Review, Swatches, Photos: Sonia Kashuk Core Makeup Collection, Spring Summer 2015

The Sonia Kashuk collection at Target is a cause for celebration. For years, Kashuk has partnered with the mega-retailer to offer super-stylish, high-quality yet modestly priced cosmetics and skin care products for beauty-loving gals. I have long been a fan so I was interested to sample these new additions to the core collection.

Review, Swatches: Sonia Kashuk Sahara Sunset Spring, Summer 2015 Makeup Collection

The Ultra Luxe Lip Gloss in Alluring Azalea and Nearly Natural, $8.99, is billed as “Sonia’s signature lip gloss.” The lightweight, gel-like texture glides on leaving lips moisturized and is infused with glycerin, fatty acids, papaya fruit extract, and emollients, which are said to hydrate lips. There are three new shades: Sparkling Sugar, Alluring Azalea and Nearly Natural; I tried the latter two. Most lip glosses are way too sticky for my taste, but these lived up to their promise and were not terribly sticky. The colors were lovely, and easy to use over a matte lipstick to add a bit more shine. I tried them both over my signature red; Alluring Azalea delivered a real wallop of color while Nearly Natural toned down the red into a softer, earth tone. Both looked great! Of course, they can be used alone, for a lighter, more sheer and glossy effect.

The Satin Luxe Lip Color SPF 16, $9.99, is a luscious, anti-aging lip color with a sophisticated texture and nourishing ingredients to plump up lips for added firmness. The paraben and fragrance-free formula contains Brown Seaweed Extract, a marine botanical rich in fatty acids that preserves skins elasticity, Ceramide 2 and Palmitoyl Peptide to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and SPF 16 to protect lips from UV rays. I tried the new shade, Peachy Pink, using a lip liner to keep the color secure. I did not notice any significant difference in the appearance of wrinkles but I always appreciate a product with a SPF. The color is very sheer, more of a wash or tint, and it is quite natural and fresh looking. And though I stick strictly to red, I can see this as a good choice for the beach, and the long summer days that are just around the corner.

Review, Photos: Sonia Kashuk New Bath and Body Collection Spring, Summer 2015, Target Stores

Sonia’s Brush Couture Five-Piece Brush Set, $16.99, is now reinvented in a vibrant, watercolor floral print. The set features the large duo fiber brush, synthetic crease shadow brush, angled crease brush and precision liner brush. I cannot say enough good things about these brushes. They are fantastic—very high quality and useful in so many different ways. I loved the pretty florals too—what a visual treat! And the price simply cannot be beat; you could easily pay this much for a single brush and instead you get a whole set. I plan to buy several as gifts. And if you add the matching cosmetic bag, it really makes a great presentation.

Applying concealer needs a special tool all its own and this Synthetic Concealer Brush No. 32, $ 10.79 is surely it. I used the brush, specially designed for precision application, with both liquid and crème formulas under my eyes. It did a great job of blending for a natural, flawless look.

Other new additions to the core collection are the nail color in seven new shades, including French Macaroon, In the Flesh, Show Me Love, Just Picked, Violetta, and Peek-a-Blue, $4.79, as well as Full Allure Eyelashes, $4.99.

For more info, go to www.soniakashuk.com