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



Haul December 2015

          I have just come back in the door from Shoppers and I did some damage to my Christmas money. Other than a small order from Hautelook this will be my last haul until at least February as I am putting myself on a strict no buy for make up, hair and skin care. I have enough of every type of product to last until at least then and I need to corral my spending.

L'Oreal Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner $13.99

          I will say it again, I am the worst with liquid eyeliner, I figured a slim tip would make it much easier for me to use. I have only worn this once for a few hours but I am not amazed by it, it did make lining my upper lash line easier and I did not end up with a thicker line than I wanted while trying to make both eyes even. As far as using it on the lower lash line it was a disaster. I found the pigment was not especially consistent, the applicator tip was a little scratchy and it just did not go on as smooth as I expected. After a few hours it transferred to my lid and I am really thinking about returning it, I very rarely return makeup but I am really disappointed with this. (Swatched below)

L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Gloss in 318 Bare Attraction $14.99

             Not going to lie, if I had been wearing my glasses and saw that this lip gloss was fifteen bucks I would have probably put it back. I have decided not to dwell on it since it is an great product. "Matte gloss" seems a little odd but once I put it on I completely understood, it goes on so smoothly, highly pigmented and leaves a matte looking finish but does not actually dry down like most matte products. I have not worn it long enough to see how long lasting it is or how it fades but my very first impression is favorable. (Swatched below)

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Iced Latte $12.49

          I rarely buy single shadows but I could not walk past this, it is just so beautiful and pigmented. I can see myself using this all the time as an all over lid colour or as an inner corner highlight, just check out the swatch below!

My photo skill are especially weak today.

Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo $6.79 on Sale

           I am lucky enough to have hair that is dry and damaged but gets greasy and weighed down easily. That makes finding a shampoo that gives me the moisture I need without making it greasy a serious quest. I also struggle to find a dry shampoo that does anything for me besides make my hair feel gross. My sister, on the other hand, is the Queen of second, third, fourth and even fifth day hair on occasion. She used this dry shampoo when she did my hair over Christmas and I knew I needed to try it, if I can not make this work I will give up on dry shampoo entirely. 

Life Brand Anti-Residue Shampoo $6.99

            So like I said above my hair can hold on to build up from some products so a clarifying shampoo is a must. I only use it two or three times a month so I did not want to spend a lot on it, plus the bottle fits perfectly in a little corner of my shower that nothing else will. I used it this morning and my hair feels great, the shampoo took all the left over styling products out of my hair with out leaving it feeling like straw as some of these more expensive types of shampoos tend to do.

Quo Brush Cleaner $11

         Nothing exciting here, just some brush cleaner. I have not used it yet but I have used other products from Quo without issue so I am expecting it to work well enough.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc Free Cushion Foundation in Light $21.99 -$9 rebate

         This is a luminous finish foundation and I normally stay away from that since my skin is so oily but something about this just called to me. According to the back of the box it is supposed to provide all the benefits of BB and CC creams along with the "skin-perfecting effects of minerals". I have only just begun to put this foundation through my tests (with and without primers or powders, different activities etc) but so far it is doing better than I expected without any primer, it goes on smoothly and blends well. As with any foundation that has shades fair, fair/medium, medium etc I always wish there was a super ultra fair option but it did blend out enough that I feel confident wearing it. I am also impressed with how light weight it is, I would certainly say it is light to medium coverage but still buildable. I am not sure it would be something I could wear all day with my skin type but for a few hours or someone with dryer skin I think this could be a great product.  (Swatch below)

Maybelline Master Precise Skinny in 210 Defining Black $12.99

          I almost talked myself out of buying two "skinny" eyeliners but since the other was such a disappointment I am glad I did not. This goes on so smooth, I would say it is one of the smoothest applying eyeliners I have ever used. It has a "waterproof gel formula" and a 1.8mm tip for a very precise line. It is an automatic pencil but a little different, the tip has a little twist section that you are supposed to twist twice per eye and it does not twist back down. I assume this is because it is so thin that it would break if it was a standard automatic pencil. I haven't used this yet so it could transfer since it is so creamy but it will at least apply better to the lower lash line. (Swatch below)

Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine $16

         I am a little embarrassed I spent $16 on lip butter, it is just too expensive but when you get Christmas money from a grandparent you are not supposed to spend it responsibly. You are supposed to spend it on something that makes you happy. I have been walking past this at Shoppers for MONTHS, honestly I do not know why I have fixated on this product so much but it is just one of those items I saw on YouTube and decided it needed it. It is basically all YouTube's fault really, thanks Ashley Elizabeth (check her out she is hilarious and Canadian) When I put it out on the counter the woman who rang me through could not stop gushing about it so that made me feel a little better about the purchase. It is pretty amazing, my lips peel in the winter and I hate it. I am always scrubbing them raw which is not a cute look either so I am thinking this lip butter will help with this since it is so moisturizing and fast absorbing. I may or may not have a Mango one coming from Hautelook as well. I did swatch it below but it is so sheer I don't think it really showed up at all.

Revlon Photoready Prime+Anti Shine $16.99 on Sale

          I had picked this up a couple times but put it back as I was not sure I wanted to spend the money one it, today I broke down and bought it. Any time I see anti-shine I am automaticaly drawn to the product. This is a primer you can wear under your makeup or on top of it. I have not had a chance to try it out but I am looking forward to it and hope I like the results. 

Revlon Colourstay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel $9.99

        As I said in my last haul I am in love with the Gel Envy, you get the ease of nail enamel but the look of gel and other than the red shade it is very durable. I have about six colours so far and the only one I found disappointing was the red. It just seems to chip both faster and easier than the rest. 

             I will have one more mini haul coming sometime in January with Crown Brushes and Lord and Berry products but after that for at least a month I have enlisted Beast's help in a no buy of any beauty supplies. If January is not too painful I may make one trip to stock up on some items and then go back to no buy for the rest of February. We will see.

Thanks for reading!

A

Check out my last haul

@dirty_cupcake

Favorites #1

          Here are some of the products I am loving right now. There are quite a few so I will try not to ramble on too much.

First up is the Tea Tree Face Mask from The Body Shop

I actually bought this by accident. I had little sample packets of this and it burned my face bad enough I had to take it off immediately and I gave away the rest of the samples I had. Since I am equal parts cheap and lazy I decided to try it again rather than give it away or return it. I am so glad I gave it another shot. I stopped taking care of my skin as well as I should (ie leaving my make up on at night, I know, I know.) This is what is saving me right now. It is great for blemished skin and really feels like all the junk is just pulled out of your skin. It is a little drying and I wouldn't recommend this for anyone with sensitive skin but I also have the face wash, gel (I use it as a spot treatment) and pore minimizer and the line is really working for me. I will repurchase everything but the pore minimizer. Its alright but I am not blown away.


Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream

Jennifer Aniston is not lying to us in those commercials. This is the shit. I have actually noticed so many improvements in my skin because of this. It evens out skin tone, fades dark spots, softens, all the things the box says it does are for real. Just go to target and buy it. I used to have the normal daily moisturizer and it also does exactly what it advertises. I was hesitant to purchase the night cream at first because it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $25 bucks but beyond worth it. I have been using it for months and it is just starting to look like its been used, a little goes a long way. Since it is such a heavy cream it does feel kind of oily in the morning but once you wash your face it just feels lovely.


Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Body Wash

Again with the Aveeno, its just a great brand. This I bought on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart for, I want to say like 8 bucks. I wanted something to stop itchy cold weather skin and it worked immediately. It is fragrance free which I don't love, I will look for a scented version when I repurchase.

E.L.F Lip Exfoliator 

This is a winter must. I can not handle dry, flaky lips. This is so much better than any other lip scrub, it is just like putting on lip balm. The scrubbies stay on the stick and it leaves a light balm on your lips. Best $4 purchase ever.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation

The only thing that isn't amazing about this foundation is the price, at $50 bucks I hate myself every time I have purchased it. Luckily I am still on my first bottle. That's not really a bottle is it? Tube? Moving on. It goes on like a dream, you can use a light had and still up with full coverage. Heavy handed doesn't feel caked on, on those terrible skin days you I can put it on like Spackle and it still feels like I have light makeup on. It blends almost by itself and it works well with powders and blushes. It also puts up a brave fight against oily skin and working in a restaurant.  




Alright, I still have a pile of products on my table but I am just so beyond exhausted so you have to wait until tomorrow. 

Thanks!
A.