The lore of the phoenix is a familiar one across all cultures and histories–a mystical bird that dies and obtains new life through rising from its ashes. I’ll keep the powerful phoenix in mind as I strive for my best self this new year, putting to rest everything negative and rising ahead stronger and more amazing than ever. Kosas Cosmetics aptly released the Phoenix Rising Collection as the holidays and new year were approaching. This limited edition creme blush duo and lipstick collection is sure to kickstart fulfilling those new year goals by helping you nail looks that motivate your most fearless, confident self.
During my holiday trip back home, I stopped by the Kosas holiday pop-up shop in Soho with my friend, Tricia. We were excited to see everything Kosas in real life. The shop was quite large for a NYC pop-up: featuring a long table with individual mirrors for testing out products, beautiful shelves of lipstick, blush, and foundation to view and try, a sitting area, and a corner with hair products from Briogeo.
The vibe felt very chic, relaxed, and super California-inspired, complete with cool Kosas-colored skateboard wall-art. The shop had drool-worthy kits and products exclusive to the pop-up. I was most excited about seeing which shade of Tinted Face Oil matched my skin, and feeling the texture in person (it’s amazing by the way!). I ended up getting the limited edition Phoenix Rising Collection, which is not available as a kit anymore, only available as individual products online. I only regret not getting the beautiful, limited edition Violet Fury lipstick at the pop-up (the shop girl told me they had the brand’s last batch), but alas, I already have too many lipstick products to use right now.
The Phoenix Rising Collection included a limited edition creme blush duo, lipstick, and makeup bag, and it was a great deal to save a bit of money on all the products I wanted and couldn’t pass on (I paid $58 + tax). While you can no longer purchase the special set I bought, you can purchase these products separately for a limited time only at Kosas online.
Phoenix Lipstick: Out of all the clean lip products I’ve tried, the luxe lipsticks from Kosas are ones that I’ll always recommend. The formula is deeply hydrating and gentle, the variety of colors are simplistic yet fitting for all skin tones and extremely pigmented and leave behind a lasting stain on the lips. If you’re looking for a high-end dupe for a mainstream luxury lipstick, Kosas would be your dream, clean alternative. The lipstick in Phoenix is an absolutely beautiful, classic warm-toned red shade. Like all Kosas lipsticks, Phoenix is ultra hydrating and delivers beautiful color payoff, with a “velvet matte finish”. I love how moist and slick this lipstick looks applied. This color is perfect for any skintone and for anyone who wants to rock an red lip but is looking for a more unique, subtle red. I also love the updated packaging: the lipstick has powerful magnets that ensures secure closure of the lipstick, and adds more of a substantial feel in your palm. $28, only at Kosas.
Color & Light Palette: Creme highlighter and blush in Helios: I’ve had my eye on the Kosas blush and highlighter duos, specifically the cream formulas (also available in a powder formula). When I tried these duos in person, I knew I had to get one: a perfect formula that is super pigmented, nourishing, and long-lasting. With so many beautiful colors, it was hard to choose but the duo in the Helios compact seemed like a great introduction. Helios features a warm, terracotta blush shade that instantly brightens my skintone, and a beautiful yet subtle rose gold highlighter product. The blush reveals a subdued peachy-orange shade on my skin, and the highlighter provides a gentle, sunny glow that isn’t annoyingly sparkly. The blush and highlighter are so easy to apply and blend into the skin, plus it doesn’t feel drying or harsh on my skin. The effect is natural, dewy, and radiant. I don’t think the “burnt orange” blush in the Helios duo is for everyone, yet Kosas has so many other pretty shades of duos to choose from. $35, only at Kosas.
Wearing the Creme Color & Light Palette in Helios, over Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream (Shade 6).
Kosas Limited Edition Crimson Makeup Bag: I’m a sucker for pretty makeup bags, isn’t that every beauty blogger’s vice (aside from makeup)? Just me? This chic, patent vinyl, moon-shaped bag is small enough to pop into my purse, but also fits quite a lot of things. It’s the perfect stylish makeup bag, that is also cute enough to double as a clutch. I also love the “K” zipper pull, I like to pretend that it’s personalized to my name and not “Kosas”. 😉 The clear, Lucid Makeup Bag is also super cute and I wish I didn’t already have a pile of makeup bags at home… $18, only at Kosas.
