A lot of people do “Anti-Hauls” on Youtube. If you aren’t familiar with these, these are videos where people talk about what they aren’t buying. With so many launches, I love the premise of this. It gives us a reason to talk about what’s new without actually participating in this makeup economy of “BUT THIS LIMITED EDITION THING!”. Here’s my version, sans video. Here’s my additional comments¹.
In May, Maybelline launched a ton of things. I don’t really need any of them but I’m curious about the Fit Me Powder (if I ever run out of loose powder). Ulta started carrying Sleek. Overall, it really wasn’t that busy of a month for launches. It looks like most of the new stuff will be “officially” launching in June.
Here’s some things that have launched or will be launching soon that have been receiving hype in the Beauty World.
MAC x Steve J & Yoni P Collection
It’s a cute collection but not really any cuter than any other k-cosmetics that we can get if we have the patience to wait on international shipping. Here’s swatches of the entire collection. And here’s the brand’s fashions in case you didn’t realize ruffles are really, really in right now. Save me.
Jouer Skinny Dip Ultra Foil Palette
When I saw the pre-release swatches, I thought I would end up buying this. But, once it launches I easily talked myself out of it. It’s expensive for what it is. Like it’s pretty but it seems pricey for such few shades. Or maybe I think that because in reality, I just want 3 of the 6 shades. (More swatches here). Any dupes for Midnight Swim (the deep brown) are greatly appreciated.
Clinique x Jonathan Adler Makeup Collection
Cute concept with a lackluster execution. YET, I still want a Globo-inspired lipstick because I have problems.
ColourPop iluvsarahii Collection
I can not keep up with ColourPop’s collections. They are launching something new all of the time and discontinuing all of my “old” favorites. This collection is really pretty. I admit that I’m so tempted by Mamacita (a goth-y burgundy). Honestly, I don’t need it. I have stuff like that already. Look at me being so responsible! (Swatches here, the shadows look great).
Glossier Invisible Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 35
There are beauty bloggers that predominately deal in skincare that can tell you why this isn’t such a great buy. I can tell you why I don’t want it. It’s expensive for what it is (1 oz is $34 – that’s about a month’s worth of sunscreen). I can buy Japanese sunscreen for less. I worry about the stability of the actives in the Glossier and I don’t like the addition of essential oils. Overall, I think it’s probably just fine but I think you can spend less money for a better product.
It’s a cute set, even if it is a bit “late” to its appointment, but it’s cute. However, I never liked any of the unicorn makeup stuff so of course, I’m going to pass. Even with my “pass”, this stuff sold out really quick. Here’s swatches; I think some of the products are still available individually. The lip products look cool.
TEMPTATIONS YA’LL
I’m so curious about this collection. It sort of k-beauty for the US drugstore market (high SPF, massage creams, hydration). I have used elf skincare in the past was surprised by its quality. There’s a few products in this collection that sound very promising.
Juvia’s Place The Magic Palette
It’s just so pretty. I mean, look at these swatches!
Not many temptations in May. I’m getting better at talking myself out of stuff.
Oh, has anyone tried that new L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise mascara? Could that be a Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara dupe? Also, are those even words? Listen to those word salads!
So, what do you think? What are your anti-hauls? What are your newly launched temptations? Any makeup/fragrance rants?
¹ Oh, and here I am quoted in The Outline. I’m sure not fighting capitalism talking about luxury consumer products so that’s an overstatement. But, I feel like these make me a more conscious consumer and evaluate what I want, own and what gives me joy.
Those Juvia’s place swatches are trying me too! I don’t know how to feel about the US versions of Asian Beauty products. I’d rather wait for international shipping but I hope the innovation of these other countries isn’t forgotten as the US rushes to start making similar stuff.
But that Juvia palette is hard to resist. You helped me talk myself out of everything else.
UPDATE – I have the eyeshadow palette and it is sooo gorgeous. Those swatches don’t lie! I gasped when I touched them. Soooo pretty. I can’t talk you out of it 🙂
I understand. I’m lucky enough to live in an area with a lot of k-beauty stores where I can try in person…but I still order international because it takes time for a product/trend to reach the US. elf isn’t advertising this line like k-beauty (other rant, Bobbi Brown has a “k-beauty section” on their site, yeah, whatever, Bobbi). I’m just noticing that there are similarities (high SPF, magnetic mask). I’m curious about the elf because it’d be nice to have a high SPF product so readily available.
Where are your favorite K-beauty places in the city (I am in NYC as well) but I just never have gotten a good grasp on where to go.
I work about 3 blocks from an elf store so I might have to go check it out. I am picky about SPF but it would be nice to have something easy to get and not $80.
I love the staff at Nature Republic on E. 14th. I love Besfren Beauty in K-Town for sheet masks and I think they do a good job of curating some of the better skincare/beauty products from k-brands. That’s near another Nature Republic, TonyMoly, Face Shop, Skylake, etc.
Chinatown now has a Saem. I like the AmorePacific on Catherine to pick up Laneige and Mamonde. There’s also another Face Shop, TonyMoly. I love the Yeon on Mott. oo35m (or something like that) carries Japanese sunscreen. Ricky’s now carries CosRx and other k-beauty brands. I also just realized 2 weeks ago we have a Too Cool for School now (in front of Santa Maria Novella). For makeup, I like Aritaum (in dreaded Little Italy). Club Clio is OK. I just like one of their primers.
It’s more expensive to buy in person (import fees, NYC city tax) but you can try before you buy, which is nice. Also, you can get samples.
I really need to put together a list of places I shop. I know I’m missing somewhere hella obvious.
That’s my thought. If it’s less than $20 and doesn’t totally suck, it’d be a great thing to pick up in a pinch. Also, I’m a sucker for anything “brightening”.
The MAC lip/cheek palette looks nice, as does the Jouer palette, I can’t justify getting either really when I rarely wear makeup these days hmm.
It looks cute. I like that palette but of course, don’t need it.
I love the Jouer one…but don’t need it. I am in the market for a few dupes since about 3 of those colors I’d wear.
It’s been hot. I’m lucky to slap on lipstick these days.
From the packaging that Lash Paradise really does look like a Better Than Sex dupe. I want to try it but am waiting to see if I spot it on sale.
Lately I feel like a lot of my old standby drugstore mascaras aren’t doing it for me anymore. I don’t know if I’ve gotten pickier, the formulas have changed, or Colorado is just so dry that it ruins mascara. I really like Cover Girl The Super Sizer but they dry out kinda fast. The Voluminous Butterfly ones start off awesome and then get goopy. I just took a chance on Maybelline Colossal Bigshot and it’s OK. Part of me thinks they are designing mascara to die faster so we’ll have to buy more…..
I believe your conspiracy theory. I feel like they do dry out much faster than they used to. I attributed this to a different climate BUT this makes sense. I feel like I need to use a new tube every month now vs. 3 months.