But, like, how the flipping hell did the first month of 2017 already fly on by?
January Beauty Favorites
It was about 3 am on a Friday night when the idea of shopping my stash came into my head. Being the impulsive and impatient person that I can be sometimes (perhaps, all the time?), I pulled out all of my makeup, sat on the floor, and picked out products that I wanted to start using more often. Then I stored them in my everyday makeup drawer that I turn to most mornings when I don’t want to spend eons searching through my makeup stash, which tends to be separated into two rooms because my photography room is separate from my bedroom. That “I’m going to be more organized” goal this new year still hasn’t kicked in… working on it, guys.
Anyway, I ended up rediscovering some makeup bits that have been gathering dust. I’m happy to tell you they’re no longer dusty, and they’re getting some much deserved love.. on my face.
Urban Decay Naked Flushed
[Available at Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Selfridges]
I was not a huge fan of this palette when I first picked it up. It was one of those “come on, it’s on sale” impulses that took over me when I picked it up (learn how to fight those here). But, because it was only $15 I wasn’t too bummed when I realized that I didn’t like it. I decided to give it another chance this month in hopes of using it up, and it wasn’t until I used a Beauty Blender to apply it that I actually started to like this little powder trio. The highlighter used to be so powdery, but when applied with a makeup sponge it blends into the skin nicely, and looks so much more vibrant and smooth. Switch up your technique and apply those overly powdery powders with a damp sponge. Perhaps they’ll start working for you too.
NARS Albatross
[Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Barneys, Net-a-porter]
I think this was one of my first high end highlighters. And the obsession with it was real. It gives the skin a very subtle yellowish gold sheen that looks very beautiful, but since I’m into a much more intense highlight these days, it just wasn’t cutting it. I was going to pass it along to my mom or sister, but then decided to apply it with a makeup sponge and holy hell… I love it again. Applying it with a damp sponge really makes it melt into the skin and look much more dewy. So, of course, I ended up applying this basically all over my face..
Ilia Setting Powder*
[Available on their website and Net-a-Porter]
Setting powders can be quite tricky. Especially in the winter when it gets cold (yes, it does get cold in Dallas, guys!) and my skin tends to get a little drier. That’s why I’ve been loving this Ilia Beauty setting powder. It has aloe, passion fruit oil, rosemary oil, and castor seed oil, which may sound weird, but it works. My under eyes never look dry and chalky or powdery with this setting powder. And that is a major feat in and of itself.
Becca Beach Tint
[Available at Sephora, Ulta, Cult Beauty]
This is one of my “help, I overslept” beauty essentials because it’s a two-for-one lip and cheek tint. It’s super speedy and effortless when you’re in a hurry, but the color Raspberry has been a go to even on the days I’m not in a rush. I really love this shade on the lips because it gives them that “I just ate a popsicle” stain minus having to eat an actual popsicle, you know?
Glossier Moonstone
[Available on their website]
First of all, let me just tell you I’m sad this specific shade was limited edition. I generally don’t like to include limited edition products in my favorites, but I had to because this has been my go to highlight. I love applying this even on the days I’m not wearing makeup because it gives the skin such a beautiful sheen. Even though it’s super pale, it looks beautiful on my skin and doesn’t look ashy at all. Bring it back!
Missha Ampoule*
[Available at Seoul Apothecary, Target]
I hauled this in my K beauty haul the other day, but I’ve had it for about a month now, and have been loving it. It leaves my skin so smooth, soft, bright, and supple. You don’t need a ton of product so I know this will last me a good while.
Luna Sleeping Oil
[Available at Sephora, Space NK, Cult Beauty]
There was a time when I was the slathering-oil-on-my-face queen. I used to love slathering rose hip seed oil on my skin before bed, but I realized that my skin is quite sensitive to straight up oil, and it caused my skin to break out into little tiny bumps. That’s why I was a little skeptical to try this out, but picked it up anyway since all the rave reviews sucked me in. Luckily, I’ve been really enjoying this. It’s very moisturizing and you only need a few drops. I avoid the chin area since it does make me break out there, but my skin is always game for this everywhere else.
What are your current favorites? Let me know in the comments below!
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