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Hey Guys,
Hey Guys,
It's been years since I've done a yearly Best of Beauty. However, I am trying to switch up my posts and create content
other than just reviews and unboxings. I have decided to do a Best of Beauty post instead of a video because I can never find the time to sit down and film and then edit YouTube videos. It takes way too long and the views just aren't enough to justify it. Also, I am really hoping that people will start reading blogs more often! I decided to break up my Best of Beauty into two segments; makeup and skincare. I have also decided to pick a drugstore/affordable option for some of the categories when I mention a high end brand. Keep reading to hear about the products that I loved the most last year!
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime Blur & Smooth
This has been one of my favorites for years. I have tried many many primers but always go back to this one. I like it because its available at the drugstore and it's an affordable price. It is a lotion consistency which I prefer and it makes my face feel so soft and smooth. It also helps prolong my makeup. I wouldn't say is makes my pores invisible but it does soften them. I have only found a few that completely blur them but they haven't agreed with my skin. I think this is my most repurchased primer ever.
This has been one of my favorites for years. I have tried many many primers but always go back to this one. I like it because its available at the drugstore and it's an affordable price. It is a lotion consistency which I prefer and it makes my face feel so soft and smooth. It also helps prolong my makeup. I wouldn't say is makes my pores invisible but it does soften them. I have only found a few that completely blur them but they haven't agreed with my skin. I think this is my most repurchased primer ever.
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
This is my second favorite primer. I like to use this when I am wearing a matte foundation because it is hydrating. I think this is meant for people with dry skin but I have oily skin and have no issues with it. I think it smells SO GOOD and keeps my skin hydrated. I think it works really well paired with a matte foundation so that I get a matte look without feeling like my face is being starved of moisture. I usually purchase the travel size of this since I don't use it that often.
Foundation
L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation
This is hands down my favorite foundation ever. I have tried so many over the years and always go back to this one. The color isn't 100% perfect but in terms of formula this works the absolute best with my skin. This is a demi matte foundation which I love. It also has the longest wear time out of any foundation I have ever tried. My makeup still looks bomb after 10-12 hours. I have always just been so impressed with this foundation.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer
I got this in my Ipsy Glam Bag Plus in the summer but it was too light for me at the time. I used it in the fall when my skin was lighter and immediately fell in love with it. I was SO impressed with the coverage. I was expecting it to be more like a light BB cream coverage but it is actually more of a medium to full coverage foundation. It also lasts really long and gives my skin a very natural and flawless finish. This also doubles as a moisturizer though I still put one one before using it. Either way, I will definitely be repurchasing this once I run out.
This is hands down my favorite foundation ever. I have tried so many over the years and always go back to this one. The color isn't 100% perfect but in terms of formula this works the absolute best with my skin. This is a demi matte foundation which I love. It also has the longest wear time out of any foundation I have ever tried. My makeup still looks bomb after 10-12 hours. I have always just been so impressed with this foundation.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer
I got this in my Ipsy Glam Bag Plus in the summer but it was too light for me at the time. I used it in the fall when my skin was lighter and immediately fell in love with it. I was SO impressed with the coverage. I was expecting it to be more like a light BB cream coverage but it is actually more of a medium to full coverage foundation. It also lasts really long and gives my skin a very natural and flawless finish. This also doubles as a moisturizer though I still put one one before using it. Either way, I will definitely be repurchasing this once I run out.
Setting Powder
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
This is my go to setting powder. I use it under my eyes, and in my t-zone. It does a great job at setting those areas and helping prevent oils. It also makes my skin look flawless and feel like silk!
Concealer
This is my go to setting powder. I use it under my eyes, and in my t-zone. It does a great job at setting those areas and helping prevent oils. It also makes my skin look flawless and feel like silk!
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
This is a great alternative to the Laura Mercier powder. I actually use this one more because it is a more affordable brand. This doesn't make my skin look or feel as flawless but does a great job at keeping my makeup in place all day.
This is a great alternative to the Laura Mercier powder. I actually use this one more because it is a more affordable brand. This doesn't make my skin look or feel as flawless but does a great job at keeping my makeup in place all day.
Pressed Powder
L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte 16 Hour Powder
Like the foundation, this is one of my favorite powders ever. I use this almost everyday. I always find myself going back to it after trying other brands. This powder is long wearing and does a great job at setting and prolonging foundation/concealer.
Like the foundation, this is one of my favorite powders ever. I use this almost everyday. I always find myself going back to it after trying other brands. This powder is long wearing and does a great job at setting and prolonging foundation/concealer.
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
I have many concealers that I like but this is my holy grail concealer. It does an amazing job at covering my dark circles and makes my undereyes look smooth and matte. It also does a great job at brightening my undereyes. I also use it to highlight my tzone and to help keep my makeup in place on my nose and chin (which normally rubs off throughout the day).
I have many concealers that I like but this is my holy grail concealer. It does an amazing job at covering my dark circles and makes my undereyes look smooth and matte. It also does a great job at brightening my undereyes. I also use it to highlight my tzone and to help keep my makeup in place on my nose and chin (which normally rubs off throughout the day).
Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer
This is my second favorite high end concealer. It also has amazing coverage and is full coverage like the Tarte Shape Tape. Formula wise, its not as matte or as thick as the Shape Tape. I really enjoy this concealer a lot and have even used it on my whole face before as a foundation.
This is my second favorite high end concealer. It also has amazing coverage and is full coverage like the Tarte Shape Tape. Formula wise, its not as matte or as thick as the Shape Tape. I really enjoy this concealer a lot and have even used it on my whole face before as a foundation.
L'Oreal Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer
This is the closet thing I have been able to find in the drugstore that is comparable to Tarte Shape Tape. Its not as matte but it is full coverage and long wearing. This is a great alternative if you are looking for a cheaper option!
This is the closet thing I have been able to find in the drugstore that is comparable to Tarte Shape Tape. Its not as matte but it is full coverage and long wearing. This is a great alternative if you are looking for a cheaper option!
Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting SprayI have used a bunch of different setting sprays over the years. I've tried some really good ones but Urban Decay makes my favorites. I have owned all 3 of their main setting sprays; De-Slick, Chill, and All Nighter. De-Stick and Chill are great for the summer but I use All Nighter the most. It does an amazing job at getting rid of the powdery look while keeping your makeup in place all day long. I haven't tried their two new setting sprays that they recently launched.
Bronzer
Nyx Matte Bronzer
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly
This has been my go to eyeshadow base/primer since 2007 or 2008. I have tried so many different eyeshadow primers and nothing compares to this. I use Painterly but Soft Ochre works better for my skintone in the summer. Painterly and Soft Ochre are matte and cover any veins and discoloration on my lids for a smooth even base. It also helps prolong the wear time of my shadow, avoids creasing, and helps keep the pigmentation nice and brilliant.
Single Eyeshadow
Nyx Nude Matte Eyeshadows
I don't use single eyeshadows that often however, I do have one eyeshadow that I have purchased over and over again and that's the Nyx Nude Matte shadow in I Have A Headache. It's a matte cream/ivory shade that I use as my base shadow for many looks. I use this a lot of the time when I am using a palette that doesn't have a similar shade or when I am creating a quick look for work. I have purchased a couple other shadows from this Nyx line and I really like them. I picked up the shade Blame It On Midnight which is a warm brownish orange shade that I use as a transition. These are great affordable shadows if you prefer singles or don't want to travel with a palette.
I don't use single eyeshadows that often however, I do have one eyeshadow that I have purchased over and over again and that's the Nyx Nude Matte shadow in I Have A Headache. It's a matte cream/ivory shade that I use as my base shadow for many looks. I use this a lot of the time when I am using a palette that doesn't have a similar shade or when I am creating a quick look for work. I have purchased a couple other shadows from this Nyx line and I really like them. I picked up the shade Blame It On Midnight which is a warm brownish orange shade that I use as a transition. These are great affordable shadows if you prefer singles or don't want to travel with a palette.
ColourPop Super Shock Shadows
These shadows have been my favorite shadows to wear on the lid. They are really pigmented, don't fade or crease, and last all day. I have tons of super shock shadows but as of lately, I feel like all that they are releasing are glittery shadows. Back when they first launched they had more finish options. My favorites were metallic, satin, and pearlized finishes. Either way these are still one of my favorite ColourPop products that are unlike any other shadow I've tried. At $6.00 each they are super affordable. My favorite shades are Sunset Blvd (discontinued), Amaze, Nillionaire, I Heart This, Moonwalk, Weenie, Wattles, and A Little Quarky.
These shadows have been my favorite shadows to wear on the lid. They are really pigmented, don't fade or crease, and last all day. I have tons of super shock shadows but as of lately, I feel like all that they are releasing are glittery shadows. Back when they first launched they had more finish options. My favorites were metallic, satin, and pearlized finishes. Either way these are still one of my favorite ColourPop products that are unlike any other shadow I've tried. At $6.00 each they are super affordable. My favorite shades are Sunset Blvd (discontinued), Amaze, Nillionaire, I Heart This, Moonwalk, Weenie, Wattles, and A Little Quarky.
Eyeliner
ColourPop Creme Gel Liner
I don't really wear eyeliner on my top or bottom lashes anymore however I do wear it daily on my waterline. These ColourPop eyeliners are very creamy, pigmented, and affordable. My favorite shades are Over Board and Honey Dude.
I don't really wear eyeliner on my top or bottom lashes anymore however I do wear it daily on my waterline. These ColourPop eyeliners are very creamy, pigmented, and affordable. My favorite shades are Over Board and Honey Dude.
Mascara
Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara
I spend the most time on my brows every morning so brow products are very important to me. My brow favorites have changed over the years and this is my favorite pencil as of the last year or so. Its not too waxy or too pigmented and fills in my brows really nicely. I love the small tip that allows for more precise detail on my brows.
Nyx MicroBrow Pencil
Nyx MicroBrow Pencil
If you are looking for a more affordable alternative this is my second favorite. This is probably my most repurchased makeup product ever. Its a little more pigmented than the Benefit one but is more than half the price and available at the drugstore. Its very similar in terms of the size of the pencil and allows for precise detailed strokes.
Brow Gel
I know clear brow gel isn't too exciting but its a must for people like me that have thick bushy brows. My brow hair can get crazy and this does an amazing job at keeping my brow hair in place without making it look flaky or feel crunchy. I have been using this brow gel since 2007 or 2008 when ABH first launched at Sephora and all that they had were a few brow products. I haven't been able to find any other clear brow gel that compares.
Brow Highlight
Benefit High Brow Highlight & Lift Pencil
I don't always use a brow highlight around my brows but when I do I always use this one. It does a great job at cleaning up around your brows and making them look crisp and defined. It also brightens up around the brows without making them look shimmery like some brow highlight pencils.
Nyx Push Up Bra for Eyebrow
If you are looking for a more affordable alternative that is a similar formula I suggest this one. It has a brow pencil on one side and highlight on the other but I only use the highlight side.
I don't always use a brow highlight around my brows but when I do I always use this one. It does a great job at cleaning up around your brows and making them look crisp and defined. It also brightens up around the brows without making them look shimmery like some brow highlight pencils.
Nyx Push Up Bra for Eyebrow
If you are looking for a more affordable alternative that is a similar formula I suggest this one. It has a brow pencil on one side and highlight on the other but I only use the highlight side.
Highlighter
Jaclyn Cosmetics The Flash Palette
Even though I only bought this a few months ago it has quickly become something that I reach for all the time. The main reason that I love it so much is that because all 4 shades work for me. I use them separately but also mix them to create custom highlight shades. I also use them as an inner corner highlight on my eyes. You can layer these to get a super bold highlight or blend them out to create a softer highlight. You can check out my review HERE
Even though I only bought this a few months ago it has quickly become something that I reach for all the time. The main reason that I love it so much is that because all 4 shades work for me. I use them separately but also mix them to create custom highlight shades. I also use them as an inner corner highlight on my eyes. You can layer these to get a super bold highlight or blend them out to create a softer highlight. You can check out my review HERE
Physician's Formula Butter Highlighter in Rose Gold
I also wanted to mention a more affordable option and this one is so pretty! It is a bit on the shimmery side but it gives such a beautiful wet look to the skin. The formula is very unique and I am always so impressed with how it looks when I use it. Another great thing is it can be found at the drugstore.
I also wanted to mention a more affordable option and this one is so pretty! It is a bit on the shimmery side but it gives such a beautiful wet look to the skin. The formula is very unique and I am always so impressed with how it looks when I use it. Another great thing is it can be found at the drugstore.
Blush
The Balm Hot Mama Blush
I wear blush everyday and while I use a ton of different ones, this one has to be my favorite. It can be used as a blush or eyeshadow but I have only used it as a blush. Its a beautiful peachy coral shade with a gold sheen on top. You don't even need to add a highlighter if you don't want to because it almost doubles as one.
Morphe 8W Warm Master Blush Palette
When I think of an affordable blush that I really love it would be the Wet N Wild blush is Rose Champagne however I feel like this Morphe Blush Palette really needs to get the recognition it deserves. This palette is an amazing value for the price and is great for travel. You get 8 decent sized blushes in the palette. It includes both matte and shimmer blushes with a good range of warm blush shades. The shadows are very pigmented and blend very nice.
I wear blush everyday and while I use a ton of different ones, this one has to be my favorite. It can be used as a blush or eyeshadow but I have only used it as a blush. Its a beautiful peachy coral shade with a gold sheen on top. You don't even need to add a highlighter if you don't want to because it almost doubles as one.
Morphe 8W Warm Master Blush Palette
When I think of an affordable blush that I really love it would be the Wet N Wild blush is Rose Champagne however I feel like this Morphe Blush Palette really needs to get the recognition it deserves. This palette is an amazing value for the price and is great for travel. You get 8 decent sized blushes in the palette. It includes both matte and shimmer blushes with a good range of warm blush shades. The shadows are very pigmented and blend very nice.
Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette
Palettes are my favorite makeup product and I have a ton so it was very hard to narrow it down to just one. However, when I think of my favorite palette launch of the year it has to be the Naked Honey. Urban Decay sent me the palette when it first launched and right away I knew I was going to love this palette. I have owned almost all of the Naked palettes at one point or another over the years. This has to be my favorite out of them all. I gravitate towards neutral warm shadows so this is right up my alley. I will also use every single shade in this palette (which is rare). These shadows are super pigmented and blend so nicely.
ColourPop Going Coconuts Palette
This is an affordable option that is another one of my favorite palette launches last year. I own a ton of ColourPop palettes but I don't really reach for them that often. They have released a TON of 9 pan palettes recently in their color themed collections. None of them really interested me because they were all very colorful. When I saw this palette it really caught my eye because it was neutral and I knew the colors are ones that I would wear often. I am really happy that I picked this up. The shadows are really nice and perfect for everyday. You can also create some smokey looks with these shades. The shadows have nice pigmentation and the shimmers are so pretty!
Dose of Colors Baked Browns Palette
I really wanted to highlight this palette because it is one of my few all matte palettes. Matte shadows are key to every eye look that I create. I use them as a base to my look as well as a transition to to blend all my eyeshadows together. I was SO impressed with this palette. Color wise, its a very basic staple palette one should have in their collection. Performance wise, the mattes are amazing. In general, some matte shadows can be patchy, not that pigmented, and dry. These shadows are the complete opposite. They are extremely buttery, pigmented, and blend so nice. I was so impressed with this palette that I ended up picking up another Dose of Colors palette.
Palettes are my favorite makeup product and I have a ton so it was very hard to narrow it down to just one. However, when I think of my favorite palette launch of the year it has to be the Naked Honey. Urban Decay sent me the palette when it first launched and right away I knew I was going to love this palette. I have owned almost all of the Naked palettes at one point or another over the years. This has to be my favorite out of them all. I gravitate towards neutral warm shadows so this is right up my alley. I will also use every single shade in this palette (which is rare). These shadows are super pigmented and blend so nicely.
ColourPop Going Coconuts Palette
This is an affordable option that is another one of my favorite palette launches last year. I own a ton of ColourPop palettes but I don't really reach for them that often. They have released a TON of 9 pan palettes recently in their color themed collections. None of them really interested me because they were all very colorful. When I saw this palette it really caught my eye because it was neutral and I knew the colors are ones that I would wear often. I am really happy that I picked this up. The shadows are really nice and perfect for everyday. You can also create some smokey looks with these shades. The shadows have nice pigmentation and the shimmers are so pretty!
Dose of Colors Baked Browns Palette
I really wanted to highlight this palette because it is one of my few all matte palettes. Matte shadows are key to every eye look that I create. I use them as a base to my look as well as a transition to to blend all my eyeshadows together. I was SO impressed with this palette. Color wise, its a very basic staple palette one should have in their collection. Performance wise, the mattes are amazing. In general, some matte shadows can be patchy, not that pigmented, and dry. These shadows are the complete opposite. They are extremely buttery, pigmented, and blend so nice. I was so impressed with this palette that I ended up picking up another Dose of Colors palette.
ColourPop Lux Matte Lipstick
I really love the formula of these lipsticks and the price is amazing too. They are creamy but matte and super pigmented. I'm very picky when it comes to colors but one of my all time favorite nude lipstick is this Luxe Matte in Third Eye. Its the perfect mid toned nude that is not too pink, not too brown, and not too peach.
I really love the formula of these lipsticks and the price is amazing too. They are creamy but matte and super pigmented. I'm very picky when it comes to colors but one of my all time favorite nude lipstick is this Luxe Matte in Third Eye. Its the perfect mid toned nude that is not too pink, not too brown, and not too peach.
Liquid Lipstick
Dose of Colors Matte Liquid Lipstick
These have quickly become my favorite matte liquid lipsticks. They aren't too matte to the point that they are sucking the moisture out of my lips but they are very long wearing. They are very pigmented and comfortable on the lips. My favorite shades are Nude Mood, Lazy Daisy, and Truffle.
These have quickly become my favorite matte liquid lipsticks. They aren't too matte to the point that they are sucking the moisture out of my lips but they are very long wearing. They are very pigmented and comfortable on the lips. My favorite shades are Nude Mood, Lazy Daisy, and Truffle.
ColourPop Ultra Satin Lips
This formula is hands down my favorite liquid lipstick ever. I have been obsessed with these ever since ColourPop first launched them 3-4 years ago. They are more comfortable than their matte lipsticks but dry down to a demi matte. They don't last quite as long as a matte liquid lipstick but the texture of them makes up for it. I have a TON of lip products and a large majority are these liquid lipsticks. My favorite shades are Echo Park, Frick n Frack, Dopey, Aquarius, Magic Wand, Alyssa, Calypso, and Wish (discontinued). For only $7.00 you can't really go wrong with these.
This formula is hands down my favorite liquid lipstick ever. I have been obsessed with these ever since ColourPop first launched them 3-4 years ago. They are more comfortable than their matte lipsticks but dry down to a demi matte. They don't last quite as long as a matte liquid lipstick but the texture of them makes up for it. I have a TON of lip products and a large majority are these liquid lipsticks. My favorite shades are Echo Park, Frick n Frack, Dopey, Aquarius, Magic Wand, Alyssa, Calypso, and Wish (discontinued). For only $7.00 you can't really go wrong with these.
Lip Gloss
Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss
I haven't really been a fan of lip gloss in the past few years but I decided to try this one out. I instantly fell in love with the formula and how it felt on my lips. Its not sticky at all and has a thicker consistency. It also has a nice minty scent. The shade that I own is Fuel and its a more light neutral nude. I pair it with the 24/7 lip pencil in 1993 and love the combo so much.
I haven't really been a fan of lip gloss in the past few years but I decided to try this one out. I instantly fell in love with the formula and how it felt on my lips. Its not sticky at all and has a thicker consistency. It also has a nice minty scent. The shade that I own is Fuel and its a more light neutral nude. I pair it with the 24/7 lip pencil in 1993 and love the combo so much.
Lip Liner
Gerard Cosmetics Lip Pencil
I almost always wear lip liner with my other lip products. I have a few different favorites including the ColourPop Lippie Pencils and the Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Pencils but other amazing not as well known are the GC ones. Their lip pencils are super pigmented and creamy. They are mid priced but you can save 30% off your order with code TANYALLC which brings them down to $11.2o which is pretty affordable. One of my all time favorite lip pencils is their shade in Sugar and Spice. Cher and Nude are also really great staples to have!
I almost always wear lip liner with my other lip products. I have a few different favorites including the ColourPop Lippie Pencils and the Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Pencils but other amazing not as well known are the GC ones. Their lip pencils are super pigmented and creamy. They are mid priced but you can save 30% off your order with code TANYALLC which brings them down to $11.2o which is pretty affordable. One of my all time favorite lip pencils is their shade in Sugar and Spice. Cher and Nude are also really great staples to have!
If you got to the end of this post, congratulations and thank you for taking the time to read to the end! It only took me forever to write it since I accidentally deleted half the post and had to start over (ugh!). I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite makeup products for 2019! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you have about any of these products. I am going to work on my skincare favorites for 2019 next so keep an eye out for that in the coming weeks. I am also thinking about doing a favorite fashion of 2019 as well but haven't quite decided yet.
What were your favorite beauty products for 2019? Let me know in the comments below!
What were your favorite beauty products for 2019? Let me know in the comments below!
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