The following post contains affiliate links, which sends me a small percentage of any sales at no cost to you.
I’m writing this from the middle of a pretty gnarly Buffalo snowstorm—the kind where the snow comes down sideways and travel advisories feel less like suggestions and more like gentle threats.
I had plans to visit the AKG Art Museum for its MLK celebration today, but instead I’m staying put, equal parts cozy and relieved not to get stranded somewhere with cold toes and bad service.
Being homebound gave me time to reflect on something else that’s been quietly bothering me lately: my makeup.
For the past year or so, I’d started to feel like wearing makeup was making me look…older. Heavier. Less like myself. Techniques I’d used for years suddenly felt wrong, and I couldn’t quite put my finger on why—until I stumbled across Erica Taylor on Instagram.
Erica (a former L’Oréal makeup artist who demonstrated application techniques back in the ’90s) has found a second act helping millennials rethink how we apply makeup as our faces change.
Her videos felt like a breath of fresh air—less “buy everything” and more why hydration matters, why less powder is better, and why bright concealer might be doing you zero favors.
After watching loads of her videos, I treated myself to a mini haul of products she recommended. I’ve been using them consistently for about a month now, and here’s how they’ve held up.
The Products (And My Honest Thoughts)
Milani Make It Last Dewy Finish Setting Spray
Milani is one of my favorite drugstore brands, so I was immediately intrigued by this recommendation. Erica emphasizes hydration as the key to makeup that melts into the skin rather than sitting on top of it—and this spray delivers exactly that.
It keeps makeup in place and prevents that cakey, dusty look that seems to sneak up on us with age. So far, I absolutely love it and will 100% repurchase.
⭐ Verdict: A new staple.
L’Oréal Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray
This one went viral as the drugstore alternative to the One/Size setting spray, and Erica recommends using it when you need serious staying power. She actually suggests using both this and the Milani spray—hydration first, lock-it-in second.
I’ve been reaching for this on days when snow is in the forecast and I know I’ll be walking to my destination. No smudging, no melting, no complaints.
⭐ Verdict: Trustworthy when the weather is not.
NYX Lingerie Lip Liner Stain in Naughty Nude
One of Erica’s most helpful tips is how to line lips to enhance fullness without emphasizing areas that naturally turn downward over time. Instead of lining all the way to the corners, she focuses on the cupid’s bow and just under the center of the bottom lip.
I love the technique, but I have mixed feelings about this product. The stain concept is great, and the shade is perfect—but it does dry out quickly.
⭐ Verdict: Love the idea, lukewarm on the execution.
Milani Keep It Full Glossy Plumping Balm in Ballet
This is often described as a dupe for the Tarte Maracuja lip products, and honestly? I get the hype.
It’s glossy without being sticky, has a beautiful sheer wash of color, and feels comfortable on the lips. I wouldn’t say it’s truly plumping, but I would say it’s very flattering.
⭐ Verdict: Will absolutely repurchase.
L’Oréal Infallible 24H Brow Lamination
I almost skipped this because I already love the Maybelline Super Lock brow gel—but curiosity won.
This one has a great applicator, holds brow hairs in place, and works beautifully with Erica’s brow method: brush brows upward with a clear gel, then fill in only where needed using hair-like strokes.
⭐ Verdict: A solid option if you like laminated-style brows without commitment.
Maybelline Fit Me Natural Finish Concealer
Erica didn’t recommend this exact concealer, but one of her biggest tips hit home for me: using concealer that’s too light actually draws attention to texture and puffiness.
This has long been my favorite concealer—but I realized I’d been using a shade that was way too light. I repurchased it in my true match and immediately saw a difference. I’m using what’s left of the lighter shade as an eyeshadow base so nothing goes to waste.
⭐ Verdict: Still a favorite—just used correctly now.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Treatment Concealer (Shade 160)
I don’t have dark circles, but undereye bags have always been my problem. Erica suggests color correcting as one option, so I picked up the pink shade suited for my skin tone.
I’m still learning the best way to apply it, but I appreciate that the color is subtle enough to experiment with. It feels approachable—not intimidating.
⭐ Verdict: A helpful learning tool (with potential).
RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
This triple-hyaluronic-acid serum is meant to prep the under-eye area before makeup. It feels nice, but I haven’t noticed a dramatic difference.
For the price, I think the real key is finding an under-eye cream or balm that works with makeup rather than under it.
⭐ Verdict: Probably won’t repurchase.
L’Oréal Infallible Blur-Fection Loose Setting Powder (Brightening Light Pink)
I’ve always liked pink powders for subtle brightness, but I didn’t realize color-correcting powders were even a thing.
Erica recommends using very little powder and applying it only where needed—around the nose or into marionette lines. So far, this has been a standout.
⭐ Verdict: Surprisingly excellent.
RoC Multi Correxion Vitamin C Eye Balm Stick
This might be the biggest surprise of the bunch.
Since I don’t struggle with dark circles, I wouldn’t normally reach for a product like this—but using an under-eye balm before makeup has made a huge difference. It adds hydration, smooths the area, and prevents concealer from settling into fine lines.
When it’s time to repurchase, I might try a balm that targets fine lines more than darkness—but I’m officially sold on the concept.
⭐ Verdict: Game-changer.
Final Thoughts
I’m determined to settle into a makeup routine that actually works with my face instead of fighting it. One that enhances my features, respects my age, and still feels fun.
I’ll keep reporting back as I experiment more—but for now, I’m grateful for creators like Erica Taylor who remind us that evolving doesn’t mean giving up. Sometimes it just means learning new techniques… preferably while snowed in, with nowhere to be.
This beauty review is not sponsored — nor are any of the reviews on this blog. I am a beauty and skincare junkie and enjoy sharing the products I love right here! For more reviews and similar posts, please subscribe to the blog by clicking subscribe on the right side of your screen. Cheers!
The Bitter Lemon 