New year, same goal: document the great and not-so-great products that I try every month and share the results with you guys. January wound up being a less prolific month (the post-Christmas recovery of my wallet was partly to blame as well as my attempts at saving up for our wedding later this year), but we still had some real winners.
Made the Cut
Colourpop Blotted Lip | on film, super mellow, los feliz
Way back in 2017, which feels like another lifetime ago for me, Colourpop released their Blotted Lip formula as part of their collaboration with Alexis Ren. (And I'm not going to pretend like I knew who she was then or know who she is now.) Meant to give the lips a diffused wash of color, it was a no-fuss product perfect for no-makeup makeup looks.
In response to the popularity of the formula and its three launch colors, Colourpop released a few more colors in a white tube that, coupled with the sheer-but-buildable formula, made the product reminiscent of Glossier's Generation G lipsticks.
And then they discontinued the line.
But then they reformulated Blotted Lip and brought it back in December 2021 with eight new shades, most of which were in nude and brown shades, which were conspicuously missing from the original formula's lineup of colors. I bought on film, super mellow, and los feliz ($7 each), maintaining my buying habit of buying nearly the same color with barely-perceptible differences. All three colors are very nice, in nudes ranging from warm to neutral to cool. This newer formula is moisturizing and creamy, but eventually dries down to a blotted look. Easy to throw in your purse and reapply throughout the day.
Glossier You Solid
I've lost count of how many times I've discovered a product, only to have it be discontinued within weeks of it becoming my new favorite thing. In the case of Glossier's You Solid perfume ($30), it was already discontinued when I first learned about it, and scalpers were asking crazy amounts of money for remaining unopened stock they'd scooped up to sell for many times the MSRP.
Refusing to cave to such ridiculous prices, I wrote off You Solid and forgot about it. But then Glossier sent out a cryptic email sometime around the start of the year with a hint laid on pretty thick that You Solid was making a return. So when it was confirmed, I set up email alerts and placed my order the day it launched. (Glossier also claims that it's back for good.)
Solid perfumes are nothing new, and the component of You Solid makes me think of the Avon perfume pins of the 70s (my mom has a couple from her childhood). But I really love the scent of You and like the idea of having something less breakable than a glass bottle in my purse to touch up the scent throughout the day. (Not that I ever dared carry that bottle in my purse nor do I recommend you do, either.) My one disappointment is that the solid formula doesn't seem to last as long as the bottle, which itself isn't that long-lasting. But overall it's a fine product, easy to use, smells amazing (and refillable), and the scent is still noticeable after a while even if it's very muted.
Universal Thread Wristlet | Brown
The checker pattern is having a moment right now (and arguably never really went away thanks to the popularity of brands like Vans), appearing on everything from sweaters to pouches to jewelry. I can't get enough of it, so I had to scoop up this incredibly cute Universal Thread Wristlet in Brown ($17) during one of my recent Target trips.
For many years now I've tried to purchase as little fake leather as possible, preferring to invest in the real thing when I can to ensure my purchases will last longer. (I also prefer the quality and look of real leather.) But I had to make a rare exception for this. It's the perfect small little wallet to carry when you just don't feel like having a full-sized purse on you, and holds a few credit/debit cards, your license/ID, keys, and a lip product or two. I also like the warm shade of brown (appears a little more orange here than it really is due to the sunset), but the selling factor for me was, of course, the wrist strap. Such a cute accessory that I know I'll keep using for a very long time.
Didn't Make the Cut
Nothing!
Yes, that's right, we've had two months in a row of nothing but winners. As I've said before, it's not as interesting (and not as fun for me since I don't have an opportunity to let out a little snark), but much better for my wallet when everything works out in the end. Fret not — I'm sure the universe will find a way to send me a real dud soon.
Be sure to check back next month for another round of products that made the cut and didn't, and thanks for reading my monthly series, The Cut.
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