Barbie-Inspired Makeup with DIBS Beauty | AD

I’m partnering with DIBS Beauty to show you how create an effortless Barbie-inspired makeup look for Halloween using my favorite Desert Island Beauty Status products.


I’m partnering with DIBS Beauty to show you how create an effortless Barbie-inspired makeup look for Halloween using my favorite Desert Island Beauty Status products.

For this look, I’m relying on one of my most loved beauty products: the Desert Island Duo. This double-sided blush and bronzer stick is one of the absolute best cream formulas. It is buildable and blendable!

First, I’m bronzing the perimiters of my face with Shade 2’s ‘Mood Boost,’ a warm-toned bronzer for light-medium skin tones.

The star of the show is the ‘You Do You’ blush—the most stunning cool-toned pink. I apply it to the apples of my cheeks and blend up toward my temples for a lifted look, and I love the dewy finish. If you have deeper skin, Shade 6 would look gorgeous.

I’m also using the blush as eyeshadow for an easy pop of pink. I pack it onto my lids using a flat brush and then diffuse the edges before setting everything with powder so it doesn’t crease. The ‘Roses in Hand’ Palm Palette would also look beautiful for this look.

For the lips, I’m using one of the No Pressure Lip Duos. I line my lips with the Lip Definer in ‘Medium’ and then fill them in with Lip Liner in ‘On the Rose,’ a soft rosy pink. To complete the monochromatic look, I’m adding the blush to the center of my lips. 

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Thank you so much for watching and especially for supporting me so I can have opportunities like this one!

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Disclaimer: This post is a paid partnership with DIBS Beauty. I only recommend products that I genuinely use and love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source

My Latest Sephora Haul

If you know me, then you know I love nothing more than a sale! Here’s a glimpse into my Sephora Friends and Family Sale haul…

If you know me, then you know I love nothing more than a sale! Here’s a glimpse into my Sephora Friends and Family Sale haul…

The holidays are approaching, which means I bought another Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream to gift my grandma. She’s 92 and on a mission to eliminate her wrinkles overnight, and she swears this hyaluronic acid and vitamin E infused moisturizer works wonders.

The Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation is as gorgeous as everyone says it is: It feels weightless and truly looks like skin. But it is incredibly pricey, so I restocked during the sale, bringing the price from a painful $69 to a slightly less painful $55.

I recently discovered the Kosas Revealer Concealer, and I am absolutely in love with it. It offers medium-to-full coverage with a satin finish that minimizes texture but feels hydrating. I am so excited to have a backup!

The new Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush 3-Piece Set includes one of my favorite blush formulas in three beautiful shades. ‘Encourage’ is a neutral mauve, ‘Happy,’ is a bright cool-toned pink, and ‘Truth’ is a limited-edition plum. Each is pigmented and long-lasting.

As soon as I swatched the Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush in ‘Nearly Nude,’ I fell in love with the warm-toned terracotta nude shade. The unique cream-to-powder formula, however, isn’t as pigmented as I’d like it to be.

The Makeup By Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serums are the most unique formula—essentially a lip gloss in stick form. I already have ‘Mauve Glow,’ and now I have ‘Nude Glow,’ which is a stunning, high-shine pale nude. These are perfect for wearing on their own or on top of a more matte lip combo.

I cannot get enough of nude lip liners lately, so I wanted to see if the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in ‘Wherever Walnut’ is worth the hype. The formula is comfortable yet long-lasting. This is a beautiful rosy move and almost an exact match of one of my favorites: MAC ‘Whirl.’

I’ve heard such great things about the Pat McGrath Permagel Ultra Lip Pencils, so I had to try ‘Contour’ and ‘Structure.’ Both are stunning nudes, and I am obsessed with the formula!

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Thank you to everyone who shares their friends and samily sale links; I’m eternally grateful!

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Six of the Best Cream and Liquid Blushes

Let’s talk about six of my favorite cream and liquid blush formulas at the moment!

Let’s talk about six of my favorite cream and liquid blush formulas at the moment!

The Patrick Ta Major Beauty Headlines Double-Take Crème and Powder Blush is one of my all-time favorite makeup products, mostly because of the cream side. It is intended to be applied on top of powder, so it’s lightweight and has the most stunning glossy finish. This is ‘She’s Baked,’ which is the perfect red-toned tan shade for a sunkissed look, but I also adore ‘She’s So LA’ for a nude look.

If you have oily skin and want a more matte option, the NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Tint Blush is for you. The liquid formula blends surprisingly easily, and the ‘Nude Tude’ is the perfect mauvey beige.

The most affordable option of the six is the Wet N Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick Blush in ‘Floral Majority.’ The pigment is beautiful, and I love the warm pink shade.

The Honest Beauty Creme Cheek and Lip Color is one of the most beginner-friendly products in my collection. It melts into the skin so effortlessly and has the most beautiful glow. It truly is fool proof! This is shade ‘Coral Peach,’ but ‘Rose Pink’ is my favorite.

If you’ve spent any time on social media, then you know the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blushes are beloved. A little goes a long way, so I only use a tiny amount and the formula lasts ages. This is my favorite shade, ‘Hope,’ but I also have ‘Bliss’ and ‘Peace.’

The Tower 28 BeachPlease Cream Blush is very similar to the Rare Beauty blush—intensely pigmented and yet easy to blend—but it’s in a cream rather than liquid formula. I have the shade ‘Power Hour,’ a unique berry terracotta color.

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If you want to multi-task, each of these formulas can also be worn on the lips!

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Elevate the Everyday with Pearl Beauty

I am so excited to share my review of Pearl Beauty with you — I know you’ll love the brand as much as I do!

I am so excited to share my review of Pearl Beauty with you — I know you’ll love the brand as much as I do!

I have followed Elanna Pecherle for years, and her YouTube videos essentially taught me how to do makeup as a teen. Her beauty brand, guided by the philosophy of “minimal with impact,” could not resonate more with me.

The Core Four Collection* includes the Multi-purpose Lip and Face Sticks in four shades:
+ Put Together: a nude rose with neutral undertones (my personal favorite)
+ Girl Next Door: a bright baby pink with cool undertones
+ Easy Going: a muted peach with warm undertones
+ Real Depth: a deep rosy tan with neutral undertones 

Top to Bottom: Real Depth, Easy Going, Put Together, Girl Next Door

As a neutral-lover, bright pink and coral blushes can sometimes be intimidating, but these colors melt into the skin flawlessly and flatter any skin tone. I genuinely reach for all four.

The formula is one of my favorites. These are somewhat sheer but very buildable, and they blend like a dream. I love that they have a dewy, skin-like finish.

They can be used on the cheeks, eyes, and lips, so they’re extra versatile. If you’re into the monochromatic look, these are must-haves for that reason.

They have truly become my go-to for an elevated, everyday look!

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Finally, The One Multi-purpose Face Brush* is my new holy grail tool for blending cream cheek products. It has the softest synthetic bristles ever, and the perfect angle for adding definition to the cheeks. 

Which shade would you pick?

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Disclaimer: This post contains one or more beauty products that companies have been kind enough to send me free of charge for review purposes. PR samples will always be indicated by an asterisk (*). I only recommend products that I genuinely use and love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source.

Beauty Products I’ve Been Loving Lately

My makeup bag has been filled with both tried-and-true products and ones I’m testing, so let’s take a look inside.

My makeup bag has been filled with both tried-and-true products and ones I’m testing, so let’s take a look inside.

The L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion will forever be one of my all-time favorite beauty products. I like to use it underneath foundation, mixed in with foundation, and on top of foundation as a liquid illuminator. It adds the most beautiful glow without shimmer, and all the shades are beautiful. This one is ‘Light’.

The BeautyBio Eyelighter Concrentrate and the Tula Rose Glow & Get It Cooling and Brigthening Eye Balm are must-haves for early mornings. They both brighten and debuff while also serving as hydrating primers, so my concealer applies so much more smoothly. If you struggle with dry under eyes, this duo is everything!

I purchased the Makeup Revolution Bright Light Highlighter in ‘Beam Pink’ while in search of an affordable alternative to the viral Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in ‘Pinkgasm.’ It is more glittery than I would prefer, but for the price, I would likely repurchase it. It’s a beautiful gilded pink shade that I enjoy combining with my favorite cream blushes.

I’ve been testing out the Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation and so far, I really like it. I’ve noticed that I have to be careful about what skincare and primers I use underneath to avoid it separating, but it looks lovely on the skin.

One of my Instagram besties gave me her Rose Inc Soflight Clean Dewy Hydrating Concealer because she purchased the wrong shade, and I was so excited to try this out. It’s more thick and full coverage than I am used to, so I prefer this for spot concealing blemishes rather than using under my eyes. I find it blends better with a brush than a beauty sponge.

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Thank You For 5K Instagram Followers!

Thank you so much for 5,000 Instagram followers!

Sharing what I love on the platform over the years has brought me so much happiness, and I cannot thank you enough for allowing me into your day. 

This milestone is a dream come true, and I look forward to achieving the next one together.

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A Rose Lover’s Dream | Patrick Ta Major Dimension II Rose Eyeshadow Palette Review

A dream for anyone who loves both rosy, full glam looks, the Patrick Ta Major Dimension II Rose Eyeshadow Palette is the definition of stunning.

A dream for anyone who loves both rosy, full glam looks, the Patrick Ta Major Dimension II Rose Eyeshadow Palette* is the definition of stunning. I am grateful to have received this product as a PR sample, but it can be purchased at Sephora or on the Patricka Ta website for $68.

{Shade Range}

Major Dimension is composed of 12 shades that would flatter all skin tones, especially deeper skin tones. The palette has a balance of cool, neutral, and warm undertones. With colors to line the eyes, highlight the inner corners, and everything in between, this palette includes all I need and more.

  • ‘Loyal’: a medium rosy beige cream eyeshadow with neutral pink undertones
  • ‘Affair’: a shimmery dark plum with warm, red undertones
  • ‘Desire’: a metallic copper with warm undertones and gold reflects
  • ‘Lust’: an irridescant gilded green and pink
  • ‘Romance’: a metallic rose with cool undertones
  • ‘Adore’: a metallic rose gold with warm undertones
  • ‘Unfaithful’: a dark chocholate brown cream eyeshadow with warm, red undertones
  • ‘Heartache’: a deep brown with neutral undertones and a matte finish
  • ‘Passion’: a dark brick red with warm undertones and a matte finish
  • ‘Devotion’: a medium mauve with cool undertones and a matte finish
  • ‘Amour’: a light beige-mauve with cool undertones and a matte finish
  • ‘Crush’: a light pinky beige with warm undertones and pink and gold reflects
{Quality & Formula}

The reflective rose gold packaging is not only sleek but also practical. The mirror makes the palette excellent for travel, while the plastic cover for the creams is a thoughtful detail.

The shadows themselves are absolutely luxurious: the ideal combination of opaque, easy to blend, and longwearing.

The creams are buttery and the perfect base for any look. The mattes are silky smooth and buildable. The metallics are extremely pigmented and creamy.

Because I received this product as a PR sample, I cannot say whether this is worth the money. At nearly $6 per eyeshadow, it is one of the most expensive palettes I own, so waiting until there’s a sale or you have a gift card can never hurt. I am genuinely impressed by the quality of the shadows and look forward to creating so many more looks.

I am thrilled to announce that I am now a Patrick Ta affiliate; I have always admired the brand and its artistry, and this partnership is truly a dream come true! If you’d like to support my blog and help me earn a small commission, you can use my affiliate link to automatically receive free shipping.

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Disclaimer: This post contains one or more beauty products that companies have been kind enough to send me free of charge for review purposes. PR samples will always be indicated by an asterisk (*). I only recommend products that I genuinely use and love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source.

What I Bought During the Sephora Sale

Say hello to my Sephora sale haul!

Say hello to my Sephora sale haul!

Both moisturizing and exfoliating, the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a wonderful product. It makes my skin feel softer overnight, and I’m hoping with long-term results, it will minimize my texture.

Some of my favorite influencers are in love with the Youth the People Superberry Hydrate and Glow Dream Mask, so I had to try it. The product itself is a lot smaller than I expected considering the price, but it is very hydrating and soothing for dry skin. My skin did not look more glowy after using this, but I’ve only used it a couple times so far.

Everyone raves about the Peace Out Skincare Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots, so as someone who struggles with acne, I had to try them. I personally didn’t think they made a significant difference. Maybe they only work for really small or open blemishes?

The Patrick Ta Beauty Double-Take Crème and Powder Blush is one of the most loved products in my collection, and I’ve always wanted to try another shade besides my beloved ‘She’s So LA.’ I ordered the new ‘She’s Baked’ shade — a unique rosy bronze. It’s darker than I would typically wear, but the cream is very sheer, so it creates the perfect natural, sunkissed effect. If you own this, try layering the cream over the powder for added pigment and dewiness.

After hearing so many positive reviews, I finally decided to buy the Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting and Smoothing Powder in ‘Cushiony.’ I’ve never been into powders, so I’m not an expert, but this makes my makeup last longer and look smoother without being too matte. I think anyone with dry skin would love this.

Instagram and TikTok videos convinced me that I needed the Refy Beauty Lip Sculpt in my life. The duo contains a retractable lip liner — I chose ‘Taupe,’ a neutral beige — and a clear setter. The first time I used the duo, the liner was too stiff and drying while the setter looked white and cakey. It was an absolute disaster. The next time, I used a hydrating lip treatment before applying the liner and used less of the setter, and my lips felt and looked much better. I can’t say I recommend the Lip Sculpt, but it is transfer proof and lasted a full 12 hours for me!

The Makeup By Mario MoistureGlow Lip Plumping Lip Serum has been on my wish list since it launched, and it did not disappoint. It’s hydrating, and feels like absolute heaven. I’ve never used a lip product other than an actual lip gloss, of course, that was this glossy! I have ‘Mauve Glow,’ but want all the shades. The only cons are that I can’t twist the product back down once I click it up, and I will go through a tube quickly since it’s so buttery.

Insanely long bubble baths are a staple in my evening routine, so as soon as I learned that Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath existed, I knew I had to have it. With notes of bubble bath, rose, lavender, coconut, and musk, it is both fresh and masculine at the same time. I’ve been wearing this as my bedtime fragrance; if you don’t have a bedtime fragrance, you need one.

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If you shopped the Sephora sale, please share your recommendations!

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A Neutral Lover’s Dream | Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette Review

A dream for anyone who loves both neutrals and full glam, the Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette is the definition of stunning.

A dream for anyone who loves both neutrals and full glam, the Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette* is the definition of stunning. I am grateful to have received this product as a PR sample, but it can be purchased at Sephora or on the Patricka Ta website for $68.

{Shade Range}

Major Dimension is composed of 12 shades and four formulas: creams, mattes, metallics and pearl toppers. The shade range would flatter all skin tones, especially deeper skin tones. Most of the shadows have warm undertones, so if you prefer neutral- or cool-toned looks, this might not be ideal. With colors to line the eyes, highlight the inner corners, and everything in between, this palette includes all I need and more.

  • ‘Lady’: a medium brown cream eyeshadow with warm undertones
  • ‘Exquisite’: a shimmery dark brown with warm, plum undertones
  • ‘Legendary’: a metallic copper with warm, red undertones
  • ‘Lavish: a matte medium brown with warm, orange undertones and pink and gold reflects
  • ‘Opulence’: a metallic rose gold with warm, peach undertones
  • Abundance’: a metallic champagne with warm, yellow undertones
  • ‘Woman’: a dark mahagony brown cream eyeshadow with warm, red undertones
  • ‘Scandal’: a deep chocolate brown with cool undertones and a matte finish
  • ‘Mother’: a dark mahogany brown with warm, red undertones and a matte finish
  • ‘Absolutely’: a medium brown with warm undertones and a matte finish
  • ‘Transition’: a light-medium tan with cool undertones and a matte finish
  • ‘Divine’: a matte off-white with warm, yellow undertones and pink and gold reflects
{Quality & Formula}

The reflective rose gold packaging is not only sleek but also practical. The mirror makes the palette excellent for travel, while the plastic cover for the creams is a thoughtful detail.

The shadows themselves are absolutely luxurious: the ideal combination of opaque, easy to blend, and longwearing.

The two creams are buttery and the perfect base for any look. The four velvety mattes are silky smooth and buildable. The four iridescent metallics are extremely pigmented and creamy. The two glistening pearl toppers, or matte shadows with reflects, are subtle yet sparkling.

Because I received this product as a PR sample, I cannot say whether this is worth the money. At nearly $6 per eyeshadow, it is one of the most expensive palettes I own, so waiting until there’s a sale or you have a gift card can never hurt. I am genuinely impressed by the quality of the shadows and look forward to creating so many more looks.

I am thrilled to announce that I am now a Patrick Ta affiliate; I have always admired the brand and its artistry, and this partnership is truly a dream come true! If you’d like to support my blog and help me earn a small commission, you can use my affiliate link to automatically receive free shipping.

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Disclaimer: This post contains one or more beauty products that companies have been kind enough to send me free of charge for review purposes. PR samples will always be indicated by an asterisk (*). I only recommend products that I genuinely use and love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source.

14 Highend Beauty Products I Will Always Repurchase

I’m sharing 14 skincare and makeup splurges that I consistenly reach for and would without-a-doubt repurchase.

When I recommend a highend beauty product, you can be confident that I think you will love it as much as I already do. Today, I’m sharing 14 skincare and makeup splurges that I consistenly reach for and would without-a-doubt repurchase. I always research a product before purchasing it and I always test a product before reviewing it, so you don’t have to. These items are also my top picks for tbe biannual Sephora sale!

An iconic product and one of my most reached-for skincare items, the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is an amazing overnight mask before bed and primer before makeup. It deeply hydrates for soft, bright skin. It features hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and glycerin.

The Volition Beauty Celery Green Cream is a lightweight yet hydrating gel moisturizer that works on any skin type. I haven’t found a primer I love, so I use this as a skincare and primer hybrid before my makeup because it makes my skin — especially my pores — look and feel incredibly smooth. It has celery seed extract, hyaluronic acid, and peptides.

So many people rave about the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, and now that I’ve tried it, I completely understand why. It offers sheer, tinted coverage with a lit-from-within glow that is 100% worth the price. I can wear it all over my face without foundation, under my foundation, mixed in with my foundation, and top of my foundation as a highlighter. 

The Dior Beauty Backstage Face & Body Foundation quickly became one of my all-time favorites. I think it would work for almost all skin types and occasions because it has a natural, skin-like finish — not matte but not dewy — with medium coverage.

The Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation immediately became one of my all-time favorite foundations. It is lightweight and has medium but buiildable coverage with a radiant finish. It blurs the appearance of pores, texture, and other imperfections and makes me feel extra confident.

With so many amazing drugstore concealers, I typically don’t splurge in this category, but I have loved using the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer. It is medium-to-full coverage with a natural finish. Unlike other more full-coverage concealers, this looks and feels hydrating under my eyes, which I love.

The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blushes are pigmented, long-lasting, and easy to blend. What more could you ask for? My favorite shade is ‘Hope,’ a nude mauve, but there are so many beautiful options.

The Patrick Ta Double-Take Crème and Powder Blush is such an iconic product. The sheer, glossy cream is intended to layer on top of the silky powder, and it applies so beautifully. I have ‘She’s So LA, a warm-toned bronzey nude, but want all of the shades.

If you want to look radiant and sunkissed without having chunky shimmer all over your cheeks, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer is worth the splurge. The baked powder is so smooth and has a more natural color payoff that never looks overdone. I wear ‘Radiant Bronze Light.’

My only regret with the Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette* is that I did not try it sooner. If you know me, then you know this color story was meant for me. I love that is has cool tones and warm tones, shimmers and mattes, and rosy shades and nude shades.

I’ve never been drawn to an all matte eyeshadow palette before the Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, but it was an amazing addition to my collection. The shadows are semi-opaque but buildable, and they blend out so easily, meaning they are beginner friendly. The range of timeless neutrals are great for both everyday and dramatic looks, and think it is a staple in every collection!

The Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheap Lip Liner is one of my most reached for lip products. I initially tried the shade ‘Pillow Talk,’ but I couldn’t appreciate the formula because the shade didn’t show up on my lips. When I purchased, ‘Iconic Nude,’ however, I instantly fell in love not only with the neutral-toned beige but also with the lasting power. This stays on my lips for the entirety of my work day even after eating and drinking, making it worth every penny.

I received the Matte Revolution Lipstick in ‘Pillow Talk’ as a gift, and I finally understand what all of the hype is about. I don’t typically invest in lipsticks, but this is the most creamy, luxurious formula ever. The neutral pink is universally flattering, and I love the way it looks with more dark, brown lip liners.

I honestly didn’t realize just how much I loved the Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer until I lost mine. It is perfectly pigmented, is great for layering with other lip products, lasts a decently long time, and it isn’t too sticky. I have the shade ‘Fussy,’ a shimmering pink, but they all look stunning.

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Disclaimer: This post contains one or more beauty products that companies have been kind enough to send me free of charge for review purposes. PR samples will always be indicated by an asterisk (*). I only recommend products that I genuinely use and love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source.