Olympic Medal-Worthy Beauty Products of 2024: What’s Making Waves This Year
Let’s talk about “reader favorites.” Consider these the “Olympic Worthy” winners in the beauty category! Basically the gold, silver, and bronze standard of makeup and skincare products over the past 7 months.
This is what YOU ladies have been loving! Now that we are past the halfway mark of 2024 (and my kids are back in school - yay!) it is clear that this year’s beauty landscape has been brimming with innovation and excitement.
From skincare marvels to makeup must-haves, here’s a rundown of my winning beauty products that you all have been purchasing from my posts here on SAACA along with my other social platforms.
How I chose the winners: I have taken the TOP 10 BEST SELLERS from my LTK shop after checking my personal analytics to see what everyone has loved that I’ve been sharing since January of 2024. And be sure that you’re following me in the LTK app if you aren’t already! Would love to see you over there.
Plus I’ve got a few others that should be on your radar due to all the attention they’ve received so far this year. So, on your mark, get set, let’s GO see what they are….
TL;DR
Jennifer shares Olympic Medal-Worthy Beauty Products of 2024
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
Olympic Medal-Worthy Beauty Products of 2024: What’s Making Waves This Year
Olympic Medal-Worthy Beauty Products
Natasha Denona Hy-Gen Energising & Hydrating Primer Serum, $48.
This year, Natasha Denona has shaken up the skincare scene with this almost 5-star rated primer serum. It’s so fabulous because it has a moisturizing, lightweight texture that delivers a natural-looking, transparent, glass skin effect. It includes a special peptide that provides energizing effects on the skin. The primer serum comes in a universal iridescent shade suitable for every skin tone and can be used before makeup application to hold onto your foundation/concealers and make your makeup look overall just BETTER and LUMINOUS.
NYX Cosmetics Slim Lip Pencil in “Peekaboo Neutral,” $5.
This has been bought SO many times, in combination with number 3 below. I talked about how this lip liner shade (natural brown with a hint of pink) + the matte lipstick below, were my favorite dupes for the wildly popular Charlotte Tilbury “Pillow Talk” duo of lip cheat liner and matte revolution lipstick. Truly identical! This slim super affordable lip pencil by NYX also comes in a range of shades from subtle nudes to vibrant berries. It is no wonder this lip liner has become a staple in makeup artists' kits everywhere. I can’t tell you how many of this pencil I have bought over the past years - but it’s a LOT.
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Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick in “Secret,” $10.
Believe it or not, I actually prefer this shade over the actual CT Pillow Talk. It’s very very close, but has a bit more punch of pigment. It feels identical in terms of the finish that is a comfortable and a silky matte. So pay $15 for this duo instead of $60 for the real thing!!
Sequin Jewelry Emilie Gem Initial Necklace, $168.
I know it’s not makeup or skincare, but it does add quite a bit of interest around my neck and face! Somehow the multi-colored gemstones in this statement necklace go with literally everything in my closet - it’s wild. I wear it constantly. It also would make the ultimate gift for that gal that digs “look at me!” jewelry and accessories. So well made and worth every single penny and you ladies must agree because a lot of these initial necklaces have been purchased.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Niacinamide Hue Dew Drops Sun Glow Serum, $35.
These Hue Dew Drops have been making waves with their hydrating and subtle bronzing effects. Combining niacinamide with watermelon extract, this product helps even out skin tone while imparting a dewy glow. It’s perfect for achieving that coveted glass-skin look with a hint of bronzed goddess. I love wearing this to the gym instead of actual foundation bc it brings a little life and color to my face without the heaviness of foundation or even tinted moisturizer. And the smell is FABULOUS and fresh.
Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Longwear Foundation, $45.
This is the foundation and ads you can’t get away from! But I have found, the online quiz is a game-changer and if you like full coverage, this is your formula. It’s known for its extensive shade range and long-lasting formula, this foundation provides a flawless finish that’s perfect for all-day wear. When I spoke on this formula in previous SAACA posts, so many of you said you tried it too, and were thrilled with the product and ease of having it delivered right to your door without you having to guess your shade. I’m wearing shade #60 in all of the photos in this post.
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It Cosmetics Your Most Beautiful You Anti-Aging Face Palette, $39.
Why wouldn’t you want your bronzer, highlighter, and blush all in one easy palette?? I tell you, this trio is a game-changer. It’s been around for years for good reason. The bronzer is perfect with no orange tint and is smooth matte perfection. The blush is basically a dupe to the iconic shade Nars “Orgasm,” (peachy pink). And the highlighter is a shimmery champagne that looks good on the eyes and cheekbones. It contains anti-aging hydrolyzed collagen, silk, peptides, and drop of light technology which make it perfect for aging skin.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, $65.
These magical skin care pads use dual-action exfoliation to gently lift dead skin cells away to reveal smoother, brighter skin in just ONE swipe, seriously. You get 60 pads, so two months worth if you’re consistent (which you should be). With lactic acid, tri-enzyme technology, and probiotic ferment complex - they brighten, smooth, exfoliate, and reduce dark spots all in one little pad. Easy peasy to use and so effective.
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Shadow Base, $26.
If you ever apply eyeshadow, you MUST use this first if you want your eye makeup to stay longer and the shadows to perform better. It’s a super lightweight shadow base in an easy to use wand that creates a seamless canvas on your lids. This is like second nature to apply this in my makeup routine - I will NOT go without using this product, ever. Eyeshadow on bare lids is a no- no in my makeup artist book.
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Tarte Fake Awake Eye Highlight, $24.
You ladies have loved this product! If you want your eyes to appear bigger and more wide open, you should be using this liner. For more subtle brightness, buy the nud,e and if you want the white of your eyes to be super white, buy the white shade. Either way, swiping this into the lower waterline makes you look like you got 3 more hours of sleep than you actually did!
More Olympic Medal-Worthy Beauty Finds
Look ahead to these few products that are on my radar as being some up and comers you’ll want to know about…
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment w/ Peptides and Vitamin C, $65.
I received this as a PR gift recently, and after ONE use, after I massaged it deep into my skin, it immediately felt softer and smoother. It's a retinol product that should work for even sensitive skin to help truly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. We will see after long term use, but the ratings are hopeful.
One Size On Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, $32.
Guarantee your makeup will stay longer than you could imagine with this setting spray. I love the light as air aerosol formula, smell, and how it leaves a blurred soft matte finish. Don’t sleep on this one ladies. I did read that gymnast Suni Lee has relied on this drugstore setting spray during the Olympics, but I have yet to try tho!
The Original Naked Palette Limited Edition Urban Decay, $59.
You read this right. The very first original Naked palette, that paved the way for the rest of them, is BACK. But only in a limited edition form so grab one while you can. It was launched in 2010 and discontinued in 2018 much to the anger of millions of Naked palette lovers - the shades are so wearable and beautiful. I’m so excited about this one I can’t stand it!
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If you did not catch last week's 5 Expert Pro Makeup Tips That Work, be sure to do so! It was a good one full of insider makeup hacks you might not have tried before.
The rest of my outfit details: Kohls blue/white striped tank, $10 // Similar blue tank options Anthropologie here, $48, or Old navy cap sleeves stripe here, $14 // Aerie white terry short, $30, I wear this casual comfy shorts all the time // All white Nike phoenix waffle sneakers (so good) $75
All of these beauty products reflect a growing emphasis on quality ingredients, versatility, and effective results. I believe all of these products have set the bar high and obviously you do too since they have been some of your favorites you’ve purchased. If you have already tried one one of the these, I’d love to hear which one was your fave!
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