2016 Makeup Favorites!

I cannot believe the year is coming to a close. So many things have happened this year and I am feeling quite emotional but overall happy. I will post a personal blog post soon reflecting back on 2016 and my 2017 goals outside of makeup.

I would have to start off by saying that this year's makeup purchases were basically bombarded towards the end of the year. I think for most of 2016, I didn't buy too much into the hype/collections and really took a break from Instagram and the beauty world. As fun and exciting as it is, it can become overwhelming and i often found myself purchasing things I knew I wouldn't really use but just wanted to have.

The first 2/3 of 2016 were my down time. I focused on whatever was in-store and not on what was coming; I posted a few Instagram posts here and there, mostly showing makeup flatly of things I was using and fell into a makeup rut.

That was until Anastasia Beverly Hills released their iconic Modern Renaissance palette which fueled my passion for makeup right back up again. This was probably my most favorite and treasured makeup item of 2016. It traveled with me to my honeymoon, to my family vacations, and across the US.

As far as face products go... in just a short year i was able to finish my Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer which I love to pair with my Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base. Both of these together are magical! I also picked up the Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + foundation and MAC Prolongwear Concealer this year and found them to withstand almost anything in terms of oily/dry skin. It's staying power and resistance to creasing were impressive. I love setting it with my Laura Mercier Transluscent Loose setting powder.

I'm not a fan of loose powders and was always curious by this one. I finally bit the bullet (well, the bullet bit me, as it tempted me from the Sephora on the fly aisle and I won't use another, especially for under eyes using my favorite Tan Beauty Blender (i don't know why i prefer this option to the pink one, but i do!) Its also a good one to bake with, but I hardly do that.

I rediscovered my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzing powder this year after decluttering my makeup stash and made it my mission to hit pan AND finish it. I have made a significant dent and look forward to using up the rest in 2017.

I also really enjoyed using Urban Decay's Perversion mascara. It really helps to add some volume to my small, short lashes. And I cannot say enough about my beloved Chanel Style Yeux eyeliners... noir intense was the one I reached for the most.

There were two standout lip products that just sealed the deal for me in 2016: Bare Minerals Gen Nude Radiant Lipstick in Honeybun and Tom Ford Lip Foil in Seadragon. I have carried Honeybun in my purse since I purchased it and always apply it whenever any other lip product I'm wearing has worn off. Seadragon was a newer discovery, however its an instant favorite for glam looks. I never thought I would be so in love with a metallic lipstick but Mr. Ford fooled me.

Lastly, I have made it my mission to incorporate more skincare into my morning and evening routines. My Origins Retexturizing Clay Mask has been a favorite. I really like the way it applies without feeling rough. Taking it off is also very comfortable. This is a deluxe size sample but I will be repurchasing once it is finished.

Phew! That was a longer list than expected but I truly loved all the products mentioned. Some of my resolutions for 2017 as far as makeup, beauty blogging, and instagram go include:

1. starting a project pan... just a few items! I'm determined to finish some of the stuff i've hoarded!

2. buy what i will use! i did better in terms of that this year, but the holidays and their sales got the best of me. i'm ready to slow my roll again

3. continue to learn and grow in this new beauty blogging journey i've taken on. i'm excited to think of some content to write on here!

What are your resolutions as far as beauty goes? Let me know! Thank you so much for reading.

Denise