2017 Beauty Favorites

Hello everyone!

Like many say at the start of a new year, I can’t believe another year has passed! One year ago this month, I started blogging on a more serious level and my goal for the year was to post at least once a week. I’m extremely proud to say that I almost did so, only missing a 2 or 3 weeks scattered throughout the year. This year I hope to do the same but really step up my content and maybe update my blog’s theme.

However, let’s get onto the real topic of today’s post. I’m going to welcome 2018 by going over my favorite beauty products from 2017!

Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer

The first two products on my list I have to thank Influenster for introducing/ sending them to me. I love this moisturizer so much that I actually already repurchased it! As someone with oily-combination skin, I prefer to use lightweight gel moisturizers in my morning skincare routine. This one is amazing because it creates the perfect matte canvas for makeup! You can read more about my thoughts on this moisturizer and the next product here.

Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum

This is another product I have to thank Influenster for. I use this serum in combination with the moisturizer and I’m loving what they are doing to my skin! I’ve actually repurchased this product twice since I tested it back in September. It perfects the tone and texture of my skin without drying it out and, like the moisturizer, it also helps to prep my skin for makeup. It doesn’t fill in my pores, but it does have a blurring effect on my skin. You can also read more about my thoughts on this serum through the link in the moisturizer section above.

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

How could I not include this concealer in my 2017 faves?! This concealer has taken the makeup world by storm. It was released at the end of 2016 and during the first few months of 2017, I didn’t think any concealer could beat my MAC Prolongwear concealer so I didn’t think I needed to purchase it. Also, my decision not to purchase was aided by the fact that my shade was always sold out online and at my local Ulta. However, when I moved back to Northern California, my local Ulta finally had my shade in stock! Let’s just say I haven’t used another concealer under my eyes since I purchased it. I would use it to conceal blemishes but it’s much too light to use anywhere else but under my eyes.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

I purchased the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder during the Sephora VIB sale a month or two ago. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this powder for years but I didn’t want to spend $45 on a setting powder. During the sale, they bundled the powder with a powder puff (normally sold for $15) for just a couple dollars more than the cost of the powder itself. It sets my under eye concealer beautifully and even helps the makeup stay on my t-zone better than any other powder I’ve ever tried, loose or pressed. Now that I have this powder, I don’t think anything could beat it! Although the MAC Patrick Star Powder is getting some glowing review too so keep an eye out for a review coming soon.

Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Palette

This was actually my first experience with Morphe eyeshadows and I was highly impressed by the performance of these shadows! They blend out effortlessly, are super pigmented and buttery, and have amazing color payoff. I just love how it includes a color for any situation! I’m typically drawn more towards warm colors since I have a warmer skin tone but I love having the ability to create looks with cooler shades.

L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

This mascara went above and beyond my expectations! The formula was perfect from the moment I opened the tube and did a really good job at holding a curl. The mascara wand is one of the best I’ve ever used and really gets in between all my lashes to coat each one. As far as longevity, I feel like this mascara performed just as well as waterproof mascaras I’ve tried! And as a contact wearer, it didn’t irritate my eyes at all. I’ve also reviewed this product and you can read more about what I thought here.

Cotton Candy Cream Kylighter

To be honest, I was a little skeptical about these highlighters when I purchased the shade Cotton Candy Cream. It was getting mixed reviews so I was really hoping that it would be a good highlighter. At the time, I was trying to use up the rest of my Becca Champagne Pop, which is one of my all-time favorite highlighters, so it took me a little while to actually try and start using the Kylighter. However, once I started using it I couldn’t believe why I waited so long to try it! I’ve used it almost every day since I started using it. I apply it on my cheekbones, brow bone, and my inner corner and I love that it goes with almost every look!

Wet n Wild Powder Brush

We made it to the last favorite! Even though the first round of Wet n Wild brushes was getting great reviews, I still was unsure how good a $2.99 brush could be. So I finally purchased the powder brush and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this brush is SOO soft. I’m not in love with the colorway of the brush but that doesn’t affect how the brush works. It applies and blends in powder evenly and, even though I originally bought it to keep in my purse, it has actually made it into my brush collection I keep on my vanity! Also, did I mention how soft it is! 😜

What were you’re favorite products of 2017? I’m always into trying new things so let me know in the comments!

Until next time,