2016: My Best Beauty Buys

I’ve been wanting to put together an updated list of the beauty products I’m currently loving. When I was looking at everything though, I realized I have been using each of these products for a looong time. And they’re all so, so good, I would buy each of them again… and again!

• DERMA E PURIFYING GEL CLEANSER: Wonderful facial cleanser that I use nightly. This cleanser doesn’t dry your skin out and is fragrance-free and sulfate-free, which I look for as much as possible when it comes to skincare products – especially ones that go on my face!
• CLARISONIC: If there was an award for Most-Used/Best Christmas Gift of 2015, this would be it! I use this exfoliator about twice per week – it’s amazing for revealing a brighter complexion, plus it makes my skin feel amazing, almost like I just had a facial! Very spa-like and very much worth the splurge. You will love it!
• AVEDA HAND RELIEF: I always, always put on a hand cream before bed after I wash my hands. I love this cream because it’s so thick without being sticky and it smells sooo yummy!
• L’OREAL ELNETT SATIN HAIRSPRAY: I’ve bought probably about 10 cans of this stuff over the years. Hands down, it’s the best hairspray. Strong enough to hold your style but brushes out so easily too. Stylists rave about this product for a reason.
• VASELINE: Will forever be a staple in my beauty arsenal. I like lip balms that smell good that come with a heftier price tag but you can’t beat a good ol’ fashioned tub of Vaseline! I put this stuff on all day, especially before going to bed.
• THAYERS WITCH HAZEL WITH ROSE PETAL TONER: Game. Changer!!! If there was one product in 2016 that I found I can’t live without, it’s this toner! If I don’t use this after I wash my face and before I moisturize, my skin can tell! It really does help to achieve that “glow” and helps my skin to look refreshed and bright. I love this toner – I can’t say it enough! Not to mention the price tag is amazing!
• AVEDA SHAMPURE DRY SHAMPOO: I used this dry shampoo for basically the entire year. It smells so good (all Aveda products smell the best) and it easily brushes out so it doesn’t leave a residue. My hair had volume and it soaked up the grease to allow me to go a day or two longer in between washes, which is so good for your hair.
• ALTERNA CAVIAR SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER: Miley from Charles Penzone turned me on to this shampoo and conditioner a few months ago. While it does come with a more expensive price tag, the splurge is worth it when you have a long hair! I’m out of the shampoo and still have a bit of the conditioner left but I’m saving up for a couple more bottles of this stuff because I loved it so much. My hair was 100% healthier and shinier looking after using this vs. a drugstore-bought shampoo/conditioner.
• BARE MINERALS PRIME TIME FOUNDATION PRIMER: I won’t put on foundation without this primer. It smoothes and moisturizes, while ensuring my makeup will last all day. Without using this, my foundation goes on uneven and only lasts a few hours. I’m almost out of this and need to order more ASAP, especially during winter, when I need every ounce of coverage I can get.
• COVER GIRL TRU BLEND LIQUID MAKEUP: For a drugstore buy, this foundation has it going on! Great coverage without being too heavy, goes on smoothly. I would buy it again and am almost out. I wear the shade, Sand Beige.
• NAKED 3 EYESHADOW: I’m convinced the Naked palettes are the best in terms of colors and pigment. Plus, they last forever. I’ve had this one for a couple of years and none of my colors are close to running out! I use this palette daily. I love the shade “Limit” for everyday.
• TOO FACED PINK LEOPARD: This is my 2nd palette of this beautiful bronzer/blush combo. I can’t get enough of the color it produces it leaves a very light shimmer as well, producing the prettiest glow!
• BENEFIT ROLLER LASH MASCARA: Wowza – I got a tube of this in my Birchbox and I’ve been hooked every since! It does not clump (which is so difficult to find in a mascara, I’ve found), separates lashes, and you don’t even need to use an eyelash curler! It does all that for you! The perfect mascara for everyday.
• BENEFIT GIMME BROW: I am scraping the bottom of this container right now, trying to get every last drop. I never used to fill in my eyebrows but after using this fiber gel that volumizes your eyebrows with a couple of quick swoops, I don’t think I’ll be leaving this step out of my makeup routine any time soon. I love how easy this is to apply and the change in my eyebrows is instant!

On my beauty wish list for 2017? This silk pillowcase and this pretty lipstick (in either Mehr or Brave)! What are some of your favorite products?