Full-on glam makeup is all over Instagram — brows so sculpted that they could cut glass, contoured everything, elaborate eye looks with false lashes and winged liner. And I love some of that. I love the artistry, and I appreciate the effort that goes into it, but there’s also a part of me that can’t wait for the tide to turn, ya know? Part of me can’t wait for makeup minimalism to come back in style with a vengeance, and when that day comes, lilah b. cosmetics will be there with bells on.
It’s a new luxury line out of Sausalito, California, which is a quaint, picturesque town just north of the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco on 101 (not “the 101,” just “101”). They have a website, and you can also find them at Space NK stores.
Their philosophy has a nice ring to it: “With less, you are more.” Think streamlined creams that double as blushes and lipsticks, sheer powder foundation, creamy concealers and easy-to-wear eyeshadow combos — that kind of thing.
The products are all paraben-, pthalate- and sulfate-free, and they don’t have any synthetic fragrances. Plus, they aren’t tested on animals.
The pieces come in glossy white packaging (I think it’s gorgeous) that feels hefty and valuable. It kinda looks like polished river rocks or shells.
Boy, oh, boy, though — the products are pricey. You probably won’t bat an eyelash if you’re used to Chanel, Hourglass and Guerlain prices, but we’re talking $44 for a concealer, $34 for a lip balm, $48 for a powder foundation, $46 for a lip and cheek cream, and $58 for an eye quad.
The lilah b. look is like a super chill version of Bobbi Brown — dressed down, sheer coverage with a hint of natural-looking color. When I wear the powder foundation, concealer, eyeshadow and lip and cheek cream, I look like I’m wearing a full face, and like I’m polished and totally together, but it doesn’t look like I’m wearing cake frosting.
I wore the eyeshadow and the lip and cheek cream to the beach yesterday, and I felt like it was a perfect amount of color.
I’m totally into it. In terms of quality, the powders are silky, and the creams feel super smooth. Everything applies nicely, too.
I think it’s beautiful minimalist makeup, but I wish the products lasted a little longer on my skin. Even with primers (both face and eye) and a long-wearing makeup setting spray, I only get about six hours from the eyeshadows and powder foundation, three or four hours from the lip and cheek creams, and two hours from the concealer. By the end of the day, the colors have all but disappeared…
I still love the lilah b. look and their whole philosophy, and I’m always pulling for Bay Area makeup brands. I hope they keep fine-tuning their formulas and thinking of ways to help the products last longer, because I like where they’re headed.
When babies “throw shade”
Connor and I took this pic at the Marin Headlands the other day on our way to the beach.
That side eye, the raised brow, the pursed lips — it makes me laugh! I have no idea why she was throwing so much shade, but I’m living for it. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Chris25 says
Connor is definitely my niece to give that expression! Lol.
I hope the company improves the formula because these look like they have promise.
Karen says
Yup, she’s funny like that, LOL!
Rachel says
That makeup probably wouldn’t work for me if it doesn’t have staying power, but I love the packaging! Also loving that sass, Connor Claire!
Karen says
Hey Rachel,
I love the packaging too. Doesn’t it look like art?
Hope you had a nice Monday!
Dollie says
OMG! Connor is already a diva! The most adorable, cute little diva I’ve ever seen.
I too am quite fed up with the overly made up looks on instagram (and the inflated lips!) because I’m quite a minimalist when it comes to makeup. Love the packaging of Lilah B. products 🙂
Karen says
The packaging is gorgeous! Very weighty and luxurious.
Kiss & Make-up says
Love the t-shirt, Karen 🙂 And the look you did here is very pretty.
Becky says
The packaging! So pretty! It really looks luxurious. I think I’ll have to do some saving up to try them out though!
Karen says
Hi Becky,
It feels luxurious — very weighty and smooth!
What products here catch your eye?
TravelingBlush says
Lol, Missy Connor Claire so sassy.
Love the packaging, but these won’t last a couple hours on my very oily skin living in the tropics.
Karen says
She’s an expressive baby, for sure!
Ahh… I miss the tropics!
Erin says
Tabs is teaching her when you aren’t looking.
LindaLibraLoca says
The packaging and philosophy are right up my street, but for that price I want my products to stay.
Karen says
I love the philosophy too. Makeup minimalism rocks!
Lorraine. E.R says
-Your daughter is adorable!!
-You look fantastic and I’m jealous of how fast you lost the baby weight ;D
-Your hair looks extra extra great lately.
I like the packaging on these although the makeup is not my style or price range. I do like the look you did with it, super fresh and natural but still polished.
Zoe says
Would you compare this concealer to NARS? Maybe a bit emollient or creamier?
Joyce says
I would love to try these products… They look beautiful on you. But wow, you are right they are pricey. The eye quad is $78 CAD !! $78.