The snowy mountains of Switzerland might not be the first place you’d expect to find a shrine to makeup brushes, but if you step inside Sonia G.’s “Brush Boudoir,” you may change your mind. Born and raised in Spain and now an IT systems architect near Geneva, Sonia has spent the last few years creating an online community around handmade Japanese makeup brushes (or fude, as they’re called in Japanese) through her blog, Sweet Makeup Temptations—and she’s built an impressive collection of brushes in the process. We visited Sonia at her home to learn more about her passion for handmade makeup brushes, get an inside look at her brush collection, and get the lowdown on the new line of makeup brushes she has in the works.

What’s life like in Switzerland?

My husband and I live in the mountains not far from Geneva, where we have a little house in a tiny ski resort town. The winter conditions can be challenging, but they are worth it. When I leave work for home, I feel like I’m going on holiday on a daily basis. It’s peaceful, and the neighborhood is extremely friendly and caring.    

How did you become interested in makeup?

Makeup is something I discovered in the ‘80s, when I repurchased the same purple pearlescent lipstick over and over! I couldn’t use foundation because my skin was very problematic, and I couldn’t find good skin care or afford expensive treatments until 10 years ago when I found something that worked. I ran to YouTube—I had so much to catch up on! I discovered Wayne Goss, and it was the beginning of a new passion: makeup and makeup tools.

What made you decide to start your blog, Sweet Makeup Temptations?

When I do something I am passionate about, I throw myself at it fully. I was so excited and enthusiastic, and I needed to share somewhere, somehow, with like-minded people… I was convinced that the blog would be a perfect way to balance my technical nerdy profile with a more creative activity that totally and fully rocked my world.  

I also thought it would be a good way to improve my English. I knew I could not be a good writer or photographer, but if my reviews could still help someone, I was happy. It was all about the social interaction; interacting with people in the comments sections or in the forum is what I loved the most. I’ve met some of my closest friends thanks to the forum and the blog, so I am insanely grateful for that!

How did you become passionate about handmade makeup brushes?

I love the craftsmanship behind a handmade brush; the quality, the performance. I come from a very poor background… We had to make or grow almost everything ourselves:  bread, soap, wine, liquor, tools, vegetables… We bought only when we had to. Seeing the artisans making the brushes was like seeing my grandfather at work. I remembered sitting next to him; he was always creating something with his hands and this was so exciting. This is the main reason why I am so in love with craftsmanship.

You’ve visited Kumano, the brushmaking capital of Japan, a few times. Tell us about your first visit.

My first trip to Kumano was in 2013. My contacts were kind enough to let me meet the brush artisans. I had prepared a little speech and some sentences in Japanese, but when I was face to face, I was so intimidated that I forgot everything! I was just standing there, bowing and speechless.

I spent time at Hakuhodo, Koyudo, Chikuhodo, and Tanseido. I could not believe that I was actually there in person, talking and listening to their stories! They showed me around, they told me about Japan, their work and themselves. Today, I feel connected to this little town; my friends there have become like a second family to me.

How did your visit change the way you thought about makeup brushes?

I was really surprised to see how many things in the process were still made by hand and yet how much work they are able to achieve in a day… I noticed how much they enjoy doing their work, how focused and diligent they are. It makes me appreciate the brushes even more.

Describe your “Brush Boudoir.” How big is your brush collection?

We live in a small house that we are renovating little by little. The Brush Boudoir was the first room we completed all by ourselves. It’s quite small but contains my office, the vanity area, the brushes, a comfy couch, and enough space to spend time chatting with my friends when they visit. I wanted this room to be luminous; to look fun but remain very functional.

My brush collection is quite large. I have around 2,000 brushes from different brands, natural and synthetic and not only Japanese. Since everyone around me knows that I love brushes, I received many of them as gifts from family, friends, and manufacturers.

How do you organize all your brushes?

I store them either in the display cabinet, the drawers, or the vanity area in acrylic holders. Just like with makeup, I need to be able to see them and find them easily or I won’t use them. They are mostly organized by brand or series; it helps a lot to know where they are. I keep them in the boxes that I received with the brushes. I try to rotate most of them frequently as it helps keep them in good condition.

Do you have any tips for caring for makeup brushes with natural hair?

The brushes have to be used; using them is the best way to keep them in good condition. Depending on the bristles, the more delicate ones should not be washed too often. When I do my makeup, I place a little towel nearby and wipe every brush after I finish using it or in between colors.

Something that I would definitely recommend is to keep them in a dry place—not in the bathroom, for example. Wash them gently, rinse them thoroughly, and reshape them after removing the excess water. When I need a brush to keep its shape, I simply wrap some tissue paper around the bristles while they dry.

What is the biggest difference between natural and synthetic bristles?

Natural brushes are not always the best answer. For liquids and creams, I’d rather use synthetic ones; they don’t absorb product as much, the transfer onto the skin is easier, and they endure more frequent washing.

For powder products, I prefer the spring of natural bristles. There is a better grip on the product without “stickiness” on the skin, the application is more buildable, and the blending is more efficient. Some synthetic bristles are still very efficient with powders, but my preference is natural bristles for any powder product.

What do you look for when purchasing brushes?

Innovation and efficiency. I love to experiment with new shapes. I love when a brush is beautiful, but most importantly, it has to be efficient. I have no patience and no pro skills, so the application has to be quick and effortless.

Of course, I check the quality against the value and who made it. I prefer quality over quantity; when I was at the Fude Matsuri (a brush festival in Kumano), there were many wonderful brushes, but I don’t buy just for the sake of increasing the collection. The only brushes I purchased during my trip were brushes that I knew immediately why and how I would use them.

You’ve been working on your own brush collection. What was the inspiration behind it?

I wanted something different; to design new shapes and create brushes that were not only beautiful to look at but efficient. It’s not only about the results but about the whole experience.

During the whole process, I thought of all the emails that I received since the very beginning of my blog, asking me to recommend a brush for a particular usage. When I pictured that brush in my mind and I could not find it anywhere, this was my priority: to fill in the blanks.

My dream is to stimulate creativity, to break the routine. Maybe you have some products that you don’t enjoy using anymore; maybe you don’t think applying makeup is something that can be fun and relaxing. This is what I would love to change. Those minutes we have in the morning for ourselves—I want to make them count.

Sign up to learn more about Sonia’s upcoming brush collection and be the first to shop when it launches.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by your office’s air conditioning. While an endless stream of artificially chilled air is generally welcome during the hottest days of summer, keeping the A/C on blast can lower a room’s humidity to desert-like levels. Just a few hours in an air-conditioned office can leave you with tight, uncomfortable skin, cakey foundation, and dehydration lines you didn’t even know you had. Here, a few tips for combatting A/C-induced dry skin without leaving your desk.

Invest in a Face Mist

Keep a facial mist in your desk drawer for a quick hit of moisture at the first sign of dryness. A basic spring water spray like Evian or Eau Thermale Avene will do the trick, but there are many face mists out there that pack a major skincare punch. Caudalie Beauty Elixir is basically ubiquitous on set and backstage, thanks to its therapeutic scent and skin-enhancing ingredients. We’re also big fans of Omorovicza Magic Moisture Mist, which through some type of sorcery manages to combine a face oil with a mist for extra-dewy hydration.

Layer Up

Another way to keep dry air from sucking the life out of your skin is to be strategic with your skincare layers. In the morning, make sure you apply a lightweight serum or toner with a humectant—an ingredient that draws moisture from the air to the skin, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Then, seal everything in with a moisturizer or primer with occlusive ingredients. Occlusives, like dimethicone, triglycerides, jojoba oil, and shea butter, prevent water from evaporating from the skin to maintain a healthy moisture balance throughout the day.

Get a Personal Humidifier

Humidifiers release water vapor into the air, bumping up the humidity levels of the space around you—and because this is 2018, they’re now available as adorable, USB-powered desk accessories. Do some research and look for one that runs quietly, cleans easily, and won’t take up too much precious real estate on your desk. (Bonus points if it looks like a tiny cactus.)

Eyebrows are the framework of the face, they say, which is probably why taking out the tweezers and plucking your way to a new brow shape can feel so intimidating. Luckily, there’s a ton of ways to style your brows (just like your hair!) to create a new look—no wax strips needed. We turned to the arch experts at Benefit Cosmetics to get the lowdown on today’s most popular brow styles. Check out their brow styling tips below.

Natural

Soft and well-groomed with some subtle shape. This is a wearable, everyday look that works on everyone—all you need to do is enhance what you’ve got. Brush your brow hairs up and use an eyebrow pencil (we recommend one with a triangular tip, like Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil) to fill in any noticeable patches with short, light strokes. You don’t need to go beyond the edges of your natural brow. Use a spoolie brush to blend the pencil strokes and comb your brow hairs back into place, and then set your brows with a tinted brow gel, like Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Brow Gel.

Model wears Gimme Brow Volumizing Brow Gel in 04 Medium.

Feathery

This popular style emphasizes the texture of your brows for a full, fluffy look. The feathered effect works best with brows with some hair, but with the right tools, it’s not hard to fake. Start by brushing your brows up and using a brow pencil to fill in any sparse patches with short, hair-like strokes. Add a few tiny, almost invisible dots at the roots of your brows to enhance their texture and create a fuller look. A brow pencil with a micro-fine tip, like Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Eyebrow Pencil, is a must for this technique. Groom brow hairs up and out (especially at the beginning of your brow, near your nose) with a clear brow gel with some hold, like Benefit Cosmetics 24-hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel.

Model wears Precisely, My Brow Eyebrow Pencil in 05 Deep.

Dramatic

Bold and angular brows are great for adding dimension to the face—think Joan Crawford and other classic Hollywood starlets with sizzling stares. Use a brow pomade or a tinted wax to define and fill your brows, drawing the curve of your arch about two-thirds from the start of your brow. Set the wax with a pigmented brow powder—you can find both in Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zings Eyebrow Shaping Kit. Accentuate your arches with a highlighter pencil, following the underside of your brow. Lightly blend for a visible lift.

Model wears Brow Zings Eyebrow Shaping Kit in 05 Deep.

Straight

Arches aren’t for everyone.Some of us prefer how we look with straight brows, which help add a fresh-faced, youthful look. To create a linear shape, use a brow pomade (like Benefit Cosmetics Ka-BROW! Eyebrow Cream-Gel Color) to stroke color through your brows, softening any curves or arches. The thickness of your brow should be consistent from start to arch, and then taper off from arch to tail.

Model wears Ka-BROW! Eyebrow Cream-Gel Color in 06 Deep.

You can virtually try on different brow shapes, styles, and shades and find your new favorite look with Benefit’s Brow Try-On Experience (no tweezers needed!).

You’ve heard it hundreds of times, but we’ll say it again: Healthy scalps promote healthy hair. Often neglected, scalps crave deep moisture, nourishment, and cleansing just like our strands. Whether you wash your hair everyday or once a week, scalp skin is highly susceptible to irritation from a number of triggers, including stress, travel, styling products, and environmental factors. Red, itchy, and flaky scalps increase skin sensitivity and can become painful if ignored. We’ve gathered the five most effective treatments for all scalp concerns, so you can give your skin the proper TLC it needs!

For color-treated hair

Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment

This weightless serum gently melts into your scalp for gentle exfoliation after your shower or on the go. The precise, transparent applicator tip lets you see how much serum you’re using for even distribution that won’t disturb your hairstyle. This nourishing, leave-on treatment provides instant relief to even the itchiest scalps with a cooling effect to soothe your skin after a color treatment.

For thinning hair

Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Extract

Formulated with pure essential oils of orange and lavender, this rejuvenating treatment increases microcirculation for hair growth and offers a slight warming sensation to let you know that the purification process is underway. The rich, aromatic formula comes in a glass bottle with a precision applicator to strengthen hair from root to tip while enhancing the effectiveness of the other products in your routine. Massage product onto your unwashed scalp once or twice a week for an indulgent sensory experience. This is an intense treatment, so we don’t recommend it for very sensitive skin.

For dandruff and flaky scalps

Sachajuan Scalp Treatment

This leave-in scalp treatment contains the anti-fungal ingredients piroctone olamine and climbazole to break down and remove even the peskiest dandruff for clean and clear scalps. Formulated with salicylic acid, Sachajuan Scalp Treatment exfoliates away dead skin and soothes inflammation, redness, and irritation for nourished, healthier hair. To apply, section hair, massage, and leave in.

For scalps in need of clarification

R+Co Acid Wash ACV Cleansing Rinse

This lightweight clarifying treatment removes build-up from dry shampoo and other styling products, to restore hair and scalp to its naturally healthy state. Formulated with a combination of apple cider vinegar, notorious for breaking down build-up and exfoliating away flakes, and aloe vera, which soothes and nourishes, this cleansing rinse leaves hair feeling clean without stripping strands. Apply to wet hair, leave in for 1-3 minutes, and rinse.

For extremely sensitive scalps

Klorane SOS Serum with Peony

Created with sensitive scalps in mind, this leave-in treatment provides an immediate, cooling effect to relieve dry, itchy, and tight scalps. Discomfort from stress, travel, and over-styling is soothed for 24 hours, while peony extract protects against further irritation. The non-greasy, leave-in formula gently sprays from the nozzle for a refreshing mist of relief without weighing hair down. Apply on wet or dry hair as often as needed for a 7-day period.

Most of us are familiar with those satisfying charcoal peel-off masks that extract all the oil and dirt clogging your pores. Charcoal is typically infused in detoxifying masks and cleansers because it is clinically proven to purify complexions by deeply eradicating the toxins living in skin. But what exactly is this miracle ingredient and how does it work?

The charcoal in your skincare is “activated,” meaning that this carbon substance is heated at a higher temperature to increase its porosity. Its sponge-like texture is perfect for trapping toxins and impurities and drawing them away from the skin. The result? Brighter, cleaner, and clearer skin! However, the story of charcoal doesn’t end with potent facial masks and washes.

There’s a whole world of charcoal skincare waiting to be explored, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. These products are formulated with different types of activated charcoal—bamboo and binchotan, to name a few—for enhanced skin balancing and cleansing properties.

Boscia Charcoal Deodorant

Decrease body odor and sweating with charcoal deodorant! Infused with Japanese binchotan white charcoal and activated bamboo charcoal, this powder spray withdraws impurities from pores for complete wetness and odor control. Japanese binchotan white charcoal is slowly heated, then rapidly cooled to boost its ability to absorb moisture. White charcoal balances skin’s moisture levels to decrease sweating while minimizing the appearance of pores. Activated bamboo charcoal, made from bamboo plants, has the capacity to extract 1,000 times its weight in toxins, for deeply cleansed, fresh-smelling underarms.

May Lindstrom The Problem Solver

This charcoal-based mask purifies pores and heals blemishes for problem-free skin! The activated bamboo charcoal deeply penetrates pores to cleanse and heal blockages, while nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon create a warming, tingling sensation to stimulate skin circulation. Add water to the powder to create a luxurious mousse, and apply over face once or twice a week.

Boscia Charcoal Deep-Pore Exfoliating Peel Gel

This charcoal chemical peel goes above and beyond the surface of your skin for extreme detoxification. The volcanic sand and natural alpha hydroxy acids work in tandem with the activated bamboo charcoal to exfoliate dead skin cells, so the charcoal can more deeply remove the dirt and oil from your pores. Gently massage the gel onto clean, dry skin using circular motions, rinse, and admire your tightened complexion!

Beautyblender blendercleanser solid pro

This charcoal-infused take on the original blendercleanser solid takes brush and beautyblender cleansing to a whole new level of cleanliness. The blendercleanser solid pro allows you to clean multiple brushes at once for complete dirt and oil removal in one quick and easy wash. The formula melts makeup off your blender and brushes while protecting against 99.7% of harmful germs for detoxified tools that look brand new!

Boscia White Charcoal Makeup Setting Spray

It’s a common misconception to think that the only way to clear pores is to leave charcoal on your skin for a couple minutes before removing. This innovative spray uses white charcoal to set your makeup for all day pore-refinement. Known for absorbing oils and balancing skin’s moisture content, binchotan white charcoal provides a matte yet naturally hydrated finish for shine-proof, budge-free makeup.

If you have parched, coarse, or brittle hair, you’re familiar with the struggle of finding the perfect combination of products for moisturized and manageable strands—especially during the summertime. For me, beach days usually yield a tangled mountain of frizz, which gives more tumbleweed vibes than the desired mermaid mane.  

I have tried just about everything from layering leave-ins and oils to heavily applying gels and sprays in an effort to tame my dry, unruly hair. However, the intense product buildup always made my strands appear dull and dehydrated. After searching high and low for a product that provides nourishment and frizz protection in one simple formula, I came across Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer.

With just a few spritzes, I was able to easily comb through instantly softened strands. When the product dried, I couldn’t believe how naturally smooth and hydrated my hair looked!

I often apply heat to my naturally curly hair because my curls rarely stay in tact without massive quantities of product. This primer allows me to rock my natural hair with little to no effort. Now, I simply spray and go for weightless ringlets sans the crunchy layer of product build-up. When I want sleek, straight strands, I still reach for Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer, as it envelops my hair in a heat-protective layer of hydration making my usually uncooperative hair incredibly manageable.  

What I love about this product is how versatile it is—I’ve used it as a detangler, leave-in, and heat/UV protectant! Below are my five favorite ways to use this powerhouse primer:

1. Leave-in Conditioner

A couple of spritzes tames frizz and deeply moisturizes dry, damaged, and color- treated hair of all textures. With a superstar line-up of hair-nourishing ingredients, including coconut, argan, and macadamia nut oils, Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer leaves my hair defined, de-puffed, and deeply hydrated. For naturally curly hair, I recommend spraying the primer throughout strands, combing through, and twisting small sections to create more defined ringlets.

2. Detangler

Even though the formula is filled with deeply nourishing oils, it’s surprisingly weightless on my hair. Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer softens even the most tangled strands for easy styling without adding any extra weight. I usually mist the product throughout my wet hair after showering, rake it through, and style. For defined beach waves, I recommend spraying your hair from mid-shafts to ends, braiding, and letting air-dry. If your hair isn’t naturally wavy, you can add a dab of gel or pomade for extra hold.

3. UV Protectant

I always slip Invisible Oil Primer in my bag before heading to the beach! Formulated with UV filters, use this spray during sun-soaked summer days to help shield strands from damaging rays. Spray it on before heading to the beach or pool, and take it with you to reapply after water exposure.

4. Heat Protectant

I used to layer a leave-in conditioner, frizz lotion, and heat protecting spray on my hair before styling! Now I simply spray Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer throughout my hair before blow-drying, curling, and straightening. The formula withstands high temperatures to completely guard my strands from breakage. Just spray and style for silky-smooth hair and tamed flyaways. For extra shine, I suggest adding a spritz of Hairdresser’s Dry Oil Finishing Spray after styling.  

5. Refreshing Spray

The spray’s feather-light texture makes it perfect for daily use without any build-up. On day one, I spray this primer throughout my wet hair, comb, and style. In subsequent days, I apply to my dry hair, concentrating on the ends, to bring my curls back to life. Spritz after swimming or sun exposure to restyle and infuse your hair with added moisture.

If you’ve been wishing for eyes like Claudia Norvina Soare, your dreams are about to come true. The president of Anastasia Beverly Hills and daughter of Anastasia Soare just released the Norvina Eye Shadow Palette complete with her favorite shades so you can replicate her gorgeous smolder.

Norvina explains that her new palette is the manifestation of all of the eye shadow shades she loves to wear. “I have always wanted to create a palette that embodies my spirit. I’m a dreamer at heart and get lost in my own fantasy world daily,” she says.

Opening the lavender-colored palette unlocks Norvina’s fantasy world of color complete with 7 iridescent metallic shades and 7 velvety matte shades. Norvina individually crafted each silken shade to deposit intense pigment and payoff for a variety of makeup looks.

We love how each color melts onto skin for easy blending and adheres to your eyelid for color that lasts all day. The versatility of the shades allows for endless mixing and matching to create numerous 3D color combinations. Feel free to apply shades wet or dry to achieve looks that transition from day or night.

Check out the video above to hear more about the Norvina Eye Shadow Palette from Norvina herself.

You’ve heard the phrase, “Eyes are the window to the soul,” but I like to think that eyes are more like a portrait. Most pictures have a frame that defines and highlights the beauty of the photo. Your brows are the frames that bring out the beauty of your eyes! Whenever my eyebrows are on point, I feel like my eyes look bigger and brighter. But it can take forever to create even, shapely, and Instagram-worthy brows… until now.

Benefit just launched the Brow Contour Pro, a 4-in-1 click pencil that holds four labeled, brow-contouring shades that match your hair color and skin tone. The design reminds me of those handy, 4-color retractable ballpoint pens: Just slide your desired color, click it in place, and draw for perfectly shaped, long-lasting, and waterproof brows.

Watch the video and follow these five simple steps to get eyebrows you thought were only attainable by your favorite Instagrammers.

Step 1: Fill in your brows with the color labeled “Lighter Shade” from where your brow begins to where your arch peaks. Using the precision tip, create upward strokes for hair-like color.

Step 2: Fill in brows with the “Deeper Shade” starting from your arch to the end of your brow.

Step 3: Stroke “Definer” slightly below your brow starting from where your brow starts to where your brow ends. Blend gently.

Step 4: Stroke “Definer” slightly above the start of your arch to where your brow ends. Blend gently.

Step 5: Finish with applying the “Highlighter” shade directly beneath your arch and blend outward.

As much as we enjoy creating colorful, glittering eye looks, sometimes it’s nice to get back to the basics. If you’ve been searching for more classic eye shadow shades, Natasha Denona is about to save you a lot of time. The makeup artist’s new Camel Palette features five tan shades with a combination of matte and metallic finishes, perfect for everyday use.

Rooted in Natasha’s passion for neutral color schemes, the Camel Palette is a tan and terracotta lover’s dream. The warm-toned, sandy shades are fairly different from anything else in Natasha’s collection, but they’re also easy to incorporate into everyday looks. Just like a camel coat, the mix of ochre, brown, tan, and bronze tones is timeless—the kind of palette that transitions from season to season.

Watch the video above and follow these steps for Natasha’s ultimate desert-inspired eye, one of the many looks you can create with her new Camel Palette.

1. Blend Safari into your crease to contour your socket.

2. Apply Dune to your brow bone to lift and brighten.

3. Blend Arrosto into your crease.

4. Use Zand as your transition shade, blending upwards from your crease. Smudge Zand along your lower lashline.

5. Layer Arrosto on your lower lashline.

6. Add Dune to your inner corners for glowing dimension.

7. With a pencil brush, trace your upper lashline with Arrosto to create a cat-eye effect.

8. Gently press Copper Stone onto your lid with your finger.

9. Apply Zand between Arrosto and Copper Stone and blend.

10. Line your waterline with a nude eye pencil and enjoy your tan-toned eye look.

Ask any beauty editor and they’ll agree that “cruelty-free” and “vegan” are buzzy topics in the beauty world right now. That’s not a huge surprise—with conscious consumerism on the rise, people are starting to be more thoughtful about what they buy, eat, and put on their skin. But like other buzzwords that appear on product packaging (see also: natural), cruelty-free and vegan may not mean what you think they mean.

So what does “cruelty-free” mean?

If a beauty product is cruelty-free, it means that the product has not been tested on animals. Just seeing “cruelty-free” on the label, however, doesn’t tell the whole story. Cruelty-free products can still include animal-derived ingredients, like beeswax, collagen, honey, lanolin, and carmine. To make matters more confusing, cruelty-free beauty brands can be owned by parent companies that aren’t cruelty-free. (It’s worth mentioning that the cruelty-free community is divided on this issue—some think it’s okay to buy from a cruelty-free company regardless of its parent company because it shows that customers are willing to pay for products that aren’t tested on animals. Some disagree.)

What does “vegan” mean?

Vegan beauty products, on the other hand, don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients whatsoever. They may, however, still test on animals. To recap, cruelty-free products aren’t always vegan, and vegan products aren’t always cruelty-free. Terms like “cruelty-free” and “vegan” aren’t regulated, so it’s important to do your research to determine what a brand means when they label their products as such. (If you’re interested in the nitty-gritty details, this article from Cruelty-Free Kitty does a good job of breaking it down.)

Hourglass Cosmetics is one of the few beauty brands out there committed to being both cruelty-free and vegan—meaning no animal testing or animal-based ingredients. While Hourglass has always been cruelty-free and boasts a big collection of vegan products, the brand recently vowed to go completely vegan by 2020. We spoke to CEO and founder Carisa Janes about Hourglass’s goal to lead the way in the vegan luxury beauty space.

Hourglass was already a cruelty-free beauty brand—what made you decide to go completely vegan?
Hourglass has been cruelty-free from the start, but if we are truly committed to being 100% cruelty-free, we shouldn’t have animal-derived ingredients in our products. We believe that luxury is a combination of innovation and integrity, and we want to show that luxury beauty can and should always be cruelty-free.

How hard is it to reformulate your products to be free of animal byproducts?
We set a goal to become fully vegan by 2020. It’s ambitious, but we’ve always been about challenging ourselves and pushing boundaries. Finding alternatives to animal-derived ingredients is not a simple task. It’s essential to use high-quality replacements that meet our standards. We want to make the change without sacrificing the luxury and effectiveness that our customers have come to expect.

Vegan and cruelty-free makeup has gained popularity recently. Why do you think that is?
I think people are becoming more knowledgeable about how products are tested and what ingredients are in their beauty products. They also want to feel good about the products they purchase and want to support brands with a purpose that aligns with their own personal values.

Why is it important to you personally that Hourglass goes completely vegan?
It’s what I believe is the right thing to do. I’ve always been an advocate for animals and this is a way that I can make a positive impact.

Shop vegan and cruelty-free bestsellers from Hourglass Cosmetics below.

Summer is ending soon, but it’s never too late for sun-kissed skin! If you haven’t felt the spirit of the sunny season yet, we’re about to bring the summer fun to you through glow-filled, shimmering body oil. These radiance-inducing formulas will transport you to blue-skied beaches so you look and feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

If summer could be bottled up, Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil would be the result. Available in both gold and rose gold shimmer versions, this luxurious body oil has a tantalizing scent of white florals, amber, and sandalwood that reminds us of sunny, white sand beaches. The ultra-fine flecks of gold and platinum leaf envelop the skin creating a subtle, gilded glow without a greasy residue. Just spritz, smooth over skin, and close your eyes to be whisked away to a balmy island where summer never ends.

BECCA Becca x Chrissy Teigen Endless Glow Body Oil

Inspired by Chrissy’s summers in Malibu, this weightless dry oil takes you on a summer trip to California. Infused with floral Italian bergamot and warm sandalwood notes, we think this addictive scent smells like the afternoon sun hitting your saltwater-soaked skin. Formulated with jojoba seed oil and golden shimmer particles, this multipurpose glow oil delivers delicate hydration and radiance for soft, sun-kissed hair and skin.

Sol de Janiero Ipanema Sunset Glow Oil

This silky-soft face and body oil delivers a lit-from-within glow that gives the same effect as lying out under the sunset at Ipanema Beach. Infused with Sol de Janiero’s signature Brazilian Beauty Blend of cupaçu butter, acaí oil, and coconut oil, Ipanema Sunset Glow Oil provides non-sticky hydration with a summer-scented, dewy finish. The sheer champagne shimmer formula highlights your curves for translucent radiance that looks like you spent a weekend under the Brazilian sun.

Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body

We love how Supermodel Body makes it look like we’ve been attending beach yoga classes… without flexing a muscle. Charlotte compares her model-in-a-bottle formula to shapewear lingerie for the skin, providing a firm, contoured, and toned physique. Formulated with caffeine to detox skin and reduce puffiness, menthol to stimulate microcirculation, and precious metal highlighter particles for a luminous glow, this lightweight oil delivers a sculpted, sun-enhanced physique.

When it comes to ultra-blinding, high-intensity highlighter, Jeffree Star never disappoints. We love the powder powerhouse Skin Frost, his signature highlighter that gives a blinding, eye-catching glow in a wide range of shades. Now, Jeffree launched an intense liquid highlighter version for a weightless, molten-glitter glow.

Jeffree Star’s Liquid Frost is the perfect skin bling—you can wear it like a traditional highlighter or apply all over your body for a metallic, bathed-in-sparkles finish. Available in eight light-reflecting shades, you just press down on the push applicator to fill the dropper and remember that a little goes a long way! A single drop yields a sheer glimmer finish, which you can build up to all-out bedazzlement.

Swatches applied with a sheer finish (left to right): Chill Zone, Heat Wave, Crown Jewel, Goddess, Ice Queen, Canary Bling, Frozen Peach, Frostbite

Swatches applied with an intense finish (left to right): Chill Zone, Heat Wave, Crown Jewel, Goddess, Ice Queen, Canary Bling, Frozen Peach, Frostbite

We love how the shades blend easily across the skin, whether you sheer out the product for an otherworldly glitter finish or build it up for a molten-metal effect. Jeffree recommends applying Liquid Frost with a damp beauty sponge, synthetic brush, or your fingers for best results.

Shop Jeffree Star Cosmetics Liquid Frost.

It’s no secret that collagen plays an essential role in hair, skin, nail, and joint health, so it’s crucial that you integrate this fountain-of-youth protein into your diet. Chances are, if you’re not already following a collagen regimen, you’re not getting enough through your regular diet alone.

After testing several collagen supplements, we discovered that the easiest and most delicious way to up your collagen intake is through collagen powders that mix into liquids. We love Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, which is an unflavored collagen powder sourced from grass-fed cows. The powder is odorless and flavorless, making it an easy addition to your morning smoothie or afternoon matcha. Here, we tried out some collagen-infused summer drink recipes courtesy of Vital Proteins to give you a tasty way to get your collagen.

Pomegranate Collagen Spritzer

This spritzer actually has nutritional value, and we think it tastes better than the traditional summer cocktail! Pomegranate juice is loaded with antioxidants, so mixing it up with some sparkling water and collagen powder makes for a very healthful summer sip. We recommend chilling the sparkling water in the fridge before mixing for an extra-refreshing experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• 1 cup water

• 1⁄4 cup pure pomegranate juice

• Sparkling water

Mix the first three ingredients, stirring until the collagen powder is fully dissolved. Add a splash of sparkling water to taste.

Lemon Raspberry Protein Smoothie

After a long day of rigorous activity under the summer sun, this invigorating fruit smoothie is the perfect pick-me-up. The creamy coconut and banana consistency meets with an antioxidant-rich blend of protein, raspberries, and lemon to replenish depleted energy stores. We like to add unsweetened coconut flakes on top for an added tropical zing! Sip in the morning, after your workout, or anytime you’re craving a healthy surge of energy.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides


• 1.5-2 cups coconut milk

• 1 frozen ripe banana

• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries


• 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• Top with unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Blend the first five ingredients in a blender until creamy. Top with coconut flakes if desired.

Strawberry Lemonade Collagen

This refreshing take on classic summer lemonade packs a major peptide punch. Complete with 2 scoops of collagen, organic lemonade, strawberries, and sparkling water, this grown-up version of a childhood favorite will not only bring flashbacks of your youth, but also leave your skin looking and feeling younger. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides



• 1⁄2 cup cold water


• 1⁄2 cup organic lemonade

• 1-2 muddled strawberries


• Splash of sparkling water

• 1 lemon slice


Mix the first four ingredients, stirring until the collagen powder is dissolved. Add a splash of sparkling water and garnish your glass with a lemon slice.

Green Gut Health Smoothie

We think this uplifting green smoothie is the perfect get-up-and-go drink! The juice-like consistency contains rich greens and citrus that goes down like a shot of liquid energy. The pineapple and coconut water blend nicely to deliver a tropical taste that effectively masks the spinach flavor, if you’re not a fan. We recommend adding a ripe frozen banana for added sweetness and creaminess.

Ingredients:

• 1 Scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• 1.5 oz Farmhouse Culture Classic Gut Shot
 or kombucha

• 1 handful fresh spinach

• 1⁄2 cucumber, chopped

• 1⁄2 cup frozen pineapple

• 5 sprigs cilantro

• Juice of one lime

• 1⁄2 cup ice

• 1⁄2-1 cup coconut water (to taste)

• 1⁄2 frozen banana (optional, for a sweeter/creamier smoothie)

Blend the all ingredients in a blender until creamy.

Red Velvet Smoothie

What’s summer without a little chocolate? Ice cream sundaes are delicious indulgences, but this decadent smoothie is packed with protein and nutritious veggies. The creamy consistency and hints of cocoa mimic a chocolate milkshake, minus any refined sugar. The reddish hue comes from naturally sweet beets—if you don’t have any fresh beets, you can also sub in one tablespoon of beet powder. So, go ahead and have dessert everyday!

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• 1/3 cup Greek-style or non-dairy yogurt

• 2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 1/3 cup of beets (preferably steamed and pre-frozen)

• 1 Tablespoon of cocoa powder

• 1 Tablespoon of coconut butter

• 1 Teaspoon of maca
 powder

• 1 Teaspoon of vanilla

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4-1/2 cup ice (to taste)

Blend all ingredients in a blender, adding ice until you reach your desired consistency.

Shop Vital Proteins

Rose gold is the new black. Bold statement, but we stand by it! Luxurious yet playful, we think that this timeless color is just as important to your beauty arsenal as an LBD is to your closet. There’s never a wrong time to wear rose gold—in fact, we think you should gild everything from your face to your makeup bag in this classic shade. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best makeup and accessories to kickstart your collection of rose gold staples.

Jouer Cosmetics Rose Gold Collection

Whether you’re a rose gold connoisseur or a novice, the Jouer Cosmetics Rose Gold Collection will help you discover all the golden pink products you’ve been missing out on. Starting with eyes, the new Matte & Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette is exploding with intensely pigmented shades for classic and smoky eyes rooted in rose gold. The new Rose Gold Crème Eyeshadow Crayon also delivers gilded eyes with its silky, waterproof formula.

Moving on to cheeks, the Blush Bouquet Dual Palette includes two rose gold shades formulated with vitamin E for a hydrating flush that doesn’t accentuate fine lines and pores. We think the Powder Highlighter’s buildable formula nicely complements the Blush Bouquet by adding a sheer-to-radiant rose gold glow.

Last but not least, let’s talk lips—Jouer has new rose gold gloss, crème, and toppers! Infused with jojoba seed and coconut oil, the High Pigment Pearl Lip Gloss delivers hydration within a warm rose gold veil of color. If you’re looking for a more rosy hue, Lip Crème provides head-turning metallic rose color for a smudge-proof pout. If you’re into shimmery finishes, sweep on the new rose gold Lip Topper for a sheer wash of light-reflective glitter gloss.

T3 Hair Tools

T3’s award-winning lineup of rose gold hair tools takes styling technology to luxurious heights. We can’t get over how sleek the SinglePass Straightening and Styling Iron looks with its mirrored rose gold accents, flexible plates, and contoured body. This iron, just like all T3 tools, backs up its beauty with some serious results. In just one pass, hair becomes silkier, smoother, and frizz-free without any tugging or pulling. We also love the new Twirl Trio , which comes complete with three different ceramic barrels that seal your hair cuticle, so you can create a variety of shiny curl styles.

Stila Glitter& Glow Liquid Eye Shadow

Glitter shadow that locks into place without any fallout or flaking? Sign us up! Stila’s water-infused Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadow coats your eyes with a shiny layer of pearl and glitter pigments for sparkly eyes that pop. We’re obsessed with the color Rose Gold Retro, a metallic rose shade with a silver glitter finish. Swipe once over lids for sheer gilded bliss or layer over your smoky eyes for a glamorous molten look.

BECCA Rose Gold Glow On the Go

These fun-sized rose gold highlighters let you take BECCA’s bestselling formula wherever you want to glow! The collection includes a mini pressed powder highlighter within a mirrored compact for blinding shine and a precision liquid highlighter formula for more natural luminosity. Pop both in your bag for radiance on the go.

Brush Works Artist Easel Pro

This brush organizer and travel carrier works twice as hard as your regular makeup bag and looks 10 times prettier. The rose gold leatherette exterior looks like a compact party clutch and unzips to store up to 75 makeup brushes! Get this—it even transforms into an upright easel that stands on its own so you can easily find and use your brushes for quick makeup application at all times.

Pop& Suki Rose Gold Compact Mirror

This two-mirrored, portable compact is giving us life! Open to reveal a regular and magnifying mirror for detailed makeup application and touch-ups. We also love how the shiny, rose gold exterior is engraved with a mood-boosting message on the back. It’s the perfect combination of glamor, handiness, and happiness.

Alphabet Bags Rose Gold Glitter Initial Makeup Bag

Compact but mighty, this bag can hold all of your makeup necessities and still fit in your purse or carry-on. Made of sturdy canvas, this makeup bag withstands rips and tears while its flat bottom allows for upright storage and effortless use. Unzip to reveal an easy-to-clean, waterproof lining that protects against accidental staining and spillage. Our favorite part? The bag comes with your initial written in rose gold glitter, making it a glamorously durable addition to your travel essentials…and the perfect place to store all your new rose gold favorites.  

For the average person, walking into the supplements aisle of Whole Foods can be enough to cause a panic attack. There’s no shortage of vitamins, herbal powders, prepackaged cleanses, and adaptogenic elixirs out there, all promising to give you more energy, glowing skin, better digestion, and deeper sleep. So unless you’re a trained nutritionist (or an obsessive reader of wellness blogs), it can feel pretty intimidating to get into the whole “healthy living” game.

Turns out, that’s what inspired Medea Juhasz to create Catalyst Gold, the buzzy supplement that’s become an underground sensation in the wellness world. While struggling with addiction and an unhealthy lifestyle (processed foods, late-night binges, that cigarette after a few too many drinks—sound familiar?), the high-powered fashion exec started dabbling in herbalism to help with a slew of health problems. After years experimenting with different combinations of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and superfoods, she struck gold. “It almost happened overnight,” Medea recalls. “My digestive issues, weak immune system, low energy, and allergies all went away. My unhealthy cravings disappeared, and I was able to switch to a plant-based diet.”

Inspired by this life-changing discovery, Medea became a holistic health coach and took her special blend to market. “I wanted to present my formula in a way that even non-wellness-minded customers would be open to trying it,” she says, describing Catalyst Gold as an easy entrypoint into healthy living for newcomers to the wellness party.

Herbalore founder Medea Juhasz

But even for veteran wellness junkies, swallowing a few capsules is a lot easier than quitting all of your vices cold turkey. “With my clients, I always hear, ‘I don’t have the willpower to eat healthier,’” Medea says. “I have zero willpower, but I was able to start eating healthier because the cravings phased out—my palate completely changed.” She thinks of Catalyst Gold as a vehicle to support permanent lifestyle changes, whether that’s going vegan, cutting out processed sugar, or just exercising more.

So what’s in Catalyst Gold? Here, we take a deep-dive into the ingredients list to see what makes it work.

Biotin (aka vitamin B7): known to strengthen skin, hair, nails, and the nervous and digestive systems. It also helps metabolize carbohydrates and fats and may support steady blood sugar levels.

Calcium carbonate: a naturally occurring mineral compound that relieves heartburn and indigestion. It’s also a source of—wait for it—calcium, which is vital to the health of the muscular, circulatory, and digestive systems.

Magnesium citrate: an easy-to-digest form of magnesium that supports energy production, muscle function, and regular bowel movements. It’s also known to have a calming effect and promote healthy sleep.

Selenium: one of those nutrients you should be getting enough of but are probably not. It works to keep your thyroid functioning properly.

Spirulina: basically nature’s multivitamin. This algae is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, plus potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Chlorella: another algae with the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant. Known as a superfood, it’s rich in protein and 18 essential amino acids.

L-glutamine: an amino acid (the building block of protein) that helps repair wounds, stabilize blood sugar levels, and build lean muscle, among other important functions.

Acai berry: extremely rich in antioxidants, which neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals throughout the body. Acai may also help lower cholesterol and boost metabolism and energy levels.

Dandelion: bioactive compounds in this garden weed may support healthy liver function, control blood sugar levels, and improve digestion.

Eleuthero root (aka Siberian ginseng): a powerful adaptogen that is known to increase energy (minus the jitters and insomnia) and enhance the body’s response to stress.

Camu camu: contains over 10 times more vitamin C than oranges. It’s also said to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing properties.

Astragalus (aka huang qi): used in traditional Chinese medicine to protect the body against stress, both physical and mental. This adaptogen may help lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and fight cancer.

Mangosteen: thought to act as a natural antihistamine, mangosteen is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and B vitamins.

Grape seed extract: known for its anti-aging properties as well as its ability to improve heart health. It’s been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve circulation.

Turmeric: rich in curcumin, a bioactive substance whose inflammation-fighting effects have been compared to anti-inflammatories like hydrocortisone or Motrin.

Flaxseed: excellent source of soluble and insoluble fibers, which improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and promote weight loss. Omega-3 fatty acids may promote clear skin and healthy heart function.

Try Catalyst Gold for yourself or explore other beauty supplements.

Out of all the poor life choices you can make during the summer, getting a sunburn always feels the most shameful. Maybe it’s because the importance of wearing sunscreen has been drilled into my head from every possible direction (parents, friends, doctors, internet strangers, you name it) and I really, really should have known better. Maybe it’s the knowledge that I could be paying for that extra 30 minutes of sun in dark spots, wrinkles—even skin cancer. Or maybe it’s because I’ll have to walk into the office on Monday morning with patchy, cakey makeup that I tried (and failed) to apply over my sunburn.

Listen, I’m not here to make you feel guilty about getting sunburned (okay, maybe a little bit). I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit, and along the way I’ve picked up a few tricks for makeup that actually disguises the redness and flaky, peeling skin. Below, how to apply makeup to your sunburn—even when your skin is evacuating your face in sheets.

(Writer’s note: In researching this article, I came across a lot of claims that you shouldn’t wear makeup over a sunburn because your skin needs to “breathe.” While skin doesn’t actually breathe—pores don’t have tiny lungs—I can see the benefit in reducing the number of possible irritants you put on damaged skin. With that in mind, it’s probably best to skip makeup for as long as you can while your sunburn heals. However, if you have an important event or a job interview and want to wear makeup, read on.)

Start with a simple, healing skincare routine

Before you even think about picking up your concealer, focus on healing and hydrating your damaged skin with a simple routine. Start by cleansing with a ridiculously gentle, non-foaming cleanser (Pai Skincare Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a personal favorite). Next, mist your skin with a gentle, alcohol-free face mist (plain rosewater works too). Then, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel (straight from the plant if you can get it), which helps soothe sun damage. Apply a nourishing moisturizer with skin-identical ingredients (aka ingredients that mimic your skin’s natural lipid barrier), like ceramides, squalane, and phospholipids. And, just in case it’s not obvious, finish with a good broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Gently exfoliate flaky skin

If your sunburn has reached the peeling stage (i.e., you’re past the point where your skin feels painful and/or hot to the touch), you can use gentle physical exfoliation to create a smooth canvas for your makeup. To loosen any flakes that your makeup can cling to, exfoliate with a damp washcloth or konjac sponge using very light pressure. Stay away from scrubs and chemical exfoliants until your skin heals completely—the most important part of any post-sunburn skincare routine is repairing your skin.

Use a green color corrector

The color wheel tells us that green cancels out red, so if your skin is a startling shade of crimson, applying a green color corrector will help neutralize some of that surface redness. Since sunburns usually cover large areas of skin, it’s best to opt for a formula that you can spread across your entire face, such as a color-correcting primer. You can also add a few drops of a liquid or cream green color corrector (like this one from Make-Up Atelier) into your moisturizer for an all-over redness-reducing tint.

Mix a drop of oil into your foundation

Applying foundation to sunburned skin often leads to a patchy, splotchy finish as pigment cakes to flakes and uneven texture. Try mixing a drop of face oil into your foundation before applying. The oil moisturizes dry, damaged skin while adding emollient properties to help your foundation spread smoothly.

Use a makeup sponge or extra-soft brush

When you drag a makeup brush across your skin, the bristles cause microexfoliation—that is, they loosen dead skin cells. Especially noticeable on dry or damaged skin, microexfoliation can cause flakiness and cakey, patchy makeup. Try applying your makeup with a damp beautyblender or makeup sponge in a gentle bouncing motion to minimize microexfoliation. For powder foundation, blush, or bronzer, opt for an extra-soft makeup brush that will deposit product without disturbing dry flakes, like Wayne Goss The Air-Brush.

It’s 2018, and collagen is officially everywhere—from your eye cream to your green smoothie to that fancy iced matcha latte you had this morning. Seemingly overnight, collagen went from the best-kept secret of the paleo/CrossFit crowd to the darling of the beauty and wellness world. And with purported benefits that range from glowier skin to stronger muscles, it’s not hard to see why collagen has caught on so quickly. So what does collagen do, and what’s the best way to add it into your beauty routine? We separate facts from fiction with a little help from science.

First, what is collagen?

Collagen is a protein found naturally in the human body. A major component of our hair, skin, nails, bones, and muscles, it’s often called the “glue” that holds the body together. Our bodies produce collagen by breaking down the amino acids in the protein we eat, like meat, eggs or nuts. We lose collagen gradually as we age (which leads to wrinkles and crepey skin, among other things), but collagen loss is exacerbated by things like smoking, poor diet, and sun exposure.

The different types of collagen

The are 28 known types of collagen, but these are the three most common types.

• Collagen I makes up over 90% of your body’s collagen. It’s in almost every tissue in your body, from teeth to blood vessels to tendons.

• Collagen II is mostly found in cartilage.

• Collagen III is found in a type of connective tissue called reticular fiber, which makes up bone marrow and organs.

As you can see, collagen plays an important role in many of your bodily functions, which is why producing enough of it is vital to your overall health and wellbeing.

The benefits of collagen

Like any buzzy beauty ingredient, there are many claims floating around about what collagen can do, from giving you thicker, fuller hair to curing digestive issues. So far, research has shown that ingesting collagen supplements may:

• Improve skin elasticity (i.e., give your skin are more plump, bouncy feel)

• Boost skin hydration

• Reduce wrinkles and fine lines

• Prevent UV damage and skin aging

• Strengthen brittle nails

• Prevent hair loss and thinning

• Help muscles heal and grow

• Support joint health and reduce joint pain

• Strengthen bones

• Help wounds heal faster

• Promote gut health by strengthening the intestinal barrier

• Promote deeper, more restorative sleep

Sources of collagen

The collagen you see in beauty products and supplements is extracted from the tissue of animals like fish, cows, pigs, or chickens. Collagen supplements contain collagen peptides (aka collagen hydrolysate or hydrolyzed collagen), which is just collagen that has gone through a process called hydrolysis so that your body can more easily digest it. Collagen peptides dissolve in liquids, so they’re easy to incorporate into your diet. You can also get collagen by eating collagen-rich foods, like bone broth. Because collagen is an animal protein, there are unfortunately no vegan sources of collagen—although there are plant-based supplements that help boost the body’s natural collagen production, like The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost or Moon Juice Beauty Dust.

Collagen in skincare products

While research shows that eating collagen can improve your skin, the science behind topical collagen products is a little more shaky. The molecules in collagen are known to be too large to penetrate the upper layers of your skin, meaning they won’t absorb directly into your crow’s feet and give you bright, youthful-looking eyes. However, collagen does bind with water, making it good at drawing moisture to your skin and maintaining proper hydration levels.

Want to give collagen a try? Collagen powders from Vital Proteins are an easy way to start. From strawberry lemon beauty water to collagen-infused coffee creamer, there’s something for just about everyone.

Illustrations by Megan Badilla

Who’s ready for the Safari Palette from Natasha Denona? Anyone who’s a fan of Natasha’s signature, extra-creamy matte eyeshadows should keep an eye out for the makeup artist’s next release—her first-ever all-matte eyeshadow palette.

The Safari Palette is a 15-shade palette featuring a stunning range of shades, from earthy terracottas to deep sea blue and bright tangerine. With a solid selection of muted and jewel tones, it’s perfect for the fall season (or, let’s be honest, every season). These are the shades, from left to right and top to bottom:

Malia: powder pink with a matte finish

Fata Morgana: deep sea blue with a matte finish

Rhino: green-toned grey with a matte finish

Stone: pale cool grey with a matte finish

Savanna: olive khaki with a matte finish

Aya: pale apricot with a matte finish

Thorn: deep rust with a matte finish

Desert Date: pastel peach with a matte finish

Shea: cinnamon brown with a matte finish

Tribe: bright tangerine with a matte finish

Lotus: muted pink with a matte finish

Amhara: terracotta coral with a matte finish

Maasai: muted berry with a matte finish

Voodoo: deep merlot with a matte finish

Tamarind: creamy beige with a matte finish

The Safari Palette launches at Beautylish on Friday, September 14th, 2018 at 10am PT (1pm ET). Sign up to get notified when the Safari Palette drops so you can be first in line to shop it (before it sells out!).

There’s something ultra-luxurious about products that hail from far-away countries, especially when that country is France. Everything from France’s large bodies of blue-green water to its gorgeous countryside exudes a level of natural elegance that is reflected in the bottles and tubes found in French pharmacies. For beauty enthusiasts, entering a French pharmacy is like being a kid in a candy store—so much so that beauty editors and models bring empty suitcases with them to Paris so that they can hoard their favorite French formulas. Here, we rounded up five French pharmacy cult classics that you can get your hands on without a flight to Paris.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Pump

All great makeup artists have at least one Bioderma product in their kit. This French brand prides itself on developing highly effective, yet gentle products for even the most sensitive skin types. Personally, we can’t live without this no-rinse, micellar water-based makeup remover. We love how the lightweight liquid melts every last bit of dirt and makeup off your face without stripping your skin of necessary hydration. In fact, Sensibio H2O is the first and only micellar water designed to mimic your phospholipid structure for protection against dirt, oil, and bacteria. It’s also enriched with soothing cucumber extract to calm dry, irritated, and sensitive skin.This pink-capped bottle is iconic—and it’s not hard to see why.

Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray

Located in the Cévennes Mountains of Avène, France, there exists a healing thermal spring known for relieving a wide range of skin conditions. Eau Thermale Avene infuses each of its products with this miracle water, as well as bottles it up directly from the source to create Thermal Spring Water Spray. This healing spray delivers a restorative, skin-softening mist, which is clinically proven to calm itchiness, redness, irritation, and inflammation. Most popularly used to treat atopic dermatitis, it’s gentle enough to soothe a variety of skin concerns, including sunburn, razor burn, and rashes. We also think this spray is perfect for refreshing your makeup, cooling hot skin after your workout, and calming sensitive skin when traveling.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Fluide

We love how Embryolisse products use minimal ingredients to develop some of the purest, sensitive-skin loving formulations on the market. This 24-hour miracle hand and body cream is our holy grail moisturizing lotion for dry, hypersensitive skin. Infused with aloe vera, the velvet-textured formula calms irritated skin, making it the perfect after-sun, after-shave lotion. Lait-Crème Fluide provides fast-absorbing moisture for quick and easy application without a greasy residue. We also love using this lotion as a primer to smooth dry spots for effortless foundation application.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Aerosol

The story of Klorane began in the Southwest of France over half a century ago, when French pharmacist Pierre Fabre combined his passion for health and botany to create his beauty empire. Today, Klorane Dry Shampoo is our go-to style extender. Enriched with soothing oat milk as well as corn and rice starch, this dry shampoo calms irritated scalps while absorbing dirt, odor, and oil. We love how it cleans your strands in minutes for long-lasting freshness and volume without the usual gritty residue. Once you experience its miraculous hair-transforming effects, you’ll never use another dry shampoo again.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

Originating in Bordeaux, Caudalie converts the antioxidant power of grapes into wine-based skin therapy. In the 1930s, Mathilde and her husband Bertrand developed this luxurious line, which features anti-aging ingredients derived from the grapevine. Cheers to that! We’re obsessed with Caudalie Beauty Elixir, a multi-use toning mist that tightens pores and infuses skin with a burst of radiance. Enriched with moisturizing grape extracts, toning rose oil, and energizing rosemary, it reduces dullness to prepare skin for the next steps in your beauty routine. Spray it on clean skin to promote an ultra-glowing complexion and enhance the effects of your daily skincare. Spritz on before powder application to act as a hydrating setting spray and use throughout the day to energize skin.