Best of Beauty 2024 – Part 1

Each year, I have the privilege of testing the latest beauty launches, comparing their claims with real results, and experimenting with how they interact. It's an ongoing process that allows me to sift through the noise and highlight the true standouts. Welcome to the Best of Beauty 2024 – Part 1. There have been so many, my dear reader, that I had to split them up!

For this first part, I'm focusing on complexion products—the foundation (literally) of any makeup look. These items are presented in the order they should be applied, not ranked, as each of them shines in its own right. While I originally received these through promotional channels, I’ve already repurchased several and they’ve earned a permanent place in my beauty roster.

MAC Cosmetics – Hyper Real Serumizer

Let’s start with a history lesson. In the 90s, MAC introduced the revolutionary Hyper Real Foundation—a radiant, reflective product that was way ahead of its time (Charlotte Tilbury would approve!). Fast-forward to today, and MAC has revived the Hyper Real name for a new range of skincare, all designed to give your skin the glow of your dreams.

The standout for me is the Hyper Real Serumizer, a serum-moisturizer hybrid that retexturizes, balances, and strengthens the skin’s barrier. It leaves you with a silky-smooth, radiant complexion that makes makeup application effortless. This formula boasts powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide, cholesterol, and ceramides, along with a blend of acids (salicylic, lactic, and glycolic) that keep skin luminous and blemish-free.

This hybrid product will smooth out any skin and soften any texture, hydration magic in a bottle.

With its instant smoothing and plumping effect, this product is quickly becoming a staple in my kit. Whether you're dealing with texture or dryness, Hyper Real Serumizer will elevate your complexion game—trust me on this.

Caliray – So Blown Clean Blurring Primer with Collagen Peptides

If you know me, you know I’m not a fan of the "Clean Beauty" trend. It’s often more about fearmongering than efficacy. But Caliray's So Blown Clean Blurring Primer with Collagen Peptides managed to win me over.

I was completely blown away by how efficiently this primer eliminated the unwanted texture on my skin!

This silicone-free primer glides on like a gel-cream, instantly blurring and mattifying without drying out the skin. Plus, it's packed with skincare benefits and won’t clog your pores or trigger breakouts. I initially overlooked this product when it landed in my PR pile, but after a glowing recommendation from a trusted YouTuber, I gave it another shot. I’m now on my second tube!

It works well with any foundation type—cream, liquid, or powder—and delivers a smooth, soft-focus finish. It’s definitely one to add to your arsenal.

Charlotte Tilbury – Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick

This one’s been polarizing. Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint has people divided—some love it for its innovation, while others think it’s a greasy nightmare. So, who's right?

I’d say the best way to describe it is: Hollywood Flawless Filter in stick form. It’s hydrating, reflective, and glides effortlessly across the skin, giving a dewy finish. The blurring properties help avoid emphasizing unwanted texture, which is rare for such a luminous product.

This controversial launch will give you the glow, any goddess would envy you for.

This is perfect for those with normal to dry skin. If you have oily or combination skin, you’ll want to use it sparingly in areas where oils tend to gather. If you’re looking for glow, this is your product. If you're after matte or satin, look elsewhere!

MAKE UP FOR EVER – HD Skin Setting Powder

As someone with combination-oily skin (and a veteran of drag makeup!), I’ve tested more loose powders than I can count, and I know a good one when I see it. MAKE UP FOR EVER rarely disappoints, and their new HD Skin Setting Powder is no exception.

Set your face like a dream, a blurring dream.

This talc-free, ultra-fine powder blurs imperfections and sets foundation without flattening the skin’s natural luminosity. It comes in a wide range of shades, making it ideal for all complexions. Whether you prefer a puff, brush, or sponge, this powder delivers a smooth, flawless finish every time.

Available in both full and mini sizes, it’s perfect for both makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts who need something travel-friendly. It’s safe to say this powder is a new staple in my kit.

Saie – Glowy Super Gel Multipurpose Illuminator

Last but not least, the Glowy Super Gel by Saie has been a favorite of mine for a while, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile—use it under foundation, mixed into it, or on its own for an effortless glow. It dries quickly, is lightweight, and hydrates while giving you that coveted dewy finish.

Endless glow on the skin that hydrates and illuminates you for hours.

The latest shade, Roseglow, is a gorgeous rose-gold that flatters any skin tone, giving a stunning wet-look sheen. Whether you're looking to elevate a glamorous look or add a sun-kissed touch, this illuminator won’t let you down. It’s an essential for bridal, natural, or full-glam looks alike. Shine on, baby!

Hopefully, this curated selection helps guide you to a complexion that radiates confidence and beauty. Remember, you define your own beauty—and you are beautiful just as you are. Until next time!

Anti-Aging is Nonsense!

I’ll admit it—I'm obsessed with skincare. Double-cleansing, sunscreen, moisturizers, and knowing my actives are second nature to me. I visit my injection specialist three times a year, indulge in rejuvenating laser treatments, and cherish keeping my skin looking fresh. Yet, after over 30 years in the beauty industry, I’ve realized: anti-aging is nonsense.

Don’t get me wrong—I’ll always enjoy refreshing my appearance, and I love taking care of my skin. But this passion, even an obsession, stems from decades of conditioning in an industry that glorifies youth. We live in a society where aging is often viewed as something to fight, rather than embrace. The truth is, wisdom and experience have taken a backseat in favor of remaining vibrant, young, and, most disturbingly, relevant.

Today, any visible sign of aging is something to be erased. Young women are turning to Botox to avoid wrinkles before they even appear, while mothers are injecting their teenage daughters to keep them looking forever young. This is a disturbing trend—a fear of aging that shows a profound disconnect from reality.

Aging Used to Be Celebrated

In pre-20th-century cultures, aging was revered. Elders were sought out for their wisdom, and their guidance was celebrated. As children entered puberty, they were often encouraged to grow up faster and embrace maturity.

Then came the 20th century—an era of rapid change. The industrial revolution, cinema, world wars, pandemics, and economic crises all forced generations to mature quickly. The modeling industry of the 1950s reflected this shift, where models in their early thirties, many of whom were former dancers, radiated self-assurance and maturity. Younger women aspired to emulate their elegance and grace.

But by the 1960s, the landscape had shifted dramatically. With the rise of Twiggy, the modeling world—and, by extension, society—shifted its focus to youth. Corporations began marketing to the new generation, and the obsession with youthful appearances was born.

The Evolution of Ageism

As the decades rolled on, ageism crept into every corner of our culture. Women in their 20s were prized for their youth, while men were allowed to grow older gracefully. But by the 21st century, even men weren’t spared from the pressures of ageism.

The 90s gave us the so-called "grandma" Madonna at 33, and the era of the supermodel was in full force. Kate Moss epitomized the appeal of youth, while the rise of reality TV in the 2000s, combined with the advent of social media, meant that everyone was now publicly comparing themselves to one another. Beauty standards became increasingly impossible—frozen foreheads, augmented bodies, and social media feeds filled with altered realities became the new normal.

The Kardashian effect took hold, redefining beauty with hyper-feminine, exaggerated aesthetics. Their influence continues to shape the beauty ideals of a generation. And while these trends have their place, they underscore the constant pressure to look younger, regardless of the cost.

Why “Anti-Aging” is Anti-Life

Here’s the truth: I love neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and laser treatments. They’re tools I use to keep my appearance fresh and rejuvenated. But the term I can’t stand is “anti-aging.”

Aging is a fundamental part of life. To be anti-aging is to be anti-human. The idea that we should fight aging at all costs is flawed—if we never aged, we would remain forever in diapers, incapable of growth or learning. Aging allows us to shed the naivety of youth, to grow into people who have lived, learned, and loved deeply.

Imagine being stuck in your teenage years—forever emotional, constantly hormonal, and endlessly unsure. No, thank you. I’ve lived through adolescence once, and I’m happy to leave it in the past.

Aging is essential. It tells the story of a life well-lived, and while some may choose to wear their wrinkles with pride, others—like me—choose to soften them. Both paths are valid, and it’s a personal choice we each make based on what feels right for us.

Rejuvenation vs. Anti-Aging

There’s a key distinction for me between “anti-aging” and “rejuvenation.” Both terms are used to sell the same products and services, but the language matters.

Anti-aging suggests that aging is something to fear, something to be fought against. It implies that age is a problem to be solved, that growing older means losing value. Rejuvenation, on the other hand, is about renewal. It’s about reinvigorating yourself, not erasing the years but refreshing your spirit.

When I look at my life, I’m grateful for every year I’ve had. I’ve been privileged to live this long—something that not all my friends were fortunate enough to experience. Aging is a gift, and we should cherish it.

Recently, I complimented a woman who had let her natural gray hair come through. It was stunning—like strands of silver in the sun. She told me that the pandemic had encouraged her to let her roots grow in, and she had decided to embrace her natural beauty. That’s the kind of confidence I admire—people who age on their own terms, unapologetically themselves.

Aging on Your Own Terms

As I grow older, I care less about what others think of me. What matters most is how I feel about myself. The opinions of others weigh far less on my mind. My goal is to find contentment within myself and my surroundings.

So, let me say this: do what feels best for you. The only person who should ever dictate how you look is you. And I, for one, will no longer support the idea of anti-aging. It’s time we embrace the privilege of growing older and live life on our own terms—rejuvenated, not erased.

Getting that Golden Glow

Summer is all about that golden glow. Whether you’re basking in the sun’s rays or fiercely protecting your skin, it’s inevitable that your skin will gain some color during the season—it’s natural. Often, that golden hue gives the skin a more alive and even appearance, with most skin tones deepening—some becoming rosier, while others turn golden as the initial redness fades.

However, maintaining that golden glow can be tricky, especially as we wash our faces frequently, causing our summer color to fade first on our faces. Thankfully, there are countless bronzers on the market to help us achieve that perfect sun-kissed complexion, keeping our golden glow intact without compromising our skin.

Here are a few of my current favorite bronzers available now. These bronzing powders will help you achieve that sun-kissed skin, without any damage:

Gucci – Poudre de Beauté Éclat Soleil Bronzing Powder
This stunning compact powder is a luxurious addition to any beauty routine. The exquisite fragrance adds an extra touch of bougie appeal that I can’t resist. I always apply it with a brush for an even finish. Available in five shades, this product may not cater to darker skin tones, so some might need to look elsewhere for a perfect match. However, the Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer from Gucci is an ultimate splurge, and one I’m thrilled to have made.

NARS – Laguna Talc-Free Bronzer Powder
When a celebrated makeup artist creates their own line, it’s always a big deal. NARS has maintained its status with innovative launches and a focus on new, talc-free formulas for all its powders, ushering in a renaissance for the brand. The Laguna Talc-Free Bronzer Powder is richly pigmented and applies beautifully to the skin. It’s easy to control the color payoff and build intensity, making it a dream to work with. I loved layering it gradually to warm up the face I was working on.

MAKE UP FOR EVER – Artist Longwear Skin-Fusing Matte Powder Bronzer
MAKE UP FOR EVER has been reformulating all its powder products to be talc-free, and this newest bronzer is a standout addition to their already stellar lineup. The Artist Longwear Skin-Fusing Matte Powder Bronzer has excellent pigmentation that spreads effortlessly, allowing you to build up or tone down the color as needed. The shades have a hint of rosiness, giving a freshly sun-kissed effect. The sturdy metal compacts allow the powders to be removed and added to an existing palette, perfect for artists who travel with multiple shades.

 ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr – Made for Shade Bronze & Sculpt Trio Palette
These powders launched some time ago, and I have to say, I absolutely love playing with this product. Highly pigmented, each compact offers three variations within its shade family, with differences becoming more pronounced in the deeper tones. While this formula does contain talc—something I always like to mention—the way it applies to the skin is incredibly fluid and smooth. The large, shiny red compact is a statement piece, and with three large pans of bronzer, it’s lasted me forever with no signs of hitting pan.

 Wonderblush – Le Hâle Bronzing Powder
Based in my hometown of Montréal, Wonderblush is a brand I’m incredibly proud of. Launched in the fall of 2023, Wonderblush has already made a name for itself with a series of elegant, high-performance products, made locally, at an affordable luxury price. Currently available in two shades, Le Hâle Bronzing Powder is a new must-have for makeup artists and enthusiasts alike. The simple, streamlined compact has a satisfying snap when you close it, and while packaging isn’t everything, the practical elegance of Wonderblush stands out. Just wait until you see their blush colors!

I hope you enjoy this selection of bronzers to achieve that perfect golden, sun-kissed complexion. Stay lively, stay sunny, and glow golden as you soak up the sun—but don’t forget your sunscreen!

Until next time, stay beautiful!