Hey everyone! I’ve been scouring the makeup aisles in all the stores here lately to see what new products have recently hit the shelves. Over the next few months, I’ll be featuring several 2016 drugstore makeup reviews, and today I’m starting out with Hard Candy Cosmetics.
In case you aren’t familiar with the brand, Hard Candy Cosmetics sells face, eyes, lip, and nail products exclusively in-store and online at Wal-mart. Hard Candy Cosmetics are very affordable and range in price from $3-$10, and they are also cruelty-free and do not test on animals.
Specifically, one of my favorite things about the brand is their unique, girly packaging. You will often find cute “diamond”, heart, and lace details on many of their products, which is very visually appealing for a girly-girl.
For today, I’m reviewing 4 new Hard Candy products including lip gloss, lipstick, concealer, and setting powder.
Let’s get started!
Plumping Gel Sticks Lipstick in Idolized #869- Wal-mart ($5)
Up first is Hard Candy’s Plumping Gel Sticks Lipstick in the shade Idolized.
First, let me start off by saying that I’m a huge fan of Hard Candy’s lipsticks and their versatility. Hard Candy has literally almost every shade under the sun and I especially like the fact that they feature both vibrant, highly pigmented shades, while also offering neutral, everyday shades.
I’m happy to report that these lipsticks do not disappoint and they are amazing! The formula contains mango butter, which gives the lipstick a “cushiony” feel, and leaves the lips feeling super soft and smooth.
One of the things I liked most about this particular lipstick product is the fact that it is glossy, and applying lipgloss is not necessary. This lipstick is available in 9 shades, although availability may vary in each store.
Plumping Serum Volumizing Lip Gloss in Gallery Girl #852- Wal-mart ($6)
Next up is Hard Candy’s new Plumping Serum Volumizing Lip Gloss. This product contains hyaluronic acid (an ingredient commonly used in lip fillers) and serves to plump the lip’s skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines, while fruit extracts provide hydration and volume to the lips, leaving a glossy finish.
Maybe it has to do with the particular shade I chose, but to me, this product showed up almost clear on the lips and had tiny sparkles throughout. If you’re not a fan of sparkles in lip glosses, you may not want this product.
I will also add that the hyaluronic acid in this product lit my lips on fire. It started out as just a slight burning sensation (similar to mentholated products), but after a few minutes actually started burning. I toughed it out and kept wearing the product just to see if the burning sensation waned (it did thankfully), but I did want to make you aware of this in case you have sensitive lips.
Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of this product as I don’t like glittery lip glosses, and I didn’t notice any “plumping” difference in my lips.
Fast & Fabulous Translucent Finishing Powder- Wal-mart ($6)
Next up is Hard Candy’s Translucent Finishing Powder. This product aims to control oil and reduce shine on the skin and claims to provide a matte-look finish. Additionally, it states that it can help minimize the look of pores, lines, and imperfections on the skin.
I’m always on the lookout for a good setting powder for my under-eye area, and I was surprisingly impressed with this product. The product itself is of course translucent and is pretty silky feeling to the touch. I applied a quick swipe on my under eye area and noticed that it did help keep my concealer in place.
While I can’t say that it helps minimize the look of pores and fine lines, it does provide a matte-looking finish over your makeup. If you’re in need of a good finishing powder, this is definitely a good option.
Sheer Envy Eye Brightening Concealer in Radiance #938- Wal-mart ($6)
Last but certainly not least is Hard Candy’s Sheer Envy Eye Brightening Concealer. This product claims to contain 10 beauty benefits in 1 including the ability to reduce puffiness, diffuse shadows, soften wrinkles, even skintone, eliminate dark circles, blur lines, brighten, conceal, correct, and lift.
I was really intrigued to try out this product as I already own and love Hard Candy’s full coverage concealer “Glamoflouge”. If you haven’t ever tried Glamoflouge, it is an awesome dupe for mac pro-longwear concealer.
Once again, Hard Candy did an awesome job with this concealer! This product offers buildable medium coverage, brightens the under eye area, and has a twistable brush applicator which makes applying just the right amount of concealer very easy.
This product comes in 3 shades including radiance, light, and medium. I am wearing radiance the lightest shade of the 3.
This picture was taken on a day that I only got 6 hours or so of sleep, so my under eyes were definitely in full force tired mode. I think it did a great job of brightening up the under eye area and it had very nice coverage. All-in-all this is a really good concealer product!
Hope you all enjoyed today’s product reviews and I highly recommend giving Hard Candy Cosmetics a try. Are there any other Hard Candy products that you’ve tried and have liked/disliked?
Also, on a housekeeping side note I recently installed a new commenting system that will alert you when I have replied to your comment. I do my absolute best to reply to all my comments, and I wasn’t aware until a few weeks ago that none of my replies were being sent out to any of you. (Sorry about that!) If any of you notice any issues, please do let me know.
Have a Great Wednesday & Thanks for Stopping By! -Cara
Linking up with Wonderful Wednesday, Wednesday Blog Hop, Ladies Collective Linkup, Thursday Favorite Things, and Think Tank Thursday
Mrs. Kelley Forrester says
Do you know if any of their products contain glycerin? I’m extremely allergic and can’t use them if they do contain glycerin.
Kandi says
So glad I found this little blog! I work at Walmart and get to stock cosmetics pretty often, and ever since I was teenager I’ve always thought Hard Candy was supah cool! (plus my name is Kandi, so… yeah xD ) Anyways, I had only tried a couple of products because i got sucked into the more high-end products, buuuut money is of the essence now! And some drugstore products actually do a really great job, especially for the price. It’s been kina hard to find good reviews for HC, so thank you very much!
(PS I have tried the lip plumping lip gloss in “girl next door” and “cakewalk”, and love them!!!)
Kindly Unspoken says
Hey Kandi! So glad you found my blog too! I actually really like Hard Candy lip products and their packaging is always so pretty and girly! Have a great weekend!
Tamara says
Always love finding new lip glosses and lip sticks, I’m going to have to check these ones out.
Kindly Unspoken says
Hope you like them! 🙂
Dana says
I’m looking for a new concealer for under my eyes…do you think the Hard Candy one would do the trick? 🙂
Kindly Unspoken says
Yes, I think both the one I reviewed here would be great or for a more full-coverage concealer for dark circles Hard Candy’s glamoflauge is excellent!
Chelsea says
The gloss and lipstick look super pretty, but I wish they actually did some plumping!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you! I wish it did too, but the lipstick was still a win in my book just because it was so silky.
Marie says
I love Hard Candy cosmetics! I am DEFINITELY going to have to try that concealer. Building a business while raising 3 little ones and keeping a home leads to pretty much no sleep. Thanks for sharing your reviews!
Kindly Unspoken says
I completely feel you-haha Glad you enjoyed the review! 🙂
jessica says
I’ve been trying to gear my makeup towards more organic based but these do look mighty tempting!
xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks!
Kim says
I am such a huge fan of Hard Candy and they are one of the first brands of makeup I ever owned hahaha. I love their Tiki Bronzer, it’s the most beautiful highlight! I am super interested in those lipsticks (surprise, surprise) but I am also wanting to try that translucent powder! Great review Cara, I hope you are having a wonderful week! XO -Kim
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you! I agree their bronzer is awesome and they have the most beautiful baked blushes too! Have a great day!
Darcy says
I have never tried any products from Hard Candy before! I may need to look for it!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Kindly Unspoken says
Their lipsticks and concealer products are great!
Bree Hogan says
I haven’t heard of this brand before but the pink colours for the lips look great!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you!
ellesees.net says
HC is such a fun brand to try with cute packaging!
Kindly Unspoken says
I agree! 🙂
Neely says
That lip gloss looks super fun!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you!
Kate @ Green Fashionista says
That plumping lip serum is gorgeous on you! It’s been too long since I’ve picked up some Hard Candy goodies, I think I need to get back on the wagon <3
Green Fashionista
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you! They’re so pretty and girly it’s hard to resist 🙂
Ana says
This shade looks nice. Will check this out. Thanks for sharing the review with us.
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you! 🙂
Denay DeGuzman says
Next time I’m at Target or Wal-Mart I’ll take a look at the Hard Candy concealer you’re wearing. Thanks for sharing valuable info on these beauty products I had not heard of before! 🙂
Kindly Unspoken says
You’re so welcome! Glad you enjoyed the review and hope you like the products 🙂
kathy @ more coffee, less talky says
i’ve never used hard candy cosmetics but i do like the pretty pink/pastel colours!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks! They have a lot of vibrant shades if you like those types of colors as well 🙂
Karin Rambo says
I’ve never tried Hard Candy, but I’ve heard good things about it!
Autumn says
I definitely have to try this line out. The plumping gel sounds interesting so I might start with that. Plus it’s so affordable!
Kindly Unspoken says
They are a very affordable brand and their products have such cute packaging!
Jessica Fancy says
I totally didn’t know they were cruelty free. WTG Hard Candy! 🙂
Kindly Unspoken says
Yep, I love when I find that out about cosmetic companies! 🙂
Candy says
Going to look for Hard Candy in stores. Love lip color.
Stephanie says
Never heard of hard candy products. Sounds interesting though. I am not a fan of stinging lipglosses though. great review!
Kindly Unspoken says
Haha, can’t blame you there- me either. Thank-you!
Mistle says
I have never tried any Hard Candy products. I will have to try out that concealer because I love MAC’s prolong wear concealer. The fact that the plumping stuff made your lips burn….that’s pretty bad. I’ve worn plumping serums that have given my lips a tingly feeling but nothing bad.
Kindly Unspoken says
It’s a great concealer! And yeah I know, I mean plumped lips are great but not if your lips have to burn in the process to look that way-haha With the exception of this product, it’s a great brand though I highly recommend their concealers!
Jenn says
cant wait to try that under eye concealer! Looks awesome!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks! I was definitely impressed with it!
Jacquelyn @ The Lowcountry Mama says
I’ll have to try that concealer.. I always look tired haha. And I should admit that I didn’t even know finishing powder was a thing.. I should deifnitely try it out!
Kindly Unspoken says
Me too- the struggle is real when you have babies/kids-haha & I just started using in it the last couple years. My under eye area is always really bad for creasing with concealer and the setting powder helps keep everything in place.
Andrea Nine says
I am so excited you reviewed hard candy! I’ve been seeing these of been thinking about getting some! I absolutely love the pink lipstick, you look absolutely gorgeous in this make up!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks Andrea! It’s a great brand and I definitely recommend their lipsticks! 🙂
Wendy Tomlinson says
I haven’t heard of this brand before. Do you know if it’s available in UK?
Becky @ Disney in your Day says
I like the color of that lipstick! I recently got my first hard candy product (an eyeshadow) and I’m enjoying it!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks! I’m glad you’re enjoying their products!
Whitney says
I’ve not tried any of these, but love the Hard Candy blush blender set that has 4 different blush shades in a box that you can mix together. It wears so well and lasts all day. It’s hard to find so I usually stock up when I do spot it.
Kindly Unspoken says
Oh that sounds really cool, and I’ve never noticed it in my store. Will definitely be on the look-out for it, though- Thanks!
lauren says
I am going to try both of the concealers you just mentioned, since I am always looking for under eye help! 😉
Kindly Unspoken says
Both of them are great products! I think this one is great for everyday wear, and the glamoflauge is for when you want more coverage for a full-face makeup look. & me too, girl!
Greta says
I need to try this brand! I’m always looking for new and affordable lipstick!
Kindly Unspoken says
Their lipstick is great, and they have so many shades to choose from!
Leslie says
I bought Hard Candy cosmetics years ago, but they were only sold in specialty stores like Sephora at that time. I had no idea they developed a drugstore line! I definitely need to try that lipstick and concealer! Thanks for sharing!
Kindly Unspoken says
Oh wow, that’s crazy. I think I’m going to get some more of those lipsticks, they are great!
Meghan says
I haven’t heard of this brand before, but I totally want to try it! The concealer seems like it would be great and I am always on the lookout for a good translucent powder!
Kindly Unspoken says
You should definitely check it out! If nothing else the pretty, girly packaging will lure you in 😉
Ashley says
I have only tried one product from Hard Candy and that was their glamoflauge. I used it on a vacation with my grandparents to cover up my tattoos and it worked pretty well!
Kindly Unspoken says
Love their glamoflauge! I’m most impressed with their lipsticks, they have some really pretty shades!