My first beauty post of 2016 obviously is going to be my favorites for January. Most of these products are staple items for me and some of them have been in my makeup bag for AGES.
Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Creme
As I approach the big 3-0, I am extra adamant about using my skin care. I have tried a ton of different eye creams and I am IN LOVE with this one! It is hydrating, and I can see the difference after I apply it; my fine lines look less apparent and much smoother. I completely understand that unless I go under the knife or getting some enhancements wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable, so I am going to do everything I can to slow it down.I am a firm believer in investing in skin care as I want to be preventative rather than reactive to aging. Although this eye creme is $99, the amount that you are getting is a great value. Another added bonus and the main reason I LOVE Caudalie is they are cruelty-free and committed to “ethical cosmetics” or as Caudalie owner Mathilda Thomas calls it “cosm-ethics.” They have a ton of other products that I love and will most likely be shown on my blog in the future.
$99 Caudalie.com, Sephora
Beauty Blender
If you don’t know about or own a Beauty Blender, you are missing out as it is a total game changer in the way we do makeup. I use this in my everyday routine as well as with my clients and can’t function without it. The shape allows you to use it in so many different ways and it really cuts down the time and number of brushes needed to complete a look. I use the sides of the BB for my foundation, the point under eye concealer and face concealer. This total take 2-3 minutes, which is AMAZING! When I have to wake up early the BB is the unsung hero as it helps me get my makeup on fast. I’ve also seen it used to set with powder, contouring, highlighting, the possibilities are really endless. Besides my foundation and concealer, everything else I use are powder products so I use brushes, but I am in no way taking credit away from this amazing little pink egg.
There are a ton of colors and sizes, but I find the original pink one to be the best. Also a tip if you are new to the BB, the key is to make sure to wet it and ring it out before using it.
$20, Beautyblender.com, Sephora
MAC Haute & Naughty Black Waterproof Mascara
I first discovered this mascara during my MAC days, and I loved the concept, but I need waterproof mascara or I’m looking like a panda before lunch. Since they have come out with a waterproof version, I’ve been hooked and here’s why. With this mascara, you are basically getting TWO mascaras in one. The purple wand will give you that natural separated look, while the blue wand will give you thickness and volume. It is also a perfect layering mascara as the result is separated, voluminous, and thick lashes.
$22, MAC stores, counters, maccosmetics.com
MAC Warm Soul Blush
Warm Soul is hands down my all time favorite blush EVER. I don’t think I will ever love another blush as much as I love Warm Soul. The color is the most beautiful, natural dusty pinky bronze and is gorgeous on fair/medium to medium dark skin tones, although I think it would be a stunning highlight on women of color. I have also never seen anything similar to this color so it is very unique. I am not exaggerating, I pretty much have used this blush everyday for the past 5 years. This is a blush I definitely recommend checking it out as I have used this on so many clients and customers and they were in love.
$27, MAC stores, counters, maccosmetics.com
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Pure Hollywood
Personally on an everyday basis, my makeup is very natural. I don’t like dark or even midtone lipstick, I just like it to either match or be slightly lighter than my natural lip color and I am extremely picky about the undertones as it needs to have a natural pinky undertone but not too pink. Pure Hollywood is the perfect natural tone with just enough pink to keep it pretty and natural. I am also very low maintenance and do not like touching up. Once it’s on that’s it. Anastasia’s formula is so long-lasting and holds up through most of the day, which is awesome.
$20 anastasiabeverlyhills.net, Macy’s Impulse, Sephora
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Perversion
This has been another holy grail product for me throughout the years. I have very oily skin and this liner holds up all day and does not transfer. I don’t even have to set it with powder and I am good to go. Perversion is also super jet black so it has excellent pigmentation and it doesn’t dry out like other waterproof liners I’ve tried. Urban decay has some of the best waterproof pencils in the beauty game and with tons of variety of colors, I highly recommend trying it out.
$20, urbandecay.com, Macy’s, Sephora
Ardell #318 Lashes
I don’t know what it is with my eyes, but they are watering 24/7. I always look like I am crying because I am constantly having to wipe my eyes. On days when it’s really bad, I may as not even do my eye makeup because everything gets messed up from me tearing and lashes start peeling off. As much as I love lashes, I have grown to resent them because they refuse to stay committed and fall off. But I have been obsessed with the #318 demi lashes as they are a demi lash that just goes on the outer corners and gives the eye a lift while still looking pretty and natural. And when my watery eyes get out of control, they stay in place.
$3-4/pair amazon.com
Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium
I love this contour powder as it gives the most natural looking shadows. It’s very pigmented so I don’t need to use a ton to get the job done. The only con is that it may not show up on women of color and fair skinned women need to use a REALLY light hand. It is on the higher end in terms of price, but the tone and pigmentation exhibit the quality of the product.
$44, Sephora, BergdorfGoodman.com, nordstrom.com
Elizabeth & James Nirvana White
The White version of the E & J perfume is a soft, feminine, and luxurious scent that I have been loving. I understand perfume is a very personal choice as everyone is different as far as notes they like, but I feel this has great balance of floral, sweet with a little bit of must for the perfect feminine scent. This fragrance is a beautiful blend of peony, muguet and musk, and smells very light and airy. It’s a perfect scent for everyday or if you
$25-$100 Sephora
Some of these are my true ride or die, Holy Grail products. Let me know your thoughts if you’ve tried any of these and what some of your beauty favorites are
