Not a lot of launches have excited me as of late, so I haven't purchased any new makeup that's not a current fave (updated favorites blog coming soon). However, I love me some Jaclyn Hill, so of COURSE when the Haute Tropics collection came out I was all over it!
(Photo courtesy of Jaclyncosmetics.com)
Review:
So the launch was a little spotty. Not all of the products loaded at the same time and they were all very slow to load onto the site itself. That's not exactly Jaclyn Cosmetics fault though, that's more-so on her website platform.
Items I snagged:
Reflective Light Putty Highlighter- Glazed Out
Beaming Light Liquid Highlighter- Lightning
Pout Drip Hydrating Lip Oil- Crystal Drip
Reflective Light Putty Highlighter- Glazed Out: $29
I like this highlighter. It blends out to be so subtle but you can also build it up to be blinding. I also like to use this as an eyeshadow for my everyday work look. It gives a nice soft shimmer to the lid and really ties into the look when it is also used as a highlighter as well.
Beaming Light Liquid Highlighter- Lightning: $24
I think I like this? I use about 4 drops on my cheek and it blends into be a super soft, almost dewy glow. I think I am just used to blinding drops like the Cover FX drops. I wear these everyday but I'll be honest, I don't see much of a difference when I use these drops and when I don't. Maybe I will have to try applying with my finger or brush as opposed to a beauty blender sponge.
Pout Drip Hydrating Lip Oil- Crystal Drip: $20
Hello holy GRAIL! I love lip oils. I like my lips looking wet and pouty without being super sticky. Elf has a really good lip oil but I found that after 5 minutes it lost its shine and I had to reapply. However, THIS BABY stays ON! It's a little stickier than most lip oils, but I feel like that helps it stay on for longer. It's super comfortable so you are not giving up comfort for longevity.
The Bronzer Situation:
I wouldn't be doing justice if I did not mention the bronzer situation. Jaclyn came out with 4 shades of bronzer, none of which could be worn by people of the deep dark skin-tone range. If I have said it once, I have said it a million times. It is 2021, how are we not being inclusive?
I understand she mentioned that she had a limited budget, thus only being able to produce 5 shades. But, why in those 5 shades was at least one tan shade not converted into a deep dark shade? I think this is due to the fact that she is a new brand but also she doesn't have the proper insight she needs to have as a brand owner about diversity and inclusion. I think Jaclyn Cosmetics would benefit from hiring someone who specializes in diversity and inclusion within the beauty sphere. If your excuse is that you did not know to make that shade because you aren't that shade, that's not acceptable. We should all be learning, growing, and implementing new strategies to cater to more people.
I love Jaclyn Hill, but I don't think she is infallible. I think she has a lot of growing to do in this industry and with the right tools, her brand can be extraordinary. Her products are great, but she needs to get the social aspect and inclusivity aspect down before her brand can truly reach the next level.
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