Team Byrdie Tries and Reviews 8 Products Exclusively at Ulta Beauty!
New season, new beauty products to swap into our rotation. With summer #beautygoals on the mind, Byrdie editors try and review eight buzz-worthy products exclusively at Ulta Beauty from some of our favorite brands, like Tarte, Morphe and ColourPop.
Leah Wyar, Editor-in-Chief / GM
I typically shy away from any highlighter that’s not nearly sheer: my goal is hit of shine that looks super natural, not supernatural. So I was shocked with this one’s chrome tone that surprisingly melts into my skin. The bouncy texture lets you tap on the perfect amount—no smears. It’s perfect when applied in a C-shape from temples to cheekbones.
SHOPIt’s been said you shouldn’t try a trend if you lived through it once, but nude lipstick—a thing I fully embraced in the '90s—is, IMO, exempt from this rule. And this one is so creamy and flattering, it’s quite possibly even better the second time around!
SHOPFaith Xue, Editorial Director
I’m obsessed with blue eye shadow during the summer months, so I was excited that this palette had not one, but three shades of shimmery and matte blues to choose from. One word of caution: I’d apply this before face makeup because there is some fallout. The shades do blend beautifully though, and I like that there’s a good mix of neutral everyday shades with brighter pigments.
SHOPThis lipstick smells like marshmallows and does not budge—not through a breakfast bagel, smoothie, and salad. I like tapping it onto my lips and smoothing it out with my fingers, but if you prefer a more full-coverage effect, just apply directly from the tube. The tawny-brick color is my new summer favorite.
SHOPHallie Gould, Senior Editor
I have been a devoted fan of Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer for about a year. In my experience, I’ve never found another formula that works as well—it never creases (!!!), neutralizes darkness, and stays put for as long as you leave it on your face. It is next-level good. In fact, I spoke with a makeup artist who mentioned it’s the only concealer she doesn’t have to mix shades to get her perfect match.
SHOPI’ve never been into eyeshadow—until now. I don’t know what’s come over me, but I can’t stop lusting after every last bright, matte wash of color I can get my hands on. So, when I picked up Morphe’s 35M Boss Mood Artistry Palette ($25), my attention diverted directly to the pinks. I chose Coral Divin', a matte pink tangerine, to create a really simple yet perfect-for-summer eye. The application was really easy (and I’m no blending expert) and fallout was a non-issue.
SHOPOlivia Hancock, Editorial Intern
My lashes are pretty long naturally, but they tend to disappear when I go to snap a selfie. That’s why I was excited to try this mascara. This mascara touts itself as a triple threat: it lengthens, curls, and volumizes. The jojoba and carnauba formula is super lightweight but helped me achieve a more intense, fluttery lash. After applying, I also wasn’t left with any flakes or clumps, making it an obvious winner in my book.
SHOPBecause of its affordable price point and extensive range of makeup options, ColourPop has been one of my favorite beauty brands for years. As a red lipstick lover, 21 questions (a burnt orange-red shade) immediately caught my eye. The velvet-soft matte lipstick glides onto the curves of your lips perfectly making it easy to apply, and its blend of pomegranate, goji fruit, and grape seed extracts make your lips feel incredibly soft. Plus, the lipstick is designed to blur out imperfections on the lips. So, I know it'll for sure be one of my go-to summer lippies.
SHOP