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This past year I’ve discovered SO many great products and brands that I just need to share. After doing a massive declutter of my beauty stash (and otherwise), I’ve really been trying to do my research so I’m only bringing in the GOOD stuff, and to use what I have first before being a beauty hoarder again.
I’ve also been working on getting a handle on my skin issues, so with that I’ve definitely found some winners. Also, I was cruelty free for nearly all of 2018, and in diving deep into that, I discovered some seriously amazing products and brands.
Let’s jump right in!
Makeup
Truthfully, I really tried to pair down my makeup collection this year, so I can’t say I have that many stand outs, but there certainly are a few.
This was in my list from last year, and still maintaining a solid spot in my book. I’ve tried other brow products, but always always always come back to this one. Looks the most natural, stays on all day, has latest me forever, easy to apply, and is even easy to apply while in the car (which I do way too often…) I mean, what else could you want?
I use the shade medium brown, and pretty much only the darker of the two. That is my one complaint, that it comes with 2 shades because I only use the darker one. When I run out of this one, I think I may try another brow powder, simply to try something new, but this one is seriously amazing.
bareMinerals Aurora Lights Palette
This was a very recent find, and was in a PR box I received from bareMinerals (still can’t believe that I got PR from them, but moving on). I have had my eyes on this palette since it was released, but hadn’t yet pulled the trigger so I was PUMPED for them to send it to me.
Absolutely stunning. I’m one of the few people out there who prefers cooler eyeshadow shades, and those can be harder to come by since warmer shades seem to be all the rage. This is such a beautiful collection of cool and neutral shades, so many gorgeous shimmers, a few mattes, each with great pigmentation and blend so easily.
I picked up a different palette by another brand during the Sephora sale and have a big of regret because I have only been reaching for the bareMinerals one! I really hope it’s apart of their permanent collection!
If it’s sold out at Ulta, try here or here.
So this has been the concealer I’ve used pretty much the entire year. I like it a lot, but I don’t love it. I feel like it deserves a mention here though because it’s been amazing at covering up my breakouts, and that is enough to make this list. You only need the tiniest bit and it lasts all day.
It does an okay job with my undereyes, but definitely can look a bit dry sometimes. I’ll be on the hunt for a more hydrating concealer and will report back! I also don’t totally love the scent, and the packaging sometimes gets a little goopy on me. Only being harsh because this concealer tends to be HYPED up so much, and although it is really good, it’s not the most perfect concealer in the world, you know? Still, it definitely was my fave of this year.
Thrive Causemetics – Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Another more recent find, that I quickly fell in love with. They also sent me these because I reached out to do a review post on their products. I love that they’re a cruelty free brand, vegan, paraben + sulfate free, and for every product sold, they donate to a women in need. Just an overall awesome company!
I had heard that their mascara was amazing, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. It’s all I’ve used for the last few months, and am totally hooked. I really love building it up on my lashes, and combing it out with this lash comb, to avoid any clumps. Gives such great length and volume! Also, it’s SO easy to remove. You just put a little bit of warm water and it comes right off in little tubes. No more rubbing my eyes!
Another great product by them I’ve been loving is their Headliner Lipstick in the shade Emii, which is a plum mauve, and so stunning!
I’m sure as I try more of their products, they’ll be added to my faves list!
Skin & Body Care
Pixi Beauty – Hydrating Milky Mist
If you’ve been following me a while, you know I have a full on obsession with this stuff. I go through these bottles so quickly, I’ve been trying to limit how many sprays I can use lol. But it’s so good! I love keeping it in the fridge during the summer, so it’s extra refreshing.
Gives my skin a boost of hydration, whenever I need it, without adding any greasiness or tackiness. I typically use this as my second skincare step, right after cleansing. I also like using it as my setting spray, spraying on before I apply making, and spraying some onto my beauty blender before blending out foundation or concealer. SO GOOD.
First Aid Beauty – Ultra Repair Cream
Another product that I’ve been obsessed with for years. My absolute favorite body and hand lotion ever. So hydrating, soothing, and long lasting. It’s thick, but absorbs so quickly. Makes such a difference in my skin, especially in the winter when I really dry out. Couldn’t live without this stuff!
Honorable Mentions
These are some skincare products I’ve been really into in the last month and a half or so. However, I think you need to use skincare for a while before you can truly judge, or see real results, so that’s why they’re only on the honorable mention list. But, they’re really good, so I did want to give them a shout out.
Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser
Since switching over my skincare, I think this has been the product making the biggest difference. First of all, cleans my skin without being too over-drying. As someone with sensitive skin, I find that some cleansers formulated for sensitive skin literally do nothing, so I need one gentle, but effective, and this one definitely is that.
My forehead is slowly but surely clearing up, and one side of my chin is as well, and I really think this product is the reason. Definitely need to give it a while longer before I know for sure, but so far I am impressed.
Drunk Elephant – Protini Polypeptide Cream & Marula Oil
I picked up a bunch of Drunk Elephant products because I always hear absolutely rave reviews. These two are the stand outs for me so far. The Protini is hydrating and leave my skin feeling silky. It also absorbs quickly, but still feels like it’s there at the same time, if that makes sense. Other moisturizers absorb quickly and then feel like I need to reapply, but not with this one.
The Marula Oil is amazing as well. Another Sephora sale purchase, and after using it for a few days, I purchased another while the sale was going on because I was so impressed. Never had an oil leave my skin so hydrated and not at all greasy. I really like using the Protini and Marula together. In the morning, I use one pump Protini, and one drop of Marula, and it just helps the moisturizer last all day long.
I’m still playing around with how much to use for my skin, sometimes I think I use too much, but overall, I’m super impressed. I think I may try to find cheaper alternatives once I run out, simply because they’re just so dang expensive, and I’ll absolutely report back! I already have a few contenders.
Miscellaneous
Trader Joe’s
Okay, so that may be a weird thing to put on my list, but OH WELL. Over the summer Scott and I moved, and we now live a lot closer to a TJ’s and it’s the best!! I love pretty much everything I’ve tried there, and always am finding new gems. Shoutouts in particular to: cauliflower gnocchi, habanero lime tortillas, reduced guilt guacamole, chili lime chicken burgers, everything but the bagel seasoning, and like a million others, but I’m trying not to list every single product I love. OB-SESSED.
Through Instagram I found this account of this hilarious, and so sweet women who makes stunning jewelry! I purchased some rings, earrings, and a necklace from her, and love ALL of it! She is probably most well known for her hand stamped necklaces, check out her website to see what I mean. Her IG is also a great account to follow if you like pretty things, and also if you like to laugh. Seriously, check out her laughs highlight if you’re ever in need of a smile.
FYI – she is a very popular shop and it’s just her, so she opens and closes her shop so she can stay on top of orders. When she does open, you need to be quick in placing yours, because she has limits in place. Well worth it, IMO!
Another small shop that I found on Instagram that I quickly fell in love with. So many beautiful hand lettered goods! From mugs, to candles, to cute shirts, and more, this is a gorgeous shop. I have some candles by her that I adore and burn sparingly so I don’t use them too quickly.
I think that wraps up my main faves from the year! What were some of your stand out products from last year? Did we have any in common? I’d love to know in the comments below!
