As a cosmetics lover who‘s tried hundreds of makeup brands, I‘ve developed strong opinions about what makes products exceptional. Pigmentation, blendability, wear time – these all distinguish the holy grails from the just-ok‘s languishing at the back of my drawer.
In my decade of beauty experiments, only a rare few lines dazzle me across categories. And without a doubt, Kevin Aucoin ranks among the greats.
Keep reading as I get candid about my Kevin Aucoin favorites, quality comparison, and tips for getting your money‘s worth. Consider this your cheat sheet to finding new ride-or-die makeup!
Why I Fell for Kevin Aucoin
Backstory: I‘ve adored makeup since I was 12, practicing technique while Mom was out and wiping everything away before she saw my ‘clown face.‘ Even then, I longed to master application and try professional products instead of clumpy CoverGirl mascaras.
Flash forward to college: I discovered Kevin Aucoin‘s iconic book, Making Faces, while browsing a used bookstore. Flipping through the glossy pages of legendary supermodel makeup convinced me this was no ordinary artist. Aucoin made drag queens to celebrities radiate joy and poder.
When I learned he later founded a prestige beauty brand carrying on his boundary-breaking vision, I set out to try the range myself. That‘s when my makeup game went from hobbyist to serious enthusiast.
While the investment pieces don‘t come cheap, Kevin Aucoin quality won my loyalty fast. Now after 5 years building my kit with their silky foundations, long-wear liners, and glow-getting highlighters, I consider myself a lifetime fan. Even with a packed vanity drawer, I constantly restock favorites.
If you want to understand my devotion, keep reading for the best from Kevin Aucoin.
Kevin Aucoin Bestsellers That Never Fail
While all Kevin Aucoin products excite, a few holy grails deserve special recognition. Let me break down why these favorites earn permanent spots in my routine:
The Sensual Skin Enhancer = Flawless Filter for Face
The Good: Liquid pigments that customize coverage from sheer to camouflaging, this one product replaces powder foundation + concealer + spot treatment. The texture? Like silky mousse melting beautifully onto skin.
The Review: I mix pea-sized dots with moisturizer when I want light, perfected coverage. For special events, I layer it over corrector to erase dark circles and scars completely. My skin looks airbrushed with zero caking. At $48 a pop, this color corrector proves itself daily.
The Verdict: An instant confidence-booster that lets your best skin shine through. Worth every penny and then some!
The Volume 24-Hour Mascara = Days of Fluttery Lashes
The Good: A next-gen tubing formula that wraps each lash in glossy color, stretching without sagging – even after workouts or cries! The hourglass brush fans my lashes to bold yet separated effect.
The Review: I hate when mascaras fade midday or flake off, spoiling eye looks. Not Kevin Aucoin Volume Mascara! It survived my best friend‘s tropical bachelorette party, experimenting with waterproofness while boating, dancing in humidity – you name it. My feathery fringe made it 18 hours intact.
The Verdict: New holy grail mascara with zero smudges. The $28 splurge beats prestige brands costing twice as much!
Matte Lip Color = Budgeproof Bold Lipstick
The Good: This lipstick serves deeply saturated matte color that doesn‘t migrate or dry out my lips. Thanks to emollient oils, it glides onto lips with a velvety finish that people always compliment.
The Review: When I want a punchy lip, nothing pops like these richly pigmented bullets. The Wine Not shade makes teeth appear whiter while making my face beams brighter somehow. I can eat and drink without worrying about dreaded transfer. As the drama fades through the day, my lips retain perfect, pillowy texture.
The Verdict: Hands-down my boldest matte lipstick for date nights and events. Easily rivals $80 prestige lipsticks at just $38.
How Kevin Aucoin Stands Up to Other High-End Makeup Brands
As someone who‘s sampled luxury brands from Guerlain to La Mer, how does Kevin Aucoin measure up? Let‘s compare metrics:
Price
- Kevin Aucoin: $25 – $185
- Tom Ford: $25 – $190
- Chantecaille: $30 – $210
- Surratt Beauty: $32 – $120
Biggest Hits
- Kevin Aucoin: Sensual Skin Enhancer, Contour Book, Foundation Balm
- Tom Ford: Eye Quads, Lip Colors, Traceless Foundation
- Chantecaille: Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer, Bio Lifting Serum
- Surratt Beauty: Lid Lacquer, Perfectionniste Concealer
Packaging
- Kevin Aucoin: Simple, sleek black and gold
- Tom Ford: Opulent with bold metals and leather
- Chantecaille: Botanical motifs on paper + refillable compacts
- Surratt Beauty: Minimalist in lacquered black and white
Biggest Misses
Out of all four brands, I rarely see complaints about Kevin Aucoin! They focus on perfecting fewer products rather than flooding the market, which shows in consistent quality.
While no lines are totally immune from criticism, response proves shoppers get excellent value from the Aucoin‘s tightly curated range. Feedback on true standouts like their Sensual Skin Enhancer stays glowing over years of repurchasing.
Making Kevin Aucoin Worth Your Money: My Best Tips
I realize prestige makeup isn‘t accessible for everyone. But for those able to splurge on luxe cosmetics, Kevin Aucoin gives sensational quality at lower price points than competitors. Here are my best budget tips:
1. Stick to Holy Grails
Instead of trying Aucoin‘s whole portfolio, buy heralded classics first. Can‘t miss options like Sensual Skin Enhancer, Sculpting Powders, and Precision Eyeliners guarantee cost per use way down through daily wear and repurchasing.
2. Choose Multitaskers
Opt for versatile, mix-and-match staples that replace multiple products. Why buy separate bronzer, blush, and highlight when the Neo Bronzer Duos give all-in-one radiance? Why spend on multiple lipsticks when one eyeshadow cream creates customizable lip + cheek stains? Letting items pull double duty gives more value from fewer buys.
3. Buy Gift Sets
Gifting yourself Aucoin value sets saves substantially over individually buying pieces. Recently I snapped up the Contour Book w/ Volume Mascara duo at 15% off. Even better, the included how-to guide brought my sculpting game way up. Scoring must-have combinations makes investing in Aucoin far more doable.
4. Join the Insider Program
Beyond promotional discounts, Kevin Aucoin Beauty Insiders get free shipping, free samples with purchases, early access to limited edition drops, and a birthday gift. Signing up emails also alert you to flash sales, seasonal palettes, and coveted restocks so you never miss bestsellers.
Through smart shopping, I keep my Kevin Aucoin obsession delightfully affordable. And thanks to their focus on selects versus hundreds, I never stress about expiration with these premium purchases.
Bottom Line: Worth Investment Over Drugstore
Do Kevin Aucoin‘s luxe formulas validate spending more versus budget dupes? For me, absolutely. No $10 foundation or mascara comes close to the Sensual Skin Enhancer and Volume Mascara‘s vivid hues and epic endurance. And unlike some high-end brands charging $100+ for mediocrity, Aucoin over-delivers on pigment and wear.
While flirting with new releases always tempts, I find myself circling back to my Aucoin favorites time and again. After years of repeating tubes, I still lust after that initial application. The velvety texture and flawless finish prove irresistible – and distinguish true luxury makeup.
If you‘re serious about cosmetics and ready to upgrade quality, I wholeheartedly endorse Kevin Aucoin. Start with a bestseller or value set, then build your collection as budget allows. Soon you too will rank them among the best of the best!
