However, I now have a bit of knowledge to show and a deep-seated love for my little horde of beauty products. I have found things I've fallen head over heels for and others that I haven't. Today I want to share with you the little treasures I've loved the most this year.
I've put them into categories accordingly. (Side note: there are some categories where I could not bear to pick just one, so I list a few...whoops!) Beware! This post is a bit chatty...
Makeup
Best Primer: Benefit's The POREfessional
This stuff is magical. Imagine that angelic noise that always plays in movies when something majestic happens. That's what I hear when I think about this. This product smooths over pores, makes skin feel like a baby's butt, and makes foundation stay all day, as well as look amazing. Not gonna lie, it's pretty weird at first because of its sort of plastic/rubbery feel when going on. But I could see this work instantly. The only bummer is the price...$30 for a tube! A bit more than I want to spend on primer but that's just me... I received a sample of this from Ulta. I used most of it before it accidentally met its demise behind my dresser, and I nearly cried. Think it's still there...gross.
Foundation:L'Oréal True Match Foundation in the shade 'N2'.
This was my first real foundation discovery. I did a ton of research and found this came highly recommended from bloggers as an affordable foundation with high-end quality. I found the coverage, color, and blend-ability of this to be flawless. I will keep on repurchasing this over and over.
Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer in 'fair'
I discovered this product through EssieButton's many raves about it on her YouTube channel. I didn't expect much from it as I had not had great result's with drugstore concealers before. However, I wanted something cheap and went for it. Let me just tell you, this stuff kicks my Mac Prolongwear Concealer in the toosh. And I thought I couldn't get better. I have very angry Italian under-eye circles, and this baby covers them like none other. Iv'e already repurchased so many times...
Eyebrow Product: Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Dark Brown'
One day this summer I woke up and suddenly realized that I had been plucking my eyebrows WAY too far apart for years. I decided to start the long process of growing them back to where they are supposed to start. This product was a lifesaver during my stubbly phase...right as I was going away to college for the first time! It helped me fake real eyebrow hairs. I still use it every day to give myself the thick eyebrow look I adore. Side note: as far as spooleys go, this one's as good as they come. A good spooley is key.
Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 'Transparent'
I love this powder because this shade has no color. For me, it works extremely well to set all my makeup and keep it in place all day. You can use just a little to set things in place, or use more to give your face a more matte finish. The price is super affordable. Why buy a high-end powder when this one does the trick?
Bronzer: Nars Bronzing Powder in 'Laguna'
I bought this on a whim because Nars was having an online freebie special when you spend so much money (AKA a boatload of money). The price is steep but SO worth it. I find myself reaching for this over my Benefit Hoola Bronzer almost daily. It helped me become a contouring pro. I know shimmer is not usually wanted for contouring, but this shimmer in this is barely there and actually very gorgeous on the skin. Everyone should own this.
Highlighter: The Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer
I had heard a lot of hype about this and decided to give it a go. It honestly just has the perfect amount of shimmer to give your cheeks a glow without ever looking greasy. I can't see myself ever finishing this product because you just need the tiniest bit! I also love to use this as an inner-corner eye highlighter.
Blush: Tarte 24 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in 'Exposed'
I discovered Tarte's 24-Hour Amazonian Clay Blushes through this blush, and now I can't get enough. I have a few more shades now, but this will always be my favorite I think. It's such a pretty neutral color that goes with anything. Perfect with a bold lip or a light makeup look. I slapped this on every day before class this year.
Eyeshadow: Mac 'Woodwinked' and 'Satin Taupe'
I've almost filled an entire Mac shadow palette this year (I was a bit obsessed to put it lightly...), but these were the two colors that I kept coming back to consistently. In my opinion, both work best on their own blended all over the lid. The magical golden and copper color-transforming properties of Woodwinked that happen when you blend it out are just stunning. I can't get enough of how perfect it looks with winged liner. Satin Taupe is a unique color unlike any I had tried before. I adore how the color compliments the green in my hazel eyes. It's all-around gorgeous in the pan and on the lid.
Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
I was never much of a matte eyeshadow fan before I discovered this palette, but it has now completely converted me. I use this palette every single day before class and reserve shimmery shades for weekends and special occasions. I can play up any other aspect of my makeup with the look this palette gives me. I use the shade Foxy all over, Faint in the crease and outer corner, and Naked 2 to blend it all out. Perfect. I can't wait to get my hands on the Naked 2 Basics Palette...
Liquid Liner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeiner
I feel naked without my winged liner. I have tried many times to go for a makeup look without it and it just looks so wrong. I always end up doing the winged liner anyway. I guess it's sort of my signature. Anyhow, this product revolutionized my classic winged liner. The matte finish it has is wonderful and it really does stay on all day as the name suggests. (I have actually accidentally slept in it (wouldn't recommend...) and it was still intact in the morning! It is seriously so much nicer than drugstore liners that fade and dry out quickly. The only downside is that the felt tip frays...a lot. Still worth the price!
Gel Liner: Benefit "They're Real" Push-up Liner
When I heard about the release of this eyeliner, I literally counted down the days until it came out and got it that day. I will say that I have a rocky relationship with this one. It's a bit tricky to apply because the tip is so flimsy (which is good for some people) and I always feel like I waste so much product when I crank it up. However, this is my special occasion eyeliner because it takes a long time to apply but the finish it gives is by far my favorite, ever. My boyfriend always compliments my eyeliner when I wear it, and I don't think he knows the difference between my different eyeliners. That makes it a win in my book.
Masacra: Makeup Forever Smokey Extravagant Mascara
This mascara came as a sample size in my birthday gift from Sephora. At first I really hated it and was about to chuck it. Then I saw a YouTuber rave about it and decided to give it another try. I fell in love. I thought I only liked the plasticy mascara wands, but I was wrong. The hairs on this wand are wonderful and the tapered shape is nice for adding more volume to the outer lashes. As noted by others, I found that the more this mascara dries out, the better it gets.
Neutral Lipstick: Mac 'Modesty'
This was my first Mac lipstick and remains my favorite. I usually buy Mac lipsticks (and any makeup really) based on what I hear about it, but I never hear anyone talk about this lipstick, ever. I have no idea why, though, because it is the perfect neutral pink that isn't overpowering but actually has a lot of color. It is suited for everyday wear. I also think it would be perfect for brides. C'mon people, give Mac Modesty some well-deserved love!
Bold Lipstick: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in 'Cruella'
I heard about these beauties that are the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils from the many, MANY times ViviannaDoesMakeup has mentioned them on her YouTube channel and blog. She was not exaggerating. Cruella is the most perfect red in the whole wide world. It is a sort of darker red, but still has that "classic red" look. So many different types people would look lovely in this. The application is honsetly the most genius thing. It's so easy-peasy, trust me. I have a lot of red lipsticks, but I would say if you had to choose only one, CHOOSE THIS ONE! It's a bit drying which annoys me, but hey that means it's going to last for ages!
Lipgloss: Nyx Butter Glosses
Let me just say that I hate lipglosses. They feel sticky and gross, don't last long, and my hair always gets stuck in them. These are the exception to my rule. They look beautiful on the lips and the color payoff is quite good. AND they smell like cupcakes which is a definite plus. They have a really nice selection of nudes in this range. I especially love the color Madeleine!
Lip Treatment: Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
Okay, so it's not really cheating because both of these products do quite different things. The Bite Agave Lip mask is like an industrial strength lip balm that completely heals dry or scabby lips. Leave it on overnight and it will work it's magic. Sometime I will leave it on the whole day as well. It feels so nice and relieving! The Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment come in a range of gorgeous colors. The cool thing about them is that they are a lip treatment at the same as a beautiful lip balm/sheer lipstick. I love the shade Cherry because with it, you can have a red lip look at the same time you heal and hydrate your lips. Plus they smell delish.
Lip Scrub: Lush Mint Julips
Just a run of the mill lip scrub. It does what it says it does. What really makes this a win for me is that you can eat it once you have scrubbed your lips with it. This flavor in particular tastes really good! Think mint chocolate chip ice cream ;) Also, I just am in love with anything from Lush as you will probably soon realize.
Skincare
Origin's Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
Quite a new discovery for me. But I can tell you that this is a miracle product for dry winter skin. Apply this all over the face and leave it on for a while. When you take it off, your face is super soft and smooth. I might try putting this on during the day for a bit instead of overnight because I haven't yet figured out if it clogs my pores too much.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
I've heard great things about this brand, so I had to try it when I was in need of a new facial moisturizer. I love that it can be used on your face as well as anywhere else on your body that needs healing. I have eczema during the winter and this is a miracle product for that. It also helped heal a rash around my nose. Use it sparingly, though, because it's quite heavy.
Lush Eau Roma Water
I use this every day as a toner. It's so refreshing, and if I need a little extra "wake me up" factor, this does the trick. I can just feel it purifying my skin and giving me a fresh palette for my skincare and makeup routine.
Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner
This is probably my favorite skincare product of the year. I had lusted after this product for so long but didn't buy it because it was so expensive. I finally received it as a gift from my mom, and I can say that it is completely worth the money if I were to buy it on my own. First of all, the smell is out of this world. It is something you have to smell in person to truly understand. I usually HATE rose-scented things, but I am head over heels for this fragrance. I use it on my arms in the shower and it eliminates my need for body lotion. I want to make this product last forever.
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
I never knew how good a cleanser could be until I tried this one. Before, I had always had to remove my eye makeup before my cleansing step. However, the Purity cleanser takes off all my makeup and deep cleanses my face all in one step. An added bonus: the smell is extremely soothing.
Ginger&Co. Soft on You Comforting Body Butter
Let me preface this by saying that this product is no longer available in the U.S. It was one of the saddest days of the year when I found out...(but also happy because they were basically free at Ulta as they were getting rid of stock). I have now used up all of my tubs of this and miss it so much. The smell is so light but so delicious. It's the perfect amount of scent that I want in a product I lather all over my legs. The formula of this butter is the best I have ever used. It reminds me of a marshmallow and simply melts into the skin. You can buy these on Amazon and have them shipped from the UK. My mom has already done so and I know I need to as well.
Soap and Glory Clean on Me Creamy Moisture Shower Gel
This is like a body butter and shower gel all in one. It bubbles and cleans at the same time as it moisturizes. The smell is what really sells me on this, though. If you haven't ever smelled the Original Pink fragrance from Soap and Glory, you need to. It is one of the most unique and addictive things in the world. I'm currently trying to milk this shower gel for all it's worth.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
This is an incredibly reasonably priced item you can pick up at the drugstore, Target, or Wal-Mart. I use a generous amount of the cream twice a day on my hands, and it works miracles. I have received so many complements on how soft my hands are from people who just brush by my hands. I have Dermatitis, which makes the skin on my hands incredibly dry. So for a product to completely reverse the effects of that like this one has...well, it's just unbelievable.
Philosophy Sunshine Grace Perfume
I probably shouldn't even mention this because it was a limited time fragrance, but I have to. I was originally drawn to this perfume because of the name. I very much identify with the word sunshine, so I felt drawn to this fragrance. Philosophy's Pure Grace has been my signature scent for years...this seemed perfect because it is from the same range. The best way I can describe this perfume is that it is like Pure Grace but stronger, fresher, and summery-er. I am praying that Philosophy releases it again next summer...
Hair
It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product
This is my favorite hair product of ALL TIME. I actually discovered it when it was used on me at the salon. The smell is amazing and people always, always notice it when they are around me. In addition, this product does so much... It conditions, makes hair touchably soft, heat protects, volumizes...you name it, it probably does it. I go through bottles of this so fast. Buy it now. That is all.
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full-Form Mousse
This stuff is seriously expensive, so I can only afford the travel sizes. But I'm so glad I did have the chance to try it out. I'm in love with the orange peel scent this gives off. When this stuff says it adds tons of volume, it's not lying. It makes my long hair SO big. It also leaves a bit of residue at the roots that helps add volume and texture as well.
Nails
Essie 'Laquered Up' and 'Cocktail Bling'
Everyone knows that Essie is one of the best nail polish brands out there. While it has a steep price, the formula and color range are something you cannot get elsewhere. 'Laquered up' is an orangey-red color that goes with anything and 'Cocktail Bling' is a pastel periwinkle color. These were the two colors I found myself applying to my fingernails and toes over and over again this year.
Tools
Mac 217 Brush
This brush has completely revolutionized my eyeshadow application. I did not know how seamlessly I could blend eyeshadow until I owned this. Personally, I use this brush for both applying eyeshadow and blending it. It's simply one that everyone should own. In fact, you should probably own two!
Real Teachniques Buffing Brush
The prices of the real techniques brushes are to die for. Honestly, though, I would buy these brushes even if they were expensive. I have never gotten such a perfect, blended application of foundation than when using this brush. It is both dense and soft. I cannot see myself wanting or needing another foundation brush ever. For the price and quality, it is beyond perfect.
Tweezerman Tweezers
Believe the hype about these tweezers. After using these, all other tweezers seem dull and unusable. I used to use the slanted ones, but this year I have found that the pointed ones give a much more precise tweeze. Tip: if you can, buy the mini versions. They are a much better price and do the exact same thing.
These are the products that have been most loved by me in 2014. Here's to discovering many more in 2015!
That's all for now folks!
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