I still remember the first time I swiped a Marc Jacobs Beauty lip gloss across my lips in 2013. It was at a Sephora in Manhattan, and the shade was ‘Sugar Sugar’—a sheer, sparkly pink that made me feel like I’d just walked off a downtown runway. The doe-foot applicator was impossibly plush, the scent was a whisper of vanilla, and the shine? It lasted through coffee, conversation, and a humid subway ride. That gloss was my gateway drug into the brand’s entire universe: the genius ‘Remedy’ concealer pen that erased my 3 a.m. deadlines, the ‘Omega’ bronzer that never looked muddy, and those high-impact eyeshadows that made even a simple look feel editorial. So when I heard Marc Jacobs Beauty was making a comeback after its quiet exit in 2021, my heart did a little skip. But would it feel like a reunion with an old friend, or a ghost from the past that’s lost its sparkle? I’ve been testing the new collection for weeks, and I’m ready to spill every glitter-dusted detail.
First Impressions
The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the new Marc Jacobs Beauty lineup was the packaging. It’s sleeker, more minimalist—think matte black with clean white typography, a departure from the original’s playful, graffiti-inspired vibe. It’s undeniably chic, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss that old-school edge. The hero products are back: the ‘Lip Lacquer’ (formerly the ‘Enamored’ lip gloss), the ‘Re(marc)able’ concealer, and a new iteration of the ‘Omega’ bronzer. I immediately reached for the Lip Lacquer in ‘Bubblegum Pink’—a shade that screams Y2K nostalgia. The texture is different from the original: it’s thinner, less sticky, and feels more like a hybrid between a gloss and a balm. The scent is still there, but it’s fainter, more refined. On first swipe, my lips felt hydrated and glossy, but the shine didn’t have that same glass-like, mirror-finish I remembered. It was pretty, but not jaw-dropping. The concealer, however, was a revelation. The ‘Re(marc)able’ concealer now comes in a wider shade range (32 shades!) and has a creamy, blendable formula that melts into the skin without settling into fine lines. I applied it under my eyes and on a stubborn breakout, and it covered both with a natural, luminous finish. My initial reaction was a mix of relief and curiosity: the concealer was a clear win, but the gloss left me wondering if the brand had smoothed out its personality along with its formula.
The Deep Dive
Let’s talk about the three products that define this relaunch: the Lip Lacquer, the Re(marc)able Concealer, and the new ‘Air Blush’—a soft powder blush that’s being positioned as a must-have. The Lip Lacquer is the most anticipated, and for good reason. The original was a cult favorite for its high-shine, long-lasting finish. The new version is more wearable—less tacky, more comfortable—but that comes at a cost. The shine fades after about two hours, and the color payoff is sheerer. If you’re looking for that ultra-pigmented, glossy lip that screams ‘90s supermodel, you might be disappointed. However, if you want a hydrating, everyday gloss that feels like nothing on your lips, this is a solid option. The shade range is impressive: 12 shades from nude to bold berry, all with a subtle, non-sticky finish. The Re(marc)able Concealer is where the brand truly shines. It’s a medium-to-full coverage concealer that builds beautifully without caking. I’ve tested it on dry, combo, and oily skin types (I roped in three friends for this), and it performed consistently well. On dry skin, it didn’t cling to flakes. On oily skin, it stayed put for about six hours before needing a touch-up. The shade matching is spot-on, and the doe-foot applicator is precise enough for spot concealing but generous enough for under-eyes. The Air Blush is a newcomer that surprised me. It’s a finely-milled powder blush that applies like a dream—sheer but buildable, with a satin finish that looks like a natural flush. The shade ‘Petal Pop’ is a soft rose that works on fair to medium skin tones, but I wish the range were broader (only six shades). The formula is clean—free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates—which is a plus for the conscious consumer, but it also means the longevity isn’t as impressive as the original. The blush fades gracefully after about four hours, rather than clinging on all day.
Real Results
After two weeks of consistent use, here’s what I found. The Lip Lacquer became a staple in my daily rotation, but not for the reasons I expected. I used it as a topper over a matte lipstick, and it added a beautiful, glossy sheen without making my lips feel sticky. On its own, it didn’t have the staying power for a full day of meetings—I had to reapply after lunch. But for a casual brunch or a coffee run, it was perfect. The concealer, on the other hand, became my new holy grail. I have chronic dark circles (thanks, genetics and late nights), and this concealer covered them with just one swipe. I set it with a light dusting of powder, and it lasted through a 10-hour workday without creasing. My friend with oily skin tried it and reported minimal oil breakthrough around the nose area, but a quick blot fixed it. The Air Blush was a pleasant surprise. I applied it with a fluffy brush, and it gave me a lit-from-within glow that looked natural in photos. My deeper-skinned friend (shade ‘Caramel’) tried the blush in ‘Rosewood’, and it showed up beautifully, though she noted it needed two layers for full impact. Across all skin types, the concealer was the unanimous winner. The Lip Lacquer and blush are good, but they’re not game-changers—they’re solid, clean beauty options that fit into a modern routine.
The Honest Truth
Let me be real with you: this relaunch isn’t perfect, and it’s important to manage expectations. The Lip Lacquer, while lovely, doesn’t hold a candle to the original’s longevity or pigment. If you’re a die-hard fan of the old formula, you might feel a pang of loss. The new version is more aligned with current clean beauty standards, which means fewer long-wearing polymers and more nourishing oils. It’s a trade-off. The Air Blush is nice, but it’s not revolutionary—there are plenty of powder blushes at a lower price point ($28) that perform just as well. The shade range is also limited, which feels like a misstep in 2025. The concealer, however, is a true standout. It’s priced at $30, which is competitive for a high-end concealer, and it performs on par with favorites like the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer or the Tarte Shape Tape, but with a more natural finish. Who should skip this? If you’re a maximalist who loves bold, long-wearing makeup, the Lip Lacquer might not satisfy you. Stick with the original if you can find it (some online resellers still have stock), or try the Fenty Gloss Bomb for a similar high-shine effect. The blush is best for those who prefer a sheer, buildable formula—if you want intense color payoff, look elsewhere. The concealer is a safe bet for almost everyone, but if you have extremely dry skin, you might want to pair it with a hydrating eye cream first.
Pro Tips
After weeks of testing, I’ve uncovered a few tricks that elevate these products. First, for the Lip Lacquer: apply a thin layer, blot with a tissue, then apply a second layer. This gives you a more opaque, longer-lasting finish without the stickiness. I also love mixing it with a lip liner—try ‘Bubblegum Pink’ over a nude liner for a 2000s-inspired look. For the concealer, the key is to warm it up on the back of your hand before applying. This makes it more blendable and prevents it from looking dry. Use a damp beauty sponge for a seamless finish, or a small brush for precise coverage. If you want to make the Air Blush last longer, apply a cream blush first (like the Glossier Cloud Paint), then layer the powder blush on top. This creates a stain that stays put for hours. For creators, here’s your content goldmine: do a ‘then vs. now’ comparison video. Show the original Marc Jacobs Beauty products alongside the new ones, swatching and testing each. Talk about the formula changes, the packaging, and the nostalgia factor. Another idea: create a ‘Y2K makeup look’ using the new collection, explaining how the trend is evolving. Use the concealer to demonstrate a ‘no-makeup makeup’ look, and discuss clean beauty trade-offs. Your audience will eat up the honest analysis—trust me.
Final Verdict
Would I buy the new Marc Jacobs Beauty again? Yes, but selectively. The Re(marc)able Concealer is a repurchase for me—it’s versatile, inclusive, and genuinely effective. The Lip Lacquer is a ‘maybe’—I love the comfort and the shades, but I’ll likely use it as a topper rather than a standalone gloss. The Air Blush is a pass for me; it’s pretty, but not unique enough to justify the price. This relaunch is a solid B+—it honors the brand’s legacy while adapting to modern demands, but it doesn’t fully recapture the magic of the original. It’s perfect for: clean beauty enthusiasts, those who missed Marc Jacobs Beauty and want a fresh start, and anyone looking for a reliable, natural-finish concealer. If you’re a die-hard fan of the old formulas, approach with caution—but don’t write it off entirely. Sometimes, a comeback is about evolution, not replication. And in this case, the evolution has its moments of brilliance.
