Crème de la Crèmes
Sometimes you do have to pick
Surprising to no one, I’m a Gemini, which means I have 15 personalities and love trying new things.
The cocktail with only one ingredient I actually know (gin). The tank top everyone’s wearing on Substack (Flore Flore). Korean concealer, period.
The thrill – and ultimately, point – of it all is to find the best. The only. The ones that leave you wanting nothing.
I have a tendency of not knowing when to stop (Gemini party of one), but especially when it comes to beauty, more isn’t always more. I’m constantly auditioning new products – not so I can add, but so I can subtract.
Elle Sundberg has inspired me a lot lately to ask the hard questions. Like flip flops or slides? Taffeta or satin? Blue or white button down? Masochistic, I know.
In further pursuit of favoritism, her Best & Only made me realize: I don’t often choose because I’ve never made myself.
But what if I did?
10 CATEGORIES. 3 CONTENDERS. 1 CRÈME DE LA CRÈME.
But first. I’m only including categories and products I use on a daily basis. I wouldn’t trust my opinion on mascara, because I don’t wear mascara. If it’s a contender, assume it’s something I know, love, and reach for often. Shall we?
1. Foundation Stick
Must have a natural, skin-like finish, buildable coverage, and still look good by 4:30pm.
The Contenders:
Westman Atelier v. Merit v. Dior
The Créme:
Dior
Creamier, blurrier – it’s just better. I love Merit, but if we’re going on pure, well, merit, it’s Dior. I wore it on my wedding day and I’ll wear it on a regular Wednesday. Lightly, delightfully perfumed. What more do you want?
2. Skin Tint
Must have SPF, a natural, skin-like finish, and still look good (not oily) by 4:30pm.
The Contenders:
Ilia v. RMS v. Laura Mercier
The Créme:
Ilia
One of those products that reliably makes me look alive. Melts into the skin. Buildable. A bit plumping? If dewy is what you seek, dewy you shall receive. (Oily girls, tread lightly.)
3. Bronzer
Must successfully gaslight me into thinking I actually have a tan. That’s the only criteria.
The Contenders:
Westman Atelier Drops v. Jones Road v. Hourglass Ambient
The Créme:
Westman Atelier Drops
Only a month in and I’m already plotting the restock. This product makes me self-conscious that people think I live a more exotic life than I actually do. “Darn.”
For a fully do-I-even-live-in-Upstate-New-York effect, I’ve been sleeping overnight with the Dolce Glow mousse on my face, applied with a beauty blender. In the morning, I’ll wash it off and then mix the Westman drops with Avène Cicaflate before putting on my makeup. This combo is lethal.
4. Contour
Must have a buttery (not muddy) finish, natural (not orange) tone, foolproof application.
The Contenders:
Charlotte Tilbury v. Westman Atelier v. Merit
The Créme:
Westman Atelier Face Trace
I would barely count what I do as contouring, so this is the perfect halfway house between wanting some warmth and dimension. The shade Truffle is unmatched.
5. Cream Blush
Must have high pigment that pops but reads natural. Preference towards balmy vs. matte.
The Contenders:
Jones Road v. Westman Atelier v. Merit
The Créme:
Chanel
It pops. It lasts. It smells like Chanel. I want for nothing. Because this one is out of stock (criminal) I’m alternatively reaching for Jones Road in Flushed. Instant life. For a more bronzed, sun-kissed flush moment, it’s gonna be Tawny.
6. Highlighter
Must read as dewy, healthy glow – not sparkly, not greasy, not disco.
The Contenders:
Westman Atelier v. Jones Road v. Chanel
The Créme:
Chanel
Not even going to justify this with a response. Just buy it.
7. Concealer
Must have high coverage, hydrating texture, and minimal creasing.
The Contenders:
Kosas v. Hourglass v. RMS
The Créme:
Hourglass
This is an “if I had to pick” scenario. None of them are perfect. Hourglass is incredible for brightening and has the best coverage, but it does crease. (Erborian CC is my latest craze and it’s all I’ve been wearing – I’m just not sure it counts.)
8. Lipstick
Must feel creamy and wearable – never sticky or dry. Preference towards…Chapstick.
The Contenders:
Merit v. Chanel v. Sisley
The Créme:
Chanel
I rarely do deviate from Chanel here. Merit is nice for more of a lived-in, “oh this?” look – but if you want a lipstick lipstick, it’s Chanel.
9. Lip Liner
Must have an easy, smooth glide and blur naturally into the lip – not outline on top.
The Contenders:
Milani vs. Charlotte Tilbury v. Chanel
The Créme:
Chanel
I have a clear bias towards Chanel. It’s just a superior product in every sense. That said, Milani liner gives Chanel a run for its money and is 1/3 the cost. So.
10. Lipgloss
Must have cushion, shine, and the right amount of pigment to justify its existence.
The Contenders:
Rhode Peptide v. Westman Atelier v. Eadem
The Créme:
Eadem
The Eadem shade I chose was entirely wrong for me, and yet. Shine, hydration, pigment. I don’t even like lipgloss and (color aside) I loved this lipgloss.
LES CRÈMES
Discovering new things is one of the greatest joys of life. But knowing when the search is over – that’s the best.
Hair is next. Then maybe skincare?
You already know the winners, but I just might surprise you…
Take care of yourself,
Allison
a creme de la cremes post from my most trusted beauty writer... this is worth it's weight in GOLD to me! looks like I need to do some dabbling in Chanel beauty. and agree that Westman atelier contour is theeeee bestttttt. when does the post haircare drop?!?
Haha. Gemini 15 personalities. So accurate. Same here.