Goodbye 2014 and Hello 2015!
Another year gone and another year to welcome! 2014 went by ridiculously fast, but so much happened - many accomplishments that I can be proud of! I made life changing decisions, took the first big step to following my dreams, traveled, had wonderful times with new & old friends and discovered so many great beauty products!
Everyone has their favorite memories and events from the last 365 days that they like to commemorate and share around the new year. For us beauty lovers, of course we have our favorite products! Today I'm going to share with you my favorite, most adored beauty products from 2014...
Primers:
* Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Eyes)
- As I'm sure many people agree! It helps adhere shadows, make them show up better and last all day long. I've been using this product for years and it's never let me down... Except that one time the end of the tube busted open, yeah it was a sad day.
* Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (Face)
- I don't tend to use face primers that often but since forcing myself into skincare more I've gradually been starting to. A little product goes a lot way and it leaves your skin looking radiant and smooth by covering dry patches/imperfections.
Concealer:
* MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW15
- Another product I've used for years! Liquid concealers just don't compare to the coverage and lasting power of this one... Trust me, I've tried.
Foundation:
* MAC Face and Body Foundation in N1
- While this foundation does occasionally seem to break my skin out, it is exactly what I've always looked for in a foundation! The more you buff the product into your skin, the coverage gradually builds while still remaining natural, smooth and lightweight. The finish leaves skin looking ultra refreshed; that happy medium between dewy and matte.
Powder:
* MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NW15
- This product will forever be my "holy grail" face powder. It has buildable coverage, sets foundations and concealers beautifully and never looks powdery or cakey on the skin. What more could you ask for?
Brows:
* Anastasia Beverly Hills
- Discovering these products really turned my brow routine around. Whether we're talking about the Brow Powder Duo, Dipbrow Pomade, Tinted Brow Gel — it doesn't matter; they're all phenomenal products, used together or alone.
Eyeshadow, Cream:
* MAC Prolongwear Paint Pot in Constructivist
- My go-to "5 minutes and out the door" eye product. It's so easy to smudge across my lid and crease, add some liner, mascara and be done! Plus, it works wonders as a base.
Eyeshadow, Powder:
* MAC Eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown
- Who knew that I would fall in love with a neutral shade? I didn't. Originally this shadow was bought for filling in my brows but since discovering better shade-suitable products, this shadow has been repurposed for adding definition into my crease on lazy days of minimal makeup and/or neutral looks!
Pigment / Loose Shadow:
* MAC Pigment in Heritage Rouge
- Dear Heritage Rouge, I would be so lost without you. I remember picking this shade up when it was limited edition and thinking "I need a backup, many backups!" but since then it's been added into the permanent line and I can sleep easy. It is truly the most perfect burgundy shade out there!
Mascara:
* Too Faced Better Than Sex / Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant
- Choosing one mascara is far too difficult, okay?! They're both favorites for different reasons, hear me out... Better Than Sex is great for every day use and leaves your lashes feeling flexible while still adding volume and curl. Smoky Extravagant is top-of-the-line for creating that more dramatic, full, "false lashes" look.
Eyeliner, Pencil:
* MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in Black Black
- One of the blackest liners and long-lasting liners out there! The formula is creamy enough to apply effortlessly but it doesn't bleed or smudge during the day — even on the waterline!
Eyeliner, Liquid:
* Kat Von D Ink Liner in Trooper
- Ever since this product was recommended to me by a lovely subscriber, winged liner has never been this easy! I was able to create a flawless cat eye on a plane and the smudge-proof, budge-proof, water-resistant formula held up an entire weekend during humidity, rain, shopping and a concert!
Palette:
* Urban Decay Naked2 Basics
- What can I say, the formula may not be what you'd typically expect from Urban Decay (buttery, smooth, silky textures) but I've been reaching for this palette a lot — for both myself and clients. The cooler toned, neutral grey shades are insanely versatile and suit any skin tone!
Lashes:
* Sephora Collection False Lashes in Celebrity
- These lashes have a thin band that blend into your natural lashline easily, they're lightweight and add extra flare to your look without becoming the focus point. During this past year anytime I was wearing false lashes, it's safe to bet these were it.
Contour:
* MAC Sculpting Powder in Sculpt
- I'm wondering how I dealt with using a warm, bronzing shade to contour for all these years... Sculpt is a contour saver! It's a subtle taupe that contains just enough grey to look natural. The powder is buildable and blends out so softly on the skin.
Blush:
* MAC Powder Blush in Fun Ending
- For my NW10/15 skintone, this is the best blush for adding a hint of color to your cheeks so you don't look flat or ill, but at the same time, it doesn't look like you're wearing any blush. Y'know?
Highlight:
* Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone
- As some may know, collecting highlighting products is another big hobby of mine. I remember swatching these was love at first sight, even ask my best friend, Vic. I'm sure I gave her a smack or two on the arm out of utter excitement. I discovered them during our trip to Toronto (our city doesn't carry Becca - what?!) and since then it's become a mission to own them all! Other than a favorite, my most reached for highlighter this year was MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade.
Lipstick:
* Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Mrs. Mia Wallace
- A great collection based off a great movie. This lipstick is the definition of "sexy red lip." The formula is creamy, opaque, pigmented and has excellent wear time. This shade doesn't feather and leaves behind an intense stain which can be great!
Lipgloss:
* MAC Viva Glam Lipglass in Rihanna 2
- It's beautiful in the tube and subtle, but stunning on the lips. This gloss is great for wearing alone or pairing over other lip products to add that extra shine and sparkle.
Lipbalm:
* Bite Agave Lip Mask
- As I've said many times before, especially in reviews, I suffer from extremely dry and chapped lips. With my other favorite Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm aside, this has been my go-to lip product for curing chapped, flaky lips quick. I usually apply it before bed and by morning, my lips are soft, smooth and ready for the mattest of lipsticks!
Nail Lacquer:
* Formula X in Dark Matter
- The formula is quite thick compared to your average nail polish, but it's opaque and fully pigmented. You could almost get away with one coat. The Formula X have become my favorite polishes, the dry quickly and I can get up to +5 days with minimal tip wear. It's crazy!
Brush:
* Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush
- This brush is a true multitasker and if I could own dozens of them, I would! It's flawless for applying and buffing concealer, blending out and applying shadows and it could even work for highlighting the face.
MAC Collection:
* Alluring Aquatic (Packaging)
- Turquoise with raindrops, what could be more beautiful? I still remember that initial moment of excitement when I learned the dew drops were part of it and not just for promotional images. Ah!
* Objects of Affection Pigment Sets (Product)
- More pigments? Yes, please! Pigments were my very first makeup item that I started collecting. They're easy to use, pigmented (har har), create finishes and textures that most pressed shadows can't and they apply and blend out flawlessly.
Disclaimer: All product(s) featured were purchased by me for personal use.