BEST OF BEAUTY | 2016

Here it is folks, my last post of the year!  This is also my most favorite post of the year, because I get to talk about all of the great products I used and loved.

Some of these products are my ol ride or die standby’s, and some are new products that I discovered this year that have become STAPLES.

Let’s talk hair.

The It’s A Ten Miracle Leave in Plus Keratin is a product that I have been using for YEARS and it is the best thing I’ve found to detangle.  It also protects against heat, controls frizz, etc. It does 10  different things for your hair all in one spray.  It smells amazing, and I love it.  I also use it on my two girls every time I wash their hair.

I discovered the Ouai Wave Spray earlier in the year, and I have been using it nonstop.  The smell is amazing-sometimes I just use it for that, but it really does create really nice beachy waves without being sticky.  I spray this in dry hair scrunch a little.  It adds some nice texture and volume.  Love it.

Another product that I discovered this year is the Living Proof Perfect  Hair Day Dry Shampoo.  This dry shampoo smells so good (like everything Living Proof), it adds so much volume, removes oil, and doesn’t seem to leave any sticky residue.  It really does make my hair feel nice and clean.

On to nails.

I feel like throwing out all of my other nail polish after finding this system.  This is the Essie Gel Couture System.  I have a full review for these here, and lemme tell ya, they are really good.  They are so shiny.  SO SHINY.  The polish lasts so long.  Unbelievably long.  It is a must to purchase the color and the topcoat.  They don’t work on their own, unfortunately.  I want them in every color!

Skincare + Face

The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is the only product here that isn’t new to me this year.  This concealer is one of the only ones that doesn’t crease on my undereyes.  It conceals my dark circles without looking cakey.  Concealer of life.

I’ve been using the Philosophy Help Me Retinol Treatment at night, and it has really improved my dark circles and has given a more even tone to my skin.  It is a bit drying, but I use a teeny amount and it really works.

Another thing that really helps my skin is this Too Faced HangoveRx Replenishing Face Primer.  This really hydrates and plumps up my dry skin.  It adds a bit of something to brighten the skin and just makes my makeup go on so smoothly.  It also smells like coconut!  Love.

This year was the year for drugstore foundation!  Out of all of my high end foundations, I found myself reaching for these two gems throughout this year.  The L’Oréal Infallible Pro Glow gives such a beautiful dewy finish, and the Elf Moisturizing Foundation Stick is the perfect no fuss, quick foundation that is so good and hydrating for dry skin.  Review for Pro Glow here , and ELF here.

Let’s talk about those cheeks.

Of course, it wouldn’t be any sort of favorites if I didn’t mention Benefit Hervana.  This blush is just the perfect everyday pink with a tiny bit of sheen to it.  I have to force myself to use other blushes because I just love this one so much!  

For bronzer, I tried out the Too Faced Matte Milk Chocolate Soleil, and I love it.  Not as pigmented as Benefit Hoola, but I think that’s why I like it so much.  It’s light enough for me to build it up, and it never looks streaky or orange.  It also smells like chocolate! 

Now, for highlight.  My ride or die Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl in Gilded Honey had some competition this year with Becca Rose Quartz (similar here)They are totally different colors, but both give a beautiful, pigmented, liquid metallic look and lemme tell ya- HIGHLIGHT ON FLEEK.  The tops of my cheekbones have never looked so good!

Onto the eyes.

I discovered a new mascara this year, the Tarte Maneater Mascara.  This mascara has a huge wand, short rubber bristles, and it gives volume and length like no other!  

I also have been loving the Estee Edit Pencils this year.  These may have replaced my beloved UD 24/7 pencils if you can believe that!  These double ended pencils are so creamy and just glide right on.  They stay on all day, even in the water line!

I still have been loving my Urban Decay Shadows, Especially Solstice and Lounge.  These are so pretty; they are metallic duochrome colors that are amazing on the lid.

Lippies!

Still loving my favorite lipgloss, the Dior Lip Maximizer.  This gloss plumps, it isn’t sticky, and I love the brush applicator.  I discovered the Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks this year, and Lovesick in particular has been my JAM.  This is the perfect pink neutral color for me, and these really last all day without being drying.  Also discovered the Huda Beauty Liquid Lipsticks- Bombshell is my favorite of the bunch.  More warm toned than Lovesick, and still neutral.  These are also non drying, and last forever.  These feel so silky when they go on, and I love the smell!

What were your favorite products this year?

Happy New Year! 🙂

xx amy