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



Top 5 - August 2015

          I actually really looked forward to this post, last month I struggled to pick five products but this month was a totally different story. Most of these were actually all together on my desk already. I have two items from Ipsy, two new Clinique items and one rediscovery of an old favorite.

 Tarte Bronzer in Park Ave Princess

          This is an ipsy sample and I use this almost everyday. I am painfully pale, sickly even so bronzer is not something I really use as they are all far too dark for me. This one is a game changer, with a light hand I can actually do some contouring. I do not do a lot of contouring as I am not very good to be honest but I love using it to define the hollows of my cheeks and it makes me look a couple steps back from deaths door. At the bottom of this post I have a photo of the product open.

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer

           Another ipsy win. I use this every single day no matter what I am doing with my hair, I just spray it on my roots. When it is not too hot to use a blow dryer I get amazing volume from this spray and if I decide to air dry my hair/ am too lazy to go beyond brushing it there is something in it that makes my hair look less greasy and stringy. I am almost out and I will be buying this, I am pretty sure I can not live without it. I am excited to use it in the winter when I will actually be blow drying and styling my hair.

Clinique Acne Solutions All Over Acne Clearing Treatment

           I do not know what is going on with my skin lately, I have never had an issue with acne but it has been bad enough that I started using the whole Acne Solutions line from Clinique and it has made such a difference. For more information check out my full review here.

Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

          Since I have oily skin I am very guilty of skipping moisturizer, especially in my morning routine. Terrible, I know. I was struggling with a couple dry patches and the creams I had on hand we not doing anything to help. I went looking for an intense moisture mask when I found this. I used it once overnight and once as a quick half hour treatment and the dry spots no other moisturizer could help were gone.I use this overnight and even after washing my face the next day my face feels moisturized without being greasy. With this overnight mask I can use a very light moisturizer under my make up and it is perfect, not dry, not going to make my makeup slide right off. It is quite an intense mask so I alternate between this and my Julep overnight cream.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette 

          I got this palette for Christmas (shout out to my awesome Mommy) I had gotten away from it over the summer and recently pulled it out again. This is perfect for everyday looks and has a couple darker shades for something a little more smokey. I do not find the shadows are crazy pigmented but for everyday I prefer something buildable so I do not over do it. I would purchase another Naked palette but not the three again, I love it but I could do without the pinky shades. I also love how sturdy the packaging is, it can survive in a suitcase or overnight bag no problem.



Check out last months favorites

Thanks for reading!

A. 

@dirty_cupcake

Ipsy - May 2015

          Let's not waste any time and get right into my May 2015 Ipsy bag.

           There were different bag options this month, all similar but with different sayings and different coloured linings. I like my bag, it is one of the larger ones we have gotten so that is handy and it immediately became my purse makeup bag. I have included the value of each item but keep in mind these are approximations and I am bad at math. Just leave it alone, okay? Moving on:

Sorry for the shitty photo, I could not wait to use it

but I did not have the ipad for the photo.

Urban Decay Ozone 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil   Full size 0.10oz $16     Sample 0.03oz $5

          This is a clear lip pencil which is just an amazing idea. I got one from Julep a while ago but I just do not really use lip liner, I usually forget. I am glad I got this and will start using both as they are pretty similar in formula. This is a perfect product for someone who does not use lip liner as a rule, you only have to own the one and it is clear therefore easy to put on. 

           This also came with two of the Revolution High-Color Lipgloss peel back type samples. I thought this was a fun little bonus, get to try out two fun colours, see if you like the formula, coverage, staying power etc. Some others had fits and were mad about the sample size or colour choice. People it was a bonus that didn't need to be there, gear down. The purple one did not work for me, the pink was super cute. I am currently not allowing myself to buy any more lip colours but these are interesting. They are not sticky but very glossy and pigmented, I will look for them on Hautelook or the next Sephora VIB sale. 

Bare Republic Natural Mineral Sunscreen, Face SPF30     Full size 1.7oz $14.99                                                                                                              Sample 0.34 $3

          Sunscreen is never a very exciting product, some people really hate getting it but I hate to buy sunscreen and the little bottles are perfect for purses or a beach bag. I am way more likely to use these samples than a full sized bottle. The sunscreens I have gotten in the past have been larger but this is specifically for your face so I suppose it is a pretty good size. I also like that it is 100% natural, chemical free, cruelty free, and reef friendly. I've never heard of that last one but this little sunscreen guy is going hella out of his way not to upset anyone. 

Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches   Sample 2 pairs $5 * I could not find these online but I had read these were worth about $5 for the two pairs. 

          I have only tried the Skynn Iceland patches before and I preferred the Klorane ones much more. They are very thin and soft so it feels less uncomfortable to have something stuck on your face under your eyes. I felt they were quite relaxing, they are to be left on for twenty minutes and I had to set an alarm because I knew I was going to fall asleep with them on. I used the first set before I even took photos of my bag and I am hesitant to use the other set because I do not want them to be gone. I would pick these up if I saw them in store and I never thought I would enjoy this type of product. 

Chella Eyebrow Colour in Tantalizing Taupe   Received full size(I think)  0.09g $18

        I have gotten a highlighter pencil from Chella before and love it. I like getting products from this brand because they are so expensive and even though I love them I will not pay that much for them. I have long been struggling with my eyebrows, I hate them. Lately we have reconciled and I have been using a Coastal Scents brow quad to fill them in and match the colour to my current hair dye. This is the perfect colour and since it is so fine it looks very natural and does not make my eyebrows look like cartoons. Not a look I can pull off. 

Luxie Beauty 205 Tapered Blending Brush    $12

         I  received the 504 Large Angled Brush in a previous bag and I love it, it is the perfect brush for applying blush. I was very excited to receive another even though I just bought a brush set off Hautelook this one will still match it so it will make it into my frequently used jar. These brushes are just so soft and well made.

          I also used my points and got another item. I am glad Ipsy has stepped up their game in terms of available items for various amounts of points. 

Clarissa Sea Salt Solutiond Instant Glow Powder Exfoliant    1oz 500 points (or maybe 250 idk)

          I love exfoliating so this was a must when it became available. You can add it to any face wash you have to make it an exfoliant. Amazing, I have never used a powdered exfoliant before and now I know what I am missing. Even just adding this to water smooths your skin and leaves your face soft and free of dead skin. Love this. 

Total value of bag: $43 dollars

Want to try Ipsy out for your self? Sign up

Ipsy May 2015

Thanks for reading! 

A. 

@dirty_cupboards

Top Five December 2015

          I've decided that instead of "favorites" posts I am going to post a "Top 5" each month or two. I have was too many products that I love so I have decided to limit it to five. These will be products I am loving or using frequently. 

Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask. 

4 masks for about $7

         I can not exclaim about how much I love this product without googling religions and taking every deity's name in vain. Between the various stresses of December and being lazy about taking off my makeup before bed my skin is rebelling and my face is a wreck. This magical product takes all the yuckies out of my skin deep down, I feel like my soul is cleaner. My face has not been this clean and fresh since the nurse wiped the placenta off my face. The mask comes in little individual use packets, you massage on your clean, damp face for one minute before rinsing off. Afterwards my face felt tingly, fresh and clean. I also used an astringent after and it really felt that it could get into my pores to clean out even more yuckies. I loved this so much that I went out to buy the cleanser from the same line as soon as I could. 

Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser 

200ml for $7.99

          Just like the masks this cleanser cleans more deeply than anything else I have used. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and tingly just like the masks without drying my skin out. After I finish this post I am going to use both back to back and I am actually giddy about it. 

             UPDATE: It was amazing, I almost could not handle how clean my face felt. Go buy this cleanser.

GNC Vitamin E, A and D Moisturizing Cream

57g tube for 1.99 regular/1.44 member price

         I originally got this as a hand and body cream for dry winter skin, on the back it says you can use it as a makeup base. I figured I would give it a try not expecting much and I ended up liking it so much better than the far more expensive primers and bases I have tried. It is such a nice moisturizer and works so well as a base, my makeup stayed on all day while working in a restaurant. I figure a vitamin cream has got to be better for your skin than whatever is in primers right? I feel like that's a thing. I'm going with it. Also it is not tested on animals so that's a plus. I actually forced my mother to buy some yesterday. 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Full sized $23

          I got a deluxe sample of this in the Mystery Tin, check out that post to drool over what else I received. The volume and length I get from this mascara is unreal. I have used this almost every day since I received it and I absolutely love it. This will last all day without flaking whatsoever, I love it so much that I am considering buying the full sized version next time I make a Sephora or Ulta order. 

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette 

$54 

          I received this for Christmas and I love it, the shadows go on so smoothly and are so pigmented yet will not crease even by the end of a 12 hour day. It is no secret that the Urban Decay Naked Palettes are pretty much the end all be all of neutral palettes and I am jumping right on the band wagon with that one, hell I will drive it. 

        I swear by all of these products and if they don't work for 96% of you I will be shocked. 

Thank you for reading! Like, share and comment. 

A. 

Christmas 2014 Haul

                               

          Clearly I am a spoiled child as I cleaned up for Christmas. I got face masks, hand soap, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, tooth past and brush, face wipes, shaving cream, a razor, bubble bath eye makeup re,over, lip balm, exfoliating shower gel, and:

   

                                              THE URBAN DECAY NAKED 3 PALLET !

 

                            

          Beautiful! I can not wait to play makeup! I have been drooling over the Naked Pallets but just could not justify paying that much for it. Thanks to Mommy and Daddy I don't have to!

                   Thanks for reading! Like, comment, share and spread the word.

                                                           A.