Words like “approachable” and “accessible” are often tossed around in the beauty industry, but what do they really mean? Hopefully, they signal products that are easy to use and wear, affordable to shop and readily available at retailers you know and trust. Ideally, they feel elevated, too. This is exactly the white space Versed set out to fill with their new makeup collection — the brand’s first after exclusively focusing on skin care since 2019.
Justine Wu, Versed’s lead of product development, explained that her team wanted to create makeup that felt the opposite of intimidating. Their goal was to design products that were simple to use (like their lip blush and lip serum, which glide on effortlessly) yet still deliver a sense of luxury — products that customers would feel “proud to have on their vanity."
The makeup release coincided with a rebranding of Versed’s skin care line. According to creative lead Lola Gonzalez, the rebrand was a response to Versed’s evolving customer base, which they now identify as "squarely millennial." As a result, they opted to shift the packaging from bright, bold colors — once designed to appeal to Gen Z — to a more subdued palette of eucalyptus green and butter yellow.
Since our editors have been long-time fans of Versed (one of their body care products even won a Shop TODAY 2024 Beauty Award!) we were eager to try the brand's modern take on makeup essentials. To give you a thorough review, we tested the entire collection and are sharing our honest thoughts below. Keep reading for our makeup reviews, as well as a few Versed skin care recommendations for good measure.
New Versed makeupVersed Skin Solution Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
What we like
- Multi-purpose
- SPF 40
- Hydrating
Something to note
- Not ideal for oily skin
- Light coverage
- Some shades out of stock
Size: 1 fl oz | Shades: 14 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and mineral SPF
The hero product in the Versed makeup line is this multi-tasking skin tint, which not only delivers lightweight coverage but boasts a mineral SPF. For a more natural look, you can sheer it out to achieve a "your skin but better" effect, according to the brand. Alternatively, you can build it up in layers for more coverage. It contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, Kakadu plum extract for brightening and tone, and glycerin (a favorite ingredient of mine) to draw moisture to the skin.
Shop TODAY production associate Audrey Ekman shared that "A little truly goes a long way," when it comes to this skin tint. She added: "I didn’t even use a whole pump and it was enough to evenly cover my whole face (I applied one day with a foundation brush and another day with a beauty blender). It’s definitely more of a skin tint than a foundation in my opinion, as the coverage was on the lighter side and didn’t quite conceal some breakouts on my cheeks or my under-eye circles. I will say, my skin is on the oily side and this did separate/look patchy in areas by the end of the day, but I’d recommend this to someone with dry skin in a heartbeat!"
Versed Cashmere Color Smoothing Lip Blush
What we like
- Buildable
- Hydrating
- Easy to apply
Something to note
- Sheer coverage
Size: 0.17 oz | Shades: 5 | Key ingredients: Shea butter and camellia oil
This lip blush may hold the place of a traditional lipstick in Versed's lineup, but it's actually a soft matte balm, per the brand. It delivers sheer yet buildable coverage, meaning you have the option to achieve a more classic lipstick look if that's what you're going for, but one swipe is akin to your standard balm. Formulated with shea butter and camellia oil, it's hydrating, too.
I [Marrison] am in a lip liner phase right now and I like to pair them with a sheer lipstick that evens out the color across my lips without totally covering up the liner; this lip blush fits that bill. Since I'm always on the go, I also appreciate the casualness of this product. In a pinch, I've also used it as a cheek blush! Anything that's multipurpose is a winner in my books.
Versed Soft Gloss Tinted Lip Serum
What we like
- Hydrating
- Not too sticky
- Long lasting
Something to note
- Some note cooling/tingling
Size: 0.06 oz | Shades: 5 | Key ingredients: Vitamin E and shea butter
Differing from the lip blush, Versed's lip serum has a glossy finish that glides onto the lips to deliver pigment, shine and hydration, all without feeling sticky. According to the brand, it's formulated with a nourishing vitamin E complex, as well as shea butter, which condition the lips. The color payoff is buildable, so one swipe will give you a subtle wash of color, though you can layer it up for a more opaque look.
Ekman shared that this is her favorite product from the brand's makeup range: "Out of everything I tried from the new line, this lip serum in the shade 'Gem' is by far my favorite. It's one of the most nourishing lip products I've ever used and actually has some staying power to keep lips moisturized, tinted and shiny for hours between applications. The gloss-balm hybrid consistency delivers the best of both worlds: It has the shine and cushion of a gloss without the stickiness or stringing that can come with goopy liquid formulas. I love the buildable berry tint of it, too!"
Versed Sheer Stay Liquid Eyeshadow
What we like
- Buildable
- Depuffing
- Easy to apply
Something to note
- Sheer coverage
Size: 0.15 fl oz | Shades: 5 | Key ingredient: Caffeine
If eyeshadow application isn't your strong suit, consider this liquid option that will simplify your routine. It blends easily with a brush or your finger — no expertise required. According to the brand, it's formulated with caffeine for its depuffing properties, while the addition of a fruit complex hydrates and smoothes.
Shop TODAY senior SEO editor Jess Bender is a fan: "I love a liquid eye shadow for its buildability and ease of application, but I've come across plenty that have been disappointing for a number of reasons (messy applicator, streaky finish, lack of — or too much — pigmentation, the list can go on and on). I had none of those issues with this liquid eye shadow! In this case, the creaminess, medium pigmentation and overall finish reminds me of pricier, higher-end options currently on the market."
Versed Easy Brow Tinted Brow Gel
What we like
- Defining
- Shaping
- Adds pigmint
Something to note
- A lot of product comes out
Size: 0.35 oz | Shades: 3 | Key ingredients: Biotin and monoi oil
This brow gel might be the most talked about product in the new lineup, with several editors commenting on the impressive definition it delivers. It shapes, tints and adds volume all at once, providing a fluffy look that's easy to achieve.
Shop TODAY associate editor Shannon Garlin "love[s] how pigmented this brow gel is," since it means she only needs to use one product. "Normally I use a pencil to define my brows followed by a brow gel, but with this product, I didn’t need to use a pencil at all. You’ll just want to brush the excess product off on the tube because a lot does come out on the brush and you can over-apply," she shared.
Bender felt similarly after trying it. "I’m honestly shocked at how effective this is at shaping and defining my arches without needing anything else to accompany it. Like, I’m shocked by how pigmented this is! It also provides a generous amount of hold so I don’t have to worry about my brow look budging until I wash my face at the end of the day," she explained.
Versed Skin Solution Serum Concealer
What we like
- Depuffing
- Dewy
- Resembles luxury concealers
Something to note
- Not ideal for oily skin
Size: 0.25 | Shades: 14 | Key ingredients: Caffeine, kojic acid
This skin care-like concealer is dewy and lightweight, but still manages to deliver medium coverage. It contains caffeine for depuffing and kojic acid to brighten dark spots and circles, per the brand.
I can personally attest to its creamy texture, which resembles that of beauty brands I've shopped at a much higher price point. I like blending it with my fingers under the eyes, but it works well with a brush or beauty blender, too. The best part? The shades exactly match the skin tints, making color selection easy.
Versed Shade Swipe Blush Stick
What we like
- Buildable
- Hydrating
- Easy to apply
Something to note
- Sheer coverage
Size: 0.19 oz | Shades: 5 | Key ingredient: Jojoba oil
It's no secret that blush sticks are having a moment. Case in point: After just a month on the market, this is already a best seller for Versed. It provides buildable pigment and due to the addition of jojoba oil, keeps the skin hydrated, according to the brand. For a more sheer look, sweep it onto the skin lightly. And for more color pay off, build it up in layers. It's available in five shades — some cooler, some warmer.
Garlin tried and loved this product: "I have this blush stick in Bloom, and the color is gorgeous. I especially love how buildable the shade is, so you don’t have to worry about over-applying or overdoing it. The formula is so smooth and blends flawlessly into the skin. It also dried nicely, and I barely had to apply powder over it to set it."
Versed Face Diffuser Multi-Tasking Brush
What we like
- Dense
- Soft
- Feels luxe
Something to note
- Best for powders or creams
Best for: Liquid complexion products
This brush is a true multitasker, specifically designed for liquid and cream complexion products like foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer and highlighter, per the brand.
I’ve used plenty of brushes over the years and this is honestly one of my favorites, especially for the price. The bristles are really dense yet soft, which — as someone with very fair skin — is exactly what I’m looking for when I’m blending my complexion products, as streaking is so noticeable on me.
Ekman also tried this brush, using it to apply the SPF skin tint and to blend out the blush stick. "I think it did a great job for both. It’s a smart multi-use brush to have in your makeup arsenal," she shared.
Versed Day Lash Lifting and Defining Mascara
What we like
- Defining
- Available in black and brown
Something to note
- Doesn't add much volume
- Not available in waterproof
Size: 0.35 oz | Shades: 2 | Key ingredients: Vitamin E and arginine
If you favor a mascara that emphasizes definition over volume, this is the one for you. It's a lightweight formula with a slim wand, designed to lengthen the lashes for a relaxed look that won't clump or flake, per the brand. Like all of the Versed makeup products, it's got skin care benefits too, including vitamin E and arginine to help condition and strengthen lashes while you wear it. It's also available in brown.
I like a mascara that enhances volume, so this isn't the one for me. However, for those who like a "barely there" aesthetic, it might be worth trying. I also prefer waterproof mascara and Versed doesn't have a waterproof version. However, this one does wash off pretty easily, which is a pro for a lot of people.
Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops
What we like
- Adds glow
- Easy to use
- A little goes a long way
Something to note
- Thin consistency
Size: 1 fl oz | Shades: 2 | Key ingredients: Peptide polyglutamic acid
One cheat code for achieving a more summery complexion is adding glow drops to your foundation. According to Versed, these ones feel like a serum and act like a dewy highlighter. For a more natural look, you can use them on their own, but they can also be mixed into your makeup to deliver a glow with added pigment.
Shop TODAY senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil has “used a few different glow drops over the years” and likes that you don’t need to use a lot of these ones to make an impact. “I like mixing one to two drops with a matte foundation, or even just with moisturizer on minimal makeup days. A very small amount of product goes a long way, giving my skin a natural-looking glow that shimmers in the light. And I appreciate the travel-friendly bottle.“
More editor-approved Versed productsVersed Brightening Eye Gel
What we like
- Brightening
- Depuffing
- Rollerball applicator
Something to note
- Not hydrating enough for some
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Key ingredients: Caffeine
If depuffing is your main goal when it comes to under-eye products, this brightening eye gel is for you, thanks to the addition of caffeine. Better yet, it also brightens by using vitamin C to reduce the appearance of dark circles, per the brand. For an added benefit, it also has a metal rollerball at the end that doubles as a cooling tool.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
What we like
- Gentle
- Leaves no makeup behind
- Nice fragrance
Something to note
- Not for acne prone skin
Size: 2.3 oz | Key ingredients: Vitamin E and eucalyptus oil
Ready to jump on the double cleansing train? The best way to do it is by starting with a cleansing balm, followed by a traditional liquid cleanser. This balm melts away makeup and impurities without stripping the skin and it's eye-safe, per the brand.
Cocchi Zabloudil is a fan. She shared: "I appreciate the gentleness of cleansing balms in comparison to other makeup-removing products, but I typically find that they leave some residual mascara or eyeliner behind. Not so with this one: In my experience it’s incredibly effective, leaving no trace of makeup behind. And as a bonus, it smells great."
Versed Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion
What we like
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Anti-aging
- More affordable than most
Something to note
- Can be drying for some
Size: 8 fl oz | Key ingredients: Retinol, cocoa butter and vitamin E
Since warmer weather means you'll likely be showing more skin, body care deserves to be a priority. This Versed body lotion contains retinol, a dermatologist-loved anti-aging ingredient, which works to firm, smooth and brighten from your neck to your feet, per the brand. It also contains cocoa butter, squalane and vitamin E, which support hydration and relieve the skin from dryness. Our editors love it so much that it won a Shop TODAY Beauty Award in 2024!
Shop TODAY commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto has tried many lotions and was impressed with this one, sharing: “I love [it] for its gentle exfoliation. My skin feels nourished afterward thanks to the added cocoa butter.”
TODAY editor and reporter Liz Calvario tried this during our beauty awards and credited it with healing dryness on her stomach. “I get dry patches on my belly. Within a week of consistently using this, they cleared up," she said.
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
What we like
- No parabens
- No silicones or sulfates
- Anti-aging
Something to note
- Mixed reviews on results
Size: 1 fl oz | Key ingredient: Retinol
Differing from traditional retinol serums that tend to be harsh on the skin, this gentle serum uses a micro-encapsulated retinol and natural retinol alternatives that work to refine the texture of your skin without causing irritation, per the brand. It's especially good for mature skin, thanks to retinol's anti-aging properties, but it supports dullness, dark spots and clogged pores, too.
How we choseThe Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We use our own personal experiences with Versed products like mascara, brow gel, skin tint and more to curate our recommendations and make shopping easier for our readers. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
