Hello again…

I’m so glad you love beauty as much as I do because I really, really do.

There are many things that make my heart happy in this world – thunderstorms, chocolate, books, puppies, etc., but makeup brings me to life.

I think that may be because, in an alternate life, I’d love to be a painter, but I don’t seem to possess the natural skill for it. Playing with makeup is my way of feeling like an artist, like Picasso. But wonderfully so, in this case, I am the painter and the canvas.

People may think we love makeup because we’re trying to hide, but that’s not true.

Makeup is meant to bring our features to life, to illuminate the parts of ourselves we love most. We are our own muses, and that’s pretty poetic, is it not?

Makeup also gives us the opportunity to step into different versions of ourselves. One day we may feel more kick-ass and edgy and gravitate towards liquid eyeliner and a juicy lip, or maybe we want to embrace our gentleness and create a soft look with a bit of concealer, peach blush, and a gentle coat of mascara.

It’s fun, playful, and creative.

In this blog post, I’m gonna give you a list of the products that I love to play with that I consider to be the underdog products in Sephora – the ones that no ones talking about, but should be.

Let’s roll.

JVN Complete Nourishing Hair Oil Shine Drops

The JVN Complete Nourishing Hair Oil Shine Drops smell like a midsummer night’s dream and apply as such, as well. It’s a scent that reminds me of a happy memory, but I can’t seem to put my finger on it, which I love. A mysterious happy memory.

The shine drops feel very silky and give your hair a boost of freshness, which is evident with ingredients like Hemisqualane, Meadowfoam Esters, and Hibiscus Extract. I love applying the hair oil when my hair is damp and dry.

I’m not sure why every influencer on the planet doesn’t recommend this product, it’s by far one of my favorites not only from JVN but also in the world of haircare.

Fragrance Description: Sparkling grapefruit and tangerine are infused with white florals, soft violet, and sweet honey notes.

AKA, heaven in a bottle.

Drybar Southern Belle Volume-Boosting Mousse

The Drybar Southern Belle Volume-Boosting Mouse is widely underrated for the amount of volume that it adds, I was actually shocked.

My mom first showed me the product and I was amazed by the volume it gave her – she has fairly thin hair and it added major volume to her hair, which I’ve never seen before.

It’s a good one that I think more people should try, especially if you want some va va voom volume.

Tom Ford Mini Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

The Tom Ford Mini Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil is my all-time favorite shimmering body oil.

It isn’t sticky, gives my body a beautiful glow, and has the most ravishing unique scent that I love to wear particularly in the summer, and layer it with my other perfumes.

Although it’s labeled as a mini size, it has lasted me a surprisingly long time and doesn’t seem to run out.

It’s simply delightful, you’re going to want to wear it every single day, especially on vacation.

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Waterproof Mascara

Oh, the drama. The Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Waterproof Mascara is a goody, I must say. It gives serious volume and makes your eyes pop like no other.

It does get a bit smudgy from time to time, but overall, compared to other mascaras in Sephora, this one actually gives you length and volume. It’s obvious and a stunner.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation may be consistently on your for you page, but I really don’t see many makeup lovers and influencers mentioning this product as often as I think it should be.

When it comes to longwear matte foundation, this is epic. I once got caught in a rainstorm while kayaking in Canada, and when I came back home, my face makeup was still perfectly intact and didn’t budge whatsoever. I looked as if I just did my makeup. Amazing.

That was all because I was wearing this foundation. It’s perfect for a night out to ensure your makeup stays on throughout the night, and it’s a beautiful foundation to wear during the day as well. And when it comes to full-coverage matte foundation, this is so light and doesn’t feel like I’m wearing any foundation at all. 

It’s in my top 3 foundations of all time, for sure.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil

The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil is one of the softest, if not the softest, lip oils I have ever used. It brings me so much joy to wear this and the color choices are fabulous.

It’s easy to apply and actually lasts a very long time throughout the day, I was pleasantly surprised. Rare Beauty is consistently talked about online, especially the blushes, but don’t miss out on the tinted lip oils, they’re too special to be forgotten.

Jo Malone London Sakura Cherry Blossom

Perfume is such an intimate choice, but for me, the Jo Malone London Sakura Cherry Blossom perfume immediately stood out when I first tried it. So much so that when I came back to Sephora, I ran straight to it to indulge in the scent for a 2nd time.

Overall, it’s simply a soft and sweet scent that made me smile and is worth trying.

Fragrance Description: This fragrance has the essence of modern romance. With violet leaves and a hint of lemon, it unfolds like a bouquet of freshly cut garden roses.

Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil

The Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil needs to be loved by everyone, it’s a wonderful product that applies perfectly, has a gorgeous range of shades, and to be honest, anything that Mario creates is a winner.

I used this product until the very last bit. Not just hit pan, but I couldn’t even see the product in the packaging, it was just the packaging at that point. Now, that’s an outstanding blush.

Even if you have a collection of blushes, you need to add this one to your everyday collection.

Kosas Glow I.V. Vitamin-Infused Skin Illuminating Enhancer

We all know and love the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, but let me re-introduce you to the Kosas Glow I.V. Vitamin-Infused Skin Illuminating Enhancer, which I have to say, I like more than the flawless filter…I know, very controversial.

It’s true though, in terms of a gorgeous glow, this is it. It blends beautifully into my skin and gives me a radiant glow from within. Plus, it mixes effortlessly with any of my foundations.

It’s a good one, I highly recommend it.

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser may be a simple product without the “wow” factor you’re used to seeing for a cleanser, but this cleanser does it all for me.

It easily takes off all of my makeup and also leaves my skin feeling nourished and hydrated. I appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and created to be extra gentle – which is ideal for my sensitive skin and is so helpful with ingredients like Aloe, Allantoin, and Glycerin.

Highly recommend.

KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening Pore Scrub + Exfoliating Mask

The KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening Pore Scrub + Exfoliating Mask is one of my favorite exfoliating masks. I truly see a difference in my skin every time I use this product, I swear my skin looks healthier and brighter.

I never see anyone talking about this and I just can’t stand it. It’s too good to be in the dark! I love using this once a week as part of my everything shower when I wash my hair.

Drybar Liquid Glass Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner

The Drybar Liquid Glass Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner is a keeper. Whenever I go to Drybar to get a blowout, this is the shampoo and conditioner they always use and my oh my, it’s freaking awesome.

My hair feels and stays so clean for days, makes my hair so shiny and soft, and smells incredible. I love having the wind breeze through my hair so I get a whiff of the delicious scent.

Give it a try next time you’re in the market for new shampoo and conditioner, it’s an unsung hero for sure.

Makeup By Mario Master Crystal Reflector™

If you want just one simple shimmer to carry in your collection, or anytime you travel, the Makeup By Mario Master Crystal Reflector™ is the secret ingredient to a mesmerizing eye look.

Personally, I prefer the bronze shade and it goes so well with brown eyes. It’s a gentle shimmer you can spot a mile away and just draws you in.

Certainly makes your eyes sparkle.

A Final Thought, Just For You.

If you love makeup, then be adventurous and find the products that bring YOU joy.

Take your time understanding what you like without listening to what other people recommend all the time. Now, of course, it’s great to get recommendations from people who you love and trust, but don’t forget to explore for yourself and try things that maybe aren’t the most talked about, or aren’t going viral.

More often than not, the underdog products that most people don’t talk about are actually the ones everyone should know about. But it’s nice to have a collection of products that you feel are yet to be discovered by the masses…it’s like keeping a magical secret, just for yourself.

So, I hope my list of underdog products gave you some insight into new products you may want to try that could replace your current favorites. Or, just new products to play with.

Love,

Anastasiya

P.S. If you liked this blog post, let me introduce you to my new favorite summertime look, “How To: Burnt Peach and Gold Shimmer Summer Makeup.” I think you’ll like the combo.

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