Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2023
If you’re looking for the best Black Friday Makeup & Beauty Deals for 2023, you’ve come to the right place! We have an extensive list of deals from your favorite brands and retailers. There are a lot of sales that start early this year, plenty […]
BEAUTY DEALS
Sponsored: Fenty Beauty Fenty Fam Sale September 2023 | Editor's Recommendations
The Fenty Beauty’s Fenty Fam Sale is here! Temptalia readers get early access to the sale today, September 20th through September 21st, plus it’ll be the biggest discount of the event if you shop during early access. Get early access and 30% off with […]
BEAUTY DEALS
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sales for Fall 2023
Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty event kicks off August 27th, 2023 at midnight CT. Each day during the event, there are select products available for 50% off for that day. They’ve shared the calendar of deals for August 27th through September 16th, which you can […]
BEAUTY DEALS
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2023
If you’re looking for the best Black Friday Makeup & Beauty Deals for 2023, you’ve come to the right place! We have an extensive list of deals from your favorite brands and retailers. There are a lot of sales that start early this year, plenty […]
BEAUTY DEALS
If you’re looking for the best Black Friday Makeup & Beauty Deals for 2023, you’ve come to the right place! We have an extensive list of deals from your favorite brands and retailers. There are a lot of sales that start early this year, plenty that won’t be revealed until closer to Black Friday week, and so much more to share!
This year, Black Friday is November 24th and Cyber Monday is November 27th, but you can expect a slew of deals going live between now and then. Typically, there are pre-Black Friday deals that will begin Monday, November 20th, but as it has been each year, more and more brands start having pre-Black Friday deals, which started this week. I noticed that this year a lot of deals even kicked off this week with many going live already or in the next few days.
Bookmark this page as we update 24/7!
Last major update: 11/16/2023 @ 8:00AM PT
Quick Links to Deals
What is Black Friday 2023?
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving (which is November 24th), so Black Friday 2023 falls in November 24th, 2023 this year. It’s a popular day for brands and retailers to launch mega sales and promotions geared to get your holiday gift-giving dollars. More and more brands participate each year, which can make it overwhelming to know when to shop or whether a deal is really good.
That increased competition has given way to Cyber Week 2023, which kicks off November 20th, 2023 and marks when most of the earlier sales begin, through Cyber Monday 2023 on November 27th.
Black Friday Shopping Tips
- Make your list! (And check it twice!) It’s better to go into a plethora of sales having a game plan of what items you’ve been looking for, what you need for yourself or as gifts for others. This also helps to avoid impulse purchases or getting sidetracked by a good deal on something you didn’t really want!
- Compare offers! Products can be purchased from brands directly, which is often the best deal, but sometimes retailers have better incentives, lower free shipping thresholds, and the like. You’ll also want to check Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday offers when brands have revealed both, since sometimes one is better than the other!
- If it’s too good to be true… prepare to cyber-camp for the deal. If you’re hours late to the deal, things can get sold out or picked through quite a bit, so if you have your list ready, and you’re ready to go when the deal goes live, it shouldn’t be too frustrating!
- Mark your calendar! Most brands and retailers run on EST, and a lot of deals go live midnight EST but occasionally brands launch at PST (Sephora is often one, and Ulta runs on CST). When in doubt, try at midnight EST and if nothing launches, then it’s likely midnight PST.
If your brand has a deal, or you know of one that isn’t listed below, just comment below 
Thank you to each and every reader who shops using our links during one of the busiest seasons of the year as well as throughout the year — this time of year usually sets the tone for how much budget I have for reviewing products for the next year. You can find affiliate links for all brands and retailers we work with here (including international brands and retailers) as well. — xo, Christine
What are the best Black Friday beauty deals for 2023?
As we are still in the early part of the sales’ season, you can check out last year’s round-up to get an idea what some of your favorite brands might have in store for you this year.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2023
Check out the full post to view the current sales.
What are the best Cyber Monday beauty deals for 2023?
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2023
Check out the full post to view the current sales.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2023
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2023
Sponsored: Fenty Beauty Fenty Fam Sale September 2023 | Editor's Recommendations
The Fenty Beauty’s Fenty Fam Sale is here! Temptalia readers get early access to the sale today, September 20th through September 21st, plus it’ll be the biggest discount of the event if you shop during early access. Get early access and 30% off with […]
BEAUTY DEALS
The Fenty Beauty’s Fenty Fam Sale is here! Temptalia readers get early access to the sale today, September 20th through September 21st, plus it’ll be the biggest discount of the event if you shop during early access.
Get early access and 30% off with code TEMPTALIA30 — if you’re shopping the sale, make sure to do it while this code is active, as the public sale will only be 25% off (which goes from September 22nd through September 25th). On September 22nd only, you can also get 20% off Fenty’s Eau de Parfum, which is the only time it’ll be available at a discount during the sale.
You can get even more savings when you shop the brand’s pre-made bundles and sets, which are already discounted to reflect a bundled price. The 30% off also applies to products already on sale. The only exclusions are: CLF products, gift cards, Fenty Faves, and Eau de Parfum.” The sale includes Fenty Skin products, too, which recently released fragrance-free options.
- Come Correct Skin Perfecting Bundle ($67, $81 value)
- Soft Matte Complexions Essentials ($86, $110 value)
- Fenty Skin Start’rs Full-Size Bundle ($86, $101 value)
- Fenty Skin Body Start’rs Bundle ($78, $92 value)
Have you ever wondered what the brand’s bestsellers were? Here’s a list!
- Gloss Bomb
- Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
- Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
- Butta Drop Body Cream
- Cherry Treat Lip Oil
- Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
Editor’s Recommended
Below, you’ll find my favorite Fenty Beauty products from products I’ve reviewed in the past and gave an “Editor’s Recommended” nod to when the review was originally published! I also shared a few of my favorite formulas, generally.
Fenty Beauty RiRi
Fenty Beauty RiRi Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer ($21.00 for 0.3 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark pink with subtle, warm undertones and fine, barely-there… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Riri
Fenty Beauty Riri Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a medium-dark, pinky-mauve with subtle, warm undertones and cooler,… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Strawberry Sangria
Fenty Beauty Strawberry Sangria Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain ($24.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a vivid, medium red with neutral-to-warm undertones and a… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Wine (9)
Fenty Beauty Wine (9) Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.21 oz.) is a new, limited edition release that includes three matte… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Retro Rose
Fenty Beauty Retro Rose Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.098 oz.) is a light-medium coral with moderate, warm undertones and fine,… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Vamps Who Brunch
Fenty Beauty Vamps Who Brunch Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.098 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with subtle, cool undertones and… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Scholar Sista
Fenty Beauty Scholar Sista Icon Semi-Matte Lipstick ($20.00 for 0.134 oz.) is a medium-dark pink with moderate, warm yellow undertones and a satin… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Cool Berry
Fenty Beauty Cool Berry Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with cool undertones and a warmer, golden… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Afternoon Snack/Mo’ Hunny
Fenty Beauty Afternoon Snack/Mo’ Hunny Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo ($34.00 for 0.24 oz.) contains highlighters in soft, peach-brown and… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Chocolate
Fenty Beauty Chocolate Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer ($32.00 for 0.22 oz.) is a rich, deeper brown with muted, warm yellow undertones and a satin… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Petal Poppin’
Fenty Beauty Petal Poppin’ Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a medium pink with moderate, warm undertones and fine, golden… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Fuego Flush
Fenty Beauty Fuego Flush Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a bright, tangerine orange with strong, warm yellow undertones and… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Strawberry Drip
Fenty Beauty Strawberry Drip Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark pink-coral with moderate, warm… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Toffee Tease
Fenty Beauty Toffee Tease Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($32.00 for 0.22 oz.) is a deep brown with muted, cool undertones and a natural finish. It… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Fu$$y
Fu$$y is a muted, medium pink with warmer undertones and a luminous finish with fine pearl and a high-shine. The texture felt lightweight, smooth,… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Fenty Glow (Universal)
Fenty Glow (Universal) is a muted, medium coral with strong, warm orange undertones and a pearly finish paired that was very shiny and glossy. The… Read full review.
Availability
Favorite Formulas
Below, you’ll find my favorite formulas from Fenty Beauty and some of the top-rated shades within each formula. It should come as no surprise that the Cheeks Out Cream Blushes top my list–really a category that I’ve been waiting for a brand to fill with something fantastic, and Fenty did it!
I also keep a few of Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Highlighters (duos or singles) in my drawer of go-tos. Afternoon Snack/Mo’ Hunny and Wattabratt are two I’ll use for something quick ‘n’ easy for review photos, and they’ve been in my vanity drawer since they launched (you can read more about them in my Must-Haves from 2020).
I’ve repurchased the original Fenty Gloss Bomb a few times at this point, and it’s been a favorite for awhile (see Must-Haves That Stayed Favorites from 2018!). I keep one in my bag as well as in my vanity for easy, on-the-go application that’s shiny, comfortable, and has a bit of dimension (but goes with any look).
Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
View a shade…
Berry BangerFuchsia WifeGem and IMai TypeStrawberry SangriaZesty Bestie
The formula is supposed to have a glossy finish that leaves a “soft tint” behind while being hydrating, feather-resistant, and offers “sheer-to-medium coverage.” It has a a thinner, more watery texture initially, which developed to something smoother and plusher without being too tacky. This helped the product stay in place and be bleed/feather-resistant while having longer-wear, but it was still comfortable to wear. Read more…
Top Rated Shades
Availability
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
View a shade…
Big MelonsBikini MartiniCool BerryCrush on CupidDaiquiri DipDrama ClassFenty GlowFuego FlushMali’boozePeach FacePeony DroppaPetal Poppin’Pinky PromiseRaisin StandardzRiriRose LatteStrawberry DripSummertime Wine
The formula is supposed to give a “fresh wash of color” that is “effortless” to blend with a “natural-looking” finish. The coverage is designed to be “sheer, buildable” with a “sweat- and water-resistant formula.” The brand recommends to apply with fingertips or their 125 brush (which is a fairly dense, angled brush). Read more…
Top Rated Shades
Availability
Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer
View a shade…
Bajan GyalCaramel CutieCoco NaughtyI$land TingInda SunMocha MamiPrivate IslandShady BizThick Mint
The formula is supposed to have “long-wear” that is “transfer-resistant,” “easy to blend, and “light-as-air” with buildable coverage that “is hard to overdo.” The pigmentation was more medium to semi-opaque with some shades being nearly opaque in a single layer. For truly buildable pigmentation, I would recommend using a light hand initially or a less-dense brush to pick up and to apply the product. Read more…
Top Rated Shades
Availability
Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
View a shade…
BubblerumCookies and CocoaGlazedGoji GangMakeout BreakQuartz CandyRetro RoseSuga KissTang ThangVamps Who Brunch
The formula is supposed to have “sheer” coverage that is “ultra comfortable” that “lock[s] in moisture.” It’s designed to be something you can apply without a mirror (which just really make it clear that it is a sheerer product), but it does say “buildable” with multiple layers. The consistency was moderately dense in the tube but melted subtly as I applied it to my lips, and it felt more emollient after a few seconds of wear. They felt lightweight without being tacky, and it had more of a light-medium level of slip, so it didn’t seem to slide around a lot during wear. It definitely has a balmy feel on the lips but has some staying power (but less than say, an opaque, satin lipstick). Read more…
Top Rated Shades
Availability
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer
View a shade…
Baby BrutCake ShakeChamp Stamp FantasyCheekyConfettiDiamond MilkFenty Glow (Universal)Fenty Glow FantasyFu$$yHot ChocolitHot Chocolit FantasyPretty PleaseRiRiRuby MilkSweet MouthTaffy TeaseTrophy Wife
The formula is supposed to have a “peach-vanilla” scent (I’d agree–sweet, lightly fruity) and be “conditioning.” It was designed to be worn alone or layered over other lip products. The consistency was very smooth, light-to-medium in weight, non-sticky, and comfortable to wear. It had a plusher consistency that helped it stay out of most of my lip lines. The shimmer was moderate but noticeable, and it distributed evenly across the lips. They last about three hours on my lips but are hydrating.
Top Rated Shades
Availability
Sponsored: Fenty Beauty Fenty Fam Sale September 2023 | Editor’s Recommendations
Sponsored: Fenty Beauty Fenty Fam Sale September 2023 | Editor’s Recommendations
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sales for Fall 2023
Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty event kicks off August 27th, 2023 at midnight CT. Each day during the event, there are select products available for 50% off for that day. They’ve shared the calendar of deals for August 27th through September 16th, which you can […]
BEAUTY DEALS
Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty event kicks off August 27th, 2023 at midnight CT. Each day during the event, there are select products available for 50% off for that day. They’ve shared the calendar of deals for August 27th through September 16th, which you can browse here, or below, as I’ve shared what’s on deck.
- 8/27: 50% off select MAC Lipsticks, Lancome Renergie/Teint Idole Foundation and Concealer, beautyblender Pro, Dermalogica Clear Start Foaming Wash, Dermalogica Calm Water Gel Moisturizer
- 8/28: 50% off Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream, First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser, Foreo Luna 4 Go, Dermaflash Luxe+
- 8/29: 50% off False Lashes/Lash Kits, bareMinerals Primers, Peace Out Dots, Black-Owned/Founded, LORAC Pro Contour Palettes
- 8/30: 50% off select Perricone MD products
- 8/31: 50% off Tarte Maneater Blush & Glow Cheek Plump, Smashbox x Becca Corrector, Tula Brightening Treatment Drops
- 9/1: 50% off Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara, Clarins Total Eye Lift, fresh Floral Recovery Mask, Too Faced Hangover Primer
- 9/2: 50% off Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil, Fenty Killawatt Highlighter, YSL Mon Paris EdP, MAC Fix+, Tarte Maracuja Juicy Glow Tint
- 9/3: 50% off Too Faced Born This Way Concealer, Urban Decay All Nighter Line, Dermalogica Super Rich Repair Moisturizer, Conscious Beauty, NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment
- 9/4: 50% off rem Midnight Shadows, fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate, Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleanser, Persona Dream Stick
- 9/5: 50% off CoxRX Snail 92, Peach & Lily Wild Dew Essence, Pur Face Primers, Peach & Lily Peptide Pro Firming Moisturizer
- 9/6: 50% off Shiseido Essential Energy Cream, Smashbox x Becca Highlighters, Live Tinted Superhue Eye Cream, Clinique Even Better Concealer, philosophy Dose of Wisdom Serum
- 9/7: 50% off philosophy Amazing Grace/Fresh Cream EdT, Clarins Double Serum Concentrate, Buxom Power Line Lip Liner, About-Face Eye, Murad Oil & Pure Mattifier, StriVectin Super-C
- 9/8: 50% off tarte surprise steal, Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+, Clinique Even Better Foundation, Peter Thomas Roth FirmX, Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench
- 9/9: 50% off Lancome Genefique
- 9/10: 50% off Urban Decay Tinted Moisturizer, Too Faced Born This Way Palette, Clinique All About Eyes Cream, Benefit Eyeliners
- 9/11: 50% off Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX, Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion
- 9/12: 50% off Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum, Kiehl’s Rare Earth Mask, Estee Lauder Face Primers, NABLA Cupid’s Arrow Stylos, Kiehl’s Rare Earth Cleanser, Eyeko Mascaras
- 9/13: 50% off Origins Ginzing EYe Cream, St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse, ZitSticka (select) Patches, L’Occitane Almond Oil
- 9/14: 50% off Smashbox Halo line, Clinique Take the Day Off Balm, Tula Primers, Women Founded Brands, Patchology Eye Gels
- 9/15: 50% off Sunday Riley surprise steal, Urban Decay surprise steal, Benefit BadGal Mascara, Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner, Tarte Fake Awake Eyeliner
- 9/16: 50% off MAC Blush, select Lancome products
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sales for Fall 2023
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sales for Fall 2023
Ulta's Diamond and Platinum Appreciation Day 2023 is Today!
Ulta’s Diamond/Platinum Appreciation Day is today, which means that Diamond and Platinum members earn 10X points on tons of brands and products during event, which ends tomorrow, August 13th. Everything else is at 5X points! I usually use this event to stock up on staples […]
BEAUTY DEALS
Ulta’s Diamond/Platinum Appreciation Day is today, which means that Diamond and Platinum members earn 10X points on tons of brands and products during event, which ends tomorrow, August 13th. Everything else is at 5X points!
I usually use this event to stock up on staples that I go through often, like sunscreen, body wash, and the like, and in past years, I might grab a few product lines I held off on reviewing. Anything catch your eye this event?
10X Brands
- About Face
- Australian Gold
- Aveeno
- Batiste
- Benefit
- Bobbi Brown
- Bondi Sans
- Briogeo
- Buxom
- CeraVe
- Clarins
- Clinique
- ColourPop
- Conair
- Coola
- CosRX
- CoverGirl
- Dermalogical
- Dr. Brandt
- Drunk Elephant
- Elizabeth Arden
- Estee Lauder
- Exuviance
- First Aid Beauty
- Fresh
- Good Molecules
- Honesty Beauty
- IGK
- IT
- It’s a 10
- Jack Black
- Joico
- Kate Somerville
- Korres
- L’Oreal
- LA Girl
- La Roche Posay
- Lancome
- Laura Mercier
- Living Proof
- MAC
- Maybelline
- Milani
- NARS
- NYX
- Natasha Denona
- Neutrogena
- No7
- Olaplex
- Olay
- Origins
- Ouai
- PTR
- Pacifica
- Paul Mitchell
- Peace Out
- Peach & Lily
- Perricone MD
- Pureology
- Real Techniques
- Revlon
- Skyn Iceland
- Smashbox
- St. Tropez
- Sun Bum
- Sunday Riley
- T3
- Tarte
- The Ordinary
- Tonymoly
- Too Faced
- Tula
- Ulta
- Urban Decay
- Verb
- Vichy
- bareMinerals
- beautyblender
- belif
- ghd
- philosophy
Ulta’s Diamond and Platinum Appreciation Day 2023 is Today!
Ulta’s Diamond and Platinum Appreciation Day 2023 is Today!
Sponsored: SPF Superstars | An Advertorial
An advertorial is written by advertisers and does not reflect specific recommendations or endorsements by Temptalia or its editor. According to buying trends, sunscreen is one of the top-selling products beginning in April, as people prepare for more time spent outdoors, vacations planned during the […]
BEAUTY DEALS
An advertorial is written by advertisers and does not reflect specific recommendations or endorsements by Temptalia or its editor.
According to buying trends, sunscreen is one of the top-selling products beginning in April, as people prepare for more time spent outdoors, vacations planned during the summer, and the like. Wearing sunscreen is important for several reasons:
- Protection from UV radiation: Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exposure to UV radiation can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
- Preventing skin damage: Sunscreen helps to prevent damage to the skin caused by exposure to the sun’s rays. This damage can include dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Lower risk of skin cancer: Regular use of sunscreen can significantly lower the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- Maintaining an even skin tone: Sunscreen can help to maintain an even skin tone by preventing the development of dark spots and hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage.
- Reducing the risk of sunburn: Sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable, and wearing sunscreen can help to prevent it. This is especially important for people with fair skin, who are more prone to sunburn.
Featured SPF Superstars
Avene Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+ offers broad spectrum protection by using 12% Zinc Oxide as its UV filter. It is supposed to “soothe and calm sensitive skin,” and it is “approved by the National Eczema Association.”
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++ is a chemical-based sunscreen that is supposed to “deeply moisturizer” while absorbing quickly without stickiness.
CosRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ works as sunscreen but is formulated with aloe leaf to help hydrate and soothe the skin.
Dermalogica offers several products with SPF, with one of their top-sellers being their Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 Moisturizer, which is available in different sizes. Per the brand, it is recommended for normal, dry, and combination skin and is touted as a 3-in-1 daily moisturizer that “visibly firms, hydrates skin, and protects.” Its active ingredients include Avobenzone (3%) and Octinoxate (7.5%).
Dr. Brandt Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50 utilizes non-nano Zinc Oxide as its UV filter, so it is a mineral-based sunscreen for those who prefer that type over chemical-based sunscreens.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is designed for those seeking a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection but will also help with skin discoloration and acne. It combines 9% Zinc Oxide with7.5% Octinoxate.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 offers sheer coverage paired with broad spectrum coverage that uses mineral-based UV filters. The formula uses 12% Zinc Oxide to provide sun protection, while the product itself is supposed to offer a dewy finish that adds moisture to the skin.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 offers sunscreen protection for lips while keeping them hydrating. It does so using Octinoxate 7.5%, Avobenzone 3.0%, Petrolatum 40.2%, and Lanolin 13.5%.
Kopari Sun Shield Soft Glow Daily Face SPF 30 is a newly-released product from the brand that is designed to be a glowy, broad spectrum moisturizer that is supposed to work as a makeup primer while being fragrance-free. It includes Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 4%, and Avobenzone 3%.
Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++ is a recently launched mineral-based SPF that includes 21.7% non-nano Zinc Oxide to provide SPF 40 protection. This product touts a “peachy pink” hue to help cancel out the bluish cast from the Zinc Oxide.
La Roche-Posay offers a multitude of sunscreens, including their Anthelios Melt-in Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 that utilizes a mix of Avobenzone 3% (Sunscreen), Homosalate 10.72% (Sunscreen), Octisalate 3.21% (Sunscreen), Octocrylene 6% (Sunscreen), Oxybenzone 3.86% (Sunscreen) to offer broad spectrum protection.
Murad offers several products with SPF protection, including their Perfecting Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ which provides hydration and broad spectrum SPF. It features Avobenzone, (2.0%) Homosalate (6.5%), Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5.0%), and Oxybenzone (4.0%).
Mustelo Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 includes 80 minutes of sweat-and water-resistance for all types of outdoor activities. It is also fragrance-free, and the stick format makes it very travel-friendly. It has 19.7% Zinc Oxide.
Saie Sun Visor SPF 35 is a mineral-based sunscreen that uses 15% Zinc Oxide to deliver broad spectrum protection, while the formula is designed to l eave behind sheer golden pearl for a radiant finish.
Supergoop PLAY is offered in SPF 30 and SPF 50 as well as in a variety of sizes and formulations ranging from lotion to spray. Their formula utilizes Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7.5%) in the SPF 50 formulation.
Tatcha Silken Pore Perfection Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ is supposed to have a matte finish and feel weightless. It utilizes a mix of mineral and chemical sunscreens with 15% Zinc Oxide and 5% Octisalate.
Tula’s Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is available in regular and supersize. It includes probiotic extracts, pineapple and papaya, and is recommended for year-round usage. The active ingredients include Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, and Octisalate 5%.
Versed is another option for those looking for a mineral-based sunscreen with its Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 moisturizer. It utilizes non-nano zinc oxide (15.2%).
Sponsored: SPF Superstars | An Advertorial
Sponsored: SPF Superstars | An Advertorial
Sponsored: Fenty Beauty Fenty Fam Sale March 2023 | Editor's Recommendations
The Fenty Beauty’s Fenty Fam Sale is here! Temptalia readers get early access to the sale today, March 22nd, through March 23rd! Get early access and 30% off with code TEMPTALIA30 — if you’re shopping the sale, make sure to do it while this code […]
BEAUTY DEALS
The Fenty Beauty’s Fenty Fam Sale is here! Temptalia readers get early access to the sale today, March 22nd, through March 23rd! Get early access and 30% off with code TEMPTALIA30 — if you’re shopping the sale, make sure to do it while this code is active, as the public sale will only be 25% off (which goes from March 24th through March 27th).
During early access, there is also a three-piece gift with purchase ($41 value) when you spend $125+; the set includes a baseball hat, Daily Duo Mini Cleanser + Toner Serum, and Hella Thicc Mascara sample (unreleased product)!
On March 24th only, you can also get 20% off Fenty’s Eau de Parfum, which is the first time it will be on sale. During the public sale, you can get 25% off sitewide, and there are gift with purchases on $75+ and $125+ spends.
You can get even more savings when you shop the brand’s pre-made bundles and sets, which are already discounted to reflect a bundled price. The 30% off also applies to products already on sale. The only exclusions are: CLF products, gift cards, Fenty Faves, and Eau de Parfum.” The sale includes Fenty Skin products, too, which recently released fragrance-free options.
- Come Correct Skin Perfecting Bundle ($67, $81 value)
- Soft Matte Complexions Essentials ($86, $110 value)
- Fenty Skin Start’rs Full-Size Bundle ($86, $101 value)
- Fenty Skin Body Start’rs Bundle ($78, $92 value)
Have you ever wondered what the brand’s bestsellers were? Here’s a list!
- Gloss Bomb
- Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
- Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
- Butta Drop Body Cream
- Cherry Treat Lip Oil
- Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
Editor’s Recommended
Below, you’ll find my favorite Fenty Beauty products from products I’ve reviewed in the past and gave an “Editor’s Recommended” nod to when the review was originally published! I also shared a few of my favorite formulas, generally.
Fenty Beauty Strawberry Sangria
Fenty Beauty Strawberry Sangria Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain ($24.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a vivid, medium red with neutral-to-warm undertones and a… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Wine (9)
Fenty Beauty Wine (9) Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.21 oz.) is a new, limited edition release that includes three matte… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Retro Rose
Fenty Beauty Retro Rose Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.098 oz.) is a light-medium coral with moderate, warm undertones and fine,… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Vamps Who Brunch
Fenty Beauty Vamps Who Brunch Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.098 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with subtle, cool undertones and… Read full review.
Availability
Fenty Beauty Scholar Sista
Fenty Beauty Scholar Sista Icon Semi-Matte Lipstick ($20.00 for 0.134 oz.) is a medium-dark pink with moderate, warm yellow undertones and a satin… Read full review.
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Fenty Beauty Cool Berry
Fenty Beauty Cool Berry Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with cool undertones and a warmer, golden… Read full review.
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Fenty Beauty Afternoon Snack/Mo’ Hunny
Fenty Beauty Afternoon Snack/Mo’ Hunny Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo ($34.00 for 0.24 oz.) contains highlighters in soft, peach-brown and… Read full review.
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Fenty Beauty Chocolate
Fenty Beauty Chocolate Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer ($32.00 for 0.22 oz.) is a rich, deeper brown with muted, warm yellow undertones and a satin… Read full review.
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Fenty Beauty Petal Poppin’
Fenty Beauty Petal Poppin’ Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a medium pink with moderate, warm undertones and fine, golden… Read full review.
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Fenty Beauty Fuego Flush
Fenty Beauty Fuego Flush Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a bright, tangerine orange with strong, warm yellow undertones and… Read full review.
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Fenty Beauty Strawberry Drip
Fenty Beauty Strawberry Drip Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark pink-coral with moderate, warm… Read full review.
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Fenty Beauty Toffee Tease
Fenty Beauty Toffee Tease Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($32.00 for 0.22 oz.) is a deep brown with muted, cool undertones and a natural finish. It… Read full review.
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Fenty Beauty Fu$$y
Fu$$y is a muted, medium pink with warmer undertones and a luminous finish with fine pearl and a high-shine. The texture felt lightweight, smooth,… Read full review.
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Fenty Beauty Fenty Glow (Universal)
Fenty Glow (Universal) is a muted, medium coral with strong, warm orange undertones and a pearly finish paired that was very shiny and glossy. The… Read full review.
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Favorite Formulas
Below, you’ll find my favorite formulas from Fenty Beauty and some of the top-rated shades within each formula. It should come as no surprise that the Cheeks Out Cream Blushes top my list–really a category that I’ve been waiting for a brand to fill with something fantastic, and Fenty did it!
I also keep a few of Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Highlighters (duos or singles) in my drawer of go-tos. Afternoon Snack/Mo’ Hunny and Wattabratt are two I’ll use for something quick ‘n’ easy for review photos, and they’ve been in my vanity drawer since they launched (you can read more about them in my Must-Haves from 2020).
I’ve repurchased the original Fenty Gloss Bomb a few times at this point, and it’s been a favorite for awhile (see Must-Haves That Stayed Favorites from 2018!). I keep one in my bag as well as in my vanity for easy, on-the-go application that’s shiny, comfortable, and has a bit of dimension (but goes with any look).
Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
View a shade…
Berry BangerFuchsia WifeGem and IMai TypeStrawberry SangriaZesty Bestie
The formula is supposed to have a glossy finish that leaves a “soft tint” behind while being hydrating, feather-resistant, and offers “sheer-to-medium coverage.” It has a a thinner, more watery texture initially, which developed to something smoother and plusher without being too tacky. This helped the product stay in place and be bleed/feather-resistant while having longer-wear, but it was still comfortable to wear. Read more…
Top Rated Shades
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Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
View a shade…
Big MelonsBikini MartiniCool BerryCrush on CupidDaiquiri DipDrama ClassFenty GlowFuego FlushMali’boozePeach FacePeony DroppaPetal Poppin’Pinky PromiseRaisin StandardzRiriRose LatteStrawberry DripSummertime Wine
The formula is supposed to give a “fresh wash of color” that is “effortless” to blend with a “natural-looking” finish. The coverage is designed to be “sheer, buildable” with a “sweat- and water-resistant formula.” The brand recommends to apply with fingertips or their 125 brush (which is a fairly dense, angled brush). Read more…
Top Rated Shades
Availability
Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer
View a shade…
Bajan GyalCaramel CutieCoco NaughtyI$land TingInda SunMocha MamiPrivate IslandShady BizThick Mint
The formula is supposed to have “long-wear” that is “transfer-resistant,” “easy to blend, and “light-as-air” with buildable coverage that “is hard to overdo.” The pigmentation was more medium to semi-opaque with some shades being nearly opaque in a single layer. For truly buildable pigmentation, I would recommend using a light hand initially or a less-dense brush to pick up and to apply the product. Read more…
Top Rated Shades
Availability
Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
View a shade…
BubblerumCookies and CocoaGlazedGoji GangMakeout BreakQuartz CandyRetro RoseSuga KissTang ThangVamps Who Brunch
The formula is supposed to have “sheer” coverage that is “ultra comfortable” that “lock[s] in moisture.” It’s designed to be something you can apply without a mirror (which just really make it clear that it is a sheerer product), but it does say “buildable” with multiple layers. The consistency was moderately dense in the tube but melted subtly as I applied it to my lips, and it felt more emollient after a few seconds of wear. They felt lightweight without being tacky, and it had more of a light-medium level of slip, so it didn’t seem to slide around a lot during wear. It definitely has a balmy feel on the lips but has some staying power (but less than say, an opaque, satin lipstick). Read more…
Top Rated Shades
Availability
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer
View a shade…
Baby BrutCake ShakeChamp Stamp FantasyCheekyConfettiDiamond MilkFenty Glow (Universal)Fenty Glow FantasyFu$$yHot ChocolitHot Chocolit FantasyPretty PleaseRiRiRuby MilkSweet MouthTaffy TeaseTrophy Wife
The formula is supposed to have a “peach-vanilla” scent (I’d agree–sweet, lightly fruity) and be “conditioning.” It was designed to be worn alone or layered over other lip products. The consistency was very smooth, light-to-medium in weight, non-sticky, and comfortable to wear. It had a plusher consistency that helped it stay out of most of my lip lines. The shimmer was moderate but noticeable, and it distributed evenly across the lips. They last about three hours on my lips but are hydrating.
Top Rated Shades
Availability
Sponsored: Fenty Beauty Fenty Fam Sale March 2023 | Editor’s Recommendations
Sponsored: Fenty Beauty Fenty Fam Sale March 2023 | Editor’s Recommendations
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Spring 2023
Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty for spring kicks off March 12th and runs through April 1st! You’ll find a full list of each day’s daily deals of select products/brands that are 50% off. Each day has a different set of deals that only last for […]
BEAUTY DEALS
Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty for spring kicks off March 12th and runs through April 1st! You’ll find a full list of each day’s daily deals of select products/brands that are 50% off. Each day has a different set of deals that only last for that day. The deals change at midnight CT each day.
Week 1
3/12: MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot (now $12.50, was $25.00), Tarte Maneater Mascara (now $12.00, was $24.00), Tarte Face Tape Foundation (now $20.00, was $40.00), Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding (now $21.50, was $43.00), Peach & Lily Power Cocktail (now $25.50, was $51.00), Zitsticka Patches (now $8.00 – $20.00 was $16.00 – $40.00), IT Brushes For ULTA Select Ulta Cleaners & Tools (now $10.00 – $11.50 was $20.00 – $23.00)
3/13: ELEMIS Pro Collagen Marine Cream (now $44.50, was $89.00), Lancôme La Base Pro (now $21.00, was $42.00), Urban Decay Vice Lipstick (now $10.50, was $21.00), r.e.m. beauty Midnight Shadows Eyeshadow Palette (now $12.00, was $24.00), Kinship Brightwave Eye Cream (now $17.00, was $34.00)
3/14: Beekman 1802, Patchology, belif, KORRES, YOUTHFORIA, LashFood (now $7.50 – $30.00 was $15.00 – $60.00), Dermablend Setting Powder (now $14.50, was $29.00), Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules (now $27.00-$57.00 was $54.00-$114.00)
3/15: Flawless Beauty Fridge (now $30.00, was $59.99), Murad Targeted Wrinkle Corrector (now $39.50, was $79.00), LORAC Pro Eye Palettes (now $19.50-$24.50 was $39.00-$49.00), Erborian BB Creme (now $22.50, was $45.00)
StriVectin Super-C Tetinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum (now $36.00, was $72.00)
3/16: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme & Maximum Plump (now $14.50-$16.50 was $29.00-$33.00), SeroVital hgh Dietary Suplement (now $49.50, was $99.00), ICONIC LONDON Multiuse Sculpting Palette (now $24.50, was $49.00), about-face Matte Lip and Matte Lip Pencils (now $6.00-$8.00 was $12.00-$16.00)
3/17: Clarins Double Serum 30 ml (now $45.00, was $90.00), Lancôme La Vie Est Belle EDP (now 15.50-72.00 was 31.00-144.00)
3/18: IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream (now $26.00, was $52.00), Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizers (now $16.25, was $32.50), Benefit Cosmetics Blushes (now $15.50, was $31.00), Nuface Mini Sandy Rose (now $122.50, was $245.00), beautyblender Bubble Sponge (now $10.00, was $20.00)
Week 2
3/19: Estée Lauder DoubleWear Foundation (now $24.00, was $48.00), Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate (now $28.00, was $56.00)
3/20: Smashbox Smashbox Primers (now $19.50-$21.00 was $39.00-$42.00), COSRX Master Patches (now $9.50, was $19.00), Kopari Sun shield SPF 50 (now $19.50, was 39.00)
3/21: INDIE LEE, Meaningful Beauty, Juice Beauty, BeautyBio, Keys Soulcare (now $13.00-$37.50 was $26.00-$75.00), Beekman Milk Drops Ceramide Serum (now $22.50, was $45.00), Urban Decay Shadow Sticks (now $13.50, was $27.00), First Aid Beauty KP Lotion (now $14.00, was $28.00), bareMinerals Gen Nude Blush (now $12.50, was $25.00)
3/22: Foreo Bear + Serum (now $29.50-$109.50 was $59.00-$219.00), Origins Ginzing Tinted (now $23.00, was $46.00), Live Tinted Huestick Multisticks (now $12.00, was $24.00)
3/23: Lancôme Renergie Eye, Night, Day & Triple Serum (now $40.00-$67.50 was $80.00-$135.00), MAËLYS Cosmetics B-Flat Belly Cream (now $24.50, was $49.00), Dr. Brandt Pore Primer (now $24.00, was $48.00)
3/24: Too Faced Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (now $14.00, was $28.00), Clinique (D18) Clinique HAPPY PERFUME SPRAY 1OZ (now $25.50, was $51.00), Smashbox Smashbox Always Sharp Eyeliner (now $13.50, was $27.00), Murad Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (now $23.00, was $46.00), BOBBI BROWN Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil Lip Gloss (now $16.00, was $32.00), Crepe Erase Crepe Erase Ultra-Smoothing Neck Repair 1.7 oz. (now $39.50, was $79.00)
3/25: IT Cosmetics CC+ Illumination Omni (now $22.00, was $44.00), IT Brushes ALL Airbrush foundation brushes (now $12.00-$18.00 was $24.00-$36.00), Benefit Goof Proof Pencil (now $12.50, was $25.00), Exuviance Triple Microderm (now $39.00, was $78.00)
Week 3
3/26: MAC Cosmetics Fix+ (now $15.50, was $31.00), MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (now $19.50, was $39.00), Tarte maracuja juicy lip plump (now $10.50, was $21.00), Tula Cult Classic Cleanser 4oz (now $12.00, was $24.00), Persona SuperBlush (now $11.00, was $22.00)
3/27: Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner (now $23.00, was $46.00), Shiseido ULTIMATE SUN LOTION 150 ML (now $24.50, was $49.00), PÜR Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15 (now $14.75, was $29.50), Peter Thomas Roth FIRMX PEELING GEL (now $24.50, was $49.00), Bare Minerals All Over Face Color (now $11.50, was $23.00), mented cosmetics Mented Semi Matte Lipsticks & Lipliners (now $6.00-$8.25 was $12.00-$16.50)
3/28: Perricone MD, Klairs, Philosophy (SKIN), Origins, boscia Treatments (now $11.50-$89.50 was $23.00-$179.00), SUNDAY RILEY Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream (now $32.50, was $65.00), Loccitane Almond Shower Oil 8.4 oz (now $14.50, was $29.00), GrandeBROW Brow Enhancing Serum 3mL (now $36.50, was $73.00), Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush (now $16.00, was $32.00)
3/29: Exuviance PEELS (now $39.50-$43.00 was $79.00-$86.00), PMD Clean & Microderm (now $79.50-$89.50 was $159.00-$179.00), Urban Decay Eyeshadow Singles (now $10.50, was $21.00), dermalogica Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser (now $17.50, was $35.00), Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint SPF (now $20.00, was $40.00), Dermablend Flawless Creator (now $20.00, was $40.00)
3/30: Benefit Porefessional (now $17.00, was $34.00), Philosophy Purity Cleanser 12oz (now $16.50, was $33.00), St Tropez Water Face Mist (now $15.00, was $30.00), Nabla Eyeshadow Palettes (now $12.00-$19.50 was $25.00-$39.00), GlamGlow Brighteyes Eye Cream (now $19.50, was $39.00)
3/31: Tula 24/7 Day Night Cream 1.5oz (now $27.00, was $54.00), Bobbi Brown Face Base Eye Cream (now $29.00, was $58.00), First Aid Beauty Jumbo Ingrown Hair Pads (now $19.00, was $38.00)
4/1: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer (now $15.50, was $31.00), Lancôme Lash Idole FS & WP (now $13.50, was $27.00), Clinique Cleansers (now $11.50-$13.00 was $23 – $26), StriVectin Tighten and Lift Neck Serum Roller (now $39.50, was $79.00)
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Spring 2023
Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Spring 2023
Dermstore Beauty Refresh 2023 – Up to 20% Off!
Dermstore’s Beauty Refresh sale kicks off today, March 1st, and runs through March 10th. You can get up to 20% off many brands carried at the retailer using code REFRESH. There are some excluded brands, while other brands are 15% off or offer double points […]
BEAUTY DEALS
Dermstore’s Beauty Refresh sale kicks off today, March 1st, and runs through March 10th. You can get up to 20% off many brands carried at the retailer using code REFRESH. There are some excluded brands, while other brands are 15% off or offer double points on purchases.
I often use this sale to stock up on more expensive skincare that I need to replenish or to try something that might have caught my eye. My list is shorter this year as I haven’t been consistent with my skincare routine, so I haven’t used as many products up as I typically would by this point. That being said, I just finished Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Blemish Sleeping Facial, which I find really effective for giving me an ultra-smooth face in the AM and will repurchase. I’ll also get REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Body Wash, as husband adores it. I’ll have to take a peek into my skincare overflow to see if anything else needs to be replenished
What skincare are you in need of?
Dermstore Beauty Refresh 2023 – Up to 20% Off!
Dermstore Beauty Refresh 2023 – Up to 20% Off!
ColourPop x Harry Potter Collection… Yer a Disappointment, ColourPop
ColourPop has made the deeply upsetting decision to release a collection in collaboration with Harry Potter in the year of 2022, years after its creator and author JK Rowling has made comments/written things that indicate that she is transphobic, racist, anti-Semitic, ableist, appropriative, and fatphobic (and […]
EDITORIALSColourPop has made the deeply upsetting decision to release a collection in collaboration with Harry Potter in the year of 2022, years after its creator and author JK Rowling has made comments/written things that indicate that she is transphobic, racist, anti-Semitic, ableist, appropriative, and fatphobic (and probably some other -ists at this point) and that she will use her platform, her money, her power, and her influence to spew forth her vile rhetoric.
For those who have managed to not have heard about JK Rowling’s commitment to anti-trans “radical” feminism, resulting in her often being called a TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist), and in circles that may support JK Rowling’s beliefs, you may see the term “gender critical” feminist floating around, I’ll briefly recap and provide links to other outlets that have covered previously. You can jump to this recap first before reading on, whether you need a refresher or don’t know about it at all yet.
There are a lot of concerned customers who expressed similar feelings of disappointment, betrayal, and just general confusion how a brand that claims to support the LGBTQIA+ community would then release this collection. Here is ColourPop’s response to one of the many comments:
Thank you for your comment. It is our continued commitment at ColourPop to always foster a community of acceptance, love, inclusivity and support. This release is our most highly requested (it has been asked for almost weekly by our community!) and as you know, we are here to create magic for you all by listening, and responding to, what our community dreams of. We are also here to support and uplift this community.
Acceptance, inclusivity, and love for all is our biggest priority and that will never change. We are releasing this collection to bring the magic of the Wizarding World to everyone – and like everything we do, it was designed with love, for all. We will always support the LGBTQIA communities through all avenues available to us and will continue to make donations to organizations and charities while remaining committed to providing a platform for LGBTQIA community members via paid partnerships and more. — Source: ColourPop’s Instagram
I am reminded a lot of how MAC x Rodarte’s collection unraveled. MAC initially issued a soft statement and apology due to the initial round of backlash, which then ratcheted up to committing to donate $100K and renaming the products, and then they ended up pulling the entire collection from being released due to continued backlash.
Here, ColourPop has offered what feels like a fluffy bit of nothing that doesn’t truly address the concerns and then manages to use other customers as shields by putting the “blame” of this collection on them for requesting it so highly. Their reply doesn’t even really acknowledge the core issue (the series’ author’s anti-trans activism).
If “Acceptance, inclusivity, and love for all is [their] biggest priority and that will never change,” then this collection doesn’t live up to those values at all. It actively flies in the face of what ColourPop says they stand for. JK Rowling has forever tarnished the world of Harry Potter; as the creator but also someone who financially benefits from the franchise, and is then using her financial means to support ways to push her transphobic views.
ColourPop could have just as readily created a magic and wizard-inspired collection, neither of which are exclusive to Harry Potter, without needing it to be in collaboration with any property or franchise, and more obviously, there are other series that are set in magical worlds out there. ColourPop can say the right thing like, “We will always support the LGBTQIA communities through all avenues available to us,” and then dismiss the many comments (which seemed to outnumber the ones in support of the collection, followed by critical comments garnering 100s of likes) by the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. You just can’t have it both ways.
I feel like if ColourPop truly wanted to show that they value all of their customers with full support, love, and acceptance, they would not have greenlit this collection in the first place. Some might argue that donating all profits would salvage the disappointing decision, but it is merely a small, saving-face step in light of backlash. The best case that I can see would be donating would-be profits or some explicit number to organizations actively supporting trans people, no longer releasing the collection, and an actual apology acknowledging their failure to live up to self-stated core values.
Similarly, this collection reminded me of the NARS x Guy Bourdin collection, which was a collection that made me deeply uncomfortable and I ended up writing a lengthy commentary on why I decided not to review it but still provided swatches (and dupes). This was also an area where some saw things through more of an artistic lens, and with the Harry Potter fandom, obviously many people have worked through or may still be working through coming to terms with just how much JK Rowling has ruined what was a big part of childhood for many folks.
Whether one can still enjoy the art of a person who has made clear their views or character are at odds with your own values and character is a debate for another time, but at a minimum, we have to acknowledge the flaws of the artist when discussing, engaging, or otherwise supporting in their art. Especially in this instance where the artist/creator wields an extraordinary level of wealth, power, and access to utilizing those resources for harm.
In the spirit of Harry Potter, I say to ColourPop, “We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy,” because, “It is our choices, ColourPop, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” After all, “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”
My Personal Commitment
I will not be reviewing or swatching the ColourPop x Harry Potter collection. I will also donate any commission earned from the use of my code/links on Harry Potter collection items to the Trevor Project.
Update 9/12, 8:15AM PT: As promised, I have donated all commission I’ve earned from sales of the ColourPop x Harry Potter collection to the Trevor Project. From 9/8 to 9/11/2022, commission earned was $2,198.40. I donated this amount and then opted to cover the processing fees associated, which is why the total amount is $2,242.37. Please see below for a screenshot of my receipt after donating online.
I will do another calculation of any commission earned after the close of this month (or any subsequent months, so long as it is being sold) as I expect the bulk of sales have already occurred.
The collection seems to be selling quite slowly, especially for the “most highly requested” collaboration. As it should. Interestingly enough, though, this is more commission than I’d normally see for a collab launch, so I think there were many people trying to offset their purchases by using a code that was going to donate as a few other IG accounts told their followers to use my code!
JK Rowling is Anti-Trans: A Primer
GLAAD’s Accountability Project has an ongoing profile for JK Rowling that keeps track of “anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and discriminatory actions.” Vox published a timeline of JK Rowling’s transphobia, which is a good starting place, followed by a very deep dive into how the Wizarding World has failed to improve on expanding and improving its inclusivity over and over again as more facts have come to light or additional text written.
JK Rowling has a massive Twitter following and routinely engages with critics who have nowhere near the power she wields. There were inklings of the transphobic rhetoric to come, but it really came across in a tweet from December 2019, then followed up by another transphobic tweet in June 2020, which was immediately followed by a long essay that doubled-, tripled-, and quadrupled-downed on being anti-trans. Her essay was rife with anti-trans dog whistles (this is an excellent takedown of the essay). She has since published new novels (outside of the Harry Potter world) that continue to espouse her transphobic views (and the newest one, promoted in August of this year, is apparently ablelist, too).
Major stars from the Harry Potter movie franchise, like Daniel Radcliffe, swiftly spoke out and condemned JK Rowling’s anti-trans tweets. When HBO aired a retrospective to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first film’s release, JK Rowling was only featured in archived content but did not appear otherwise in this special.
As Vox noted, TERFs “oppose the self-definition of trans people” at its core, and in their worldview, this results in TERFs treating “trans women as predators, trans men as victims of the patriarchy,” and often erasing or mocking non-binary people.
Jay Hulme, who is a transgender performance poet, speaker, and educator, wrote on trans men: “There is another aspect to the way transphobes treat trans men which is altogether more uncomfortable, and that is what I like to call the “butch lesbian fallacy” … There is an idea, in transphobic circles, that trans men are all confused butch lesbians,” and Hulme expands on this further (well-worth reading the entire post), “They speak of trans men as a “loss”, as if they were sexually entitled to us, and as if they have been wronged by us becoming sexually unavailable to them through self awareness, acceptance, and transition … At the heart of all of this is a desire among transphobes to control trans men. They obsess over our surgeries, our ages, and our presentations. The prospect of a trans man exercising his right to bodily autonomy horrifies them.”
The transgender community needs our collective support as the percentages of transgender individuals who have seriously considered suicide in the past year remains high (48% and higher) and have had a lack of access to mental healthcare (when over 71% of transgender women and men experience symptoms of anxiety) are high. When transgender individuals feel supported and affirmed, they have lower rates of attempting suicide. All statistics are from The Trevor Project’s 2022 survey.
A look into Bite Beauty's rebrand – is anything going right?
Once upon a time, Bite Beauty was a brand that I looked forward to reviewing, and while their line-up was more limited in their offerings, they tended to excel at what they did offer. They were known for their lip products, from lipstick to lip […]
EDITORIALS
Once upon a time, Bite Beauty was a brand that I looked forward to reviewing, and while their line-up was more limited in their offerings, they tended to excel at what they did offer. They were known for their lip products, from lipstick to lip balm to lip pencils. Now, I don’t know what they’re known for, and there are so few readers who seem to enjoy their newer offerings. Their newer product offerings seem to have often alienated previous fans of the brand, while they haven’t seemed to be able to capture a new set of fans to replacement. Bite Beauty announced the discontinuation of their entire range in September 2019, and they had everything cleared out by late November 2019 with the first release launched in January 2020. Let’s take a look at how that’s gone down…
Sales, Sales, Sales
Now, the larger online beauty community that is filled with enthusiasts and less casual beauty fans, so it can’t be the only indicator of a brand’s success or lack thereof, but Bite’s reformulated/newer launches have routinely been on sale for 50% off and seem like they’re being discontinued because they stay on sale.
For example, the Changemaker foundation and powder have been on sale for awhile, and the powder is down to only four shades (from eight originally) at Sephora, which is a tell-tale sign of something being discontinued (it’s like pulling teeth to get a brand to admit to a product discontinuation, I swear!). The foundation still has the majority of shades in stock and any shades that are out of stock haven’t been pulled yet, and the liquid foundation did seem to garner mostly favorable reviews. The better-performing Power Move Creamy Matte Lip Crayons have been marked down to 50% for months and months.
They never previously ran so many sales, and while products occasionally went on sale or 50% off, they were typically when discontinued or limited edition products on their way out. If the products were selling well, it’s hard to see the rationale in offering them at such a steep discount so often or on an ongoing basis.
Timing Issues
After Bite Beauty cleared out their remaining inventory at 75% off, we waited to see how it would all turn out. I know I wasn’t alone being caught off-guard when the first products they launched were complexion in January 2020. (They also launched their Power Move Lip Crayons, which I quite liked, and their Lip Masks, which I didn’t like and lacked lanolin and ended up being less effective for some who had found it to be holy grail previously.)
It made sense for Bite Beauty to eventually expand beyond lip products, but I think it made some scratch their heads a bit as the first release given how famous they were for their Amuse Bouche Lipsticks, Lip Masks, and Lip Pencils in particular. Instead of the relaunch being super excited, it just left some wondering “but what about the lipsticks?” So, I, like many others, waited, and then waited some more, to finally see the grand replacement of Amuse Bouche, which ended up being the Power Move Soft Matte that didn’t launch until July 2021. It was almost two years since they had discontinued Amuse Bouche, and then it wasn’t even a replacement at all!
For some brands, there have been increasing delays and roadblocks due to the impact on supply chains since last March 2020, but Bite’s rebrand was announced in September 2019 and inventory cleared out by end of November 2019, so it doesn’t seem like they should have had any supply chain/launching issues for their initial launches at all.
Formula Flops
They aren’t the only brand that has tweaked or relaunched products to be vegan, and it is becoming more popular to do. First and foremost, Sephora allows you to indicate your preference for vegan products, and there are over 1,000 to choose from. It’s just important for a brand to make sure that a reformulation still lives up to the brand’s reputation, but when Bite Beauty brought back the beloved, much-missed Agave Lip Balm, the reviews came in furious and harsh.
Part of the reason was the removal of lanolin, which is a particularly effective ingredient (but animal-derived, as comes from sheep’s wool) so for some, it was the inclusion of lanolin doing the heavy-lifting and however Bite reformulated didn’t cut it for past fans. Oddly, Bite didn’t see fit to improve the packaging of the lip balm, as people had issues with the end coming undone in the past and still have that issue with the current version. Bite even released a twist-up version, which was reviewed even more poorly (just over 2-stars).
That being said, Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask doesn’t have any animal-derived ingredients, and is a pretty popular product, so it could have found fans but seemed to more of a miss than a hit for many who tried it. Fenty’s Gloss Bomb is also vegan and a staple for many who like hydrating and glossy products. Tower 28 ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss is also a popular lip product that is vegan.
Their Daycation Whipped Blush was both a product and packaging fail, and like most of what they’ve done in the last couple of years, puzzled me to no end. They had Multisticks that were popular enough (my experience was they didn’t work well on my eyes but were decent as cheek/lip products but they were quite loved by others) in convenient, twist-up sticks. Fenty Cheeks Out Cream Blush is vegan and is a fantastic cream-based formula… so it can be done.
Not So Amused Bouche
Finally, when lipsticks–much requested and begged for–finally relaunched, the formula wasn’t just vegan but offered a totally different feel, texture, wear, and shade range. The replacement formula, Power Move Soft Matte, is thin, somewhat clingy, matte, and heavier on silicones; and frankly, it was one of the worse-performing silicone-type matte formulas I’ve come across. There are high-quality vegan lipstick formulas, like NARS Lipstick, Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Lipstick, and Urban Decay Lipstick that are creamier, more emollient, and closer to the Amuse Bouche formula (there are also several vegan, silicone-like matte formulas).
The Power Move Soft Matte formula went for a very matte (as opposed to luminous cream, which wasn’t everyone’s favorite as some found it higher maintenance), they released significantly less shades that were all in all… your typical, soft and muted neutral shades, when they were known for a more extensive offering that even included navy green and inky green. They even say “our mission is to make clean beauty less…beige” and talk about having “bold, look-at-me-now color.”
The last iteration of the Amuse Bouche Lipstick range had 40ish shades available, while the launch of their “replacement” released 20 shades. The lack of Lip Pencils remains a mystery, as vegan options already exist from competitors, and it would have made sense for them to launch alongside the lipsticks (or at any point since); for example one of the more popular high-end formulas is Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat, which has been vegan exists along with Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencils.
There is room for a matte finish from Bite, but all matte and only matte in their return to lipstick–after such a long, long wait–was anticlimactic for those who loved Amuse Bouche. Like if I had wanted a matte lipstick, I wouldn’t care about a return of Amuse Bouche since it had a very creamy finish!
By the by, has anyone else noticed that they’ve kept their Amuse Bouche (or -esque) formula in their Lip Labs? It just seems odd to offer that in-store when they’ve made a big point to be vegan!
Product Ratings Post-Rebrand
- 94% – Power Move Lip Crayons
- 79% – Power Move Hydrating Soft Matte Lipstick
- 58% – Daycation Whipped Blush
Product Ratings Pre-Rebrand
- 94% – Amuse Bouche Lipstick
- 93% – Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick
- 90% – The Lip Pencil
- 88% – Crystal Creme Lip Crayon
- 88% – French Press Lip Gloss
- 87% – Creme Lip Gloss
- 85% – Multistick
- 77% – Prismatic Multistick
What’s in Bite Beauty’s future?
I hope we’ll see improvements in 2022 and 2023; they have been largely silent with respect to new product launches since summer 2021 with their matte lipstick launch. It’s possible they had other launches planned that are now facing delays that have become commonplace due to the past two years of disruption to supply chains. The brand feels like it’s lost their identity, which may be partially due to the rebrand but also due to increased competition in the “clean beauty” (sigh, I loathe that term!) space. Their reputation for high-quality products has also suffered, which can be tough to come back from as people become more hesitant about new launches due to past experiences.
Looking through their social media, a lot of fans are wondering if certain product are being discontinued, often remarking about products being 50% off., but there are no responses from the brand over the last few months when asked, so we can only speculate… but steep discounts are rarely a good sign, and being often or continuously on sale, also a red flag. It can also be a trap for the brand that ultimately results in consumers becoming less likely to pay full price when they know they can wait a month for a discount (this is an issue that I’ve seen occur with Pat McGrath and Urban Decay in the last few years as well).
Have you found any new favorites from Bite’s relaunches? Have you become a bigger fan of the brand or have moved on?
Bite Beauty Daycation Whipped Blush
Bite Beauty Daycation Whipped Blush
