Best of Beauty 2016

This past weekend was spent doing work and wedding related things after being away the weekend before for a wedding.  I’m so glad we’re able to get wedding stuff done on the weekends, but that’s like a full-time job in itself so I used yesterday as a day to play catch up and get my life together haha!

Last year I did a Best of Beauty post that had great reaction from y’all so I decided to do it again this year! I know we’re half way through January, but I wanted to make sure I dedicated a lot of time and energy to this post. These are products I use throughout the year and often re-buy because they are that good! So without further adieu, let’s get started on the best beauty buys of 20161

FASH WASH | I began using this face wash last year and it’s remained a favorite throughout 2016. It is a creamy formula that lathers really well. Bonus: it gets ALL makeup off with the first application! I use this in the morning and at night.

MAKE UP REMOVER | If you’re like me and always *almost* forget to wash off your make up then this remover is for you! For years I have used wipes to remove my makeup, only they never fully remove my makeup. The Bye-Bye Makeup Remover is absolutely amazing and removed every trace of makeup on your face. I have extremely sensitive skin and use this on a weekly basis for removing my makeup and have never had a problem! All you do is spread this cream over your face (it’s safe for eyes too) and then use warm water and your makeup literally melts away!

MOISTURIZER | There are two that I use on a regular basis, First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream and It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream. The Ultra Repair Cream is ideal for those who have dry skin. I use this daily in the winter but it’s also great during the summer. The Confidence in a Cream is a wonderful every day moisturizer. Again, it’s great for every skin type, including those who have sensitive skin.

CC CREAM | The It Cosmetics CC Cream is hands down a favorite of mine (and my friends!) It is a lightweight formula that covers unwanted blemishes and spots while being light enough to use when working out! I use this on my “off” days and on weekends to coverage without feeling “done” up!

CONCEALER | This year I tried a few different concealers, but the NARS Concealer was my absolute favorite. It isn’t too thick, but it covers everything from dark circles to freckles!

FOUNDATION | Similar to concealer, I have tried quite a few this year. I don’t want to ever look like my makeup is “caked on” but I want full coverage to cover freckles, sun spots (ugh), and uneven skin. After going to Sephora and trying numerous the NARS Foundation was a favorite! I’ve used it for over 6 months now and I love it for photoshoot days, date night & when I want to feel 100% confident!

SETTING POWDER | I’ll admit this is new to me! When I was at Sephora to test new concealers and foundations, my consultant recommended I try this powder based on a few things I told her. Y’all it’s a game changer! For the days I wear my CC Cream, I sprinkle this over my face for a finished look. On days I wear more makeup I use this to set my foundation and concealer.

BEAUTY BLENDER | This is the holy grail of beauty products for me! I’m no beauty guru at all… I promise, but this applicator makes everything SO smooth and even! I’ve been using the Beauty Blender for years and I’m 100% sold on it!

MAKEUP BRUSHES | Speaking of, these makeup brushes are by far the best I have used in all my years! I wash mine on a monthly basis and they always feel brand new after I wash them with this product and this cleanser.

BLUSH | Becca is one of my favorite brands (that glow tho!) and when they introduced blush I was immediately smitten. They offer a wide range of colors and they’re all really pigmented. My personal favorites are Cameilla & Foxglove.

HIGHLIGHTER | This is my FAVORITE product e-v-e-r. I swear, it’s amazing! Any day you’re not feeling 100% add this to your routine and you’ll instantly feel more confident! This highlighter give the BEST glow of any I have ever tried! A lot of people think I contour (#AintGotNoTimeForThat) but this is my secret trick! I use the “opal” color on top of my blush for the ultimate glowing moment! It accentuates your cheekbones in the best way possible.

EYEBROW | I have naturally light eyebrows (it basically looks like I don’t have any haha) so I “need” eyebrow products to give a little definition. I love the Anastasia brow powder  and brow definer products for giving me the brow look I’m going for daily! They’re not too dramatic and work wonders.

FACE MASK | Earlier this year L’Oreal sent me their new line of face masks to try. I always love to try new face masks and I was so surprised when I tried out theirs. These clay masks offer quick results and worked so well with my sensitive skin. I’ve tried all of them now and I love each of them, but this one is my favorite! I try to use them on a weekly basis to keep my skin feeling fresh, bright, and healthy.

EYESHADOW PALETTE | I’ll preface this and let you know that I don’t use eyeshadow that often, but when I do I love this palette. It is filled with a lot of great neutral colors that are great for any eye color or skin type.

PERFUME | This year I strayed from my favorite perfume and tried something new…and I loved it so much! This scent is s0 clean fresh. I use it as a daily perfume and only use my favorite on date nights and nights out.

MASCARA PRIMER | Mascara primer is one of my favorite makeup products! I have long lashes, but they are blonde at the ends, so they sometimes can get lost if I don’t wear mascara. The primer instantly makes my eyelashes look longer, more thick, and fuller. It’s a total game changer… I promise!

MASCARA | I use numerous mascaras depending on the day and occasion. For an everyday wear mascara I use this drugstore brand mascara. If I’m going out I will layer this mascara on top of it for added volume and fullness. I know, it’s a little pricey but it’s 110% worth it!

EYELINER | I wear eyeliner almost daily because it opens my eyes a bit. I love this fine tip pen for precise lines! It’s long lasting and doesn’t ever smear. I mess with my eyes a lot, so if a product doesn’t smear it’s good in my book.

SUNSCREEN | I know this is something most people only apply during the summer months, but it is SO important to use sunscreen anytime you’re going out in the sun. The sun can affect your skin when you’re driving to work, through your office windows, etc. so using a daily sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin. This is one of my favorite sunscreen and skincare brands. I used it all summer at the beach and never once got burnt. It’s a thick formula that stays on so well. I highly recommend trying all of their products, including their hand cream (awesome for when you’re driving to work and the sun is hitting your steering wheel!)

LIP BALM | I’ll admit I am addicted to chapstick and lip balm. So when I say I love something, I mean it because I use it no fewer than 20 times a day haha! The Fresh lip balms are great because they have SPF coverage but they also have tints… perfect to use for date night or every day use! I discovered the Supergoop lip balm last year and have sworn by it ever since. It’s a thick formula that lasts for so long and keeps lips hydrated.

LIPGLOSS & LIPSTICK | If y’all have been reading here for a while you know I’m not a bright lipstick or lipgloss person. I prefer neutral shades that can be worn any season! The new Gen Nude line has over 50 neutral colors for every skin tone and type. They’re seriously amazing. A few of my favorite lip glosses include: Swag & Friendship.  A few of my favorite lipsticks include Crave, Heaven, Notorious & XOX.

DRY SHAMPOO | I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week (at max) so I use dry shampoo for the rest of the week. I’ve tried over 10 dry shampoos and this one is STILL one of my favorites. It’s affordable, available numerous places, and comes in a ton of scents (and specialty bottles for blondes/brunettes.)