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Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Review & Swatches

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Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Review & Swatches

If you’re on the hunt for a foundation that feels like skincare and wears really well, the Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation may be just what you are looking for. Created by Carisa Janes, the visionary founder who originally launched Hourglass Cosmetics, Outside-In brings the same luxury-meets-innovation approach to a brand focused on innovative, skin-friendly formulations.

The Silk Serum Foundation promises a “serum-meets-makeup” experience: a weightless, silky texture that blurs imperfections while letting your natural skin shine through. With Carisa’s experience in creating cult-favourite foundations and beauty products, expectations are high, and this foundation delivers a skin-first, luxurious base that feels almost invisible on the skin.

In this post, I’ll break down the texture, finish, ingredients, and wear of the Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation, and also compare it to Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops, so you can see how it stacks up against other high-profile, luxury foundations.

If you are shopping for last minute gifts and want to make big value savings, read: This Last-Minute Christmas Gift Guide.

What is Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation?

What is Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation?
What is Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation?

The Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation is a hybrid between skincare and makeup. It’s formulated as a lightweight serum base with complexion-evening pigments suspended in a soft, silky texture. The brand uses “Self-Setting Light Technology,” where light-diffusing powders are suspended in the liquid serum base, giving a soft-focus, skin-like finish rather than a heavy, mask-like look.

Key points:

  • Vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free
  • Formulated to be suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin
  • Combines lightweight coverage with skin-friendly actives

In short, this isn’t a heavy coverage foundation. It’s designed for skin-like, breathable, and glowy coverage ideal for everyday wear or natural makeup looks.

Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Shades & Swatches

There are 25 shades in the collection and I have two of them to show you.

Silk Serum Foundation — Shade List & Undertone Descriptions

  • 020 – Fair Warm / Golden — Very light with warm golden undertones
  • 040 – Fair Cool / Rosy — Very light with cool, rosy undertones
  • 060 – Fair Neutral / Peach — Very light with balanced neutral-peach undertones
  • 080 – Fair Warm / Golden — Similar to 020 with warm golden tones
  • 110 – Light Cool / Cool — Light shade with cool undertones
  • 120 – Light Neutral / Neutral — Light shade with neutral undertones
  • 140 – Light Warm / Golden Olive — Light with warm golden-olive undertones
  • 160 – Light Warm / Golden — Light with warm golden undertones
  • 180 – Light Neutral / Peach — Light with peach neutral undertones
  • 220 – Light Medium Neutral / Soft Peach — Light medium with soft peach undertones
  • 240 – Light Medium Warm / Golden — Light medium with warm golden undertones
  • 260 – Light Medium Warm / Rosy Peach — Light medium with rosy peach undertones
  • 280 – Light Medium Cool / Medium Cool — Light medium with cool undertones
  • 320 – Medium Neutral / Neutral — Medium with neutral undertones
  • 340 – Medium Warm / Olive — Medium with warm olive undertones
  • 360 – Medium Neutral / Peach — Medium with peachy neutral undertones
  • 380 – Medium Warm / Golden — Medium with warm golden undertones
  • 420 – Medium Deep Warm / Golden — Medium-deep with warm golden undertones
  • 440 – Medium Deep Neutral / Olive — Medium-deep with neutral olive undertones
  • 460 – Medium Deep Warm / Warm — Medium-deep with warm undertones
  • 480 – Medium Deep Neutral / Neutral — Medium-deep with neutral undertones
  • 520 – Deep Warm / Warm — Deep shade with warm undertones
  • 540 – Deep Neutral / Neutral — Deep with neutral undertones
  • 560 – Deep Warm / Warm — Deep with warm undertones
  • 580 – Deep Cool / Cool — Deep with cool undertones

My Swatches

I have shades 110 Light Cool and 120 Light Neutral:

Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Swatches - 110 & 120
Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Swatches – 110 & 120

My Review of Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation

My Review of Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation
My Review of Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation

Light, Silky & Weightless

The Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation has a lovely light silky texture and feels practically weightless on the skin. When I touch my skin immediately after applying, it genuinely feels like there is nothing on my skin.

Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Texture
Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Texture

It blends effortlessly (using fingers or a brush – I use my REESON No.1), leaving a smooth, soft “my skin but better” finish. Imperfections are subtly blurred, but your natural skin still peeks through.

Finish & Coverage: Natural, Buildable, Glowy

Coverage sits between light and medium. It is enough to even out tone and blur redness without masking skin entirely. The finish is luminous without looking shiny, giving a healthy, radiant glow. Layering or using concealer on trouble spots works well without losing the natural finish.

Skin-Friendly & Everyday Wearable

With ingredients like niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate, the foundation hydrates and supports the skin barrier while remaining lightweight. It’s breathable and comfortable, making it ideal for daily wear, even for sensitive or dry skin.

Ingredients & What They Do

A few standout ingredients make this foundation more than just makeup:

  • Niacinamide – helps even skin tone and improves texture
  • Sodium Hyaluronate – hydrating, plumping, and moisture-retaining
  • Light-diffusing powders & emollients – create a soft-focus, radiant finish
  • Skin-friendly oils & emollients – provide a smooth, comfortable application

This combination means the Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation acts as a skincare-meets-makeup hybrid, delivering hydration, comfort, and a radiant finish.

Why I Love It And Who It’s Best For

The Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation delivers a minimalist beauty dream: light, breathable, skin-like coverage that enhances your natural glow.

It’s perfect for:

  • Everyday wear when you want your skin to look like skin
  • People who dislike heavy, cakey foundations
  • Dry or sensitive skin types
  • Layering with concealer for targeted coverage
  • “No-makeup makeup” looks or natural glam days

If you want full coverage for heavy blemishes, this may not be the one, but for softness, glow, and comfort, it’s outstanding. Having said that, using more product, you can definitely build this up to a fuller coverage finish.

Before and After Photos

I have tried both shades and I think the one I love most is 120 Light Neutral:

Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation - Before Photo
Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation – Before Photo
Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation - After Photo Shade 120
Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation – After Photo Shade 120

Unfortunately, I forgot to take the after photo before I added my Bronzing Balm, Blush and Highlighter Duo from REESON* (my brand), but if you want to see it without extra makeup, watch the application video below.

Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Application Video

My Other Shade Matches

For my shade twins out there, my other matches are:

  • Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops in Light 4 (£104)
  • Sculpted By Aimee Cream Cushion Foundation in 3C (£23)
  • Jane Iredale Skintuition Liquid Foundation SPF 30 in 26 (£55)
  • Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 in Light Cool 3 (£39)
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation in 2N (£39)
  • Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation in 310 (£47)
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation in 20 Light Cool (£8)
  • Sisley Paris Phyto Teint Perfection Foundation in 2N1 (£80)
  • Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation in 250 (£49)
  • Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in 130 Light Warm £42)
  • NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in Deauville (£41)
  • Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation shade 115C (£39.50)
  • Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation in 4 neutral (£39)
  • La Mer Radiant Skin Tint in Light 22 (£80)
  • Cle de Peau Radiant Cream Foundation in 020 Light Medium Ochre (£108)
  • Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation Natural in 020 Light Medium Ochre (£121)
  • Givenchy Skincaring Foundation in 2-N150 (£47)
  • Dior Forever Natural Nude Foundation in 2N (£48)

Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation vs. Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops

Given the buzz on social media, many readers are searching for comparisons. Here’s how the Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation stacks up against Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops.

Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops Overview

  • Developed with Augustinus Bader’s TFC8® complex for skin renewal
  • Botanical extracts (echinacea, spilanthes, olive leaf) to support the skin barrier
  • Lightweight, buildable coverage with a luminous, second-skin finish

Comparison Table

Feature Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops
Texture & Feel Light, silky, serum-like; almost weightless — “feels like nothing on skin.” Lightweight; melts into skin, second-skin feel.
Coverage & Finish Light-to-medium, natural, skin-like, glowy but not shiny. Light-to-medium, buildable, luminous, natural glow – I think this gives a bit more coverage with less product than Outside-In
Skin-Care Ingredients Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid – hydrating and skin-friendly. TFC8 complex, botanical extracts – long-term skincare benefits.
Best For Everyday natural makeup, sensitive or dry skin, minimal makeup lovers. Good for all skin types. Natural but polished base, subtle glow, makeup + skincare experience. Oily skins have reported it can be too moisturising.
Vibe Minimalist, breathable, subtle, “skin but better.” Luxury hybrid of skincare + makeup, natural and dewy.

My Take

While the Victoria Beckham drops are premium with skin-boosting claims and luxury branding, the Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation delivers light coverage, comfort, and natural glow at a more accessible price. For daily wear, it’s just as wearable and feels effortless. I’d say that the VB is slightly more balmy, so for anyone that finds it a bit too moisturising, say, oily skins, the Outside-In may be more suitable.

Verdict: Is Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation Worth It?

Absolutely. If you want a weightless, skin-like foundation that evens tone, adds glow, and feels invisible on the skin, the Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation is a standout.

It’s perfect for “less is more” makeup days, natural glow, and anyone who values skin-first foundation. It’s also very versatile, as you can build up the coverage by using more.

Where to buy it

Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation is £61for 30ml via the link below:

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byfrow Pigment Pencils Review & Swatches – Every Shade

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byfrow Pigment Pencils Review & Swatches - Every Shade

If you’ve been anywhere near the beauty side of the internet lately, you’ll know that minimalism is having a moment. It’s all about clean textures, multitasking tools, chic-but-easy everything. The byfrow Pigment Pencils, by influencer Victoria McGrath, lean perfectly into this vibe and I have them here to show you with photos and swatches. Enjoy!

What Are byfrow Pigment Pencils?

What are byfrow Pigment Pencils?
What are byfrow Pigment Pencils?

Think of these as your do-it-all lip sculpting pencils. They are creamy, and blendable and the shades are housed in wooden pencils with chic aluminium caps.

The formula is enriched with Vitamin E and plant-based waxes, which gives them that smooth glide without tipping into overly slippy territory. They’re also vegan, dermatologically tested, and created for multi-use across lips, cheeks, and even faux freckles.

  • Creamy and comfortable
  • Blendable and buildable
  • Richly pigmented precise colour pay off
  • Can be blended onto the cheeks, eyes, or stippled as faux freckles
  • Easy to use

Key Ingredients

  • Vitamin E
  • Plant Based Waxes
  • Premium Pigments

byfrow Pigment Pencils Shades & Swatches

There are seven shades in the byfrow Pigment Pencil lineup, all carefully curated and beautifully wearable. Here’s a quick overview before we get into the swatches:

  • Chai Latte – peach nude
  • Toasted Rose – natural mauve
  • Pink Sorbet – light pink
  • Baked Cinnamon – rich burnt orange
  • Milk Chocolate – chocolate brown
  • Dark Roast – cool brown
  • Cherry Berry – deep berry
byfrow Pigment Pencils shades
byfrow Pigment Pencils shades

Here are the swatches. Annoyingly, I have misplaced one of my faves, Dark Roast, so I only have 6 of the shades to show you:

byfrow Pigment Pencils swatches
byfrow Pigment Pencils swatches
byfrow Pigment Pencil Chai Latte
byfrow Pigment Pencil Chai Latte
byfrow Pigment Pencil Chai Latte with REESON Dewy Rose
byfrow Pigment Pencil Chai Latte with REESON Dewy Rose

My Review of the byfrow Pigment Pencils

My Review of byfrow Pigment Pencils
My Review of byfrow Pigment Pencils

I am in my lip pencil era so I was delighted to get to try out these brand new pencils from Victoria.

Formula & Performance

The texture is soft and creamy, but with enough grip to define the lips cleanly. They’re nice and easy to blend, making them great for full-lip looks or blurred edges.

Pigmentation:
Buildable, but strong from the first swipe. The deeper shades (Dark Roast, Cherry Berry) are intensely pigmented.

Longevity:
They last comfortably through drinks and light snacking. For heavier meals, some touch-up is needed, which is pretty normal for creamy pencils.

Comfort:
The texture is not drying, even worn all over the lips, and they feel flexible and lightweight.

Sharpening:
Use a high-quality sharpener. The sustainable wood is sturdy and sharpens cleanly.

Ingredients & Skin Feel

Key points:

  • Vitamin E adds smoothness and helps prevent that tight, waxy lip-liner feel.
  • Plant-based waxes create the creamy glide.
  • Vegan & dermatologically tested – worth noting for sensitive skin types.
  • Sustainable wood + aluminium cap for a more eco-conscious makeup bag.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Beautifully curated shade range
  • Creamy but precise
  • Vegan and sustainably packaged
  • Multi-use (lips, cheeks, eyes, freckles)
  • Blendable and beginner-friendly
  • Great for shaping and sculpting

Cons

  • Some shades not suitable for eyes in specific regions
  • Requires a sharpener (no twist-up option)

How to Use byfrow Pigment Pencils

  • For Definition & Overlining

Start at the cupid’s bow and draw slightly above your natural lip line. The creamy texture makes this very forgiving.

  • As a Full Lip Colour

Shade in the entire lip for that blurred, matte-but-not-dry finish. Works incredibly well with a balm over top.

  • As Blush

Warm the pencil on the back of your hand and tap onto cheeks. Toasted Rose and Pink Sorbet are gorgeous for this.

  • Faux Freckles

Sharpen to a fine point, dot lightly, then tap with fingers to soften.

  • With Lip Gloss or Balm

byfrow recommends pairing with The Lip Companion, which gives that plump, glossy finish over your sculpted base.

Comparisons

If you’re familiar with other multi-use or sculpting pencils, here’s where the byfrow Pigment Pencils sit:

  • Creamier and more blendable than traditional wooden lip liners
  • Not as slippy as chubby crayons
  • A hybrid between a precision liner and a creamy colour stick

Where to buy them

The byfrow Pigment Pencils are £18 each and available now via the link below:

Final Verdict

The byfrow Pigment Pencils are super versatile, flattering, and easy-to-use. The shades are wearable without being boring, the formula is creamy without being messy, and the multi-use element makes them perfect for a streamlined makeup bag.

My top picks?

Chai Latte, Toasted Rose, and Dark Roast, but honestly, they’re all really lovely.

If you’re looking for a sculpting pencil that feels modern, minimal, and elevated… these deserve a very high spot on your wishlist.

FAQs

Are byfrow Pigment Pencils vegan?

Yes, they vegan and also dermatologically tested.

Can I use them as blush?

Yes! They blend beautifully on the cheeks.

Do they need sharpening?

Yes, any high-quality cosmetic sharpener works.

Is the byfrow Pigment Pencil safe for eyes?

Yes, the byfrow Pigment Pencil works nicely on the eyes, however, it is worth noting that shades Cherry Berry, Baked Cinnamon, Pink Sorbet & Toasted Rose are not compliant for eyes in the US.

Which shade to choose

If you want a natural lip line, choose a shade compliments your natural lip tone. If you are looking for a statement colour, go for Dark Roast or Cherry Berry and fill in the whole lip.

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Rhode Launches at Sephora UK – What to Shop First

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Rhode Launches at Sephora UK - What to Shop First

Rhode Launches at Sephora UK! The minimalist beauty brand founded by Hailey Bieber, has finally arrived at Sephora. No more international shipping or customs fees: the full collection is now on UK shelves and online. From the viral Peptide Glazing Fluid to the Glazing Milk and Glazing Mist, Rhode’s signature dewy-skin aesthetic is officially within easy reach.

This post covers what’s launching, which products are worth trying first, and how the range performs (plus a few honest thoughts on the famous lip treatments).

When does Rhode launch at Sephora UK?

Rhode Launches at Sephora UK
Rhode Launches at Sephora UK

Rhode landed at Sephora UK today – 10th November 2025, marking the brand’s first major retail expansion beyond its own site. Every hero item from the core range is available, and yes, that includes the Peptide Glazing Fluid, Glazing Milk, Glazing Mist, and Peptide Lip Treatment.

You can now shop Rhode directly from Sephora UK* or still order from rhode.com if you prefer.

What to Shop from Rhode at Sephora UK

  • Peptide Glazing Fluid – the viral serum that started the “glazed-donut” trend. Lightweight, hydrating, and gives instant radiance. Read my full Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Review.
Rhode Launches at Sephora UK: Peptide Glazing Fluid
Rhode Launches at Sephora UK: Peptide Glazing Fluid
  • Glazing Milk – a barrier-supporting essence that preps skin beautifully before serums. Read my Rhode Glazing Milk Review.
Rhode Launches at Sephora UK: Peptide Glazing Milk
Rhode Launches at Sephora UK: Peptide Glazing Milk
  • Peptide Lip Shape – Rhode’s take on lip definition, designed to sculpt and enhance with a creamy, comfortable texture. Read my Rhode Lip Shape Pencil Review.
Rhode Launches at Sephora UK: Peptide Lip Shape
Rhode Launches at Sephora UK: Peptide Lip Shape
  • Glazing Mist – a fine hydrating spray that refreshes makeup or skincare throughout the day. Read my Rhode Glazing Mist Review.
Rhode Glazing Mist Review - Hydration and Barrier Support in a Bottle?
Rhode Glazing Mist Review – Hydration and Barrier Support in a Bottle?

My Honest Take on the Lip Treatments

While the Peptide Lip Treatments tend to get the most buzz online, I’ve been much for impressed with the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape Pencil. It’s beautifully creamy and easy to use, but I’m still not completely sold on the texture of some of Rhode’s Pepetide Lip Treatments, hence why I’ve not yet featured them. I have tried a few, and a couple of them felt a bit crunchy in texture and overly sticky. They are well loved, but definitely not my top pick from the brand.

If you love that glossy-lip look but prefer a smoother, more cushiony feel, I’d genuinely recommend trying my REESON Glossing Balm* instead. I created it to deliver a high-shine, hydrated finish, with a softer, balmier texture. You can read more about it in my REESON Glossing Balm Review.

Where to Buy Rhode in the UK

Rhode is now officially stocked at Sephora UK* both online and in selected stores. You can also still buy directly from rhode.com, but Sephora offers faster UK shipping and easy returns.

Final Thoughts

It’s so exciting to see Rhode finally launch at Sephora UK. It’s a brand that truly captures that clean, fresh, dewy-skin vibe we all love. I’ll keep updating my Rhode reviews as the line grows, but if you’re shopping the launch, those core skincare pieces are the ones to start with.

More Rhode Reviews

  • Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Review UK
  • Rhode Glazing Milk Review
  • Rhode Lip Shape Pencil Review UK
  • Rhode Glazing Mist Review

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MERIT Solo Shadow Review & Swatches – Matte & NEW Sheen Finishes

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MERIT Beauty Solo Shadow Review & Swatches

Update: November 2025: MERIT Beauty has just launched a new Sheen finish* in their Solo Shadow range! Scroll down for my review and swatches of all the new MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen shades along side all the original shades here.

MERIT’s Launch at Sephora UK

Merit Beauty’s most-loved products, from the Minimalist Stick to Flush Balm, are now available at Sephora. No more expensive shipping, and you can now try shades in-store before buying.

What is MERIT Solo Shadow?

MERIT Solo Shadow Shades
MERIT Solo Shadow Shades
  • Long-wearing, lightweight, cream-to-powder eyeshadow
  • Designed to be flattering on all ages and skin types
  • Doesn’t settle into fine lines
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Cream-to-powder texture stays put all day
  • Isn’t cakey or drying
  • Includes skincare ingredients
  • Designed to be worn alone
  • Includes 8 matte shades – 4 neutrals & 4 cool-toned statement shades
  • Now available in 6 sheen shades at MERIT* and Sephora*

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 20% off

Key Ingredients

Chamomile and calendula extracts – rich in antioxidants that help to soothe the eye area
Magnolia bark extract – helps to smooth the appearance of skin
Peptides – help to reduce the appearance of fine lines
Sunflower seed oil – helps to nourish skin

MERIT Beauty Solo Shadow Shades & Swatches

There are six shades in the new MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen collection:

  • Iris – soft plum
  • Glacé – soft rose
  • Matchbook – soft burgundy
  • Sartorial – bronze
  • Surrealism – gold
  • Palladium – warm silver
MERIT Solo Shadow Review & Swatches - NEW Sheen Finishes
MERIT Solo Shadow Review & Swatches – NEW Sheen Finishes

I have four of them here to show you – Iris, Glacé, Sartorial, Matchbook:

MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Iris
MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Iris
MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Glace
MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Glace
MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Sartorial
MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Sartorial
MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Matchbook
MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Matchbook

MERIT Solo Sheen Swatches

MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Swatches
MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen Swatches

There are eight shades in the matte collection:

  • Brun – deep brown
  • Midcentury – warm brown
  • Midnight – classic navy
  • Nelson – soft grey
  • Social – soft mauve
  • Studio – cool taupe
  • Vachetta – warm beige
  • Viper – warm green
Solo Shadow in Brun
Solo Shadow in Brun
Solo Shadow in Midcentury
Solo Shadow in Midcentury
Solo Shadow in Midnight
Solo Shadow in Midnight
Solo Shadow in Nelson
Solo Shadow in Nelson
Solo Shadow in Social
Solo Shadow in Social
Solo Shadow in Studio
Solo Shadow in Studio
Solo Shadow in Vachetta
Solo Shadow in Vachetta
Solo Shadow in Viper
Solo Shadow in Viper

MERIT Solo Matte Swatches

Brun, Midcentury, Midnight, Nelson, Social, Studio, Vachetta, Viper:

MERIT Solo Shadow Matte Swatches
MERIT Solo Shadow Matte Swatches

How to Apply It

These shadows are pretty easy to work with. They are nicely pigmented so start with a small amount and build and blend.

You can use your finger to apply these, however, I used the new MERIT Brush No. 2. This was enough product to cover both lids:

MERIT Beauty No. 2 Brush

The new Brush No. 2. uses soft vegan bristles and has one fluffy end and one finer, more tapered end for more precise application along the lash line.

My Review of MERIT Solo Shadows Sheen & Matte

Check out this reel featuring the new Sheen shades with swatches of Iris, Glace, Sartorial and Matchbook, and also application of Matchbook:

MERIT Beauty Solo Shadow in Midcentury
MERIT Beauty Solo Shadow in Midcentury

What I love about these shadows is that they give the lids a lovely smooth look and they are easy to apply, blend and build.

They are genuinely long wearing and crease-proof. In fact, when I did the swatches, I had to use an oil cleanser to remove the colours from my arm because they had set down so well.

In spite of the long wear and super smooth finish they offer, they feel very light on the eyelids, and you can apply them and forget about them.

I have fairly oily eyelids, so shadows tend to crease on me even if they are crease resistant, like the new Rare Beauty Eyeshadow Sticks. However, the MERIT Beauty Solo shadows wear so beautifully.

I am really loving the new MERIT Solo Shadow Sheen shades, and the finish is super flattering. I think even if you are slightly scared of shimmers, these will work really well for you.

I do find with the Mattes that the formula does tend to dry out a touch over time, however, I haven’t had the Sheens long enough to be able to comment on how well they last. I do love their performance of ease of application, and I think they will all work beautifully for the festive season.

Where to Buy Merit Beauty in the UK

The MERIT Beauty Sephora UK launch means you can shop Merit Beauty at:

  • Sephora UK -online & in stores
  • MERIT website

If you want their gorgeous makeup bags which come as a free gift with the first purchase, make sure you shop from MERIT directly.

Keep me informed on this and all MERIT products

  • Sign up here for a launch notification

  • Sign up here for a launch notification

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Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Review & Swatches

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Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Review & Swatches

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of those effortless, skin-loving base products that make your complexion look fresh and juicy without ever feeling heavy or cakey. So I was invited me to try the new and improved Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20, I was so excited, especially as they’ve recently expanded the shade range to 20 shades!

I’ve been testing it, and I have 10 shades to show you, along with before and after photos and an application reel so you can see exactly how it performs on the skin. Enjoy!

What is Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20?

Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Review & Swatches
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Review & Swatches

The Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream is one of those easy to use base products that promises that real-skin finish we all love. It’s described as a lightweight, hydrating complexion enhancer that evens out tone, neutralises redness, and gives skin a fresh, natural glow, all while protecting with SPF20.

Formulated with Nordic lingonberry and hydrating Arctic spring water, it’s designed to deliver hydration and radiance while caring for your skin barrier.

It is available in 20 shades.

Shades & Swatches

I have 10 of the 20 shades to show you today.

Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Shades
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Shades
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Swatches - Light to Medium
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Swatches – Light to Medium
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Shades
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Shades
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Swatches - Medium to Deep
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Swatches – Medium to Deep

It’s worth noting that the formula adapts slightly as it blends, making it more forgiving in terms of shade matching.

My Review of Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20

Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Texture
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Texture

The texture is so lovely. It’s light yet creamy, meaning it spreads effortlessly over the skin but still feels nourishing and comforting. When I first tried it at the launch event (which involved a sauna and ice bath, might I add!), I matched to shade 4, but I did have quite a bit of fake tan on at the time (for the ice bath and sauna pics!!).

Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Texture
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 Texture

Now that I’m home and and a bit less bronzed, shade 2 is a perfect everyday match for me, although I will still reach for shade 4 when I want that slightly warmer, bronzier look. I love to use a lighter shade and then to add warmth with my REESON Bronzing Balm* for a fresher, more youthful look.

Application & Finish

It’s incredibly easy to apply. I’ve tried fingers and a brush (my REESON No. 1), and it always blends beautifully. I personally I’m more of a brush girl than a fingers girl, because I just find it less messy.

Once applied, it immediately harmonises the complexion, neutralises any redness, and gives that plump, hydrated, juicy glow that I love.

The coverage is light, so you’ll still see your skin through it (which I love). It’s not one for full-coverage days and you’ll probably want to add a bit of concealer if you have blemishes or pigmentation to cover, but it’s perfect for good-skin days or when you just want to look naturally radiant.

It also softens the look of pores and fine lines, giving skin that lovely smooth, even finish without feeling makeup-y.

SPF20 Protection

It’s good to see that that it includes SPF20, a great added protection for daily wear when you’re mostly indoors. Of course, I’d still recommend pairing it with a dedicated SPF underneath for maximum protection, but it’s a great added bonus for those low-effort days.

Application Reel & Before/After

I’ve made a short application reel below where you can see how easily it blends into the skin and the gorgeous glow it leaves behind. Stay tuned for that.

And here’s a quick before and after so you can see the difference. It’s subtle, but it really just makes my skin look more alive and even.

Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream - Before Photo
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream – Before Photo
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream - After Photo (shade 1 Medium applied)
Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream – After Photo (shade 1 Medium applied)

My Final Thoughts

If you love fresh, hydrated, skin-enhancing base products that feel like skincare, you’ll love the Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20.

It’s perfect for everyday wear. It gives that no-makeup-makeup vibe that makes you look like you just woke up glowing and well-rested. It feels like a drink of water for the skin, gives you a juicy luminosity, and evens everything out in the most natural way.

If you want to check out some alternatives, here are a few recent reviews of skin tint base products that I am really enjoying:

  • Sculpted By Aimee Cream Cushion Foundation Review & Swatches
  • Armani Skin Tint Review & Swatches (with Luminous Silk Shade Guide)
  • Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops Review

Where to buy it

The Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF20 is available now in 20 shades via the links below:

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