Happy New Year!
I made some great new beauty discoveries in 2017, I feel that I have finally nailed my skincare routine, and have discovered some amazing makeup and hair products that I have become obsessed with using. There were definitely more than ten favorites, but I wanted to narrow it down to the ultimate list as not to waffle on for too long, so keep reading to see whats made the cut.
SKINCARE
If there was only skincare brand that I could use for the rest of my life, Jordan Samuel Skincare would be it. I only started using his skincare last year but it is seriously something special and I love it for not only improving the condition of my skin but also helping me realize what ingredients my skin actually needs and thus streamlining my routine. The After Show Treatment Cleanser was my initial love, it has the dreamiest gel to oil texture that literally melts away your makeup and the Hydrate Serum is undoubtedly my most repurchased product this year (incredible). However, it is his Etoile with Retinol Treatment Oil that has made me love using Retinol, an ingredient that I didn’t think my skin could tolerate. This contains 0.2% pure retinol combined with cranberry seed, marula and argan oil, so a relatively low dose, but I can really see the benefits of a more refined and clearer complexion, without any irritation!
The Skinceuticals Blemish & Age Serum has become a staple in my evening routine every 2-3 days when I am not using retinol. I have acne-prone skin and the AHA/BHA’s in this helps to balance my skin by unclogging pores whilst also helping improve skin tone.
My favorite moisturizer has been the Stratia Liquid Gold, a lightweight moisturizer that instantly soothes and hydrates the skin. It is extremely healing and does an amazing job at repairing the skins moisture barrier, especially if your skin feels stripped or over-exfoliated. I love using it as the final step in my skincare routine as it layers well over other serum and oils and I find it especially nourishing without being greasy, perfect for my combination dehydrated skin.
To get the glow, I have been using every Tan Luxe product I can get my hands on, they are all amazing and provide an effortless natural tan that doesn’t look fake at all, never goes patchy and doesn’t stink! The product that I have been using the most though is The Sleep Oil as I can incorporate it easily into my night time skincare routine after serum and I wake up with a natural tan. It is very natural and also provides overnight hydration which is perfect for the winter months. If I need an added boost, I use The Face mixed into my morning moisturizer, another flawless product from the brand. Check out my brand overview here.
MAKEUP
I can be quite fickle when it comes to mascaras, but the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara is one I shall definitely be repurchasing. It creates full-on length and volume and is probably the closest I’ve ever got to false lashes without actually applying them. It never smudges or flakes and I love the sleek black packaging, obsessed!
The foundation that captured my heart was the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ulta-Longwear Foundation, a medium to full coverage foundation that is super lightweight so feels extremely comfortable to wear even in warm climates. It has a beautiful matte finish but one that makes my skin look flawless (like the name would suggest) without looking heavy or cakey at all. It blends easily and sits well on the skin without sliding off my oily t-zone or clinging to any dry patches. One of the best foundations I have tried in a long time!
Nars can do no wrong when it comes to base product and their Soft Matte Concealer was definitely one of their greatest launches to date. It is a high coverage concealer that literally covers with one swipe, it blends easily with the fingers and leaves a matte finish which stays put without looking flat or cakey. I mainly use it for blemish and imperfection but it also works well under the eyes too. I am already on my second pot! Check out my full review here.
Lip product of the year has to go to the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer which makes your lips look amazing. It is a one shade suits all gloss that is not sticky in the slightest, imparts a rosy nude sheen to the lips making them look plump and juicy and tastes amazing. This has not left my handbag since I bought it, I just can’t get enough of it!
Glossier Cloud Paints have captured the heart of many and I am no exception. These gel to cream blushes come in the cutest of tubes which are super travel friendly so I have used them a lot last year. They have a sheer but buildable formula that you just dab on with your fingertips to your required intensity and they add a natural flush to the cheeks. I have the shades Dusk and Beam but have definitely used Beam the most, a pretty peach shade that instantly lifts the complexion.
HAIR
Towards the end of 2017, I have been upping my hair game and have really noticed a difference in how my hair looks and behaves. A firm favorite is the Christophe Robin Instant Volumizing Mist with Rosewater, which I spritz into my hair before blow drying. For starters, this smells just like fresh roses but fragrance aside this adds body and volume to the hair without drying it out. Your hair also feels smoother and softer, I always have a good hair day with this!
What were your top beauty discoveries of 2017?
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