Emily Johnson

Cherry Pie’d and and Cherry Pop are two new shades of Fenty Beauty Hot Cheeks Velour Blushlighter that are available for a limited time for Summer 2025. As you may know I already reviewed the Fenty Beauty Hot Cheeks Velour Blushlighter last year when they introduced three limited-edition shades. I absolutely loved them and at the time I had hoped they’d keep them permanent and maybe do new shades. I still have hopes that as we had deeper into Summer they’ll do even more shades or even bring back the original three if people didn’t get a chance to grab them last year.

When the two new shades popped up I was instantly onboard to purchase them and the fact that the Sephora Savings Event is happening now definitely helped push me into the buying zone!

As I said I got both I’ll be review and swatch the Fenty Beauty Cherry Pie’d Hot Cheeks Velour Blushlighter shade first! Let’s take a look!

Compared to last year’s shades the new ones are pretty bold and vibrant. Last year, we got some beautiful glowing peaches and corals where as this year we got some very bold, bright, and vibrant shades of red. The new shades come in limited-edition cherry packaging featuring a shifting image on the front of the palette that which is a digital cherry design. The design is also embossed on the powder. It feels very gamer packaging as the digital cherries are giving old school Pac-Man or Super Mario 3D World vibes. The compacts are $28 each and 0.15 oz each where as last year they were $26 each and the same size.

The blushes are a hybrid formula that works as a blush and highlighter. I absolutely adore blushes that work like this as they take the guess work out of highlighter placement and application. You get the best of both worlds by getting the color from the blush plus the radiant glow a highlighter would provide in one formula. Sadly, I did think the Fenty Beauty Cherry Hot Cheeks Velour Blushlighter shades had less of a glow than the original formula even though they are marketed as a shimmery finish. They pulled more satiny on me with a little glow but not nearly what I got from the originals.

The texture has a velour-like feel with a slurry-like consistency that resembles a creamy velvet but applies as a powder. These do not have a powdery finish but you can easily pick up a ton of color with your brush and may need to tap off excess. I would recommend these on well prepped skin as I think they might look bad on texture skin as the formula is a bit heavier. I get smooth, even color however, I had to be very, very careful I didn’t overdo it as I’m known to do with blush. A LTITLE GOES a very long way as this formula is super pigmented and the color is very bright and bold. I get about eight hours of wear from the blush and it looks incredibly flawless through the wear. But it can be challenging to blend it out just right due to not only the bright color but the fact that it’s so pigmented. Cherry Pie’d is shimmering ruby red shade. It’s a very unique shade and I don’t think I have anything like it in my stash.

Fenty Beauty Cherry Pie’d Hot Cheeks Velour Blushlighter is a stunning and unique blush! It is a little difficult or at least for me to get application down just right but once in place it’s just so beautiful and pretty on cheeks. I do wish the finish had a little bit more of a glow as they did last year but I don’t regret this purchase at all! If you’re in the market for a unique blush shade you’ll want to pick this one up!

Where to buy

Nordstrom Fenty

Saie SuperSuede Talc-Free Powder Blush ($28) is a new lightweight baked blush with a long-wearing formula that launched recently in six shade selections. This blush is talc-free which is becoming the makeup industry’s norm for blush formulas lately. Primarily formulas are changing for safety reasons as talc can sometimes be contaminated with asbestos during the mining process. But also, talc is considering trying and brand’s are migrating away from it as a way of introducing a more cleaner, gentler formula for sensitive users. NARS Blush was recently reformulated and is now a completely talc-free formula and you’ll find other brands headed in the same direction.

When Saie launched these new Supersuede Blushes I was concerned they’d be doing away with the Glow Sculpt Multi-Use Cream Highlighting Blush which is one of my best loved blushes. Thankfully, those are still around and the new Supersuede formula is a permanent addition to Saie’s blush family. And a welcome one at that as they don’t have a powder blush in their catalog!

I picked up a single shade of Saie SuperSuede Talc-Free Powder Blush in Stella which is a warm, bright coral. It was $28 and holds .01 oz of blush in a simple black compact with Saie’s logo on the front in a raise, 3D design. As a lover of baked blushes this was a pretty fun purchase for me. It’s a formula I love and prefer in my blushes and I was happy to see someone embracing a new baked blush formula.

These blush has a very smooth, silky surface and the formula is just as silky. My brush easily picks up color (a little too easily) without a ton of powdery kick up. It’s VERY pigmented so when my brush picks up color it picks up A LOT of it. I did have to tap off a lot of it before I applied it on my cheeks. It applies super smoothly, blends easily, and gives my cheeks a super kick of beautiful color. I read a lot of reviews that said it was dry and patchy but I honestly can’t say I experienced that. I thought the formula was incredibly silky with a very smooth finish on my dry cheeks. I do think part of the issue is the blush is super pigmented and it comes in a variety of warmer, darker shades. They need a few more lighter shades and I think that would solve the problem of application issues as this is a really pigmented formula that’s easy to overdo which could result in patchiness or an uneven blush look. It’s a real bold selection of shades and a lighter or super fair skin tone may struggle finding a good color to purchase. The wear time is promised as a “long-wearing” and they aren’t kidding about that. Once on your skin it stays on. It doesn’t fade at all and wears throughout the day remaining bright and vibrant well into the evening. I got a solid 12 hour day out of it without it even showing a bit of wear. The blush does seem to have a little bit of a glow to it in the pan but it didn’t really translate to the finish on my cheeks. It looked more matte without any glow, shimmer, or radiance to the finish.

Saie SuperSuede Talc-Free Powder Blush Swatches (Stella)

Saie SuperSuede Talc-Free Powder Blush is a tricky little formula but if you’re into the color range and get on board with a light application you’ll be just fine.

Saie SuperSuede Talc-Free Powder Blush is available now!

Where to buy

Sephora Saie

Sol de Janeiro Água Mística Hair and Body Fragrance Mist ($25) is one of three, limited-edition Summer 2025 fragrance mists that Sol de Janeiro recently launched. I was not going to purchase any of these because they just aren’t doing it for me lately but the Sephora Savings Event rolled around, I’m weak, and here we are. So far, I review the Sol de Janeiro Danca Mistica Fragrance Mist for you and it wasn’t anything special. I did think Sol de Janeiro Agua Mística Hair and Body Fragrance Mist was a little better however, I read somewhere it smelled like “boy shower gel” and now I can’t get that out of my head because it really does.

Let’s jump ahead.

It took me literally several hundred sprays of this to realize what exactly I was smelling. I KKNEW it smelled like something but I couldn’t pinpoint what it was. It finally came to me! It smells very, very similar to Kayali Citrus | 08. As I said above someone said, “boy shower gel” and yeah, that’s sort of correct. No, not Old Spice smelling but more a warm, masculine fresh citrus scent. I actually like the scent a lot. It smells fresh, clean, a little zesty…! It’s nice but not groundbreaking!

Top notes: Tangerine, Pineapple and Neroli
Middle Notes: Peony and Jasmine
Base Notes: Skin, Salt and White Cedar Extract

Agua Mística Perfume Mist was inspired by the crystal waters and golden sands of Prainha Beach. I don’t get beachy vibes from this. It’s a clean, fresh, citrus fragrance that has a bit of warmth from the white cedar that gives it a more masculine edge. I’d go so far as to say it’s unisex and can be worn by either females or males. I do like it but it’s not a must have especially considering it’s a bit on the weak side and wears away fairly fast and doesn’t create a strong scent bubble after application. Someone had said, Sol de Janeiro’s LEs are coming more like Bath and Body Works launches and I’d have to agree. Sol de Janeiro has created some legendary fragrances but these new launches just aren’t up to the standard of some of their OG scents.

Sol de Janeiro Agua Mística Hair and Body Fragrance Mist is not enough but not a must get even on sale.

Did you smell this one? Thoughts? Do share!

Where to buy

Sephora

About the Muse

Isabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

There’s something so satisfying about an easy to apply foundation. I find that satisfaction in stick foundations because they are so easy to swipe on, blend out, and just go! I think my love affair began with sticks when I purchased my first Benefit Play Stick. I wish I could tell you how long ago it was that Benefit Cosmetics introduced them but it must be a dinosaur’s age now. Later on in life Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Sticks became a fav! Since that time a lot of new foundation sticks have come and gone through my life and to this day they still remain my very favorite way to apply foundation.

Here are a few worth looking into.

LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring and Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation Stick $25 (Available at Sephora.com and LYSbeauty.com)
The absolute best foundation stick on the market. Creamy, dreamy, easy to apply, easy to blend, perfect for drier skin, and pigmented as hell. This one has EVERYTHING! You need it. Trust me.

ILIA Skin Rewind Blurring Foundation and Concealer Complexion Stick $48
This is slightly controversial for some folks as it isn’t really that creamy a formula. It does tug a little bit when swiping on but it blends very easily and the amazing thing about is the fact it wears ALL damn DAY! Seriously, one you have this on your skin it does not budge AT ALL.

Dior Forever Skin Perfect 24H Multi-Use Foundation Stick $52
A debated grabbing this for a long time as all the reviews I read said it was pretty matte. But I’m glad I got it because not only is it creamy and long-wearing but it brightens up my entire complexion and has a very smooth, seamless finish that didn’t feel or look dry, matte, or flat. It’s my skin but better.

Fenty Eaze Drop Stick Blur + Smooth Tint Stick Foundation $38
Fenty’s formula is an absolute no experience needed for application. This is one of the easiest foundations you’ll ever apply and a perfect one for natural, no nonsense days you want to look like yourself but better. It’s got just the right amount of tint to give you natural skin enhancing coverage so it takes your own skin and just makes it look better.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick $49
Hourglass rivals LYS in terms of creamiest. Granted LYS still holds first place but Hourglass is no quitter. She comes in strong with a creamy consistency that glides on like butter, blends like a dream, and leaves your skin looking flawless.

What are some of your favorite foundation sticks?

Do share!

Obviously, we all know this week is the Sephora Spring Savings Event and if you’re Rouge you can snag 20% off! Tomorrow the sale sale starts for VIB and BI but the discount isn’t at great at 15% and 10% off. I knew the sale was coming but I’ve still snuck in a few makeup purchases that I could have waited for to score on sale. But sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants. One of those items was a new eyeshadow palette that I didn’t need but I did buy. Well, technically, I used points at Ulta to grab it but if I didn’t have points I’d have totally paid full price for this.

So, yeah, the Sephora Sale could have gotten me 20% off but I brought this eyeshadow palette without it being on sale and don’t regret it.

Natasha, Natasha, Natasha. I felt sure I didn’t need your new Bloom Eyeshadow Palette but here we are. I snagged the Natasha Denona Bloom Eyeshadow Palette soon after it launched but I was on the fence about it initially. I thought perhaps it was giving Too Faced Sweet Peach vibes but after seeing someone post a photo of it in a Reddit post I knew I had to have it. This palette is actually inspired by one of my fav palettes from Natasha, the Bloom Blush and Glow Face Palette. I have to say some of the stunning shades in this palette would make a great blush or highlighter and I haven’t ruled out the idea of trying them like that.

I just love the round up of colors in this palette. Shimmering peaches, golds, corals, tangerines, and pinks make this my ideal Summer Eyeshadow Palette. Not to mention I ADORE shades like this. I actually haven’t dug into this palette yet. I’m sort of scared to use it which is insane considering the amount of eyeshadow palettes I have but I’m really looking forward to digging into. I’ll review it soon.

Natasha Denona Bloom Eyeshadow Palette is one palette I don’t regret hauling without it being on sale!

Let me know if you grabbed this palette!

Where to buy

Sephora Ulta

Wakey, wakey friends. It’s a rainy day and I just want to crawl back into bed. I’ve been up since 5AM, got my work out in, took the Queen out for her walk (aka I carried her around because it’s raining out and she whined to be let down when we located the perfect potty spot), and it’s now 7:15 and I’m ready to start my day. I hauled my trust Julep Concealer that I told you about yesterday to do my makeup! I LOVE it but of course, my Sephora Savings Event cart is still filled with other concealers I want to try out. The hunt never ends when it comes to finding the ultimate concealer formula (I secretly hope it never will so I can continue to try new and exciting concealers).

Here’s a list of concealer recommendations to check out and here’s some you shouldn’t bother with.

Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer with Caffeine $58
Sorry, I haven’t reviewed this yet. I got it several months ago and I’ve been meaning to pop a review up but it didn’t rock my world the way I thought it would. It’s good, creamy, very pigmented, but not quite what I expected and even with a sale it’s still too high a price to pay for a formula I feel can be duplicated with a more inexpensive option.

Pat Mcgrath Labs Sublime Perfection Concealer $34
I want to tell you this is an IMMEDIATE yes. I actually love this formula. The pigment is next level insanity. I’m talking more pigmented than Shape Tape. The problem with the formula is it can a bit dry, a bit difficult to blend, and needs a lot of prepping to look really good. It’s very thick and very creamy and that’s a perk and a problem as it can be a little frustrating to look natural. So, I’d say leave it unless you score it during a sale and have time to play with it.

Tarte Maracuja Creamy Creaseless Concealer Starting at $15
Immediate no. I was really excited when this launched but the formula is just irritating to work with, not that creamy, and fairly dry. Skip it.

Shade Swatched: 29N

Lancôme Care and Glow Serum Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid $31
Yes if you can find a good color match. EXCELLENT, hydrating formula with a thin yet creamy consistency and not a ton of glow to it but more natural looking. I do have a bit of an issue finding the perfect shade but when you do it’s a treat. Great for finer lines!

Kulfi Main Match Crease-Proof Long-Wear Hydrating Concealer $26
Absolutely, yes. A million times yes. This is an interesting formula as not only is it creamy, pigmented, easy to blend, and long-wearing but the shades sort of have a built in corrector of sorts. Some lean yellow which is great for diffusing darkness and some have a peachier undertone which is great for brightening.

Dior Backstage Concealer $32
I know a lot of people who are Dior Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer fan girls but Dior Backstage is a REAL gem. I prefer it over Forever Skin. First off, the applicator is stupid awesome. It’s a small brush that looks like one you’d get in a nail polish which makes it easy to “paint” the concealer under your eyes or anywhere else. The formula has a serum-like consistency and blends like literal melted butter. It also wears like a champion in heat and humidity. A must for concealer fans!

Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer with Niacinamide $28
Thumbs up! Great formula here. Super creamy, very pigmented, and brightens the under eye very nicely.

Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer Swatches (Shade 7)

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid $32
This is a little controversial as I’m an ex-Kosas Concealer lover. I used to really love this formula but for some reason it just doesn’t work for me anymore. It’s ultra creamy but it sets quickly and has a rather unflattering drier matte finish that isn’t working under my eyes lately. I’d skip it. I think there are concealer formulas out there that are a bit better than this.

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer with Fermented Arnica $32
Yes! Very creamy, blends very easily, and the applicator is some kind of wonderful. It also, flexes like skin so it doesn’t crease but moves with your expressions. If you’re smiling a lot this isn’t going to creep into your fine lines!

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Longwear Concealer $38
Noooooo! Hate the shade range but also, it sets too quickly and feels super drying. I know this is getting super hype at the moment and lots of rave reviews but I question those reviews hardcore because I did not experience the performance they did. I realize Double Wear is everyone’s fav foundation but the concealer is a red flag for me.

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer $38
It took me a while to develop feelings for Hourglass’ Concealer. I recall purchasing it when it releases five years ago and being like, eh, it’s ok. About a year and a half ago I picked it up again and I have to say it’s become a daily part of my concealer rotation. It’s very creamy, excellent for drier and aging eyes, and it wears quite well but also, brightens up the entire eye area. An HG concealer for me!

What are your concealer picks of the moment? Thanks to my Instagram Channel friends for the rec I’ve decided I’ll be trying Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating Medium to Full Coverage Crease Proof Serum Concealer finally! Wish me lucky!

Where to buy

Sephora

About the Muse

Isabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

About the Muse

Isabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.