First Impressions
There's something almost ritualistic about opening a fresh jar of Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair—the satisfying pop of the lid, that subtle, earthy scent that promises deep restoration. I've been scraping the last dregs out of mine for weeks, and honestly, it's a bittersweet goodbye. But that's the beauty of a monthly favorites roundup: you get to celebrate the hits, mourn the empties, and discover a few surprises along the way.
I'll be real with you—this month has been a blur. Between testing a dozen new bases, rediscovering powder blushes, and nursing a scratchy throat, I've leaned hard on products that deliver without fuss. The ones that made the cut aren't just hyped launches; they're the workhorses that earned their place in my rotation. And yes, I've got some strong opinions about shade ranges, coverage levels, and which SPF tints are worth your money.
The Deep Dive
Let's start with the skincare empties because, honestly, that's where the real loyalty lies. The Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil is a constant—it melts away even the most stubborn waterproof mascara without stripping my skin. Then there's the Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair, a thick, balmy cream that I reserve for nights when my skin feels angry or dehydrated. It's not cheap, but the way it calms redness and plumps fine lines is undeniable. I've also been loving the L'Oreal Professional Absolute Repair Molecular Shampoo—a total empty that I immediately repurchased. It's sulfate-free, gentle, and actually improved the texture of my highlighted hair. If you're doing any kind of color maintenance, this is a game-changer.
On the makeup front, the Lisa Eldridge Skin Tint remains the undisputed champion. I've been using shade 1.5 for my everyday look, and it's pure comfort—a dewy, second-skin finish that never settles into fine lines. But I also tested the MBM Lisk Skin, which surprised me with its buildable medium coverage. It wore beautifully for eight hours, though I had to go a shade darker since the lightest option was a no-go. Similarly, the Merit The Uniform in shade 25 was a letdown for my pale skin—too pink, too sheer. The Saie SPF 30 Tint, however, is a solid alternative if you want a dewier finish and a bit more coverage. Just note that the lighter shades in both lines have different formulas than the deeper ones—a frustrating inconsistency that brands need to fix.
Now, let's talk about the powder blush revival. I've been layering cream and powder blushes to achieve that blurred, no-harsh-lines effect, and the Surratt duo in Cherubique and Barbet A Papa Papa is perfection. These are finely milled, buildable, and last all day without looking chalky. The YSL number 44 is another standout—a cool-toned take on a warm bronzer blush that reads as sophisticated, not orange. It's the kind of product that makes you look like you just came back from a weekend in the Hamptons.
Real Results
After consistent use of the L'Oreal shampoo, my highlights looked glossier and less brassy. I didn't need to use a purple shampoo as often, which saved me time and reduced dryness. The Tatcha Milky SPF is another winner: it feels like a lightweight moisturizer but provides SPF 30 protection. Under makeup, it creates a luminous base that doesn't pill. I've been wearing it daily, and my skin looks hydrated without looking greasy.
For the makeup, the Lisa Eldridge Skin Tint delivers on its promise of a natural, radiant finish. Even on days when my skin is acting up—like now, with a few angry spots—it evens out my complexion without masking it. The Surratt blushes, meanwhile, have become my go-to for a quick, polished look. I've been using them over a cream blush base (like Nudestix Bear Back) and then setting with a light dusting of powder. The result is a flush that lasts from morning to evening.
The Honest Truth
Let's address the elephant in the room: shade ranges. The Merit The Uniform, Saie Tint, and Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation all have issues with their lighter shades. The formulas differ dramatically between the lightest and deeper options, which is unacceptable in 2025. If you're fair-skinned, you may find these products too pink, too sheer, or just not working. The Lisa Eldridge Skin Tint, on the other hand, has a consistent formula across shades, but it's harder to get your hands on. I hope the brand expands distribution soon.
Also, the Lancôme Absolute Longevity MD Anticipate Cream has a slight yellow tint that makes it better suited for nighttime use. It's a lovely, rich cream, but if you're looking for a daytime moisturizer, there are better options. And while the Experiment Molecular Mesh is intriguing, I'm still on the fence—it's too early to tell if it's worth the hype.
Pro Tips
To achieve that blurred blush look, start with a cream blush applied to the apples of your cheeks. Use a concealer that matches your skin tone to clean up the edges and create a seamless transition. Then, set with a powder blush in a similar shade. This technique prevents the cream from moving and gives you a long-lasting, diffused finish.
For the L'Oreal shampoo, use it twice a week in place of your regular shampoo. Follow with the matching mask for extra hydration. If you have blonde highlights, consider adding a purple shampoo once a week to maintain tone. And for the Tatcha Milky SPF, apply it as the last step in your skincare routine, then wait two minutes before applying foundation for best results.
Final Verdict
Would I buy the Lisa Eldridge Skin Tint again? Absolutely—it's my holy grail. The Surratt blushes and Tatcha Milky SPF are also permanent fixtures in my kit. The L'Oreal shampoo and Kose cleansing oil are reliable staples that I'll keep repurchasing. As for the Merit and Saie tints, they're good options for deeper skin tones but not for fair complexions. Overall, this month's favorites are a mix of tried-and-true classics and exciting new discoveries. If you're looking for products that deliver real results without the hype, start here.
