Powder Room Beauty

NYC, This Is Your Sign to Finally Learn How to Do Makeup

Powder Room — Wed, 06 May 2026 16:28:46 GMT

We only have two weekends left of the Powder Room pop-up before we close on May 17th (!!) and after so many sold out classes, we added a few more to the schedule:

Newly Added Classes

Everyday Easy — Friday 5/8 at 12:30 PM

Our signature everyday makeup class. Easy, polished makeup that still feels like you.

Hair Curling Class with Celebrity Hairstylist Jess Elbaum - Sunday 5/10 at 11 AM

Learn how to do signature curls step-by-step in a way you can actually recreate yourself at home!

Bridesmaids / Event Makeup — Sunday 5/10 at 2:30 PM

Long-wearing, glowy event makeup that photographs beautifully without feeling overdone.

Date Night — Wednesday 5/13 at 6 PM

Soft, glowy, confidence-boosting everyday makeup with a little more drama and dimension.

Everyday Easy — Friday 5/15 at 12:30 PM

Bridesmaids / Event Makeup — Saturday 5/16 at 4:30 PM

See full schedule here

This pop-up has been more special than I could have imagined. So much warmth, laughter, connection, and people genuinely learning makeup in a way they never have before.

And seeing Powder Room featured in Time Out New York was completely surreal!

If you’ve been wanting to come, this is your last chance before we wrap up. We provide everything — makeup, brushes, tools, drinks, music, and the ultimate getting-ready atmosphere.

Just show up as yourself and we would absolutely love to see you there! 🤍

Warmly,
Jenna

You’re Not Bad at Makeup. You Were Just Never Taught.

Powder Room — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:46:09 GMT

If you’ve been doing the same routine for 20 years…
If you want to learn how to do your makeup for events, or just everyday life…
If you own a lot of products but still don’t feel like you get it….

And if you’re in NYC April 24 - May 17…

You’re in the right place!!

Because Powder Room is popping up again! We’re coming back — this time in Chelsea — with a fully built-out Powder Room.

Our pop-up classes feel like a getting ready party while you actually learn how to do your makeup for yourself, on your face, with all the right products.

What makes this different is that you’re not sitting and watching. You’re not getting your makeup done for you.

You’re learning on your own face, at your own station, step by step, with real step-by-step education so you can actually recreate it when you get home. It’s professional, but social. It’s educational, but still feels like a night out.

We have a full schedule depending on what you’re looking for, from Everyday Easy to Date Night to Bridesmaids, which focuses on long-wear, event-ready makeup that still looks like you.

Everyone has a fully outfitted makeup station, we shade match you, and all of the makeup, brushes, and tools are provided, so you don’t need to bring a thing.

There’s music, a retro photo station, and a little shop to peruse afterwards.

And most importantly, this is truly for everyone. Any age, any background, any level. If you’ve ever felt behind, confused, or intimidated by makeup, you’re exactly who this is for. If you love beauty and want to grow your skills and enjoy in the ritual of getting ready together, you’re also exactly who this is for.

There’s no brand agenda, no pressure, and no expectation that you should already know what you’re doing. We’re a space to ask questions, try things, and actually learn.

At its core, Powder Room is about bringing beauty back to what it’s supposed to feel like. Makeup shouldn’t feel stressful or like something you’re getting wrong. It should feel like a shared ritual - something you get to enjoy and figure out in your own way.

You can learn more, see the full schedule, and grab a seat here. Classes are starting to fill up, and I would love to see you there!

Thank you so much for your love and support. I can’t wait to see you in the Powder Room!!

Jenna

Thanks for reading Powder Room Beauty ! This post is public so feel free to share it.

How I’m Shopping the Sephora Sale

Powder Room — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:45:47 GMT

I used to treat the Sephora Sale like a free-for-all.

I’d open the app, frantically add anything that caught my eye, and convince myself this is the moment I become someone who uses a full Pat McGrath metallic eyeshadow palette every day.

Only to then end up with a cart that felt exciting but entirely excessive.

So, now my approach is pretty simple:

Restock what I already love
Try a few things I’ve been genuinely curious about
Use the sale as an excuse to finally go for the luxury products that typically feel too indulgent

It’s less about buying more, and more about buying with intention.

With that, here’s what I have in my Sephora Sale cart:

Subscribe now

Restocking

Kosas Color Correctors
These fix the exact problem most people don’t realize they have. If your concealer ever looks slightly gray, flat, or just tired, it’s usually a color issue, not a coverage issue. These correct that “greige” without looking like you did anything at all, which is the goal.

Saie SuperSuede™ Radiant Talc-Free Baked Powder Blush (Grazie + Mia)
This is that blurred, soft-focus satin-finish flush that makes your skin look healthy. Not shiny, not overly pigmented, just really well-balanced. Grazie is a warm, sunkissed tone, while Mia pulls a little cooler. I toggle between both.

Bobbi Brown 24 Hour Kajal Eyeliner
I really love these eyeliners. They standout amongst the sea of eyeliners for their longevity and ease in application. Slightly smudgy but not transferable, very wearable.

Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation
This is always reliable. It looks like skin, it layers well, and it works in almost every situation. Kellsie Bain also said these are her favorite foundations, so.

Patrick Ta Mini Blush Duo Limited Edition Set
Such a good value. His cream + powder blush formula is one of the best ways to get color that actually lasts, and these shades are some of my favorites.

LYS Matte Bronzer
A matte bronzer that adds life to the skin and creates structure without making everything look flat. This one is tried and true.

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray
Another Patrick on the list - this one known for locking in makeup and securing the sweat. The Powder Melt Setting Spray is a gorgeous formula that gives you a radiant, glowy finish. If you’ve gone a little too matte with powder, this brings your skin back to life instantly. It’s that final step that makes everything melt together. I need multiple.

Trying / Testing

This is where I let myself be a little curious, but still intentional based off the products I’ve been recurringly interested in.

Charlotte Tilbury New Airbrush Long-Wear Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid
This has been getting a lot of attention for its hydrating coverage. I’m curious if it leans more glowy or more coverage-heavy. Ideally it sits right in the middle — will keep you posted.

Too Faced New Chocolate Soleil Multi-Use Sculpting Pencil
Contour that feels easy is always interesting to me. I like the idea of a pencil format and contour being something you can casually throw on.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Blurring Bronzer (reformulated)
My OG high-school bronzer has come back with a REBOOT! This is too nostalgic for me not to try, now sans talc. I want to know if it will still hit.

REFY Skin Base Hydrating Gel Skin Tint with Hyaluronic Acid
Very in line with where makeup is right now. Lightweight, flexible, slightly glossy. Curious how it actually wears and compares to others on the market, like the Milk Hydrogrip Skin Tint.

MAC Cosmetics Multisculpt Matte Liquid Eyeshadow + All-over Colour
I love anything that can give you a full eye look in one step. Hoping this is one of those, and I’m interested in seeing how matte vs. sheer it is when blended out.

Splurging (because this is when you do it)

Prada Pradascope Lash Lifting & Lengthening Mascara
This harkens back to the vintage mascara wands. While it feels unnecessary given the superb options currently available at the drugstore, I want to feel the luxury of brushing my lashes up with a comb while holding a metal-grated grip.

Prada Touch Cream-To-Powder Soft Blur Longwear Blush
Everything I’ve seen about this looks very refined and elevated, starting with the shape alone that immediately reminds you of Prada’s brand power.

Fara Homidi Essential Eyeshadow Refillable Compact
I’ve been eyeing this, mainly because I’m a sucker for blue eyeshadow and I love how its casually thrown in there with two neutral browns. The price has prevented me but this seems like the perfect time to hit go.

shu uemura Art Of Repair Discovery Spring Set
Not makeup but honorable mention — I don’t know what shu uemura is concocting these formulas with, but they are unreal. I got a sample expecting nothing, and my split-ended hair looked and felt noticeably better after just air drying. That almost never happens. I thought I was firmly on the drugstore hair train, but this has changed things.

Yves Saint Laurent Lovenude Lip Blusher Soft Blurring Lip Color
YSL had me at a matte lip that also is balmy with 24 hour hydration — intriguing! The colors alone are compelling, but a hydrating blurry lip is kind of everything I want right now. Starting with Mauve-Haze.

The Thing I Try to Remember

The Sephora Sale makes beauty feel a bit less practical and a little more fun.

You restock what you already love.
You try what you’ve been curious about.
You go for something that feels a little more elevated than usual.

Not necessarily because you need it, but because you’re allowed to enjoy it.

And honestly, that’s when makeup is at its best.

The Sephora Savings Event starts tomorrow if you are Rouge or in 4 days if not. Use the code SPRINGSALE for it to apply and here’s how the discounts break down:

Sephora Collection: 30% off — 4/10–4/20
Rouge Members: 20% off — 4/10–4/20
VIB: 15% off — 4/14–4/20
Insiders: 10% off — 4/14–4/20

All recommendations here are genuine, unsponsored, and come straight from my heart. If you choose to shop using these links, it helps support my work, and I truly appreciate it!

The Best Ways to Take Off Your Makeup

Powder Room — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:14:30 GMT

For something we do almost every day, makeup removal is not very enjoyable or chic and feels weirdly individual.

We have the makeup wipe scrubbers, that go to town like they’re sanding down a coffee table.

Then we have the sleepers who fall asleep in a full face and hope for the best in the morning (i.e. me in college).

And then we have the skirgeons (skin-surgeons) who have a seven-step melting-meets-extraction method that feels like performing surgery.

But taking off your makeup shouldn’t feel confusing or complicated. It’s a necessary step that is ultimately about dissolving the products on your face in a way that’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t leave your skin mad at you the next day.

Because makeup is designed to stick.

Foundation, sunscreen, mascara, long-wear lip products are built to resist sweat, oil, humidity, and tears. So when you try to remove them with something that doesn’t actually dissolve the makeup, you end up rubbing your skin to compensate.

That’s where irritation comes in.

So, here is my ranking of the best ways to take off your makeup, when to use them, and why:

Subscribe now

1. Cleansing Balms

If you want the most satisfying makeup removal experience of your life, use a cleansing balm.

Balms are oil-based, which means they dissolve makeup almost instantly.

You massage it into dry skin, and let it break down everything —foundation, mascara, sunscreen, all of it. This process ends up enabling a self-massage moment that turns the nuisance of a step into a ritual.

Then you add water and it emulsifies into this milky texture that rinses everything away easily.

What I love about balms is that they do the work for you. You’re not dragging cotton pads across your face or tugging at your eyelashes. The makeup just slips off.

Best for:

• Full-face makeup
• Tubing and waterproof mascara
• Long-wear foundation
• Heavy sunscreen days

Why They’re #1

They remove makeup thoroughly and gently with the least friction on the skin.

My Picks

Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm is an addictive luxury experience that justifies the splurge.

Remedy Skim Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm is a new option that wowed me and is a great price point (sold at Target!).

2. Oil Cleansers

Oil cleansers work the same way as balms, just in liquid form.

They follow the same concept: oil dissolves oil.

When you massage it into the skin, it breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and the natural oils that accumulate throughout the day.

People with oily skin often avoid oil cleansers (intuitively I understand) but ironically they can actually be very helpful for balancing oil production. They remove buildup without stripping the skin.

Massage it into dry skin, add water to emulsify, rinse. Done.

I personally don’t find them as satisfying of an experience as a balm but they are effective and fast.

Best for:

• Everyday makeup wearers
• People who prefer lightweight textures
• Oily or acne-prone skin that reacts badly to harsh cleansers

My Picks

Purito From Green Cleansing Oil is thicker in consistency than most other oil cleansers, removes makeup well, and is unscented which is a plus and less polarizing.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil emulsifies nicely and leaves the skin feeling soft. It similarly doesn’t smell but is more lightweight of a formula.

3. Micellar Water

Micellar water is one of those products that seems boring until you realize how useful it is.

It contains tiny cleansing molecules (micelles) that magnetize makeup and debris out of the skin when applied with a cotton pad.

Best for:

Prepping skin before makeup
Cleaning up eyeliner mistakes
Light makeup days
A quick cleanse in the morning

It’s great, but it’s not quite strong enough to fully remove heavier makeup on its own.

My Pick

BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is my favorite micellar water and is beloved among makeup artists. It is most balanced to the skin’s natural pH level and the Sensibio (pink cap) version is sensitive, so works well on eyes and reactive skin types.

4. Makeup Wipes

Let’s talk about wipes.

Are they the devil? No.
Are they the best way to remove makeup? Also no.

Most wipes rely on friction instead of dissolving makeup. That’s why people end up rubbing their skin over and over again.

If you’re traveling or in a pinch, they’re totally fine. But as a nightly routine, they’re usually the harshest option for your skin.

If you’ve ever noticed your skin looking red after removing mascara with a wipe, that’s why.

My Picks

Glamzilla got me into The Face Shop Rice Water wipes, which I have found to be nicely saturated and and don’t irritate my eyes. For context, I’m a convert from the Aveeno wipes that 50/50 caused an eczema flare-up every time I used them.

The Wipe That Changed My Mind

Recently I was giving a makeup lesson to a client who also happens to work in the beauty space, and as she was leaving she suddenly ran back into the room saying,

“Wait you need to try these!”

She was halfway out the door when she opened the pack, pulled one out, rubbed it across the back of my hand, and ran out again.

I stood there staring at my hand and my mouth literally fell open.

Instead of that typical wipe feeling, this one felt nourishing and silky (mind you, not sponsored).

I remember thinking, wait… is that glycerin?

The wipes are from 4AM Skin, and I have to say, they are insanely good. Soft, juicy, really saturated, and have real skincare benefits which is rare territory for a makeup wipe.

So while wipes generally aren’t my first recommendation, I will happily make an exception here and am happy to be a new consumer of these.

When to Double Cleanse

If you wear heavier makeup, sunscreen, or live in a city like New York where pollution loves to cling to your face and come home with you, the double cleanse can be really helpful. Here’s how it goes:

Step one: balm or oil cleanser to dissolve makeup.
Step two: a gentle face cleanser to actually clean the skin.

The first step removes makeup and the second step cleans your pores.

If you’re wearing very minimal makeup, you don’t need two cleansers. My favorite cleanser is my trusty CLn Facial Cleanser that isn’t fancy but does the trick every. single. time.

The Eye Makeup Hack Most People Miss

Mascara and eyeliner are where people tend to get aggressive.

Instead of rubbing, soak a cotton pad with micellar water or eye makeup remover and hold it over the eye for about 10 seconds first. This softens the product so it slides off easily.

Non-micellar water alternatives I like: Lancome Mascara Melter, Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover

The Bottom Line

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

Makeup should be dissolved, not scrubbed.

The best removal routines rely on formulas that break makeup down first so your skin doesn’t have to fight it.

Your skin barrier will thank you.
Your eyelashes will thank you.
And honestly, the whole process will feel a lot better.

Because removing your makeup shouldn’t feel like punishment at the end of the day.

It should feel like a small moment of relief.

All recommendations here are genuine, unsponsored, and come straight from my heart. If you choose to shop using these links, it helps support my work, and I truly appreciate it!

What’s Actually Good Right Now

Powder Room — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:31:46 GMT

There’s a difference between the products you try and the ones you don’t put away.

The ones that stay out, end up in your bag, and somehow become part of yourself.

I try a lot of beauty products, and most of them pass through.

Very few stay.

So, these are the few, the mighty, the elite. The things that have actually impressed me lately. The ones I keep reaching for without convincing myself to.

Subscribe now

1. Kulfi Lip Stain Liners

Kulfi already does lip stains incredibly well. They understand how to make lips look alive instead of covered.

So when they launched lip-stain liners, I was immediately excited. What really piqued my curiosity, though, was that unlike a lot of recent lip-stain liners, these aren’t felt-tip. They’re cream liners that leave behind a stain, which feels very true to Kulfi’s whole innovative lip-stain streak.

And they’re really, really good.

They have that same quality their stains do, where your lips still look like lips and nothing feels heavy or overly defined.

I’ve been lining slightly outside my natural lip line and softening it with my finger, and it somehow makes your mouth look more like itself.

2. Bobbi Brown Kajal Eyeliner

This is eyeliner for real life. Not graphic or intimidating.

You press it into the lash line, smudge with an eyeliner brush, and suddenly your eyes have depth.

It’s soft but holds. Creamy but doesn’t disappear. I love the shade Cacao, which gives that lived-in definition that makes you look like yourself but just sharper.

Bobbi Brown has always understood everyday women, and their new eyeliner feels like proof.

3. Maybelline Serum Lipstick

This is one of the best lip products I’ve used in months. And I don’t say that lightly.

Upstate is the exact shade I want my lips to be most of the time. Slightly deeper. Slightly warmer. Slightly more interesting than what’s naturally there.

And the formula is what makes it.

The texture melts in. It feels like a balm that happens to make you look polished.

I’ve been reapplying it constantly, which is my ultimate test. This is a win.

4. NOYZ Stick and Mylk

I’ve become extremely attached to this fragrance.

Partly because of the scent itself, and partly because of the format.

The stick format makes it feel personal. You apply it for yourself, not for the room. I keep it in my bag and reapply throughout the day because I crave it. My scent is Only Human, and it’s become less of a step and more of a ritual.

Their Mylk Fragrance in Unmute is warm and close and comforting. Part of what makes it so special is that it isn’t alcohol-based, which is extremely innovative in fragrance.

It doesn’t have that sharpness that most perfumes do when you first apply them. It doesn’t perform, but it stays with you.

I’ve been wearing both almost every day, and at this point, it makes me feel like myself again. Or at least, like the version of me I like most!

5. Tomorrow Today Beauty Eye Serum and Hydrator Stick

This one shocked me.

I have extremely sensitive under eyes, to the point where I had honestly stopped believing in eye creams altogether. They all sting. They all irritate. They all promise brightness and deliver discomfort.

Until this one.

It genuinely does not irritate my skin at all, which already makes it incredible.

But the rollerball is what makes it particularly special.

It’s cool to the touch in that cryo way. It instantly depuffs and calms everything down. I find myself lingering there, turning it into this small lymphatic drainage ritual instead of something I rush through on my way out the door.

And then I layer the Hydration Hero stick on top, which seals it all in with moisture and leaves you looking awake and fresh.

6. Sonsie Multi-Moisture Cream

This lives on my counter, but I mainly use it on my hands.

Which might be my favorite endorsement of anything.

My hands are constantly dry from washing brushes, washing my face, washing everything. This is the only thing that makes them feel normal again.

It’s beautiful on the face too, but for me, it’s become part of a different ritual that feels equally as important.

7. The Perfect Brush Set

I use these every day.

And yes, caveat, I did expect to love these because I created them. But I’m not including them because I’m loyal to them.

I’m including them because they actually make your life easier.

They take the confusion out of getting ready. You pick up the brush that tells you exactly what it does, and you trust yourself.

After teaching makeup to hundreds of people, I can tell you that confusion is the biggest barrier. These remove that.

And allow the confidence to kick in.

Final Thoughts

What impresses me most right now is thoughtfulness.

Products that feel like someone actually considered how they would live in your real life. On your real face. On a random Tuesday morning when you’re tired and running late.

These are the ones that feel intentionally made. The ones that have genuinely made my life a little better and I hope they do for you too!

All recommendations here are genuine, unsponsored, and come straight from my heart. If you choose to shop using these links, it helps support my work, and I truly appreciate it!

What If Your Makeup Brushes Actually Told You What to Do?

Powder Room — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:15:01 GMT

After teaching hundreds of women how to do their own makeup, one thing has become very clear to me:

makeup brushes are confusing.

Not because you’re bad at makeup.
Not because you lack skill.

But because you’re standing in front of the mirror thinking:

Which brush is this? What am I supposed to use here? Am I using this wrong?

Makeup brushes are intimidating. And for something that’s supposed to help you feel confident, that’s kind of wild.

Because brushes are actually some of the most powerful tools we have.

They change how makeup looks.
How fast you get ready.
How confident you feel while doing it.

They’re supposed to make things easier, not make you hesitate or stress.

And yet somehow, we’re left trying to decode what an N19 brush means when all we’re really trying to do is feel a little more like ourselves in the world.

So, I created the set we all wish existed.

Meet: The Perfect Brush Set

Ten total. As beautiful as they are empowering.
Not one too many or too few.
Every brush is clearly labeled, so you feel guided, not overwhelmed.

The set comes in two tones:

Shiny Pop of Red — bold, fun, a little main character energy
Cream Powder Puff — soft, refined, effortlessly & quietly chic

These brushes are meant to be your friends.
They’re here to guide you, not judge you.
To make getting ready faster, easier, and more intuitive.

Available through our website and on TikTok shop!

Why This Means So Much to Me

What I love most about my job is what I get to witness every single day: the power of makeup beyond how it looks.

Makeup is about:

Confidence
Play
Exploration
Trying on different sides of ourselves
Permission to show up how we want in the world

When someone realizes “I can actually do this,” everything shifts. Makeup becomes your tool for self-expression.

So, having the right tools matters.

I’m so proud of these brushes.
And I’m so excited they’re finally yours!

With love,
Jenna

The Gift Guide I Wish Someone Sent Me Every Year

Powder Room — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:06:38 GMT

Black Friday seemed to have come really early this year. Like I-just-saw-my-neighbor’s-son-dressed-as-a-ghost early. But alas, I’m never one to complain about a sale. And from what I’ve read, it seems like brands are pushing harder, which means we have to work harder to sift through all the noise and the emails that keep telling me I forgot something in my cart (!) when in reality I fell asleep mid-100 page scroll, because everyone knows, you have to make it to the bottom before you can really make a decision.

If Substack has taught me anything, it’s that there’s no such thing as too many gift guides. Everyone shops differently. Everyone needs different things. And I, personally, love knowing what people are actually buying.

So here’s what I’m getting. Here’s what I think is good. Here’s what I think is worth it.

May this be your shopping guide, gift guide, sale guide, indulgent read, but do not let it be pressure. Enjoy! And Happy Holidays!!

Thanks for reading Powder Room Beauty ! This post is public so feel free to share it.

All recommendations here are genuine, unsponsored, and come straight from my heart. If you choose to shop using these links, it helps support my work, and I truly appreciate it!

The 2025 Sephora Sale: Your Powder Room Edit

Powder Room — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:49:58 GMT

It’s here again — the sale that sends group chats into chaos and drains our carts faster than our willpower can recover.

The Sephora Sale. The Olympics of beauty shopping.

And as someone who’s tested hundreds of products on hundreds of skin tones, textures, and personalities (because yes, makeup has moods), I’m here to save you the time, money, and stress.

Here’s your calm in the checkout storm: a tight edit of formulas I’ve personally used, loved, and taught with. The products that actually pull their weight. The ones that make my clients gasp at their own reflection.

No “you need this because everyone else has it.” Just the good stuff.

The Powder Room Edit

Foundations

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Foundation
This is the foundation I reach for when I need to trust my base (i.e. bridal). It hits that rare sweet spot of real skin, but smoother, softer, and perfected. Seamless, balanced, and never heavy. Photographs like perfect skin, not foundation.

Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Natural Finish Foundation
This is what “put-together but not overdone” looks like. Light-catching sheen with zero grease, a touch of built-in dimension, and that professionally finished look without the two-hour routine.

Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Foundation
The finish is luminous but not loud. Like your skin, but holding a glass of champagne. With a great shade range, it evens tone, blurs pores, and gives that “did you do something different?” glow. (you did. you wore this.)

Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF
Still undefeated for everyday life. Evens redness, adds healthy radiance, protects your skin, and gives “I’m alive” coverage in under a minute. I’ve converted more friends with this than any other product. If you hate foundation but still want to look put-together, this is your girl.

Concealers

Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer
Boy do I love this concealer. It moves with your skin, never against it. One swipe and you look like you’ve slept eight hours and drank water all day. You could do your whole face with it and no one would know. It’s skincare-level good.

Kosas Corrector Concealer
For days when your dark circles are oh-so-excited to hang out that they continue to peek through your concealer. This will neutralize them so you don’t get the dreaded “greige” undereye.

Complexion

Dior Rosy Glow Blush
I too rolled my eyes at the price and the hype until I used it. Then I got it. The color reacts with your skin, giving you this fresh, believable flush that somehow looks different (and perfect) on everyone. it’s magic. It does something to the skin that’s hard to describe, like instant circulation in a compact.

Patrick Ta Major Sculpt in She’s Sculpted
Why I love this: it’s a TWO-FER. One gorgeous compact with a creamy contour for structure and a powder bronzer to warm it all up. You don’t even have to think about if the undertones mesh because Patrick Ta did it for us, and for that, we thank him for his service.

Eyes

Natasha Denona Eyesculpt Texture & Tone Palette
The palette for the people. Buttery, non-dusty shades that basically blend themselves. You can’t mess this one up. And the mini is ideal if you’re a minimalist, a traveler, or just someone who panics when faced with 35 shades of beige.

Prada Beauty Eyeliner
The Prada Beauty line came out swinging, and the eyeliner is the star. Ultra-creamy while still being precise, and somehow makes your eyes look sharper and glossier at the same time. It’s chic, sophisticated, and actually does last.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Liner
This is your survival liner — rain, tears, humidity, existential crisis. It stays. Makeup artists use it because it never quits.

Sarah Creal Eyeliner
Soft, glowy definition for people who hate “lines.” It melts right into the lash line, adding lift and shape without any harshness. Effortless and quietly flattering.

Setting Powder & Spray

One/Size Bouclé Powder
Just an absolutely beautiful blur that makes setting easy. It’s pressed, so you don’t have to deal with loose powder, and it smooths everything into soft focus.

Hourglass Veil Loose Powder
There’s a reason this keeps coming back in my kit. It’s refined, weightless, and turns any base into a polished finish. It’s how you fake perfect skin.

Fenty Invisimatte Powder
The compact that lives in my bag. Mattifies without dulling or looking “powdery” — you can literally just see the shine disappear.

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Liquid Blurring Balm Setting Spray Leave it to Danessa to reinvent setting spray. This one’s technically a liquid powder. You can mist it all over like a traditional setting spray or press it in with a puff, sponge, or brush to mattify exactly where you need it. Great for oily, dry, and mature skin alike, it somehow manages to blur, set, and hydrate all at once.

Lips

Kulfi Lassi Lips
So, so good. Feels like a nourishing lip oil, gives a glassy sheen, and stains underneath so you’re never left bare. Caramel is that honeyed neutral that flatters everyone; Rose is your everyday “I feel cute” pink.

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lip Cheat Trio – Three amazing colors in one set, the CT liner formula really stands out. It glides, is easy to use, and the colors melt into your lips while still having staying power.

Tower 28 OneLiner in Paint My Number
Less creamy than the Tilburys but the shades stand out. Particularly, Paint My Number. Its the perfect dusty mauve, with a subtle gray undertone that never leans orange. It’s creamy but long-wearing, neutral but not boring, and magically works as liner, lipstick, or even blush.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Mini Artist Lip Pencil Set
If you haven’t tried these, this is the moment. Multi-use pencils for lips and eyes in every neutral you’ll ever need. From ‘90s brown to French-girl nude. Travel-friendly and actually practical. A unicorn of a set.

Gift Sets That Don’t Feel Like Afterthoughts

I’m allergic to filler sets — the ones that give you one good product and two sad ones. These are the real deal. Beautiful, practical, and actually exciting to open.

EADEM Le Chouchou Bisous Set – The French-girl lip balm of dreams. Silky, plush, and somehow makes your lips look expensive. The cold metal tip is also undeniably cool.
Lawless Mini Daisy Darlings Lip Set – Lawless glosses are juicy without being sticky and here you get three minis to play with. Your niece will think you’re cool. She’ll also probably steal them.
Bobbi Brown Mini Crushed Oil Lip – Soft, glossy, and nostalgic in the best way. Great for your mother or aunt or anyone.
Crown Affair The Slick Back Ritual – The chicest hair slick-back kit. Think ballet-core, but elevated. Also, who doesn’t love a mini brush to throw in your bag?! It’s your modern Mason Pearson.
Tower 28 Mini LipSofties – I love love love these. The shades are wearable, the formula’s hydrating, and they make your lips look alive. It’s like if lip balm and gloss had a baby.
ILIA Mini Eyeshadow Stick Set – I’m a cream-shadow-stick evangelist. They’re the easiest way to look like you tried when you didn’t. This set gives you the core shades that go with everything and you’ll likely wonder how you lived without them.
Danessa Myricks Mini Yummy Skin Set – If you’ve never tried Danessa’s products before, this is the set that’ll make you fall in love. Every product she makes feels like it was designed to make skin look real, just way better.
REFY Mini Gloss Trio – These are Gen Z-coded in a way you’ll secretly love. Think high-shine, mirror finish, and way cooler than they need to be.
Soft Services Buffing Bar Minis – Body care that looks like sculpture, smells like a spa, and makes your shower feel like an act of self-respect.
MERIT Mini Flush Balm Trio – These blushes are like skin enhancers: sheer, blendable, and so natural-looking it’s hard to mess up. The packaging is gorgeous — they genuinely could double as ornaments and no one would complain.
54 Thrones Beauty Butter Tin – Rich, buttery, and luxurious in a way that makes you want to moisturize just to show off the tin. The rare body product that’s as pretty on your counter as it is on your skin.
Phlur Perfume Sampler – Love this brand. The scents are soft, never harsh, the kind that lives with you almost like perfumed pheromones. You’ll find one and never take it off.
Maison Louis Marie Perfume Oil Set – Elegant, timeless, and quietly sexy. You’ll smell like someone who collects art books and has perfect lighting in her apartment.
NARS Mini Multiple Sticks – The lazy girl’s dream. The shades are perfect, like your natural color, but with better lighting. Just some great swipe-and-go sticks for face, eyes, and lips.
Tarte Kindness Café Collector’s Set – Whimsical, giftable, and way more useful than it looks. Feels like something you’d pick up “just for fun” and then end up using every day.

Closing Thoughts

Before your cart combusts, a reminder: this isn’t about owning more. It’s about owning what makes you feel your best.

So as you scroll through Sephora this week, remember:
Buy the things that make you feel something. That make you excited to get ready. Because that’s the whole point of beauty. It’s not about transformation, it’s about reconnection.

Happy shopping and may your carts stay full and your shades stay in stock!!

All recommendations here are genuine, unsponsored, and come straight from my heart. If you choose to shop using these links, it helps support my work, and I truly appreciate it!

Clean Beauty Isn’t What You Think It Is

Powder Room — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:33:33 GMT

I was recently giving a client a private makeup lesson, and she was particularly interested in learning more about clean makeup. In explaining it to her, I realized how vague it really sounded out loud and started to think more about who actually decides what’s “clean.” Sephora Clean, Credo Clean, talc-free, mica-free. If brands are making products without these things, they must be bad for us… right?

But is that actually true?

When a product says it’s “free” of something — gluten-free, dairy-free, paraben-free — we automatically assume the missing ingredient is harmful. That’s the genius of the marketing: “free from” = “better for you.” But sometimes, “free” just means “better for a niche audience.” And time and time again, those niche categories and preferences start to overtake the masses. We’ve seen this in politics, in religion, and now, we’re seeing it in beauty.

So Who Gets to Decide What’s Clean?

Here’s the kicker: there’s no universal definition. The FDA doesn’t regulate the term. No governing body hands out a “clean” stamp. Instead, it’s the retailers and brands themselves.

Sephora Clean has its own banned ingredients list.
Credo Clean has a different list.
Ulta Conscious Beauty has yet another.

It’s like three different friend groups each deciding what makes a “good boyfriend.” One hates texting too much. One thinks texting isn’t enough. One bans texting altogether. They can’t agree, but they’ll all tell you their way is the right way.

Why Certain Ingredients Get Dropped

Often it’s not because they’re unsafe to use. It’s because they’ve become unpopular for a variety of reasons:

Talc: Cosmetic-grade talc is considered safe, but its link to asbestos in mining gave it lasting stigma. FDA testing in 2023 found no asbestos in cosmetics, and experts say facial talc doesn’t cause cancer. Talc-free is always an option, but it’s more of a preference, not a health emergency.
Mica: Safe on the skin, but the real issue is sourcing. In parts of the world, mica mining has been tied to child labor and unsafe conditions. Because of this, many brands now highlight “ethically sourced” or use synthetic mica as an alternative.
Silica: Industrial crystalline silica can damage lungs, but cosmetics use a different form called hydrated silica that doesn’t carry the same risk. It’s safe in powders and foundations, though the word “silica” alone often makes consumers wary.
Parabens: Preservatives with decades of safety data, but they’ve been painted as hormone disruptors in headlines. Once consumers decided they were scary, brands swapped them out, sometimes for less effective, less studied alternatives like phenoxyethanol, organic acids, or even MI/MCI (later banned in the EU for causing widespread allergies).

Most of the time, ingredients aren’t cut because they’re unsafe but rather because they look bad on a label. It’s less about toxicology, more about storytelling.

Why Brands Love “Clean”

Because it sells. Well.

“Clean” signals purity, virtue, a product that’s somehow healthier and more moral than the one sitting next to it. And in a world where every blush already promises to be “long-lasting, natural-looking, luminous,” clean becomes another way to stand out.

Sometimes brands make thoughtful decisions, like sourcing mica responsibly. Other times, they cut one preservative, slap a leaf logo on the packaging, and call it a spiritual experience.

Then there’s the natural trap. Clean marketing leans heavily on plants and botanicals, but nature isn’t automatically gentle. Essential oils, botanicals, and extracts can trigger allergies, breakouts, or irritation just as much (and sometimes more) than the synthetics they’re meant to replace.

Final Thoughts

Makeup doesn’t need to be holy water. Most products on shelves today, clean or not, are safe. The better question is: Do I trust this brand? Do I like how this looks and feels? Does it reflect my values?

Clean beauty will probably always be vague. And maybe that’s fine. Because it leaves room for us to define it ourselves, whether that means caring about sustainability, ingredient sourcing, or simply choosing the shade that makes you feel most like you.

So the next time you see “clean” stamped across a compact, remember: it’s not a moral judgment. It’s marketing.

The Little Joy of a Long Weekend Sale

Powder Room — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:10:20 GMT

There’s something about a beauty sale that just hits different. Maybe it’s the thrill of beating the system or the dopamine rush of clicking “checkout,” but getting a favorite product for less feels like winning a game you didn’t even know you were playing.

Of course, sales are designed to feel like a now-or-never situation. Do I need another lipstick? Probably (definitely) not. Does 30% off make me feel like it’s the responsible thing to do? Somehow, yes. That’s the fun of a sale: it spins a want into a win.

Labor Day sales land right when we need them most. Summer’s ending, the rosé is dwindling, the mornings are crisp, and a discounted beauty buy feels like a consolation prize that actually works.

So, let’s get into it. These are the LDW beauty sales actually worth your attention. If your willpower is will-powering? Much respect. If you’re like me and crave the serotonin spike of a good deal? Come on in, we’re shopping.

The Edit

Sephora – Up to 50% Off Select Products

My Picks:

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner
My ride-or-die liner. It doesn’t smudge, doesn’t fade, and survives New York humidity. Shade Ebony is the chic, deep brown that makes your eyes look sharper without screaming “eyeliner.” If you wear liner daily, stockpile these.
Saie Hydrabeam Hydrating & Concealing Under Eye Brightener
If Glossier Stretch and an eye cream had a baby, it would be this. Light coverage, hydrating, and cucumber-infused, it makes you look fresh, not “concealed.” This is what you want on tired mornings when thicker concealer feels like too much.
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Multi-Use Foundation Stick
Basically “quiet luxury” in foundation form. This stick gives skin that expensive, polished finish but melts in like second skin. It’s portable, chic, and makes you look like you had a facial yesterday.
Saie Glow Sculpt Multi-Use Cream Highlighting Blush
Creamy, luminous, and the kind of product that makes people say “your skin looks amazing.” Beautiful blush shades that light up your face and highlight that doesn’t scream “disco ball.”
Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick - Shades: 102, 104, 107
Sleek, pigmented, and chic without trying. These shades are that sweet spot between polished and easy, the kind of lipstick that elevates a white T-shirt.
Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon
An elegant lip crayon. This gives you that diffused, blotted-lip vibe in seconds. Throw it in your bag, apply sans mirror, look instantly cooler.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Shadowstix Longwear Eyeshadow Stick
The lazy girl’s smoky eye. Swipe, smudge, done. Zero fallout, zero skill required. Rihanna just keeps winning.

Charlotte Tilbury – Up to 30% Off Select Sets

My Picks:

Pillow Talk Luscious Lip Slick
The lipstick shade that launched a thousand dupes. Pillow Talk just works on everyone. The ultimate Pillow Talk trio: the Lip Cheat liner (your lips but more defined), the Matte Revolution lipstick (the nude-pink that flatters literally everyone), and the Lip Lustre gloss (the glossy, supermodel finish). Day to night, subtle to glam.
Hollywood Flawless Complexion Duo
Charlotte’s closest thing to an Instagram filter IRL. Flawless Filter = glow that reads skin, not glitter. Airbrush Powder = blurred, shine-free, poreless without flatness. The secret behind “your skin looks amazing” compliments.

Kosas – Labor Day Sale Up to 40% Off Sets

Plus 30% off all lip + FREE Mini DreamBeam SPF with orders $50+.

My Picks:

Summer Look Trio
Kosas does “undone but intentional” better than anyone. This set = bronzed skin, fresh lips, easy vibes. It’s basically makeup for people who want to look undone but in an intentional way.
Hotliner - Favorite Shades: Max, Infinite, and Supreme
Hotliner is creamy, hydrating, and makes overlining foolproof, giving structure without the strong outline. Basically, the ’90s trend reborn and perfected.
Bright Eyes Set
This trio is the definition of a fake eight hours of sleep. You get the Kosas Color Corrector (to lift dark circles), the cult-favorite Revealer Concealer (coverage that still looks like skin), and a free blender to blend it all together.
Kosas Intro Kit
The perfect “first taste” of the brand. Four of Kosas’ bestsellers in minis plus a bag. A spritz-y serum, mineral SPF that doubles as primer, lash-growing mascara, and a blush that’s skincare in disguise. Basically, the brand’s whole philosophy of makeup and skincare blurred together in one cute kit.

A Little Reminder

You don’t need any of this. Your makeup bag is probably already full, and you look beautiful without any of this. But sales aren’t about need. They’re about getting something you love for less, a little prize you give yourself to spark some joy.

So here’s to finding little joys — whether they’re in your cart, your makeup bag, or in the change of seasons!

Who Gets Left Out of “Easy” Beauty?

Powder Room — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:10:23 GMT

Beauty has a favorite word: easy. The five-minute face. The foolproof palette. The “so easy anyone can do it” lip liner.

And yet, every time I’m hunched over the sink trying to peel shrink-wrap plastic off a new eyeliner, I’m reminded that “easy” in beauty doesn’t actually mean easy for everyone. For someone with dexterity challenges, it might mean not opening the product at all.

Because what’s simple for one person can be a complete barrier for the next. A cap that pops open smoothly for you might require someone else to dig in with their nails. An eyeliner that feels lightweight in your hand might slip right through someone else’s grip. A brush you angle without thinking could be impossible to hold steady for someone with arthritis or tremors.

These aren’t just little inconveniences. They’re barriers. And they quietly shut out people who would love to take part in beauty but can’t, because products are only ever designed with one version of “easy” in mind.

That’s why I get excited when I see a few brands shifting the landscape. And just to put it out there, none of these brands sponsored me or asked to be included here. I just genuinely believe more people should know about them, because if we only ever talk about the same glossy names, the ones rethinking what beauty can actually be get overlooked:

Guide Beauty was created by makeup artist Terri Bryant, who developed Parkinson’s and suddenly realized the tools she’d used her whole career no longer worked for her. Instead of walking away, she redesigned them. The Guide eyeliner tool looks different from the liners we’re used to. It has an ergonomic handle with a curved resting surface that gives your hand support. For someone with tremors, it’s life-changing. For others, it’s just smart. That’s the magic of accessibility: when you design for the people who need it most, you end up making it better for everyone.

Tilt Beauty approaches accessibility in a different way. Their packaging is intuitive, but what really sets them apart is how they make you feel. Tilt centers around communities that historically have been left out of beauty — queer, disabled, overlooked — and says, you belong here. That matters. Because accessibility isn’t only about whether you can open a mascara tube. It’s also about whether you feel like the brand wants you using it in the first place.

And then there’s Kohl Kreatives, who zoomed in on something as basic as the makeup brush and asked, why does it have to be rigid? Their Flex brushes bend with your grip and stand upright on your counter. Their Feast Your Eyes kit includes braille and raised numbers on each brush, plus an audio guide. Since launching, they’ve started offering personalized online tutorials so people with motor challenges can use the brushes independently with confidence. It’s these kind of thoughtful details that make you wonder why every brand isn’t already doing this.

What also really sets them apart is their mission. Kohl Kreatives runs free workshops internationally for people who need support most — individuals in the middle of gender transition, people undergoing chemotherapy, and anyone living with visible differences like alopecia, vitiligo, or scarring from accidents or burns. They use makeup not as a mask, but as a tool for dignity, confidence, and reintegration into daily life. They’re not just selling brushes. They’re teaching people how to see themselves again.

Closing Thoughts

Easy has been defined as quick, or minimal, or simplified for one type of consumer. But easy isn’t about fewer steps. It’s about fewer barriers (and packaging that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve failed before you’ve even started).

So if you’ve ever felt like beauty was testing you — like you weren’t coordinated enough, skilled enough, fast enough — maybe the issue wasn’t you. Maybe it was the product.

Guide, Tilt, Kohl Kreatives are proof that accessible beauty doesn’t need to be tucked away in its own category. It can be the standard. And when it is, beauty shifts back to what it was always supposed to be: fun, freeing, and human.

It’s Hot, It’s Heavy, and This Is Helping

Powder Room — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:46:19 GMT

How are we doing, everyone? Are we getting by?

Because same.

This summer has been relentless. The kind of heat that makes your clothes stick, your patience wear thin, and your group chats go quiet. And it’s not just the weather. The world has felt heavy lately, like there’s this low-level pressure you can’t quite shake while trying to just go about the day.

And in the middle of all that… I’ve found myself turning to beauty. Not in a vapid, escape-the-news kind of way. But in a meaningful, playful way. Something about the experience of getting ready, the tiny, tactile rituals — patting on concealer, smudging a little shimmer on my eyes, brushing up my brows — has become my soft place to land. A way to care for myself that doesn’t require a full reinvention of my life. Just a few minutes to feel a little more creative and a little more me. These moments don’t erase the hard stuff but they do give me a second wind. They help me lift my chin higher. Smile a little wider. Keep showing up.

And sometimes, beauty reminds me I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Yesterday, after lugging my 50lb makeup kit across four different trains and using approximately 15 biodegradable face cloths to pat myself down, someone told me they loved my makeup and wanted theirs to look the same. That one compliment practically made me tear up because it meant something real: that even in the heat and chaos, I’m showing up for something I love. And that it shows.

I haven’t written in a little while (I know I’m sorry!) but I promised myself from day one that Powder Room would only be built from a place of heart. This space is meant to be fun, communal, and honest. A place to feel better — not to stress over.

So I’m taking it at my own pace. And I hope you are too. There are so many beauty tips, tutorials, and lessons I’m yet (and excited!) to share, but today I just wanted to say: Let beauty be your soft landing. Not the whole solution, but a tiny, meaningful one.

With love, SPF, and a pack of 100 face wipes,
Jenna 💋

Bonus Section: 5 Things I’m Loving Right Now
Because I love knowing what people are actually using, and maybe you do too! No pressure to buy. Just me reporting from the trenches of my makeup bag:

1. Dior Lip Glow
Something about this is Paris Hilton–coded, but in a good way. It gives just enough tint to make me feel cute without looking like I tried. I swipe it on and suddenly I really like my lips? Can’t explain it, just hits.

2. SACHEU Cheek Stain Blush
This has been my summer blush. It’s sheer, flattering, and doesn’t move even when I’m melting into the pavement. Every time I look at my reflection, I’m like, “Wow, you’re still here?!” She’s the friend who sticks around even when things get sweaty.

3. Wonderskin Peel & Reveal Lip Stain
I tried this half as a joke and now I’m actually obsessed. It goes on like a peel-off mask, stains your lips in the most flattering way, and lasts. Brides: three words for you — Wonderskin Wonderskin Wonderskin.

4. Sofie Pavitt Blemish Defense Cooling Face Mist
It’s like a peppermint patty for your face. Occasionally aggressive, always refreshing. I’m obsessed with the way it feels even if it slightly startles me every time.

5. Typology Tinted Lip Oil
I’m always bouncing between lip products, but this one keeps making its way back into rotation. It’s nourishing and just feels good. Like you’re doing something kind for yourself without making a big deal out of it.

The Summer Makeup Survival Guide

Powder Room — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:31:27 GMT

We’ve made it to June. Which in New York means sweating. A lot of it. The kind that starts the second you descend into the subway and ends... well sometime in October.

And if you wear makeup, you already know what this season brings: a constant, uphill battle to keep it on your face. Foundation starts sliding, mascara migrates south under your eyes, and any trace of lip color is sabotaged by beads of upper-lip sweat.

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror mid-afternoon (or even mid-morning) and thought, Did I even put makeup on today? — you are not alone. Heat and humidity break makeup down fast, especially if it hasn’t been properly set.

So this is your Summer Makeup Survival Guide — what “setting” your makeup actually means, how to do it the right way, and which products I genuinely trust to hold up through the sweet, sweltering days of summer.

The Cream + Powder Contract

Here’s the truth: if you want your makeup to last, you need both cream and powder.

Creams give you that natural, skin-like finish. They blend beautifully into the skin, look fresh, and move with your face … until they move too much. Because when creams are left on their own, especially in the heat, they stay tacky. And tackiness = transfer.

Powders, when used intentionally, are what give your makeup grip. They create structure and hold. It’s not about making your face matte, it’s about layering textures that reinforce each other. Cream locks into powder, powder locks into cream. Together, they become a wearable, breathable, long-wearing finish. A truly perfect marriage!

Powdering Zones You’re Probably Missing

We all know about the T-zone. But makeup often breaks down in more forgotten places:

The corners of your nose, especially the crease between your nostril and cheek — this is where foundation loves to disappear or pill.
Above the brows, where forehead sweat likes to sneak in.
The under-cheekbone zone, especially if you’re wearing bronzer or contour — powdering just beneath it helps keep it in place.
Around the mouth, where product easily breaks down from movement.

Set these areas lightly with a finely milled powder pressed in with a puff or a fluffy brush. You want grip, not dullness.

The powders I personally trust and keep in my kit:

Setting Sprays: The Unsung Hero of Summer Makeup

If you want your makeup to actually last in the summer heat, setting spray isn’t optional — it’s essential. And no, not all sprays are created equal.

A true setting spray is designed to lock everything in place. The best ones contain polymers that form an invisible film over your makeup, helping it resist sweat, oil, and humidity — kind of like hairspray for your face, but much lighter and way more elegant.

My Go-Tos:

L'Oréal Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist Spray (major hold, great for events or nights out)
Urban Decay All Nighter (a classic for a reason — reliable, weightless, no residue)

Waterproof Where It Counts

If there’s one season to go waterproof, it’s this one. Humidity, tears, rain, misty Aperol spritzes — summer is full of moments that challenge your mascara’s will to survive.

You don’t need everything waterproof, but these I usually swap in:

Waterproof mascara (especially on the bottom lashes)
Budge-proof eyeliner
Waterproof eyebrow pencil or gel

Current Favorites:

Your Pre-Makeup Steps Matter More Than You Think

Summer makeup longevity starts before you even put it on. Here’s how to prime your face canvas properly:

Use a water-based hydrator (I’ve been addicted to this Remedy Skin lightweight gel moisturizer) and avoid heavy occlusive creams that can cause slippage.
Let skincare fully absorb — try to wait a full 5 minutes before applying primer or foundation.
Blot your skincare: If you still feel slick or sticky, press a tissue lightly over your face before starting makeup to remove excess product without stripping moisture.

The Blot + Bounce Midday Reset

You don’t always need to add product — sometimes you just need to redistribute what’s already there.

In the middle of the day, if your face is looking a little too lived-in:

Blot with tissue or blotting paper (no powder yet!)
Mist with a gentle hydrating spray
Take a clean, dry makeup sponge and bounce it all over the face — this re-blends product without adding more, and revives your makeup’s original texture.
Then tap in a little powder where you need it.

This trick keeps you looking fresh and reset, instead of cakey or overly powdered.

Final Thoughts

Summer makeup isn’t about perfection, it’s about resilience. It’s about knowing how to work with your skin, your products, and the elements (aka the MTA).

You don’t need to ditch your glow or overcorrect with powder; you just need to be intentional with texture and placement. Think layers and touch-ups, not product overload.

Now go sweat, dance, commute, kiss, toast — and don’t worry about your face. It’s set!

Things That Are Making Me Feel Beautiful Lately (Even If They’re Not Makeup)

Powder Room — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:25:15 GMT

Not everything that makes me feel beautiful belongs in a makeup bag. Lately, I’ve been finding just as much joy in the little behind-the-scenes products. The ones that don’t get all the attention but completely change how you feel in your body and in your day. The ones that make your mornings smoother, your scalp less itchy, your skin a little calmer.

None of these were sponsored. They’re just things I’ve actually been loving lately — the ones I’d recommend to a friend without hesitation or bring on a trip without overthinking. They’ve made my rituals feel a little richer and helped me feel like myself but elevated.

So here’s what’s been in the mix:

1. Innisfree Dewy Lip Balm
A lip balm that makes me feel prettier the second I put it on. It’s soft and sheer but still adds just enough color to pull your face together. The formula is buttery, the finish is glowy but not sticky, and it actually moisturizes. I’ve been finding myself reaching for this over my lip butters lately.

2. Remedy Skin Moisturizer
Zero scent. Zero marketing. And somehow one of the best moisturizers I’ve ever used. Originally formulated for hospitals and nursing homes — which sounds clinical, but it’s incredible. It calms irritated skin, absorbs instantly, and feels amazing. It’s been the thing I’ve been excited to put on after a shower or a long day.

3. Elizavecca Collagen Coating Protein Treatment
This one looks like a joke — the packaging is wild — but it genuinely transformed my hair. Soft, smooth, silky after one use. I don’t know what kind of science or magic is in there. I just know it works.

4. Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Spray
I didn’t think I’d become a “throat spray person,” but here we are. It’s a little ritual that feels weirdly fun — and functional. It tastes good and makes me feel like I’m protecting myself from subway germs, plane air, or the person coughing behind me in line. Lily Collins swears by propolis and I get it now.

5. Wild Refillable Deodorant
I found out about this through Bethenny Frankel — and frankly, she’s probably the only person who could’ve convinced me to finally give up aluminum deodorant. Nothing was doing it for me before this. But lo and behold, hallelujah: this one works (even in NYC heat!!). I genuinely thought I was doomed to a life of aluminum armpits, and for the first time, I don’t feel afraid of my own deodorant. Also — the packaging is awesome. You get a beautiful reusable case, a bundle of scent pods, and just swap them in when you need a refill. I know it’s just deodorant and I’m way too into it, but I’m genuinely grateful and very impressed.

6. Indie Wild Champi Oil
This turned me into a person who oils their scalp. The scent is incredible; warm and comforting (like cloves and cardamom), and it somehow makes me feel grounded and fancy at the same time. I massage it in the night before washing my hair and instantly feel more relaxed and human. Also, my hair has never been healthier.

7. Saltair Moisture Leave-In Conditioner
This stuff is such a sleeper hit. It makes my hair feel soft and smooth, calms down frizz, and smells like Le Labo — clean, expensive, slightly addictive. No heaviness, no crunch, no sticky residue. Just easy, pretty hair that smells great.

8. Eadem Dew Dream Lip Balm in Guava
Ah this one’s incredible — especially in the summer. The formula is plush but not sticky, and the guava tint is delicious and leaves this perfect soft flush. It has a cooling metal tip applicator that feels amazing on hot days, and the packaging is so chic it feels like it belongs on the top shelf of a vanity. She is definitely THAT girl.

9. Bali Dreams Hair Oil Pods
Tiny pods of tropical-smelling hair oil that make me feel like I’m on a beach, even though I’m just standing in my bathroom. They’re great for travel, great for lazy nights, and my hair always feels shinier and smoother the next morning. Highly underrated.

10. Hanni In-Shower Body Moisturizer
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I do — but it’s kind of genius. You smooth it on in the shower, rinse, and boom: you’re done. Your skin is moisturized before you even step out. I usually use it while my conditioner’s doing its thing, and it makes me feel like I’m optimizing my routine in the most indulgent way. The scent is floral, and slightly perfumy in that boutique-hotel sort of vibe. And most importantly: it works. My skin feels soft, smooth, and hydrated all day. It’s lazy luxury in the best, most effective way, and now I don’t want to shower without it.

That’s the list — for now!
I’m always cycling through new things, but these are the ones I’ve actually stuck with. They’ve made my everyday routines feel a little nicer, which honestly is the goal. If you’ve been loving something lately — a lip balm, a serum, a throat spray you’re weirdly obsessed with or anything else — leave a comment! I really do want to know.

This is the heart of it all. The sharing. The bonding. The joy.
More of that, always!! <3

I’ve Been in the Powder Room (Literally)

Powder Room — Wed, 07 May 2025 12:58:34 GMT

It’s been a minute since my last post, and if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, the answer is: the Powder Room. Literally.

I’ve been busy launching, teaching, and running the very first Powder Room pop-up in New York City — a real-life version of everything this newsletter is about. The joy of coming together. Hands-on beauty education. Empowerment through makeup that actually makes sense.

Every day, I’ve been working with people of all ages to help them feel more confident and capable in their routines — whether it’s mastering a five-minute face or learning how to bring out the features they love most. The feedback has been emotional, joyful, and more affirming than I could’ve imagined. And if you’re in NYC before May 18th, I’d love for you to come experience it.

Which brings me to what I came here to write about today:
The Met Gala.
Black dandyism.
The rebellion of showing up exactly as yourself.

The Met Gala red carpet gave us all the drama and decadence we expect, but what I can’t stop thinking about is the theme itself — and the deeper story it tells. Dandyism has long been misunderstood as mere flamboyance, but at its core, it’s about self-invention. About using appearance as a form of communication. About style as identity, as resistance, as artistry.

Historically, dandyism was performance — but it was also protest. A refusal to disappear. A way of saying, you don’t get to tell me who I am. While the aesthetic traces back to Europe, the heartbeat of modern dandyism — the part that makes it powerful — was shaped by Black men across the diaspora. In Harlem, in Kinshasa, in Brixton. It was, and is, about reclaiming space. Dignity through detail. Artistry through adornment.

In a world that often tells us to tone it down, be smaller, be simpler — Black dandyism says the opposite. More color. More detail. More story. And the beauty of doing it all not to impress, but to express.

When you strip away the labels and references and interpretations of dandyism, what you’re left with is a very real human desire to be seen on your own terms.

That’s why I found this year’s Met Gala so moving. Beyond the couture, the rhinestones, the makeup — there was a reverence for self-expression, for storytelling through surface. And it made me think (as I often do) about makeup.

It reminded me why I love makeup — and what I try to teach every time I sit down with someone new. That beauty isn’t about covering up. It’s about choosing how to be seen. It’s about creating an outer expression that mirrors something within — playful, bold, nuanced, soft, powerful, changing.

At Powder Room, I talk a lot about makeup as a tool — not to fix, but to reflect. Your mood. Your identity. Your joy. Your history. Your defiance. Your softness. Your loudness. You get to choose.

Black dandyism reminds us that self-presentation is never just surface. It’s language. It’s lineage. It’s power.

So thank you for being here. I’ve missed writing to you. And I can’t wait to keep showing up in your inbox — with more thoughts, more stories, and more love for the rituals that help us feel like ourselves.

Xox,
Jenna

The Spring Sephora Sale is Here and This is What I’m Getting

Powder Room — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:03:33 GMT

Spring is the season of the soft reset. Not the New Year’s kind where you try to become a whole new person overnight — but the quieter, gentler kind, the kind that shows up in your beauty bag before it shows up anywhere else.

It’s a season for reevaluating. Editing. Getting honest with yourself about the products you’ve been using out of habit versus the ones you actually love.

Which brings me to the Sephora Spring Sale.

It’s not just a sale — it’s a window. A moment to restock the things that are still serving you, gently part ways with the things that aren’t, and maybe try something new that feels more in line with the version of you that’s emerging now.

Lately, what I’m leaning into is ease. Into high-performing, low-fuss products. Things that feel good on the skin, simplify my routine, and reflect where I’m at: wanting less, but better.

And honestly, that’s what this list is: the things I’m reaching for because they feel good, look good, and make getting ready feel really easy. Some are longtime obsessions. Others are new but already earning their spot. All are chosen with care, tested in real life, and loved enough that I’d recommend them to my closest friends (and you all!).

So if you’re looking to refresh your beauty lineup, clean out your makeup drawer, or just want to know what’s genuinely worth grabbing during this sale — this one’s for you.

THE DETAILS

The Sephora Spring Savings Event is one of the rare, glorious times where nearly everything you’ve been eyeing (or refilling) is on sale. The discount you get depends on your Beauty Insider tier:

If you’re Rouge, you can start shopping on April 4th
If you’re VIB or an Insider (free to join), you get access starting April 8th
The sale runs through April 14th
Use code SAVEMORE for 10–20% off depending on your tier
Plus, 30% off all Sephora Collection, no matter your status

COMPLEXION: FRESH, FAST, AND FORMULA-FIRST

Tower28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30
Still undefeated. This has been my holy grail for a reason: it gives you coverage, protection, hydration, and glow in one go. I love it year-round, but especially in spring when my skin craves that light, breathable base that still makes me look alive.

Ciele Tint and Protect SPF 50
My mom literally took mine home with her — enough said. This formula has more of a satin finish than a dewy finish, and has quickly become essential for sunny days and outdoor brunches. Beautiful texture, SPF 50 protection, and never heavy or greasy. It's a warm-weather staple you didn't know you needed.

Kosas Revealer Brightening Concealer
This is a two-for-one miracle: concealer and color corrector. The peachy undertone in the shade “Illusion” cancels out undereye circles beautifully — meaning less layering and fewer products on your face. In warmer weather, this simplicity is a lifesaver.

Tower28 Swipe All-Over Concealer
Flexible and fresh. This melts into your skin like a second layer and feels like it was made for people who hate heavy concealer. I swipe it under my eyes, around my nose, on blemishes — anywhere that needs a bit of evening out.

Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer
This is one of those products that quietly earns its spot. It’s sophisticated and skincare-first, with a finish that just makes you look better. Elegant is the word that keeps coming to mind. I don’t always want coverage — I want refinement. And this gives me that.

SCULPT & BRONZE: SOFT DIMENSION, EASY DEFINITION

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Enhancer
If you’re contour-shy or just over the 2016 sharp-line era, welcome home. This is soft, subtle sculpting at its best. It melts into the skin and gives your face dimension without demanding precision.

Merit Bronze Balm
This is a vacation in a stick. It blends with your fingers, leaves the prettiest warmth, and never looks streaky or powdery. A great option if you’re over contouring but still want your face to have structure.

Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Cream & Powder Duo
For nights when you’re going out and need your makeup to have a little more presence. The cream is soft and buildable, the powder locks it in without looking heavy.

LYS Beauty No Limits Matte Powder Bronzer
This is such a hidden gem. The tones are beautiful — not too orange, not muddy — and it blends like butter. I love that it’s clean, affordable, and gives me that healthy sunkissed finish without looking fake or powdery.

BLUSH: FLUSHY, CREAMY, & LIT-FROM-WITHIN

Ilia Multi-Stick
The definition of easy. This cream blush (and lip tint, if you’re feeling wild) blends like butter and gives you a natural flush that somehow always hits the right tone. I keep one in my bag at all times.

Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush
This one melts in. It’s sheer but buildable, and gives that glazed, radiant finish that makes you look like you just got back from a facial — or fell in love. Dewy, blendy, and zero stickiness.

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush
This is the blush equivalent of a good lighting filter. The color looks wild in the pan, but on your cheeks it is unreal. It adjusts to your skin’s pH for a just-pinched glow that somehow makes your whole face look fresher. The hype is real, and I fully get it now.

EYES: ELEVATED EASE THAT LASTS

Ilia Eyeshadow Sticks
These are my lazy-day luxury. I swipe them across my lids, smudge with a finger, and that’s it. Creamy, flattering, foolproof. They’re perfect for mornings when you want to look put-together with approximately zero effort.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Eyeliner Pencil
This liner does not budge. Sweat, tears, long days, dance floors — it’s not going anywhere. It glides on beautifully and gives you that clean definition without smudging.

Sarah Creal Back of the Cab Mascara
Glossy, lash-wrapping, and wildly dependable. This tubing formula gives volume, length, and definition in one coat — with no smudging. It stays put through long days and late nights, then slides off with warm water. Basically: extension-level lashes without the commitment.

LIPS: BALMY & BLURRY

Violette_FR Bisou Balm
Like a soft-focus French lip in stick form. The pigment is sheer but stunning, and the formula is buttery without being shiny. I wear this on no-makeup days and full-glam ones alike.

Simihaze Velvet Blur Matte Lipstick
This is what matte should be — soft, blurred, and never drying. It gives you just the right amount of polish while still feeling modern and cool. It’s giving “model off-duty,” and super wearable.

Refy Lip Blush
The stain I didn’t know I needed. It gives lips that diffused, post-popsicle tint without any dryness or crustiness. It’s low-maintenance and high reward.

Clarins Lip Perfector Gloss
This is the gloss you’ll keep in every bag. Sheer, juicy, plush. It makes your lips look full and healthy without being sticky — and the tint is subtle in that “oh I just naturally have perfect lips” kind of way.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Super Boost Moisturizing & Plumping Lip Gloss
This is juicy in all the right ways. It gives high shine without stickiness, a subtle plump without the tingle, and somehow makes your lips look more hydrated and more full — instantly. I love it solo or layered over a lip tint when I want a little extra something.

Merit Signature Lip Liner
If you think you’re not a lip liner person, this will change your mind. It’s creamy but precise, neutral but impactful, and somehow makes every lip product look better. I use it to define without overdoing it — and it always elevates the final look.

SETTING & FINISHING: FOR LOOKS THAT LAST LONGER THAN YOUR SUBWAY RIDE

Fenty Invisimatte Powder
The name says it all — it’s invisible and it mattifies. I dust this down my T-zone before heading out and again mid-day, and it always keeps me looking fresh without flattening my skin.

Kosas Cloud Set Powder
Think soft-focus magic. This is what I use when I want to gently blur everything together without a heavy matte finish. It’s light, breathable, and always makes my skin look just a little bit better.

Fenty Setting Spray
This is your everyday, does-it-all setting spray. It sets without feeling stiff or sticky, and it plays well with dewy or matte makeup alike. Perfect for locking in spring skin without overdoing it.

One/Size On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray
Okay — this is not a casual setting spray. This is “I’m going to a wedding and will be screaming ‘Shout!’ on the dance floor and I need my makeup to still look great in photos” spray. It’s intense. It works. Use it when it counts.

Final Thoughts: Your Makeup Routine Can—and Should—Evolve

If I’ve learned anything from years of doing makeup, it’s this: your makeup bag is a living, breathing thing. It changes with your seasons, your skin, your mood. And that’s not only okay — it’s beautiful.

Everything on this list is here because it makes getting ready feel good again. Whether you’re simplifying your routine or just switching things up for spring, I hope this helps you shop with a little more confidence and a lot more clarity.

If you end up grabbing any of them, let me know what you think. Or if you’re testing something new, I’d love to hear what you’re loving this season. That’s the heart of the Powder Room — sharing, learning, and growing together.

Subscribe now

P.S. — Powder Room is Popping Up in NYC

If you’re in NYC this spring, come hang with us at the first-ever Powder Room Pop-Up, happening April 27–May 18 in Dumbo. In-person makeup classes, beauty moments, and everything you love about getting ready — with friends, music, snacks, and no judgment.

You can book a spot at powderroom-beauty.com and follow our Instagram @powder.room.beauty for more details and updates!

All recommendations here are genuine, unsponsored, and come straight from my heart. If you choose to shop using these links, it helps support my work, and I truly appreciate it!

Powder Room Is Here — And We’re Popping Up in NYC

Powder Room — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:14:37 GMT

You’re in the bathroom at a party.

Maybe you just met the girl next to you, maybe she’s been your best friend for years. You’re both squished in front of the mirror, trading lip gloss, fluffing your hair, fixing smudged eyeliner. One of you asks, “Wait, how do you do your brows?” and suddenly, you’re swapping tips, showing each other tricks, and feeling like the most radiant, carefree versions of yourselves.

That magic? That’s Powder Room.

Welcome to Powder Room: a beauty experience built around learning, laughing, and getting ready together.

Powder Room is about bringing back the joy in beauty. To create a place — both physical and digital — where beauty is about confidence, creativity, and feeling exactly like yourself (just with more effective concealer placement!). We’re here to hand you a brush and make makeup approachable and exciting. Powder Room is your space to explore, learn, and play without judgment.

Because truthfully, most of us never actually learned how to do makeup for our real faces and real lives. Maybe you learned from a YouTube spiral, a friend, or panic-scrolling in Sephora. But deep down, we were guessing. Beauty somehow became intimidating. Easy to get wrong. Even easier to feel behind.

Powder Room is here to change that.

And it all starts right now, with our first pop-up in NYC this spring.

The NYC Pop-Up: What to Expect

From April 27 to May 18, Powder Room is popping up in DUMBO, Brooklyn — and you’re invited to get ready with us.

Think of it like a Paint-and-Sip, but for beauty — real techniques, insider tips you’ll actually use, and that nostalgic thrill of getting ready with your friends (but better).

Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to level up, you’ll get to try great products, ask anything, and finally feel like you actually know what you’re doing when it comes to makeup.

Come solo or with your crew. Sip something yummy while you play. And stay for the energy — because that’s half the fun!

Here’s what’s in store:

💄 Small-group makeup classes with expert instruction.

👄 A cozy, supportive space to learn, laugh, and play.

🪞 A cute photo space to snap post-class pics with friends.

🛍 A vintage pop-up shop with curated beauty and style finds.

🍹 A stocked bar cart of mixers + festive mocktails (BYOB!).

🍕 Snacks and food welcome — whether it’s chips or a full pizza moment, make yourself at home.

Come Get Ready With Us

Spots are limited, and we want you in the room!

Book at powderroom-beauty.com and follow on our newly launched Instagram @powder.room.beauty for all the latest updates, sneak peeks, and announcements!

This is just the first chapter. And I’m beyond excited to share it with you.

See you in the Powder Room!

xx Jenna

Subscribe now

Toss It or Keep It? The No-BS Guide to Makeup Expiration

Powder Room — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:40:35 GMT

If you’ve been using the same bronzer since before the pandemic and wondering if that’s a problem, let me reassure you: you’re probably fine. Makeup expiration dates feel like one of those things brands push to make sure we keep repurchasing, but does makeup actually go bad?

Unlike milk, makeup doesn’t suddenly go bad the second it hits a certain date. The Period After Opening (PAO) symbol — that tiny jar usually with a “6M” or “12M” on it — is a suggestion. Brands put these timelines in place for liability reasons, not because your bronzer is going to self-destruct the day after it “expires.”

So, does makeup really go bad? Sometimes, yes. Some products turn into a bacteria playground, while others just stop working. But a lot of makeup lasts way longer than brands want you to think. The key is understanding how different formulas break down, what actually poses a risk, and which products you can keep forever.

What Actually Expires and Can Get Gross

These are the products where expiration does matter — either because of bacterial contamination or formulas that won’t perform the way it should.

Mascara & Liquid Eyeliner (3-6 months)

If you only follow one expiration rule, let it be this: mascara is a non-negotiable toss after 3-6 months.

These go bad fast. Every time you dip the wand back in, you introduce bacteria.
The dark, wet environment is perfect for bacterial growth, which is why old mascara can lead to styes, irritation, or eye infections — basically nothing fun.
If it’s clumpy, dry, or smells funky, it’s done. If you live in a humid climate, your mascara might go bad even faster because extra moisture speeds up bacteria growth.

Liquid Foundation & Concealer (6-12 months)

Water-based foundations expire faster because water breeds bacteria. Oil-based foundations last longer since oil naturally preserves the formula.
Over time, these can separate, oxidize, or change texture — if your foundation is suddenly patchy, thick, or smells strange, it’s probably expired.
If you store it in a hot or humid place (like your bathroom), it’ll break down even faster.

Lip Gloss & Liquid Lipstick (6-12 months)

Unlike traditional lipsticks, glosses and liquid lipsticks are especially susceptible to contamination thanks to repeated wand-to-lip contact, making them prone to contamination.
If it gets super sticky, thick, or smells off, it’s time to retire.

Cream-Based Products (6-12 months)

Oils in cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter go rancid over time.
If it smells waxy, patchy, or weird, it’s past its prime.

What Lasts Way Longer Than Brands Say

Some products are basically immortal as long as you take care of them.

Powder Products (Blush, Bronzer, Eyeshadow, Setting Powder) – 2+ years

No water = less bacteria. That’s why powders last way longer than creams or liquids.
What ruins them is oil buildup. If your powders develop a hard, filmy layer, that’s from oils on your skin transferring onto the product. Just scrape off the top layer and keep using it.

Pencil Liners & Lip Liners – 2+ years

These last a long time because they’re constantly being sharpened, which removes bacteria.
If they start feeling dry, crumbly, or tug on your skin, that’s when it’s time to replace them.

Lipsticks & Bullet Lip Balms – 2-3 years

Unlike gloss, lipstick is a wax-based formula, so it’s less prone to bacteria.
The main thing that’ll make a lipstick go bad are rancid oils. If it starts smelling like crayons or dries out, toss it.

Setting Sprays – 2+ years

Alcohol-based sprays last indefinitely because alcohol is a natural preservative.
Water-based setting sprays can separate over time, but unless they smell funky, they’re still fine.

The Bottom Line

Not all makeup expires as quickly as brands claim, but some products — especially liquids, creams, and anything near your eyes — have a real shelf life. Instead of blindly following expiration dates, trust your senses:

Smell: If it smells like crayons, sour milk, or chemically, it’s bad.
Texture: If it’s clumpy, separating, or won’t blend, toss it.
Color Change: If it looks darker, orange, or just off, oxidation has set in.
Irritation: If it suddenly stings, itches, or causes breakouts, your skin is rejecting it.
If it applies well, performs reliably, and doesn't ring any alarm bells, you're probably good to go.

So breathe easy about your 2019 bronzer — but your mascara from last year? It’s time to toss.

Tip for Tip: The Secret Language of Beauty

Powder Room — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:44:19 GMT

There are few things more exhilarating than an unexpected, unprompted compliment from another woman. You know the kind. You’re mid-conversation, drink in hand, when suddenly — grab. Oh my God, she says, we’ve been staring at your jacket all night. We finally just grabbed it to check the label because we’re obsessed.

And just like that, your night gets infinitely better.

That’s exactly what happened to me at a party this weekend. One second, I was on a Pinot refill mission. The next, I was floating on air, basking in the glow of validation from not one, but two women who had been admiring my jacket.

I lit up. “Lisa says Gah. You have to get it!”

And just like that, we were in it. This wasn’t just a compliment — it was an exchange. A silent pact had been made. A bond had been formed.

Later, as we hovered near the pizza table, I turned to her. “Okay, your hair is actually insane. Did you get a blowout?”

She laughed. "No, I did it myself."

I blinked. You’re kidding me.

I grabbed her arm. “I gave you the jacket. I need the hair!”

She grinned, eagerly pulled out her phone, and typed in the name of some magical styling tool I had somehow never heard of, insisting it was the easiest, highest-payoff thing in her routine. Game-changing, she said. So easy. And then came the clincher: “Even my mom is obsessed.”

This. This is why beauty is magic.

Because nothing bonds people quite like this — the sacred, unspoken tip-for-tip.

It’s more than a recommendation. There’s something almost primal about it — an offering, a social currency that says, here’s my trick. I trust you with it. And it’s not really about the thing itself: the perfect lipstick, the brilliant brush, the serum that fakes ten hours of sleep. It’s about the act of passing it on.

Maybe that’s why it feels so good. Because real beauty is never about hoarding information or keeping tricks under lock and key. It’s about generosity. Confidence. The kind of self-assurance that says, me telling you doesn’t make me any less fabulous — it just makes both of us better.

That’s the magic.

Beauty, at its best, is a connection tool. A generous and subtle yet powerful way of saying, I want you to feel as good as I do. It’s intimate. It’s sacred. And, let’s be honest, it’s one of the easiest ways to make a friend in under 30 seconds.

Thanks to tip-for-tip, Madison isn’t just a girl I talked to at a party; she’s my friend. And boy is my hair is about to thrive.

What’s an Undertone — And How Do I Find Out Mine?

Powder Room — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:04:11 GMT

Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought a foundation that looked so promising under the glow of Sephora lights only to step outside and realize you now resemble a pumpkin, a ghost, or some deeply unfortunate shade of ashy beige. If so, welcome to the club of those personally victimized by undertone confusion.

Don’t worry — you won’t be here for long!

Your undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) is the subtle color underneath your skin that affects how makeup looks on you. It's different from your skin tone, which is how light or deep your skin is. Two people can have the same skin tone but different undertones — and that’s why one person’s “medium beige” looks great on them but looks greige on you.

Once you crack the undertone code, though, your entire makeup routine gets easier. So here’s how to figure it out without second-guessing every product you own:

The Tests

1. The Jewelry Test

If you’ve ever noticed that you look better in gold jewelry vs. silver (or vice versa), that’s your undertone talking.

If gold jewelry makes you glow: You probably have a warm undertone (yellow, golden, or peachy hues in your skin).
If silver jewelry looks more flattering: You likely have a cool undertone (pink, red, or blue hues).
If both look good on you: You’re neutral, which means your skin has a mix of both.

Note: If you don’t wear jewelry often, think about the metal that feels right on you — even in hardware like belt buckles, sunglasses, or zippers.

2. The Vein Test

Take a peek at the veins on your wrist under natural light.

Veins appear more blue or purple? You’re cool-toned.
Veins look more greenish? You’re warm-toned (your skin’s yellow tones make blue veins appear green).
Can’t tell if they’re blue or green? You’re neutral.

Note: If your veins are playing mind games and look both blue and green, you’re probably neutral. Also, if your skin tone is deeper and you cannot see your veins clearly, try the white T-shirt test instead (below).

3. The White T-Shirt Test

Grab a plain white T-shirt (or hold a sheet of white paper near your face).

If your skin looks a little rosier or cooler → Cool
If your skin suddenly looks more golden or warm → Warm
If your skin just looks like, well, skin → Neutral

Note: If bright white washes you out but cream or off-white looks better, you’re probably warm-toned. If crisp white makes you glow, you’re likely cool-toned and shine in white.

4. The Sun Reaction Test

Think about what happens when you’re in the sun without SPF (which, by the way, wear sunscreen!).

Burns easily, rarely tans → Cool
Tans easily, rarely burns → Warm
Burns first, then tans → Neutral

Note: If your skin is deep and you’re always tan, look at whether your skin pulls more golden (warm) or olive / rosy (cool) in the sun.

How to Pick the Right Foundation

Now that you know your undertone, here’s how to actually use it.

Most brands label their foundations by undertone, so look at the letters next to the shade name:

C = Cool → Look for words like porcelain, cool beige, rose, sable, cocoa, espresso, or pink ivory. These will stop you from looking too yellow.
W = Warm → Warm undertones are often labeled: beige, golden, honey, tan, caramel, chestnut, toffee, warm almond, butterscotch. These shades lean yellow or peachy and will keep you from looking ashy.
N = Neutral → Typically called ivory, buff, nude, praline, natural, neutral beige, or almond. These shades balance warm and cool tones, making them a safe bet if you’re unsure.

Tips:

Always swatch on your jawline, not your hand (because unless you wear foundation on your knuckles, that’s not helpful).
When in doubt, neutral is usually the safest bet. If you can never find the perfect shade for you, mix two. Makeup artists do it all the time.
If you tan in summer, you may need a warmer shade for those months.
If you’re between two shades, go slightly warmer — cool foundations can sometimes read grey.

Final Thoughts: Rules Are Meant to Be Broken

Yes, knowing your undertone makes life way easier, but I want to be clear: it’s not a rule book — it’s a cheat sheet.

If you love a shade, wear it. Some of the best beauty moments come from breaking the “rules.” At the end of the day, the right makeup is the one that makes you feel great. Everything else is just details.

So go forth, swatch fearlessly, trust your instincts — and never let bad lighting trick you again.

Powder Room Beauty

NYC, This Is Your Sign to Finally Learn How to Do Makeup

Newly Added Classes

Everyday Easy — Friday 5/8 at 12:30 PM

Hair Curling Class with Celebrity Hairstylist Jess Elbaum - Sunday 5/10 at 11 AM

Bridesmaids / Event Makeup — Sunday 5/10 at 2:30 PM

Date Night — Wednesday 5/13 at 6 PM

Everyday Easy — Friday 5/15 at 12:30 PM

Bridesmaids / Event Makeup — Saturday 5/16 at 4:30 PM

You’re Not Bad at Makeup. You Were Just Never Taught.

How I’m Shopping the Sephora Sale

Restocking

Trying / Testing

Splurging (because this is when you do it)

The Thing I Try to Remember

The Best Ways to Take Off Your Makeup

1. Cleansing Balms

Best for:

Why They’re #1

My Picks

2. Oil Cleansers

Best for:

My Picks

3. Micellar Water

Best for:

My Pick

4. Makeup Wipes

My Picks

The Wipe That Changed My Mind

When to Double Cleanse

The Eye Makeup Hack Most People Miss

The Bottom Line

What’s Actually Good Right Now

1. Kulfi Lip Stain Liners

2. Bobbi Brown Kajal Eyeliner

3. Maybelline Serum Lipstick

4. NOYZ Stick and Mylk

5. Tomorrow Today Beauty Eye Serum and Hydrator Stick

6. Sonsie Multi-Moisture Cream

7. The Perfect Brush Set

Final Thoughts

What If Your Makeup Brushes Actually Told You What to Do?

Meet: The Perfect Brush Set

Why This Means So Much to Me

The Gift Guide I Wish Someone Sent Me Every Year

Stunning Sets

Stocking Stuffers

Bang for Your Buck

Kitchen & Home

Bags & Accessories

Lifestyle & Decor

Jewelry

The 2025 Sephora Sale: Your Powder Room Edit

The Powder Room Edit

Foundations

Concealers

Complexion

Eyes

Setting Powder & Spray

Lips

Gift Sets That Don’t Feel Like Afterthoughts

Closing Thoughts

Clean Beauty Isn’t What You Think It Is

So Who Gets to Decide What’s Clean?

Why Certain Ingredients Get Dropped

Why Brands Love “Clean”

Final Thoughts

The Little Joy of a Long Weekend Sale

The Edit

Sephora – Up to 50% Off Select Products

My Picks:

Charlotte Tilbury – Up to 30% Off Select Sets

My Picks:

Kosas – Labor Day Sale Up to 40% Off Sets

My Picks:

A Little Reminder

Who Gets Left Out of “Easy” Beauty?

Closing Thoughts

It’s Hot, It’s Heavy, and This Is Helping

The Summer Makeup Survival Guide