First Impressions
There’s something about the start of a new year that makes you want to hit the reset button on your beauty stash. I felt that pull hard when I walked into my local Ulta on a crisp January afternoon. The air inside smelled like a mix of fresh plastic packaging and vanilla-scented candles, and the aisles were buzzing with other shoppers who clearly had the same idea. I had a list—a real, handwritten list—of products I’d run out of and a few I’d been eyeing for months. But I also left room for impulse buys, because that’s half the fun, isn’t it?
My first stop was the foundation aisle. I’ve been hearing nonstop buzz about the Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, and I was curious if it lived up to the hype. I also wanted to grab the Estée Lauder Double Wear, a cult classic I’d somehow never tried. The Nars came in a sleek bottle with a pump (thank you, Nars, for not making me wrestle with a dropper), and the shade Vienna seemed like a solid match for my light-medium skin with neutral undertones. The Estée Lauder, on the other hand, was a different story. No pump. In 2025. I had to pour it onto my hand like it was 1995. But I’d heard so many makeup artists swear by it that I decided to give it a shot anyway.
As I swatched the Nars on my jawline, the texture immediately caught my attention. It was thin and watery, almost like a serum, but it had a subtle luminosity that made my skin look instantly healthier. The Estée Lauder was thicker, more opaque, and felt like it meant business. I grabbed both, along with a new Hourglass Vanish Concealer in Cedar (my holy grail for years) and a Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer in Medium (my old one had finally hit pan after two years of loyal service). My cart was already getting heavy, but I wasn’t done yet.
The Deep Dive
Let’s talk about those foundations first, because they were the stars of this haul. The Nars Light Reflecting Foundation is a liquid that blends out like a dream. I applied it with a damp sponge, and it melted into my skin without clinging to dry patches or settling into fine lines. The finish is exactly what the name promises: it reflects light in a way that makes your skin look naturally radiant, not greasy. I’d say it’s medium coverage, but it’s buildable to full without looking cakey. The shade range is impressive, with 36 options, though I wish there were more undertones for deeper skin tones.
The Estée Lauder Double Wear is a different beast entirely. It’s high coverage, matte, and long-lasting. I wore it for a 12-hour day, and it didn’t budge, even through a workout and a greasy lunch. But here’s the thing: it feels heavier on the skin. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, this might emphasize texture. I have combination skin, and I found it worked best when I prepped with a hydrating primer and used a light hand. The shade I picked, Desert Beige, was a touch too yellow for me, but I mixed it with a drop of the Nars to balance it out.
For concealer, the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush is still my ride-or-die. It’s full coverage but thin, so it doesn’t crease under the eyes. I used it to cover a few dark spots and a hormonal breakout, and it held up all day without oxidizing. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer is another repeat purchase for a reason. It’s finely milled, blends like a dream, and never looks muddy. I use it to warm up my cheekbones and temples, and it lasts for hours.
Now, let’s get into the fun stuff: the drugstore finds. I picked up a Revolution Jelly Blush in a peachy-pink shade, and I was skeptical at first. It’s a lip and cheek stain that comes in a tube, and it dries down super fast. I made the mistake of applying it directly to my cheek, and it set before I could blend it—big mistake. But when I dotted it on a sponge first and patted it on, the result was a soft, natural flush that lasted all day. For $8, it’s a steal. I also grabbed a couple of NYX lip liners (the shade Nutmeg is a classic for a reason) and an RM Beauty Hypernova Blush in Strawberry Nebula. The RM blush is a powder with a shimmering finish, and the color is a gorgeous berry-pink that looks like you’ve been out in the cold. It’s buildable and doesn’t emphasize pores.
Real Results
After a week of using these products consistently, I have some solid takeaways. The Nars foundation is now my go-to for everyday wear. It photographs beautifully, doesn’t transfer onto my clothes, and my skin looks better at the end of the day than when I started. I’ve been using it with the Hourglass concealer, and the combination is flawless. The Estée Lauder is my pick for events or long days when I need bulletproof coverage. I wore it to a wedding, and it survived tears, dancing, and a champagne toast. However, I noticed it can feel a bit heavy if I layer too much, so I stick to one pump and build only where needed.
The Revolution blush became a staple in my rotation. I’ve used it on clients with oily skin, and it stays put without fading. The RM Beauty blush is a winner for anyone who loves a luminous finish. I’ve been using it on the apples of my cheeks, and it gives a youthful glow that lasts about six hours before needing a touch-up.
On the hair front, I tried the Kenra Texturizing Taffy for a slick-back bun, and it worked like a charm. It has a strong candy scent (think watermelon Jolly Ranchers), but it provides serious hold without making my hair crunchy. The Waye perfume in Melrose Place is a new obsession. It’s a velvety rose scent with hints of bergamot and cedar, and it lasts on my skin for about four hours. I’ve already gotten three compliments on it.
The Honest Truth
Not everything was a home run. The Estée Lauder foundation’s lack of a pump is a genuine annoyance. I ended up transferring it to an old pump bottle I had lying around, which feels ridiculous for a $52 product. Also, the shade matching was tricky. I bought Desert Beige, but it’s warmer than I expected. If you’re cool-toned, you might struggle to find a match in this line.
The Revolution blush, while amazing for the price, dries down so quickly that you have to work fast. If you’re a beginner, you might end up with a patchy mess. I recommend practicing on your hand first. And the Waye perfume, while lovely, doesn’t have the longevity of a luxury scent. I have to reapply after lunch, which is a bummer for the $32 price tag.
Who should skip these? If you have very dry skin, the Estée Lauder foundation might cling to flakes. Go for the Nars instead. If you hate strong scents, the Kenra taffy might be too much for you. And if you’re looking for a one-and-done foundation, the Nars is a safer bet than the Estée Lauder, which requires more effort.
Pro Tips
For foundation matching, always swatch on your jawline and check it in natural light. I learned the hard way that store lighting can be deceiving. If you’re between shades, mix them—I’ve been doing that with the Nars and Estée Lauder, and it gives me a custom match that works year-round.
For the Revolution blush, apply it to a damp sponge first, then pat it onto your cheeks. This gives you more control and prevents that instant dry-down issue. For the RM Beauty blush, use a fluffy brush and tap off the excess before applying. It’s pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
When using the Kenra taffy, warm it up between your palms before applying to damp hair. It spreads more evenly and gives a smoother finish. For the Waye perfume, apply it to pulse points and layer with an unscented lotion to extend the wear time.
Final Verdict
Would I buy all of this again? Yes, with caveats. The Nars foundation and Hourglass concealer are permanent staples in my kit. The Charlotte Tilbury bronzer is a splurge that’s worth every penny for the quality. The drugstore finds—Revolution blush, NYX liners, RM Beauty blush—are incredible value for money. The Estée Lauder foundation is great for specific occasions, but it’s not an everyday product for me. The Waye perfume is a fun addition, but I’d repurchase only if I didn’t have other scents in rotation.
This haul is perfect for anyone who wants a mix of high-end and affordable products that actually perform. Whether you’re a makeup beginner or a pro, these picks offer something for everyone. Just remember: not every product is for every skin type, so test before you commit. Happy shopping!
