Feb 13

Feb 13 Best of Beauty: The best of the best of 2016

You guys, I am so excited for this post, because these tend to be some of my favorite posts and videos of the entire year. With so many products presented to us day after day, it's when people sit down at the years end to share the best of the best, that my ears perk up and I really start to pay attention.

I don't just want to know what's working for the moment, I want to know what's really stood the test of time.

So that's what I'm here to help you guys with today. I'm not just talking about makeup to talk about makeup, or to bombard you with a bunch of stuff that you don't really need. This list truly is what I have loved and used the most over the last year of 2016.
(and many have actually been favorites for far longer!)

BB Cream/Tinted Moisturizer:
Ever Daylight - Okay, this one has kind of been a life changer for me. I'm all about what's easy AND effective, and this stuff is exactly that. It's your anti aging moisturizer, natural SPF (the chemical spf's can actually CAUSE sun damage -- so stay far far away), and a tinted BB Cream all in one. Literally, 5 out of 7 days, this is all I wear on my face and it's absolute perfection.

Some need to knows: this little gem contains hyaluronic acid (what we're losing as we get older), peptides (which boosts skin natural ability to produce collagen & smoothes surface of the skin), and vitamin C (protects from sun damage, helps fade dark spots) -- three non negotiable absolute must have ingredients!

(This is also the skin care line I use & am obsessed with. Like a, goodbye sun damage/wrinkles, miracle! More about all of this in my Best of Hair & Skin Care video)

Foundation:
Maybelline SuperStay Foundation - It's been quite the journey this last year to find a good foundation that meets my high maintenance needs, and this stuff knocked it out of the park. What I loved: medium to full coverage, doesn't look like foundation on your skin but still covers well, lasts all day, doesn't settle into fine lines and wrinkles, and doesn't break up or fall off your face throughout the day. And you guys, it's only like, $6 or $8...which is totally within budget. Love.

Setting Powders:
It Cosmetics Pores No More Setting Powder: I love setting my foundation and under eye concealer with a good translucent powder. Consider this step the "hair spray" portion of your makeup routine. This one from It Cosmetics is perfect because not only are the ingredients clean and safe, but it creates this soft poreless look that just makes you look absolutely flawless.
NYX Banana Powder: Another good drugstore option to use for setting under eye concealer. Works so well at keeping concealer from creasing and helps to cancel out dark circles or redness!

Mineral Foundation/Powder:
Cover Fx Pressed Mineral Foundation: Like I said, 5 out of 7 days I light to keep it light in the makeup department, and all I want or even need is my Ever Daylight. BUT if something comes up and I feel like I need a little more coverage, and I don't want to deal with foundation, THIS is the product I reach for. It's been a constant in my makeup bag for years as it totally works to give me that flawless even look without looking like I'm even wearing powder or foundation. Plus, I LOVE that Cover Fx has safe ingredients and makes sure to leave out the bad stuff. (btw...this is my new goal for 2017...to slowly replace all the makeup I own that has less than ideal ingredients with healthier but still effective options! Stay tuned!)

Concealer:
It Cosmetics Illuminating Undereye Concealer - anti-aging and concealing all at the same time. Like I said, easy & effective. Check.
Maybelline Master Concealer - The perfect drugstore alternative.

Brow Pencil:
Hourglass Brow Pencil
It Cosmetics Universal Brow Pencil
NYX Microbrow Pencil

Blush:
Milani Blush Delizioso Pink: Go easy with this color...a little goes a long way!

Highlighter:
Mac Mineralized Just a Wisp: Gives the perfect angelic glow. No glitter, just glow. Your wrinkles will thank you.
Becca Champagne Pop: This one totally takes your highlight to the next level!

Eyeliner:
Colour Pop Gel Eyeliners: Love these because they totally stay in place in the waterline longer than any other eye pencil I've tried!

Liquid Eyeliner:
Physicians Formula Liquid Liner: Perfect for those of us who love the liquid liner look but maybe aren't the most skilled with it.

Mascara:
Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara: I can't even believe how much length and volume this one little drugstore mascara gives you. Plus, no smudging or flaking throughout the day. Perfection.

Palette:
It Cosmetics Je Ne Sais Quoi Palette: The perfect pink blush, highlight, bronzer, plus the Pores No More Powder, all in one super cute compact palette. So easy to travel with, I love!

Eyeshadow:
Milani Foiled Eye Shadows in florence & milan
Shiseido Shimmering Eye Cream in Leather
Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Chrome Bronze

Lip Liner:
Nars Velvet Lipliners
Colour Pop Lippie Pencil Lumiere

Lipstick:
Forgot to mention but ALSO Colour Pop Lippie in Lumiere
NYX Lingerie Embellishment Liquid Lipstick
NYX Lipstick in Natural
Burts Bees Tinted Chapstick Sweet Violet: This is a must have -- absolutely my #1 lip product. I have two purchased at all times, just in case.
It Cosmetics Je Ne Sais Quoi Lip Treatment: This stuff is magic. Magic. Easily right up there now with my Burts Bees Tinted Chapstick!