January is almost over and I wanted to start a new series reviewing my beauty and skincare favorites. I’ve tried a bunch of products this month and these are the ones that stood out above the rest.
Elf Cosmetics Hydrating Core Lip Shine with Vitamin E
I talked about the Elf Tinted Lip Balm almost the entire month on my Instagram because from the moment I tried them out, I was just so obsessed. Tinted lip balms weren’t even on my radar until I tried this product out, and now I’m just generally addicted with finding the perfect tinted lip balm.
Elf claims that it’s a “melting lip balm” that adds a “sheer tint of color.” It also states that it is moisturizing. Well, I definitely agree with those claims! As an introduction to tinted lip balms, this was definitely the best choice. You can definitely build it up. If you want to see a swatch you can see one here.
The tinted lip balm is also super affordable, which is helpful because I want try try more shades. The shade Ecstatic is supposed to be a dupe for the trending shade Clinique Black Honey, which suits so many skin tones.
One thing to note is that it has a melon scent, if you’re sensitive, I would be wary of that.
Available for $7 at Amazon, Ulta, & Elfcosmetics.com.
ELF Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain
January was truly a month of discovery because I also discovered how fun lip stains are! The one lip stain I fell in love with is also from ELF, the ELF Glossy Lip Stain.
These lip stains are really easy to use, super moisturizing and they leave the prettiest stain on the lips. The shade I initially picked up was Pinkies up, but I also had to pick up Cinnamon Dreamz after I discovered how lovely the stain was.
Available for $6 at Amazon, Ulta, & Elfcosmetics.com.
Glossier Birthday Balm Dotcom
Okay, not going to lie, I sincerely thought that the girlies really loved this Balm just because it was Glossier. Glossier is one of those brands that have a cult like following so I was really hesitant to try anything. We don’t have a Glossier store nearby so I don’t have a way to swatch it or anything.
I picked up the Birthday Balm scent because I love those types of scents. It did not disappoint in that regard. It reminds me of the Birthday Cake Remix ice cream from Coldstone, which I love.
What really surprised me the most is how moisturizing it is. It leaves my lips good for several hours, and I have extremely dry lips. I consistently have to reapply lip balms daily and it still peels and cracks, but this! It even stays moisturized after sleeping.
The one thing I don’t like that it’s not as easily accessible in comparison to most lip balms. I did hear that Glossier may be available in Sephora soon, which I do hope because I am definitely likelier to pick up more of their items that way.
Also, if you’re ever in TJ Maxx, I would look at the beauty aisles. I found some Glossier there a couple times. You do have to check if it has been opened but you can get things at a discount.
Available for $12 at Glossier.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
I raved about this sunscreen on my last sunscreen blog roundup, but I’ve fallen even more in love with this sunscreen since. I’m almost done with my first (and definitely not last) one. I only wish that I didn’t purchase so many backups of my Beauty of Joseon sunscreen so I can pick more up of this one.
I love the way that it dries down, especially since I am an oily girl. The key difference is that BOJ is a little more rich instead of this one. I think that dry girlies would like the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen more.
This is definitely my Holy Grail sunscreen at the moment and I don’t see any other sunscreen topping it right now. Just chef’s kiss.
Available for $27 at Amazon, $24 at Stylevana.
Tower 28 JuiceBalm Vegan Tinted Lip Balm
I was so hyped when I received these tinted lip balms in PR since I was definitely starting my tinted lip balm journey at this point. It was like kismet. Just the universe sending me tinted lip balms in perfect timing. At least that’s what I like to believe.
I heard that these were reformulated from the original version. Although I haven’t really tried the original version, so I couldn’t tell you if it’s an improvement, but baby these are too good!
They are super creamy and buildable. The brown shade is just perfection. I’m personally a neutral lip gal, but they also have some stunning brighter shades. I swatched them all here if you’re interested.
Available for $16 at Sephora and Tower 28.
Clarins Double Serum Firming and Southing Anti-Aging Concentrate
I’ve been using this one on and off for a couple months now and I really do love using it. It’s truly just a whole experience using it. It feels like a spa and it smells just divine as well.
It is a little pricey and I’m not sure if this is one of those things that I would have picked up right away if I didn’t receive it in exchange for UGC work I did in the past.
It’s one of those products that makes you actually want to do your skincare routine, if you know what I mean. It’s just the best kinda experience. I would personally just put it on my wishlist for a special occasion, like for example Valentine’s day is definitely coming up! Or if you just want to treat yourself, I think this feels like treating yourself on a daily basis.
Available for $90 at Sephora and Ulta.
Beauty and Skincare Favorites January 2023
That completes my beauty and skincare favorites of January 2023. Did you find anything you also loved in January? Anything on your wishlist or anything you would want me to review? Let me know 🙂
