15 Beauty Favourites of 2015

           I have been watching "Best of 2015", "2015 Favourites" and "Top 2015 Products" on YouTube nonstop. I easily picked out my top 15 beauty products of the past year so I thought I would do up a quick overview of items I discovered in 2015 and share them with you. In no particular order we have:

Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil

           I think this was technically a 2014 discovery but I rediscovered and really fell in love with it this year. I have quite oily skin and I avoided any cleaning oils for a long time, this came in a Julep Maven box and I am so glad I forgot to skip that month. It just melts my makeup off,even if I do have to scrub at waterproof eye makeup there is no stinging or irritation. To help balance oil production I use this at night instead of a more harsh cleanser. I apply once to remove makeup and then again to make sure everything has been removed. I already have one as a back up and as soon as I open that one I will add another to my next Maven box.

 

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer 

            I originally got a sample of this in a Sample Source package and honestly did not expect much. So wrong. I do not moisturize nearly as much as I should but this makes it so easy. While you are still warm from the shower, before drying off you put this on like normal lotion and then pat dry. I have a full size in my shower and use it everyday, it takes seconds and has really helped keep my skin soft in these winter months. 

 

Clinique Acne Solutions 

            While I no longer use this regularly I will always suggest this to someone struggling with blemishes. I have never been acne prone but for a good portion of this year I could not get my skin to clear up. I decided to try this three step system and before I had to repurchase my skin was clear. Like I said, I do not use this regularly since my skin has returned to its original state but I plan on continuing to keep it at hand for when my skin rebels or I go too many nights without removing my make up.

 

Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner 

           I have always loved Redken products and used many over the years. I have hair that is dry, thin but easily weighed down and prone to get oily very quickly. This set gives my ends the moisture I need without leaving behind greasy build up.

 

 

Urban Decay B6 Complexion Prep Spray

          I live in a small, East Coast, Canadian city so high end makeup is pretty hard to find anywhere but online so when I saw the Urban Decay display at Shoppers I went a little overboard. (Review to come!) One of the items I picked up was this spray. I love what it has done for my skin, my pores are smaller, redness around my nose has been reduced and my skin is becoming less oily. If I have to go right from work to somewhere else I spray this over my makeup for a refresh, powder and go.

 

Crown Brush C476 Crease/Shadow Brush
          This is the perfect eyeshadow brush. Just look at it, what else do I need to say? It is all you need. I have another one coming from Hautelook right now.

 

Straight up stole this photo from tonyatalksbeauty.blogspot.ca. Go check her blog out so it makes it ok.

 

Marcelle Soothing Cleansing Water
          I think this was a Winners find and I use it pretty much everyday. It takes off the most stubborn waterproof makeup without any irritation, redness or leaving any residue. It is also alcohol free and recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association.

 

 

Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy
           This product was a serious game changer for me. I had converted to exclusively gel polish manicures, even have my own little pink lamp, but it was starting to damage my nails. I mean pealing the polish rather than soaking didn't help but moving on... I decided to give my nails a break and after reading some great reviews I picked up a couple colours, I now have seven or eight and rarely use my actual gel polish anymore. It does not last on me for two full weeks without chipping like some say but I can wear it for two weeks with minimal chips.

 

Covergirl Pop Balm
          I believe I have the entire Pop Balm collection and a couple from the Nude Balm collection as well. I love tinted balms and Covergirl has a great colour range. Check out this post out for a more in-depth review.

 

 

Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder in 01 Stay Buff (VF)
         I have a few Clinique products and have never really been disappointed with the brand. I love this powder, it has light coverage and helps set my makeup and keeps it from looking oily for a little longer through out the day, I have hit pan but will likely be purchasing it again once I use up all my setting powders. If you have oily skin give this powder a shot.

 

Acure Unscented Argon Oil Towelettes 
          I can honestly say these are the best face wipes I have ever used. The came in an Ipsy bag in 2015 and I fell in love. Not only did they remove all my makeup but my face actually felt like I had removed my makeup and used cleanser. I never thought I would get a deep clean from makeup wipes but these were amazing, I might have to break down and order a bunch online.

 

LOC Ultimate Collection 
           I cannot rave enough about this launch from Birchbox and Tati Westbrook. Both the eyeshadow sticks and lip colours have seriously impressive staying power. If you want to hear more click here.
          

 

Beauty Blender 
           I was a little late to the Beauty Blender obsession but now I use it everyday and have a backup waiting for when mine needs to be replaced. With most foundations it leaves a more natural finish, lasts longer and blends seamlessly. Bonus: it is way easier to clean than a brush full of foundation.

 

Aromatherapy Collection from Bath and Body Works
            I am all about the Stress Relief bubble bath from BBW. I also have the candle in the same scent, the Sensual bubble bath and the Sleep Pillow Mist. When I use the candle and bubble bath together I practically go catatonic, for an anxiety case like me it is amazing to be able to let go of all the constant stress and just relax. I have repurchased this many times and will continue to do so. (When it is on sale)

 

 

Aveeno Dry Shampoo
           I have decided that I am going to "train" my hair to need washed less often. This is not going to be easy since I religiously wash my hair everyday. I have tried a number of dry shampoos and for the most part thought they did nothing but make my hair feel gross. My sister used this on my hair over the holidays and while it still felt like I had dry shampoo in my hair I did not feel disgusted every time I touched it and my hair looked great.


          There you have it, 15 of my favourite beauty products from 2015. I hope everyone had a great year and wish you health and happiness in 2016.

Thanks for reading!

A.

 

@dirty_cupcake



Ipsy December 2015

 

          I was really excited for my Ipsy bag this month, like the actual bag itself. I love when Ipsy does different styles than the usual front zip pouch. This bag still holds everything I need but fits much better in my purse. I was also excited for all but one of the products in the bag.

 

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer Full Size $20 Sample Value $10

            Eyeshadow primer is something I just don't buy, I have one from Essence that works well and was only a few dollars. I was excited to get this since I just know I am never going to buy it for myself and I have loved everything we have gotten from Elizabeth Mott.

 

Jersey Shore Vanilla Bean Anti-Aging Lip and Hand Polish Full Size $25

          This is a full sized product but if you were to purchase it would come in a jar instead of a squeeze tube. When I first saw this I was pretty skeptical about a lip AND hand polish but I was really impressed with how smooth and hydrated both my lips and hands were after using this. I have been wanting to purchase a lip scrub but one that was not going to be too abrasive or leave my lips sore and this is perfect. There are a number of different ingredients that just leave my hands feeling so smooth and soft. I might have to pick this up once I run out.

 

Pacifica Power of Love Natural Lipstick in Nudie Red Full Size $10

          I can never have enough lip products, the whole bag could be lipstick, glosses and balm and I would not complain. I have tried a few Pacifica products before and to be honest was not impressed with the last lipstick I tried, it was a beautiful red shade but it just feathered everywhere and slid around on my lips. That is not the case with this one, I don't know what the difference is but this one goes on perfectly and has a matte look to it while still moisturizing. It almost feel like I don't have any lipstick on at all. Now that I have discovered what nude shades look good on me I am all about the nude lips and this one has made it into the rotation. If you are looking for more natural makeup check out Pacifica products, they are natural but still effective. Swatches below.

 

Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Masks Full Size $12.99 Sample Value ~$7.50

            I received a facial scrub from this brand from a subscription service in recent months and I loved it so I was very interested in trying this out. I have only used it once so I can't speak to how effective it is over time but after I rinsed it off for the first time I did feel like my pores had been cleared out without over-drying my skin.

 

Peony Cosmetics Eyeshadow Trio Full Size $17.95

           Yes this is full size and yes it really does cost $17.95. The packaging feel a little cheap but the mirror is actually pretty good and the shadows are supposed to absorb oil to last all day. I have worn them a few times and I would say they are very long lasting, all day to me is a lot longer than most but these do have some serious staying power. I think I am just getting a little sick of eyeshadow trios and singles. I have too many cluttering up my life, I really need to get a Z palette. (Swatched below)



 

 

         The value of this bag is about $70, for a $10 ($14.95 + exchange in Canada) subscription service that a really quite good. I am using all the products in the bag and loving most of them so to me that makes it worth the price no matter the value.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

A.

 

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@dirty_cupcake

 



 

Ipsy - October 2015

          I haven't been excited about my last few Ipsy bags but this month I was really looking forward to my bag. I also redeemed for a points item that I can not wait to try out. 

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub

          I used some of my points to get this little guy and I am pretty excited about it. I love any kind of scrub and while I haven't tried it out yet it seems like it is pretty abrasive and that is perfect for me. The scrubby bits are very natural feeling, like apricot seeds. 

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer Full size: $24 Sample Value: $1.60

           Every Ipster received this sample or a Meet Matt(e) Huges lip product in their bag. I always want to try new lip products but am happy I received the Mary-Lou Manizer as it is just one of the beauty products you always hear about. My highlighter game is weak but I love this, it is just a beautiful pale gold shimmer that also makes a beautiful eyeshadow. Swatched below. 

Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss in Energy  Full Size: $23 Sample Value: $4.33

          I am always excited to see a Tarte product in any subscription box, especially a lip product. This is one of those lip glosses that is supposed to react with your skins PH to make the perfect colour or some such witchcraft. Additionally this gloss is supposed to hydrate and fill in fine lines. I am sure to use this but I am not loosing my mind over it. I have a hard time finding light pink lip colours but this one does look nice. Swatched below. 

Nourish Organic Argan Face Serum  Full Size: $23.99  Sample Value: $17.74

          Another thing I love to see are skin care items. I have tried a few items from this brand and enjoyed each of them. Normally Ipsy sends me skin care items that are pretty well suited for my oily skin but this sample is for normal to dry skin. I will still be giving it a try but it is something I'll only wear at night or on days I am just sticking close to home. I tried it out quickly on the back or my hand and it does seem exceptionally moisturizing. 

Ayres Hand Cream in Pampas Sunrise Full Size: $12.50 Sample Value: $6.25

         Yet again a brand I love! I had gotten another lotion quite a few bags ago and have been rationing it out so it lasts as long as possible. This absorbs so fast, no greasiness even for a second. The scent is described as: "Lemongrass, mandarin, bergamot, patchouli and spearmint will awaken your senses, while an exotic background of cedar wood releases a musky scent." Well. There is an awful lot going on in there.  The scent is an Ipsy exclusive and I don't dislike the scent but it isn't something I would choose for myself.

Coastal Scents Xpress Line in 01 Black $2.95

          I am always looking to try out new black eyeliners. This one is awful. It smudges like it is its job (see below) and pulls when you apply it. I will probably just toss this. 

Total Value: $32.88

         Not a huge value but I am happy to play with all these items and love all of the brands in my bag. 

Thanks for reading 

A. 

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