A little while ago, I had the absolute pleasure of attending an event hosted by the Polish beauty brand, Paese Cosmetics. I’d noticed a lot of buzz about them online—especially on Instagram—but I’d never actually tried their products myself. So when the invite landed in my inbox to not only attend the event but also meet the Paese team all the way from Poland, I was beyond excited!
The event itself was just fabulous. It was held at the elegant Polo Lounge at Val de Vie Estate in Paarl—a picture-perfect setting with sparkling drinks flowing and a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. I got to play around with a stunning variety of their products and left with a very generous goodie bag (which I couldn’t wait to dive into).
What really stood out to me is Paese’s unique approach to makeup: it’s where skincare meets colour cosmetics. Their formulas are designed to nourish your skin while enhancing your natural beauty—think makeup with a purpose. Most of the products are vegan and infused with high-quality ingredients like plant extracts, nourishing oils, and active components that benefit your skin with regular use.
I’ve been testing out a few of their hero products and, honestly, I’m smitten—from the chic packaging to the beautiful textures and impressive performance.
In this image, I’ve used the Paese Get The Glow Look Illuminating Face Cream under my foundation, the Self Glow Highlighter on my cheekbones and the tip of my nose and the NUDElightful Lipstick in Rose Nougat on my lips.
Self Glow Highlighter – R345 SHOP
This little gem of a highlighter gives the most luminous glow without looking overdone. It blends effortlessly into the skin and features two complimentary champagne tones that can be applied wet or dry depending on the effect you’re going for—soft and natural or bold and radiant.
One of the standout features? It contains blackcurrant seed oil, encapsulated in nanostructures for added skincare benefits. It’s perfect for both face and body.
Pro tip: For that dewy, glossy-skin effect, try applying it with a damp sponge before foundation. Magic.
How to apply:
Sweep it in a ‘C’ shape from the top of your cheekbones to your temples.
For full-on glow, highlight the bridge of your nose, inner corners of the eyes, collarbones—anywhere you want that radiant pop.
Get The Glow Look Illuminating Face Cream – R400 SHOP
If your skin needs a little everyday boost, this one’s for you. Lightweight, breathable, and deeply hydrating, this multitasking cream works beautifully on its own or as a glow-enhancing base under makeup. It has light-reflecting pigments that instantly brighten and smooth the complexion—perfect for tired or lackluster skin.
What I really love is the thoughtfulness behind the formula. It’s non-sticky, doesn’t clog pores, and calms redness and irritation. Great for sensitive or problematic skin.
Key ingredients include:
Niacinamide: Evens out skin tone and supports skin regeneration.
Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates and plumps.
Peach Kernel & Prickly Pear Oils: Nourish and soothe.
Squalane: Locks in moisture and smooths skin texture.
Anti-aging peptide: Boosts collagen and firms the skin.
NUDElightful Lipstick in Rose Nougat (406) – R280 SHOP
If you’re a fan of creamy, hydrating lipsticks, this one’s a dream. There are ten nude shades in the range, each more gorgeous than the last. Rose Nougat is a soft, wearable hue that gives your lips a healthy, radiant finish. The texture is somewhere between a balm and a lipstick—comfortable, but still packed with pigment.
It’s enriched with collagen-boosting peptides and rosehip oil, which makes lips look plumper, softer, and more defined over time. I also love the subtle tingle and enhanced colour from the Liperfection complex.
I’ve already got a wishlist of more Paese products to try—the Get The Glow Face & Eye Palette, The Kiss Lips Lip Liner, their Illuminating Foundation, and the Ultra-Light Protective Mist with SPF50 are calling my name!
If you’re curious about the brand, definitely check them out. You can browse their website HERE, follow them on Instagram, and keep up on Facebook. Trust me, your makeup bag will thank you!
