I'm a Picky Beauty Editor, But These 4 New Products Impressed TF Out of Me

I have a full-on checklist of things that I like my mascara to do and have. First, it needs to add some serious length and curl. Second, it should be able to withstand a full eight-hour-plus day without smudging, flaking, or giving me raccoon eyes. This formula instantly adds a lot of length and curl, so check in that department. The formula also doesn't dry out too quickly, which is a huge plus. It did transfer a tiny bit, even with primer, but it's still an impressive formula that's easy to build without making your lashes sticky or clumpy.

This gloss really delivers in the plumping department. I wasn't prepared for it, but here's a PSA for all you unsuspecting gloss enthusiasts: It is spicy. That being said, it really gives you a plump, juicy, glossy lip, and it pairs really nicely with the Go Flush Yourself Blush Glow Palette. I now have exactly two favorite lip plumpers: this one and the Lawless Forget the Filler Plumping Gloss ($26).

This foundation was the star of the show for me. I was initially nervous getting color-matched for it because I'm extremely picky about my foundations now, but it turns out I had nothing to worry about! My skin is pretty sensitive and acne-prone, so I tend to avoid formulas that contain a lot of oils, extracts, comedogenic ingredients, and silicones. Unfortunately, pretty much every foundation contains some kind of silicone as the fourth or fifth ingredient, so it can be frustrating trying to find ones that I really like.
Polite Society's, however, is impressive because it's noncomedogenic, dries down to a soft matte finish without leaving me dry, and is totally silicone-free. When I tell you I almost screamed because of how excited I was, believe me, I'm not lying. That's a home run to me in the foundation department, and I was so happy the coverage didn't disappoint. It's absolutely my new favorite foundation, nabbing a spot right next to Saie Hydrobounce Foundation ($40). It even passed the long-wear test. Normally, my skin gets dehydrated easily and my foundation starts to feel dry and flakey after a couple hours, but miraculously, this one did not! It truly keeps you looking airbrushed day and night. I can't say enough good things.

This palette includes three blush shades and a highlight. I definitely loved the colors of these hues. They're universally flattering, and I used them on my lids as well for a little extra shimmer. My only note is that I wish the shades were a bit more pigmented. In some ways, it's nice they go on a bit subtler so you can start light and build them up, but it did take quite a bit of building to achieve the wash of color I was looking for.

I absolutely love the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation—it became an instant favorite upon its launch date. The new concealer is equally as good and brightens up the under-eye area like no other.

I was beyond excited when this foundation launched, and it did not disappoint. It's a silicone-free, noncomedogenic formula, and it melts really seamlessly into the skin. It definitely offers lighter coverage, but it's great for those days you want a fresh, natural look.

This is a setting powder for folks who don't like setting powders. Normally, they dry out my dehydrated skin too much, but something about this formula gives me the perfect soft matte look without causing dry patches on my skin like others too.

This cream-to-powder eye shadow from Merit is an instant winner. Not only does it provide a gorgeous, subtle wash of color on the lids, but it also contains soothing botanical extracts to help smooth fine lines.

This new offering from Patrick Ta isn't just your average matte eye shadow palette. The shades are so rich, creamy, and pigmented. 

Every beauty enthusiast I know has had nothing but good things to say about Tower 28's new concealer. It's hydrating and has a serum-like texture but is still noncomedogenic.