how badly I envision myself with a Brigitte Bardot smokey eye. About-Face’s Smokesticks eyeshadow sticks changed that in about 60 seconds. 

Smokestickes come in six colors (black, brown, terracotta, purple, green, and blue) and are dual-ended. One side is a creamy opaque pigment and the other is a diffused powder via a sponge applicator. You can fuss around with this however you like, but for a classic and quick smokey eye I recommend this: Use the cream shadow end on the parts of your lids closest to your eyes (don’t worry about it being too dark). Take the powder sponge end, leave some of the cream untouched, and blend out the rest up your lid. 

Dionis Goat Butter Lip Mask

Okay, so a lip mask is perhaps not technically a makeup product, but I use it as such. Well, I’ve been using this Dionis Lip Mask all day, every day. As a skincare product, goat milk, jojoba, and moringa oil make it so deeply moisturizing and nourishing that I sometimes apply it just once a day. (But, I like to apply it more because the texture feels incredible.) It’s thick but silky, long-lasting, and not in the least bit sticky. 

As a makeup product, it’s so glossy that I think it gives the illusion of a slightly fuller pout. I wear it on my bare lips or over lip liner in place of lip gloss. For just $15, It’s one of the best things I’ve tried in months.

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