As I reflect on 2016, I think of all the products that I loved recommending. I consider myself a highly frugal person. I love finding a bargain, but I also don’t mind spending the extra dollars on a product that will do exactly what I’m expecting it to do. Today, I’m sharing several of my beauty favorites from the past year. Many of them are drugstore products that are not only easy on the wallet, but will perform just as good, if not better than their high-end sister. On the other hand, a few of the products are considered high-end, but I would gladly spend my hard-earned dollars replacing them when I run out. It’ all about balance, am I right?
1. The Balm – Mary Lou Manizer 2. Becca – Champagne Pop 3. Maybelline – Fit Me Concealer 4. Covergirl – Super Sizer 5. Trader Joe’s Moisturizer 6. Philosophy Fresh Cream 7. Real Techniques Beauty Blender 8. Kenra Volume 25
9. Teaser Brush 10. Wet Brush
1. The Balm – Mary Lou Manizer
This is the perfect highlighter for fair skin sisters like myself. There’s no glitter or sparkle. It just gives the most subtle, refreshing glow. I rarely go a day without applying highlighter. Even when I’m just wearing concealer and mascara, I’ll typically put highlight on the high points of my checks, down my nose, my forehead, and chin. I basically dip my face in it. It just makes me feel as though my face looks youthful and awake.
2. Becca – Champagne Pop
Keeping with the highlighter theme, Champagne Pop is a beauty-lover’s favorite. It looks good on every skin tone and gives you a perfect glow as if you just spent the day glistening and prancing gracefully on the beach, like we do in real life, right? I don’t travel with this one though because mine has cracked. The formula is a lot softer than The Balm’s, so it may break or crack in the pan.
3. Maybelline – Fit Me Concealer
Age is a funny thing. Am I the only 28-year-old with dark circles and wrinkles fine lines? I thought I had several more years before these things appeared. Instead of worrying about these sad truths, I easily hide them with this trusty concealer. It’s creamy, full coverage, and stays all day once you set it with a little powder.
4. Covergirl – Super Sizer Mascara
I’ve tried my fair share of drugstore mascaras, but this one works wonders for me. It lengthens and curls beautifully without making a mess like other mascaras with thicker wands usually do. It will be a tough battle to convince me to purchase another mascara. To me, none can beat this one.
5. Trader Joe’s – Enrich Face Lotion
I use moisturizer twice a day. I have sensitive, dry to normal skin, so my face usually craves a little moisture when I wake up and before I go to bed. This one does everything I expect a moisturizer to do without breaking me out or breaking the bank. Plus, is has SPF 15 and is fragrance free. You really can’t beat this $4 gem.
6. Philosophy – Fresh Cream
Fresh Cream everything! I use the lotion, shower gel, scrub, and perfume. It smells fresh and clean, hydrates amazingly, and lingers all day. I can’t stop and won’t stop with this stuff! It makes a great gift if you’re giving or receiving. Add it to your list.
7. Real Techniques – Beauty Blender
This is my go-to beauty tool. I apply my foundation, concealer, and loose translucent powder all with this one sponge. You must use it damp. Just run it under your faucet and squeeze out the excess water. Beauty blenders are supposedly the tool that gives you that coveted airbrushed look, and I have to agree. It blends your make-up evenly while taking off the excess so that you don’t look cakey.
8. Kenra Volume 25 Hair Spray
I feel very high-maintenance when I spend $18 for hair spray, but this stuff has spoiled me. I usually stock up when it goes on sale (buy one get one 50%) at Ulta. I usually only go through maybe two cans a year, so $30 a year on hair spray is well worth it for me. It tames frizz, keeps your hair in place, and lasts all day without touch ups.
9. Teaser Brush
I get a lot of comments about my hair always having volume, and this guy is my little secret. After styling my hair, I lightly tease the back and sides before applying my Kenra hair spray. It gives my thin, lifeless hair deceiving volume.
10. Wet Brush
I was introduced to this guy several months ago. As I just mentioned, I have fairly thin hair that tangles easily after a good wash. I can easily brush through my wet hair without tears or a handful of hair that I can’t afford to lose with this brush. I consider that a good $10 investment.
Honorable mentions:
– Dry shampoo for lazy gals like me who only wash their hair a couple times a week
– Clear translucent powder that sets your make-up to last through all your day-to-day battles
Comment below with your beauty favorites that I need to try out in 2017 or if you have any questions on the products mentioned.
Come back Wednesday for my home favorites of 2016.
