Cheryl Shops

While I will try everything when it comes to skincare, I tend to be more loyal to my makeup brands, and I really don't switch things up often. But if someone is raving about a certain product or line, I do like to try it for myself. I had heard great things about the clean brand Iris & Romeo—especially their Weekend Skin tinted moisturizer—so I was excited when they sent me a box of products. Iris & Romeo's tagline is "less makeup, more you," which as someone who usually goes for a "no-makeup makeup" look, I can get behind. So far, they have a pretty limited range of makeup, but I like a brand that takes its time and doesn't rush to launch a bunch of stuff just because. While Iris & Romeo gifted me these products without any obligation to post, the following are my honest and unfiltered opinions. Here's my review of everything I tried from Iris & Romeo. 

Best Skin Days SPF 30 $48

This is Iris & Romeo's hero product and the one they're probably best known for. A skincare-makeup hybrid, it's a tinted SPF with serum-like ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C), meant to provide natural coverage with a bonus glow and deliver long-term results supporting barrier protection and firmness, among other things. As someone who almost never wears foundation, I actually find the coverage of this formula to be a bit heavy for me. I prefer it just on my T-zone, where my massive pores reside, however this then requires another SPF for the rest of my face. I will hang onto this for when I do more of a face, but when it comes to everyday wear, I much prefer...

Weekend Skin SPF 50 $50

There is very little color to this tinted moisturizer—it only comes in three shades; this is the universal one—but that's exactly how I like mine. This light formula goes on really smoothly, blends easily, and has just enough pigment to even out your skin tone. Like Best Skin Days, it also has vitamin C for a little glow boost; I didn't even realize until writing this that it also has niacinamide, which makes this the first product with niacinamide I've ever used that hasn't broken out my skin. I am also a fan of the packaging, which comes with a built-in pump at the end, so you get just the right amount of product every time. I've never really found a tinted moisturizer that I've really loved until now—and I'd definitely repurchase this one. Bonus points for having a very decent SPF 50 coverage. 

Best Skin Days Treatment Concealer $32

Ever since Clé de Peau changed the formulation of my beloved concealer, I've been on the search for a replacement, and at this point, I'm willing to try anything. This is a creamy formula that you apply with a doe-foot applicator, and like all of Iris & Romeo's line, it features hyaluronic acid, licorice, and other ingredients (niacinamide again!) meant to brighten, blur, and boost hydration over time. Concealers are hard to get right—I tend to prefer heavier coverage for my under-eye circles but don't want something that will settle in my fine lines. This melts into my skin nicely and doesn't cake, however I need several coats to get close to the coverage I want, and I also think the shade I have is a bit too dark for me (this is shade 4). If you prefer a lighter concealer, however, this one is very good and definitely worth trying. 

Lash Up Peptide Thickening Mascara $29

While I do have some favorites, I'm not at all loyal to any particular mascara brand. Honestly, there are a lot of good ones out there. This one checks all the boxes for me: it delivers pretty dramatic volume without getting clumpy, and the wax-based formula doesn't flake or smudge, nor does it irritate my eyes during the day or when I'm washing it off at night. I am not the hugest fan of the curved, bushy brush, which people seem to either love or hate (I find it somewhat cumbersome). I'm guessing because of its arc, they had to make the tube bigger than normal, so be aware that it takes up a lot of real estate in your makeup bag. These are minor quibbles but worth mentioning, as I know people get really particular about mascara. 

Power Peptide Lip Balm $26

Speaking of getting particular, I generally don't like to apply lip balm with my finger but I really dislike having to use a brush, which you kind of have to do with this one, unless you like getting pigment all over your fingertip. And yet, this lip balm is so good, I diligently apply it with a brush every morning—yes, it's really worth the hassle. I don't know exactly what makes it so magical, but it doesn't dry out my lips at all, and whatever lipstick I layer over it goes on like a dream. You can wear this on its own, however I don't find the color payoff to be very strong (I have the rose shade). In spite of all that, I was really surprised by how much I like this stuff, and I'd be totally curious to try it in other shades. 

My honest review

I am not always going to love every product I try from a brand—and if I ever do, I'm going to buy stock in it—but I'm always pleased to find a few standout products, as well as ones that may not be the best for me but could be for you. I would definitely try Weekend Skin and the Power Peptide Lip Balm again, as they really deliver on the "less makeup, more you" proposition as well as results. If that sentiment resonates with you, I recommend checking Iris & Romeo out. 

PS you can also buy Iris & Romeo at Sephora!