Crème de la Crèmes

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?

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?

Must have a natural, skin-like finish, buildable coverage, and still look good by 4:30pm.

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?

Must have SPF, a natural, skin-like finish, and still look good (not oily) by 4:30pm.

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.)

Must successfully gaslight me into thinking I actually have a tan. That’s the only criteria.

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.

Must have a buttery (not muddy) finish, natural (not orange) tone, foolproof application.

The Contenders:
Charlotte Tilbury v. Westman Atelier v. MeritThe 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.

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.

Must read as dewy, healthy glow – not sparkly, not greasy, not disco.

The Contenders:
Westman Atelier v. Jones Road v. ChanelThe Créme:
Chanel

Not even going to justify this with a response. Just buy it.

Must have high coverage, hydrating texture, and minimal creasing.

The Contenders:
Kosas v. Hourglass v. RMSThe 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.)

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.

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.

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.

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