Per usual, I’m a bit late to the party with my fave things from 2016 but hey, at least I showed up!
Makeup
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
I used this foundation for most of 2016 and for good reason. The coverage is really great with a pretty small amount and it lasts very nicely. I found that it applies best with a buffing brush rather than a beauty blender and doesn’t require a whole lot of setting. Also, the price is right at under $30.
Maybelline Better Skin Concealer
For a drugstore concealer, this one takes the cake for me. Due to my transparent skin and vitamin-deficient diet, my under eyes require a hefty dose of concealing on the daily. As such, I tend to go through concealers quite frequently. If my wallet allowed, I would go to town with Nars Radiant Creamy or Tarte Shape Tape (which I really MUST get my hands on), but for under 9 bucks a pop, this concealer works juuuust fine.
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
This is the perfect under-eye setting powder. It is SUPER finely milled and (as the name suggests) is very brightening. Do not be alarmed by the white color of this powder when freshly applied, as it blends away like a dream!
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer
This bronzer is seriously BEAUTIFUL. The color is perfect on me and it blends wonderfully. On top of that, it smells cuh-razy good. As in, I want my whole body to smell like it. And it’s from the drugstore so win-win!
Marc Jacobs Shameless Bold Blush in Obsessed
This color is just perfect. It is described on the site as a “warm pink” and I find that to be pretty accurate but sometimes it even leans on the peach side. Great formula. Long-lasting. Good stuff.
Wet’n’Wild Mega Glo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals (on the right)
This limited edish highlight sent me on quite the wild goose chase (read about that here) but was totally worth it in the end! I would describe the color as a slightly pink-champagne. It is completely gorgeous, on par with other $40 highlighters and costs under $4. SUCH a find!
Covergirl Supersizer Mascara
For the second year in a row, this mascara has captured my heart. While it can be a little B to remove completely (try micellar water!), one cannot deny it’s separating and lengthening effects. I love to combine it with the L’Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara which is another front-runner in the drugstore mascara race.
Stila Stay All Day Water Proof Liquid Eyeliner
If you are looking for the easiest, most richly pigmented waterproof liquid liner – LOOK NO FURTHER. This eyeliner has beat out so many others for me. As the name suggests, it does in fact stay all day, is super black and VERY easy to apply.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Moss Lipstick in Rock N Roll Nude
This is the perfect shade of lipstick for me. Similar to my ride-or-die Mac Creme Cup, this color is lovely for every day. I can throw it on without thinking and it compliments any eye look perfectly. I also like the smell of these Rimmel lipsticks!
Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in White Russian
This gloss is perfect on it’s own or over any nude or pink lipstick. It gives that “wet” look without any glitter or shimmer and it has a slight plumping effect which I personally enjoy. I really could purchase SO many colors from this line.
Treat Beauty Jumbo Lip Balm in Confetti Cake
I have raved about this lip balm since I purchased it 6 months ago. It is by FAR my favorite lip balm and I love that it is in the jumbo size. The first ingredient in this stuff is organic coconut oil so I also use this under my eyes for a quick moisture boost whenever I need it!
iBeauty 21 Brush
I found this Artis-style brush at TJ Maxx for $7.99 and wasn’t sure how I would like it. Wellll, I don’t like it. I LOVE IT. It applies most foundations super duper smooth and even. Plus, it is a fun design. What’s not to love?
BODYCARE + MISC
Dermadoctor KP Duty Lotion
This stuff aint cheap but I can confirm it DOES work on the keratosis pilaris on my legs. It is the best treatment lotion I have used and doesn’t leave a chalky feel afterwards like the prescription lotions can.
Castor Oil
So I have reallllly enjoyed owning this bottle of Castor Oil. First off, it is what I run through my eyelashes every night to help with growth, thickness and to keep them conditioned. Secondly, during these cold as tits winter months, I tend to rub this all over my hands, feet, knees and elbows at night time for added hydration. It doesn’t have a weird scent, costs next to nothing and works wonders. I love this stuff.
Sephora Gradual Self-Tanning Face Water
It makes me sad to look at this stuff and then realize the pasty ghost I’ve allowed myself to become RN. Anyway, this stuff reallly works in the best way possible. I, for one enjoy a nice healthy glow and this product delivers flawlessly. I will apply this with a cotton pad for maybe 3 days in a row to build up a nice, subtle glow and then keep using every 1-2 days to maintain.
Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Vacation Time
I have painted my nails this color probably 4-5 times in 2016. Says alot.
Batiste Dry Shampoo
DO NOT overlook the Batiste Dry Shampoo in the Tropical scent. It smells like coconuts and makes you feel like you are a Roxy model.
Rose Jam EVERYTHING
But mostly, the Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner which I have talked about over and over again. It is the best product probably ever invented by anyone. Ever.
Filed under: Makeup, Monthly Favorites