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You have some nice picks there Christine! For me, it’s skincare. I discovered Kensington Pharmacy about 6 months ago. Their line completely changed my skin game. I’ll probably do a blog post about the line soon since a lot of people have asked me about my skincare even though I really don’t do full reviews typically. Other HG products for this year: LA Splash and Darling Girl (the new formula) matte lippies – they are the only liquid lipsticks I can wear that are non-drying. Darling Girl Glitta Grip – I love this bc, unlike the Nyx glitter primer, it has no color so you can pat it on without changing your base shade. (And yes, I am an affiliate for both of the brands but affiliates have to buy their own products – although we can use our own discount codes when we buy – and, even if I wasn’t, I would continue to buy those products bc they are absolutely stellar.)
Yes, I tried No7 Stay Perfect Foundation and it is indeed perfect for my dry skin. Following a tip from a No7 rep in the store, I apply it with a slightly damp sponge, and it’s the best foundation I’ve ever used. I’ve stopped buying and buying foundations in my Holy Grail search — money saved! 😀
Oh, I wonder if I should try the BR PIGM 400; I have the P50V and I’ve tried it several times, but I just hate everything about it from the smell to the way it turns my skin a bright, dark fuchsia, so I haven’t been able to stick with it long enough to see the magic. HG is a hard thing for me to proclaim in any category. But Skinceuticals Physical Fusion SPF comes to mind; it’s not perfect, but the more sunscreens I try, the more I keep wanting to turn to this one. Sephora Honey Lip Balm and Scrub is fantastic, and I repurchased several during the VIB sale. CeraVe Renewing SA body lotion. I keep reaching for the Sephora eye contour pencil in Flirting Game. But when thinking back on new discoveries of the past year, I feel so guilty about how much I’ve purchased, used once or twice, and then forgotten. So many pretties waiting to be worn. I vow to do better in 2018.
2017 (for me) was all about turning 50, skin and skin-prepping for make-up. I re-discovered Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and fell in love with Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Line and all ABH Lipglosses. I finally feel like I have a group of products that work for my skin. Unfortunately, that still includes products to address breakouts.
I’ve loved Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery for years and also so many Clarins products. Have you tried their facial oils? My favourite of the 3 is the Blue Orchid Oil but all 3 are nice at different times of year. They’re what got me started using oils and it’s why I wasn’t at all afraid to delve into the Midnight Recovery Oil.
My HGs this year all come from the drug store: Potassium, Zinc and Magnesium supplements. To avoid TMI and keep a long story short, I began using them 6 months ago. Never in all my life have I seen so much difference in the appearance of my skin. It’s brighter, smoother and healthier. I’ve got very dry skin and I think I’ve just turned the corner back to merely dry skin.
I started out with a new skincare regimen a few years ago. It helped, but not enough. Then, I supplemented my skincare with 100% DS glycerin. I needed the hydration badly. Then I started learning about electrolytes, and I knew from previous blood tests that I should zero in on them. I started taking the above mineral supplements, and wow, wow, wow, what a difference. I wish I had learned about them several years ago. Oh well, better late than never. Honestly, these mineral supplements are my HGs of the year. I didn’t expect them to benefit my skin, but criminy sakes alive, they have!!!
Be careful. If it were me, I would take these for a week or two before going off for another couple weeks. These can block off absorption of other needed nutrients.
The one that comes to mind most instantly is Dior Rosy Glow Awakening Blush but I’ve also fallen for Dior’s new Forever foundation (and might head out later today to pick up a full sized bottle). Also, Urban Decay Gash lipstick, Smashbox Red Rage and Legendary lipsticks, Lise Watier pressed mineral powder and Rouge Intense Supreme lipstick in the shade “Mary”. I also discovered the Estee Edit Activator Treat+Prep+Glow but, sadly, it is discontinued. And I also REEEEEALLLY like MAC’s now-permanent (thankfully) Extra Dimension blushes and highlighters.
YES! Marc Jacobs Tantastic, Tarte blushes, Natasha and Viseart shadows come to mind. I cannot wait to see what I discover in 2018!
Oh Tarte blushes are amazing! I only discovered them this year and I’ve been loving them.
Yes! Tarte shape tape concealer and Tatcha The water cream. I can’t live without them!
This year I focused more on skincare.
My 2017, HG’s are:
Belif Aqua Bomb Gel Moisturizer
Fresh Nectar Vitamin Mask
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner
MAC Strobe Cream in Peachlite (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it on my shoulders and legs!)
Ugh, that Belif moisturizer is honestly the best moisturizer I’ve ever used! I always get excited when I see someone else who uses it!
Right!!!!! Honestly, hands down the best moisturizer I’ve tried in years.
This a great question. I fell in love with a couple combos this year. 🙂 I enjoy natural looking makeup for everyday and these are my holy grail.
Face combo:
I bought a Tarte Shape Tape in Light Neutral which is a color one darker then my regular concealer color Light. I mix a little in my hand with CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and apply all over my face right after I wash my face and used toner.
It makes a perfect hydrating and natural tinted moisturizer! Cuts down my redness but doesn’t look or feel like I have a mask on which I hate.
Blush combo:
This gives me a perfect natural and healthy looking flush.
Marc Jacobs Flesh & Fantasy blush – used as bronzer / blush all over
NARS Bumpy Ride blush – applied last as a pop of color on the apples of my cheeks
Lip combo:
Lipstick Queen Frog Prince lipstick – this is like a balm and stain for me
NARS Risky Business lip gloss – to top and reapply throughout day, love that is is natural but sparkly and not sticky. Plus it feels glamorous carrying it in my purse.
Cant wait to see what everyone else found this year!
I focused on skin care this year and loved DE and Good Genes plus the ordinary azelaic acid and rose hip oil. Also love Bite lip balm. And I used the Chrissy Becca palette almost every day!
Does anyone know where I can fine the UD rebel lipstick? MAC Sequin used to be my favorite but they discontinued it. And I can’t find Rebel anywhere!
Rebel is Sephora exclusive – still shows available for me 🙂
Thanks Christine! They must be out of it in the Canadian warehouse since it’s not showing up on the Canadian site! Boo!
Oooh, nooo!! 🙁
Ester Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation – I think it was this year.
Biologique Recherche toners/serums and masks
Mostly skincare stuff, but a few actual MU products, too!
Skincare: The Ordinary wins BIG in this category! Buffet, Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane, Marula Oil, Rosehip Oil. Also, Sunday Riley UFO and Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment Mask.
Makeup: Pat McGrath Luxetrance Lipstick in Strangé (where has this been my whole life?!?), UD Tampered Vice Lipstick, Dose Of Color Mírame highlighter, MAC Oh My Passion Pearlmate Powder, Essence Satin Love blush, ColourPop Here Kitty Kitty, Highlighter, Viseart Amethyst, Chroma and Minx Theory palettes, Natasha Denona Lila Palette, ColourPop Yes, Please palette, and with the major return of glossy lips; Fenty Universal Lip Bomb Gloss and Astro-Naughty!
1. Tarte shape tape
2. The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% +HA I have a full regimen of anti-aging. This is just one of that arsenal. I like it because it is super cheap and can see results.
3. The Ordinary coverage foundation 1.0NS – works as a lightener for me to tweak some of my lesser foundation matches and also acts as an additive with a superfine silver shimmer which is very subtle. A much muted version of ColorFx custom enhancer drops, essentially. Cheap!
4. Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation – Ecru 1N2 – I’m finally on the bandwagon. I think I will always have a bottle of this; or at least in its current iteration.
5. Zelens treatment drops – My choices are A and D.. C I go with a different brand. If you have autoimmune issues, eczema, psoriasis, or just angry skin, grab a bottle of D! Expensive 🙁
More than a HG, a near-HG: the combo of Milani 2-1 Conceal and Perfect + Becca UCC as foundation. I finally have a foundation that matches my skintone perfectly! They will be my HG until I find a foundation tone that matches perfectly without the need to mix.
Also, HG lash combo: L’oreal Telescopic Carbon black mascara + Maybelline The Rocket Waterproof. I recently found the Telescopic Carbon Black and it’s AWESOME on its own or with The Rocket.
Lips: UD Vice Lipstick in Abstract. So sad this was only limited edition 🙁 it is my perfect nude.
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting powder in Medium is ALMOST an HG contour… but it’s too expensive!
Disclaimer… This list is much longer than I expected. All those products are ones I will repurchase when I run out.
I discovered a lot of HG in the skincare department from the Antipodes range (aura mask, vanilla pod, rejoice cream).
After years going back and fourth… I finally caved for a Clarisonic brush (the smart one) and I don’t think I would want to do without it anymore.
Makeup wise I really like the Alima pure powder foundation. The shade range is wonderful and the product is invisible once applied. I will repurchase in 2018 as I just finished a jar!
I also discovered the efficiency of Scandinavia primer and setting spray. There will be no going back!
Thanks to ladies on discord, I tried the nyx glitter glue. It does wonder with lose pigments and some weaker shimmers. I use it 3-4 times a week!
Tom ford Nude dip palette. I just live for this formula. The shine is so intense, yet fine. It follows me everywhere I go. Considering I use it 3 times a week and each time I go out, I start considering the Honeymoon quad. I might go to a counter to get a make over and wear it before buying it (no return policy where I live).
Bareminerales invisible bronze in fair. Perfect for my fair skin with pink undertone. I don’t have to be light handed with it and worry I apply too much by accident.
Catrice waterproof lip liners. 1€, perfect texture, longevity, etc. If only they had more than the 6 basic shades…
Chanel le signe du lion highlighter in or blanc. I couldn’t pass on a dupe of camelia de plumes, my most used highlighter. It could be the one left if I had to chose. (even thought I am glad I don’t have to)
Wayne goss eye brushes (5,4 and 3). Once again a huge thanks to the ladies on discord who helped cave. Nicely priced for the quality. I would like some others.
I bought a lot of makeup at the end of 2016 which turned into HG in 2017. Viseart shadows (almost all of them, I can’t chose a favourite child sorry lol),
Shiseido rouge rouge lipsticks in sweet desire and rum punch. I have other colours but those two are very special to me. If hushed tones didn’t require the use of a lip liner, it would be a certain repurchase.
Estée Lauder x VB highlighter modern mercury… I just love this type of formula. More a summer shade but I love its wet look.
Yes! Belif:
+Hungarian Water Essence – I use it several times a day, both over makeup and on bare skin.
It does a phenom job at keeping my under-eyes and my under-eye makeup moist, soft and smooth.
+Problem Solution Toner which, from first application, began minimizing the tiny pimples I get on my cheeks right under my cheek bones without any irritation or drying. And my pores love this stuff, too.
I never would have considered dropping $ on the Essence. It sounds frivolous and I never would have imagined it would add so crazy much moisture, but I got a sample in the mail. Once I had squeezed all I could from the foil pack, I cut it open to use up every last drop and ordered a bottle without hesitation.
Rosehip oil. Gamechanger. Game. Changer.
Scinic honey AIO.
Aritaum Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Mask, which of COURSE has apparently been discontinued according to the website. Time to stock up, because it’s a thick, sticky occlusive that’s the perfect lip balm for daytime harsh winter weather as well as an overnight mask.
Etude House Dear Darling Tint in Red Bean. MLBB and pretty much the only makeup I wear. I get the feeling I should stock up on that as well.
And an old HG that I rediscovered: Sudocrem.
Lancôme Monsieur Big mascara
Nars Natural Radiant Longwear foundation— new shade Patagonia is perfect for me!
Viseart Grande Pro palette
Inglot Freedom System eyeshadows & blushes
I love your picks Christine! I added some to my wishlist, lol ?
I’m not sure I have discovered any holy grails this year, but some products I really enjoyed were, surprisingly, Too Faced’s Hangover Primer (tried a sample and loved it!), the Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight, I think I like it more than my Hourglass ones! ? I think this may be my only true “holy grail”!
For brushes, the Anastasia brow brush in #12 (game changer for when I really want to doll up my brows) and the Wayne Goss Air brush for its softness and ability to buff my face products so nicely.
For skincare, I loooooved The Ordinary’s The Buffet serum, I’ve already repurchased it. I also have been really enjoying the Lano Lips balm in Strawberry to moisturize my lips at night.
I adore the Air Brush I purchased it on it’s original release and I am thinking about getting another because I love it that much-it’s THE best multi tasking powder…I have his original Eye set and his new Face set(the white bristles) they are exquisite and make application a pleasure..the #13 comes in the Face set, the white bristles are different, also cashmere soft..the 13 is an amazing multi tasker for foundations..-I am known as the go to Wayne Goss girl in the makeup group on fb I belong to LOL-I adore his brushes and Wayne in general! I highly recommend the new Holiday Brush as well-the newest-it has these VERY soft, wispy yet long bristles, they are angled, and it’s the perfect brush for highlighters/bronzers, it picks up the perfect amount of pigment and blends it effortlessly-so you can achieve a beautiful soft glow even if you are using a very pigmented product..I have yet to try The Buffet but I really love the other Ordinary products I’ve tried-I definitely recommend the Matrixyl 10-my friend on the Beautylish team recommended it to me, it’s a great anti-aging peptide yet super light. I also love the Caffeine solution 5% + EGCG(for the undereye) it’s amazing! I can’t use a regular eye cream because I get small texture bumps called milia if I use anything too rich-it also helps with those..:) I adore the Celestial Powder in Candlelight and the sculpting powder-I have sculpting in 2 shades because my best friend bought me the Kevyn Aucoin Legacy Palette last year and it has all of his essential eye shades plus Candlelight/sculpting in Medium-I can use Medium now that I have the Holiday Brush! I have very few highlighters because Candlelight is so wonderful…since you like Kevyn Aucoin-the Etherealist Concealer(it’s called supernatural) is really wonderful..The Expert Lipstick in Roserin is my FAVORITE cream lipstick…The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution shades(Pillowtalk, and Lip Cheat liner in Pillowtalk is so great) love CT! ..since you are a Beautylish shopper, check out Natasha Denona’s shadows-the Holiday 5 palettes are exquisite, so are the LILA and sunset-By Terry’s Preciosity Collection Flash Light Compact(oh my gosh-would be great with the Airbrush) is beautiful..I’m not a liquid lip person but the Velvet Rouge Liquid Lipstick from By Terry is an investment bu worth it..(I got that with the Beautylish X Jade set this past year) Natasha Denona Face Glow is great..oh, almost forgot-Kevyn Aucoin sensual skin primer!
Mac Extra Dimension blush in Hushed Tone and Estee Lauder Pure Color Hi Luster in Tiger Eye.
I tried out the Farmacy Honey Potion over the past two months and I have really fell in love with it. I also started using the Boscia Konjac sponges this year which I love. I NOW cannot live without my Derek Lam Silent St. perfume! I also added Aveeno daily cleansing self foaming pads to my skin care routine and I LOVE IT! those pads are amazing and has GREAT exfoliation “bumps” on one side.
This isn’t makeup related but I found a Simply Balanced brand tea in the flavor Peach Honey…let me tell you…it’s phenomenal! I’ve gotten the other admins hooked on it at work!
I was supposedly on a no-buy this year, which I failed at pretty badly. But still, I didn’t buy THAT much stuff, so I don’t have a lot of new favorites. From what I did purchase, my new HGs are Fenty Gal on the Moon, MAC Quarry (I love this boring color so much), and CosRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Mask.
Yes, a few —
Cle de Peau concealer for general coverage
NARS soft matte concealer for spot concealing
Rimmel Stay Matte powder
Biologique Recherché PGM 400
I have heard great things about the Cle de Peau concealer-love the cream blush-besides my Natasha Denona Face Glow Foundation(my favorite shadows this year too-!) I do have my Kevyn Aucoin sensual skin enhancer (and sensual skin primer which is amazing) which allows me to spot conceal and mix to a desired amount ..The Etherealist supernatural concealer is lovely for the undereye..I just ordered Biologique Recherche P50, I’m so excited to try it, as well as the Cle de Peau tonique, spf, and the Biologique Recherche Lait U. I love French beauty/pharmacy as I used to live in Paris..What does the PGM 400 do, if you don’t mind sharing?
Korres Wild Rose serum
FAB Coconut skin smoothie priming moisturizer
Erno Lazslo cleansing bars (thanks Deborah S!)
Colourpop Two Birds eyeshadow
Lanolips 101 Fruities balm (pear & strawberry)
The Ordinary Vitamin C suspension
*Lancome Teint Idole 24H Long-Lasting Foundation: HG full coverage foundation: Lightweight, covers cystic acne, stands up to oily skin, and has a color match.
*UD x Basquiat Vice Lipstick: A pale nude lipstick that actually looks good on me. I wish UD would make it permanent.
*UD Naked Smoky: A cool-toned palette that doesn’t go muddy on me. It has gray shades that enhance my eye color. Too bad it looks like they’re already getting rid of it.
I know what you mean about the fairly rapid demise of Naked Smoky. As I said a week or so back, I almost take that as a personal affront because I really like it and yet they ditched it awfully quickly.
It’s weird. Being it was still a neutral palette, I thought it would stay in the line-up much longer. I guess they’ve moved on to Naked Heat. Until the next fad colors come along.
I saw a large stack of the UD Naked Smoky palettes at Nordstrom Rack today, if you want to stock up and if there are is a Rack near you.
Thank you!
Hi beautiful!!! I wish UD would have made that permanent! Yes, UD smoky is fantastic, and I remember they put it on sale and then it disappeared. I think they may still have it at Macy’s/Nordstrom, but I think it should be in the essential neutral/naked collection-it has beautiful cool toned shades, and you can go from day to night-and it works for so many skintones. I don’t have it but I bought it as a gift for my cousin in Lebanon(brought it with me, that was in 2016) and she has tan skin and it is beautiful on her….I bought one for my aunt as well(the one in all the photos with me) -you can’t ship anything there. They do now have a sephora in Beirut, and now my cousin lives in Dubai so she can go do the Dubai mall-hope you can find it at Nordstrom rack love-yes, I don’t like when brands discontinue best-loved products! Glad you found your go to foundation <3 <3 xoxo
Hello, my darling Souhaila! I think Naked Smoky would have been a wonderful addition to the permanent line-up.
There have been quite a few holy grail discoveries for me this year:
Foundation: Clarins Everlasting foundation in linen 9sadly, very sadly D/C) and now, thanks to Deborah, Chosungah 22 in Porcelain
Eyeshadows: Clarins 03 Natural Brown and Huda Smokey Obessions palette, just to continue my neutrals craze.
Lipsticks – have been the winner this year: Clarins Joli Rouge lipsticks in all my favourite bronze and red shades, Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide lipsticks – again in rustic red and bronze.
Hi Genevieve! Glad you’ve been able to find a lot of new cult faves-I agree, I don’t like when products are discontinued…I did find out that the site I love and always shop, Beautylish(which you may already know) has easy and very affordable shipping to the AU/NZ! They have world class, personal customer service and they have a wonderful selection-products in different price ranges etc. They don’t offer Clarins, but other great lines. You might like the new Jouer foundation(it comes in a great range of shades, it’s full coverage…also you may like the Ordinary skincare products-they are really great and unbelievably fairly priced! Btw I have heard the Clarins toners are very nice…
Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Cushion Foundation
Viseart Grande Pro Palette
Amlactin Miosturizer
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Rebel
Laneige Lip Sleep Mask
The Timeless range —-matrixyl 3000, matrixyl synthe6, and CoQ-10 serums—and The Ordinary niacinamide + zinc. I added these to my regular routine of alternating prescription Retin-A and REN wake wonderful serum plus moisturizer and the serums made a noticeable difference.
For makeup, the Viseart Theory II palette and Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation.
Thanks for sharing! I have never heard of Timeless but I will check it out. I currently have a similar regime, but this is helpful. I’m going to see my dermatologist soon for my regular non cosmetic checkup, and in the past he used to prescribe Differin Gel for me, it’s a Retinoid as well-it’s a very light gel cream formula, no irritation. I’ve used it on and off for a long while-I don’t have frequent breakouts, but I do have milia(the small tiny white bumps -which are worsened from using products that are too rich) I use it in the areas I need. But recently I have been using the Retinoid 2% from the Ordinary(working well) I also use Matrixyl from the Ordinary(wonderful!) the Hyaluronic Acid +B5 , and the Niacinamide + Zinc…I have combo to oily skin and pores/texture issues mostly. I adore the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, but I now love the Omorovica line(I have purchased smaller sizes) specifically the Foaming Cleanser and of course Queen of Hungary Mist.(I also did just order the Biologique Recherche P50 which is a French iconic favorite-the brand is..that product is a toner with unique exfoliating properties that also preserves ph and the lipid barrier…I will definitely have to try the REN Wake Wonderful, as I’m looking for a little bit of extra moisture. Love the Viseart Theory palettes, I haven’t tried Ko Gen Do Mainfanshi but it’s on my list! If you happen to have suggestions about alternating your skincare products ie your regime…Thanks!
You might ask your dermatologist about substituting Retin A or tazorac for the Differin and The Ordinary retinoids. These are prescription and therefore much more powerful but they will cost more, depending on where you live. In the US the price can be over $200 but at a Canadian pharmacy, it will be much cheaper. However a tube could easily last more than a year.
I use the prescription Retin A but every other night now that I am older. I finally outgrew my oily acne prone skin but it took decades before it happened. When I was young, I used it every night and I used a strong glycolic in the morning. Now I use the REN every other night. REN is made for sensitive skin but since you are about to start the P50, you may not want the REN. If you like The Ordinary matrixyl, the Timeless ones would be duplicative. You might look into the Timeless CE Ferulic serum since you don’t seem to be using an antioxidant. I assume you use a sunscreen daily of at least 30 SPF since that is absolutely the most important anti-aging thing you can do (not to mention preventing skin cancer.). As you might have guessed, I am a real skin care junkie..
Trish McAvoy High Volume Mascara
MAC Whisper of Gilt
Cera Ve face wash for normal to oily
ABH Brow Wiz in Soft Brown
Patricia Wexler skin care products. They’ve been around for a while but I’d never tried them. Now they are my HG for skin care. Nothing else I’ve tried seems to work as well for me.
Benefit Dallas, Rockateur, GALifornia blushes and Roller Lash (repurchase but haven’t used in a few years)
Bite Beauty Prism lip glosses and Multisticks
Colourpop Cabana Boy and My Jam glosses, Super Shock Shadows in 3, Flipper, and Deep Dive; Rose Quartz and Adventurine Crystal Lip Balms, Bound and Boys Town lippies; Brow Gel; Light 20 and Medium 30 Concealers
Stila Huge Lash Mascara
NYX 3 Steps to Contour and Eye and Lip Slim Pencils
Thebalm Meet Matt(e) Hughs Liquid Lipsticks
Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks and Liquid Lipsticks
Fave Palettes for color:
Urban Decay Moon Dust and Colourpop’s Element of Surprise
Becca Lip Gloss and Ombre Rogue palette
There’s lots of stuff that I’ve been adoring that I discovered the last 6 months that I’m pretty sure are my holy grails! I don’t want to jump the gun and say that before I’ve been using them a whole year, but they’re definitely on their way! In terms of skincare and hair styling products, there have been a TON of HG products I’ve found this year but I don’t think anyone’s really interested in that here.
The Wet n Wild MegaSlim Skinny mascara is the only thing I’ve been using on my lower lashes unless I’m using my burgundy mascara.
I only got it about four days ago (!!!!!!!) but I’ve fallen completely, devastatingly in love with the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light foundation! The shade is great for me, the finish is a stunning satin with a nice medium coverage and it wears like concrete but feels feather-light on the skin. Plus, it doesn’t oxidize on me at all.
The Physicians Formula butter bronzer is the only bronzer I use but the shade selection is so appalling.
That’s about it! I’ll probably think of something in the middle of the night and comment on my own comment, but that’s all I can think of!
I wish i found some HG skincare products… my face has been FREAKING out this year 🙁
-Bite beauty Agave lip mask. SO AMAZING.
-Sephora cream lip stains. They’re a matte liquid lipstick… not really a stain. the name is very misleading but the product is crazy comfortable and lasts a really long time! I was pleasantly surprised!
-UD pro brushes
For skincare, CosRX Snail Mucin Essence turned things around for me when I started getting dry in early winter! Also The Ordinary’s 30% AHA + 2% BHA rinse-off peel is my weekly go-to now.
As for makeup, Wet n Wild’s new Photo Focus foundation is a new favourite, an amazing formula for an unbeatable price. And I keep going back to Viseart’s Minx palette ?? so many great finds this year, although there were misses too.
I discovered a $2 dupe for Nars’ Yachiyo brush on Aliexpress. It’s my favorite for blush and I saved $70-ish CAD. Also finally got my paws on Becca Rose Quartz highlighter. I own dozens of highlighters but where has that one been all my life!
Yes. Even though everyone laughs at Manna Kadar, they make a shadow base that works for me, keeping my grease in the crease at bay. Also, I started using MAC Fix+, and Colourpop ultra matte lippie in Midi makes the perfect base for my lip colors. Without a base, my chemistry tends to turn most colors a coral based pink. The Ultra Matte formula, while drying on its own, plays well with others, making my creamier formula lip color that I put on top last longer. Another product I think I’ve used every day since January is the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Primer, the thick white one. This has made such a difference in the look of my natural lashes. I have tried others, but keep coming back to this one within days because it’s just so much better.
So I try to answer these without reading the other replies so I’m not influenced. But then reading the other replies, I remember other products that I discovered this year that I now use daily. Tarte Shape Tape (thanks, YouTube), Lottie London Tan Time Bronzer (the darker one, no glitter!), and Wet n Wild Contour Duo (the darkest one, with the yellow powder in it).
Yes I did! I’m 20 but only at 18 I started having acne, and I only have it on the chin area, but this year the acne got worst and I have oily skin also. Every product that I’ve tried did nothing to reduce the oiliness or the acne, but in November I went on a little 4 day vacation to Lisbon and I bought some products from the Tea Tree line from the brand The Body Shop. I’ve been using those products since I came back in conjunction with the others that I already have and my skin is much better now! I have a doctors appointment in January to see if I receive proper medication to cure the acne, but my skin is less oily, my face is smooth, some acne scars are healing, and it’s all because of those products!
I suppose these would be the Chanel Les Beiges Powders. I use Nr. 20 for all over the face and Nr. 40 as a bronzer. I have not found any other powder looking so naturally and at the same time creating a nice soft focus so far. The only complaint about the bronzer: it doesnt last longer than 5 hours. This is the price for it being so weightless. Best, Pia
Definitely! I’ve been trying to find the perfect medium to full coverage foundation for years, and I finally found one that works for me! It’s the Fenty Beauty foundation. It’s light-weight and hydrating while still providing great coverage. This is also the first medium-to-full coverage foundation that has a perfect color for me (I use #150)!
I also discovered my holy grail brow pencil–Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Brow Pencil. The color range is wide, and its blade-like shape makes the application fast while still gives a defined, natural look.
Biologigue Recherche P50-an amazing iconic product from an iconic French skincare line-it’s a toner with wonderful exfoliating properties that are (I’m a big fan of French pharmacy/French beauty products as I’ve lived in Paris) There is also a version for very sensitive skin-for the rest of the products it’s good to go to a salon and have them curated. Natasha Denona shadow palettes-the most incredible formula and pigmentation(#starpalette #LILA #sunset -and Aeris/Joya(Holiday) Natasha Denona Face Glow Foundation-Kevyn Aucoin #sensualskinprimer Kevyn Aucoin #NeoTrio Palette Kevyn Aucoin The Etheralist supernatural concealer By Terry Preciosity Collection -Preciosity Dual Flash Dual Compact, Baume de Rose Collection, Compact Expert Dual Powder, Velvet Rouge Liquid Lipstick(my new cult fave liquid) Wayne Goss The Face set(new style) Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush, Omorovicza Foaming Cleanser, Queen of Hungary spray, Mila Moursi skincare, The Ordinary skincare
MAC Just a Pinch Extra Dimension Blush. I use it as an everyday highlight. It goes with everything and it never disappoints.