Now that my new stash is in place, it’s time to chat about five of the standout products from my April-May stash. Spoiler warning, this is going to be an ‘oops, all bangers’ edition of Bite Size Reviews. The only product that did me dirty from my last stash was the Kosas concealer (you can check out my April empites to see what went wrong there). So, if you’re only here for my spicy takes, you might want to sit this one out. Otherwise, let’s dive on in!
REVLON ILLUMINANCE MOISTURE + PRIME BALM PRIMER – $35.95
The Illuminance Balm Primer has been touted online as a dupe for the iconic Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. Honestly? I don’t see it. Besides the packaging being vaguely similar, they really couldn’t be any more different. The Face Base is more of a true cream consistency. Whereas the Balm Primer is more a cream/balm hybrid. It doesn’t have that same nourishing richness on the skin. What it does do, however, is hydrate and smooth out my skin with ease. It’s not overly rich or heavy in texture. And it’s worked well with every foundation I’ve paired it with so far. It’s a great, affordable option that I quickly fell in love with. Also, while it does have a very light citrusy scent, it goes away very quickly.
MAKEUP BY MARIO SURREAL SKIN SOFT BLUR SETTING POWDER – $68.00
Ok, this was probably the most requested review out of my entire stash. Because this powder comes with a lot of hype surrounding it. Namely due to the fact that it was the most high profile talc free powder launch of last year. I actually picked this up because The Lipstick Lesbians were raving about it prior to it’s launch. And I have to say, it’s worth the hype. Is it as good as the Huda powder? No, but it comes dang close. I was in awe at how well this blurred everything. Especially under the eyes. It leaves a gorgeous velvet finish on the skin. I reckon it’s absolutely worth the cost.
MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY DOUBLE FIX SUPER SPRAY – $28.99
Maybelline is now 2 for 2 when it comes to their setting sprays. The Superstay Double fix is a bi-phase formula that, once shaken together, creates a spray that is super fine and super comfortable on the skin. The dry down, as you can imagine, is very quick. And it does an excellent job at making your makeup last all day long.
MAYBELLINE SUPER FLUFF BROW MOUSSE – $24.99
Why yes, I did pick this up because of TikTok. Why do you ask? In any case, yeah, this is pretty alright. This was what I was wearing in my brows throughout most of the month. I liked that the spoolie had a little length on it. But it was also nice and narrow, especially at the tip. It did have a nice tint to it. But not the best hold. If that’s what you’re after, maybe skip this one.
AUSTRALIS FRESH & FLAWLESS POWDER BLUSH in DELULU – $13.95
Out of the two Australis blushes I had in my last stash, this was definitely the shade I ended up using more of. What can I say? I love a neutral blush. And this shade is absolutely perfect for a more neutral, everyday makeup look. The blush, in and of itself, is fantastic. They are very buildable as far as powder blushes go. They have the slightest sheen to them. Definitely a natural matte finish on the skin. And yes, they wear all day long. I do hope that Australis expands this range in the future.
And that is a wrap! I hope you try out these picks for yourself. And as always, let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Cheers and love
Emily xo