2014 was a great year for me, in many aspects. I graduated from high school, fell in love with the college I'm attending, and made many new friends along the way. That being said, it was also a great year for racking up an embarrassing amount of Sephora in-store-credit points and other various online shopping trips. Here's some of the makeup, beauty, and miscellaneous products I loved the most throughout 2014:
Skincare
1. Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil
I always use this cleansing oil to remove my makeup at night, and it does an amazing job of removing heavy eye makeup and deep-cleaning the skin. Unlike other harsh cleansers, it doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped or sensitive after.
2. Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish
I am just hoping the samples I have been hoarding of this exfoliator won't run out too soon--the full size is a little pricey. However, this product does a great job of removing dry patches without irritating my sensitive skin, which has been especially important for the winter. After using this for a few weeks as needed, I have noticed that my skin has been brighter and more smooth.
3. Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer
This moisturizer includes coffee bean extract and ginseng to brighten the complexion and hydrate. One reason I love this is because it sinks into the skin very quickly, and doesn't leave a heavy or greasy film before some moisturizers. It also sits very well under makeup. This products has been another thing that has prevented my skin from looking dull or dry this winter, but I plan to use it all year round!
4. Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask
I have combination skin throughout most of the year, and the best thing for me to ward off dryness or breakouts is to make sure my skin is hydrated. This anti-aging overnight mask contains avocado, apricot, and seaweed to replenish and repair the skin. Not to mention it smells great!
Makeup
1. Lorac Pro Palette
If I could only use one eyeshadow palette for the rest of my life, this one would definitely be it. This palette features a row of mattes and a row of shimmers. The quality of these shadows is smooth and blendable while also providing a lot of pigment. To get a more intense look with these, I will get my eyeshadow brush wet with a bit of Evian facial spray before applying. I haven't used another palette since I got this and I would definitely recommend looking into either this one or the brand's other
eyeshadow palettes.
2. Josie Maran Coconut Water Cheek Gelee in Pink Escape
This cream blush has to be one of the most intense ones I have used. A little goes a very long way and the color lasts much longer on me than a powder blush alone. Because it is a "geleé", the finish looks very natural on the cheeks.
3. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
Out of all of the new lipsticks I have tried this year, this one from Kat Von D has the most long-wearing matte formula I have found. I love the shades Bachelorette, a "dark reddish fuscia" and Vampira, a "deep reddish burgundy." This lipstick has lasted me all evening on multiple occasions, but I would recommend throwing it in your purse for a quick touch-up swipe after eating or drinking. (Warning: this lipstick is truly matte, so if you aren't comfortable with the more dry feeling, I would try this in Sephora before purchasing.)
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| Wearing the shade Bachelorette |
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| Lipstick in Vampira and blush in Pink Escape |
Hair
1. NuMe Lustrum Curling Set
My hair has a hard time holding curl, but this set has completely changed that. The set comes with five interchangeable barrels to create a variety of looks. The brand's website claims that this set "eliminates frizz, locks in moisture, and reduces damage to hair." I have definitely noticed less heat damage from using this curling wand, but I would also recommend using a heat protectant as well. Note: This set is pretty expensive, but I was able to find an online coupon code. If you're looking for a cheaper option, I would skip out on the five piece set and look into getting just their 32mm wand (my favorite).
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| Actual curls! |
2. 12 Benefits Healthy Hair Treatment
Is it just me, or is the water in college dorms super hard on hair? Since moving, my hair has been much more dry and hard to keep smooth. However, I was sent this spray-on treatment in one of my subscription boxes and it instantly made my hair less tangled, more smooth, and soft. The product description claims it is "Perfect to use every day to smooth frizz, seal hair color, moisturize and strengthen. Plus, it prevents split ends, softens, shines, detangles and protects!"
Miscellaneous
1. Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Honey Bath
I normally don't gravitate towards sweet scents, but this bubble bath smells like a mix between the inside of Winnie the Pooh's pot of honey and the inside of a French bakery. Needless to say, its amazing. While it is a luxury (cough expensive) product, a little amount goes a long way. Cue the sad realization that I am going back to school soon and won't be able to use this for a few months. . .
2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
I like having something light to read around, and this inner-monologue-style book by Mindy Kaling was hilarious. Amazon.com writes a much better review about it
here.
3. Adulting: How to Become A Grown Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown
It's no secret that most of us want to come off as though we have everything figured out. Whether it be learning what never to say in a job interview or how to live on your own, I'm sure there is something in this book you will learn from. Review found
here.
If you are interested in any of the products mentioned above, here's a list of where you can find them online:
I am a little sad to say goodbye to this year, but I cannot wait to see what 2015 has in store!
Happy New Year, xo
