I know it's been less than a month since my last Five to Try post, but they've become some of my favorite posts to write - it gives me an excuse to try lots of new things and put together the best of the best. I'm covering a lot of bases this time around, from the most luxurious-feeling cleansing balm to some beautiful new lip products.
Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm* | I just mentioned this in my Pixi post, but I fall in love with this stuff a little more every time I use it. I like using it in the morning, and it really plumps up and smooths my skin, making it ready for makeup application. Now that the weather is cooling down (except it's 80 degrees today), my skin has been slowly drying out, so this is a welcome one to really help nourish the skin from the get-go. It's quite an affordable pick, but the thick, rich texture makes it feel super luxurious and definitely more expensive than it is. Also if you like rose scents you need to try this ok thanks bye.
The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask* | Hang tight, I'm working on a review of all five of these new Superfood masks that will hopefully be up on Saturday (I just have one more mask to finish testing), but so far my favorite of the bunch is the charcoal mask - something I wasn't expecting at all. It feels quite intense, cooling, and tingly on the skin as it detoxes your pores. I definitely would say it's a dupe for the GlamGlow Youthmud Mask for a fraction of the price. If your pores are in need of a good vacuuming, definitely try this one out. It's also 100% vegan.
Onomie Powerful Priming Serum* | I've already reviewed this and the rest of the line here, and I haven't been able to shut up about the concealer lately, but now I'm turning my attentions to their primer/serum hybrid. This is such a lovely product - it feels hydrating, firming, and plumping to the skin, and it has a tiny bit of shimmer in it to give you that natural, lit-from-within glow. It's perfect for no-makeup days as well as underneath makeup. I've noticed with consistent use it really does even out my skintone and make it more bright, so it's one skincare/makeup hybrid that actually does everything it says it will.
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer | I've had this on my wishlist for ages, and the only thing holding me back was not knowing what shade to order (I don't have any Kevyn Aucoin counters near me). After googling a million swatches I ended up with shade SX02 in my Sephora cart and luckily, it's a match! I love how incredibly versatile this is. It's the most pigmented product I've ever tried, so even though the pot is shockingly tiny for $48 I can definitely see it lasting years. My favorite way to wear it is mixing a tiny pinprick amount in with a moisturizer to create my own tinted moisturizer for everyday. I just love how I can customize the coverage depending on how my skin is feeling. I'm working on a post rounding up all the things I've mixed it with and how it fares, so keep an eye out for that.
NARS Velvet Lip Glides | I mentioned these in my NARS Neutrals post, and they're just stunning. NARS always has such unique products, so of course their response to the liquid lipstick trend was something that doesn't dry down to a matte, but rather a pigmented gloss that wears down to a velvety stain. They feel so cushiony and comfortable on the lips, and the color lasts quite a long time. The gloss wears away after a couple hours, but I don't mind. I have the shades Bound, a mauve nude, and Area, a deep brown, and I'm obsessed.
What are your "must-try" products this month?
*Some products mentioned have been sent to me for consideration, but all opinions are my own. Please see my disclaimer for more information.