Best of Beauty 2013!

So many amazing products launched in 2013 that it was a little hard for me to really narrow down my top picks.  There were many products I didn't go for (Naked 3, really any of the MAC collections, Tarte Brazilliance, Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments...) but I also fell victim to a lot of new things, too!

So.  Since it was 2013....here are my Top 13 Products :)  (Some of these I know are not products that were launched in 2013, but they are all products that I personally discovered this past year.)

In no particular order....

1.  Sephora Formula X Nail Polishes.  The formula on these absolutely blew me away.  They're amazing.  They last longer than normal polish on me, and I find that I don't need to topcoat them.  The "new classics" shades seem to be the best formulas, but I've loved every one I have tried.  My 2 personal favorite shades are Haphazard (a dark neon purple jelly) and Ignite (a perfect classic red creme).

2.  Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Peppermint Lip Balm.  I am just obsessed with this stuff...that's really all there is to it!  It was the only lip product that really stuck out in my mind for this year.  I know it's a fairly recent purchase (early November), but I use it every single day.  It smells fantastic and gives the prettiest natural sheen.

3.  Hourglass Ambient Powder in Diffused.  I'm sure everyone and their mother is going to include an Ambient Power in their 2013 favorites, and I hate to be so cliche, but I honestly do just LOVE this powder.  I only have Diffused...which is meant to even out your skintone by reducing redness and to blur pores and imperfections.  I use this as an all-over setting powder, and I think it does exactly what it is marketed to do.  I don't see the powder on my skin (and you aren't supposed to), but I definitely notice a nicer complexion.

4.  Hourglass Ambient Powder Brush.  Before trying this brush, I thought it was for sure just a marketing ploy, but my opinion changed within 10 seconds of dipping it into my Ambient Powder.  It really, really does work better than any other brush I tried with the powder.  It keeps the product from flying up and out of the pan, so I feel less wasteful, and it does a great job applying a thin, even layer...just enough to make your skin look awesome but not powdery or cakey.  If I am going to be spending $45 on a face powder, I'm glad I spent the additional money on the brush that it really is meant to work wonders with.  You won't regret this purchase!

5.  The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer.  This is a great highlight.  It's the most pigmented powder highlight I've ever used, and the golden glow it gives is natural and gorgeous. 

6.  Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser.  Another product that I thought was probably a waste of money and just a marketing scheme.  After once use, though, man did I realize I was wrong!  This stuff actually works....and works much, much better than the liquid soaps I tried cleaning my Beauty Blender with.  I only use this on my Beauty Blender, so it will last me a while.

7.  Hourglass Veil Primer.  The best face primer out there...hands down.  It smooths your skin and actually does keep your makeup on all day.  It pairs well with any foundation, but it is beyond incredible when paired with #8...

8.  Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation.  Hourglass snagged 4 of my Top 13 spots this year...I guess you guys can tell what my favorite brand has been! ;)  They really do just make amazing products, and Immaculate is no exception.  This is HG foundation for me...I have never, ever used anything so amazing.  If you have oily skin, get your butt to Sephora today and get a sample of this stuff.  This is the only foundation that has ever stayed on me for 6+ hours without the need to retouch and that has also kept my blush/bronzer/highlighter from fading, too.  I stay matte and perfect all day long.  You absolutely cannot beat this stuff if you have oily skin.  (It isn't meant for anything but!)

9.  Urban Decay Eyeliner Vault.  Ohhhhhhh how I love this thing.  I have the original version, and while it was insanely expensive and probably really sort of a waste of money, I love that I own basically every single UD eyeliner out there.  And I actually do use most of them!  I find that experimenting with eyeliner is such an easy, fun way to add color to your look.

10.  Jane Water Resistant Eyeliner.  The first black pencil liner I've ever owned that actually stays on my waterline.  See my full review here :)

11.  Soleil Tan de Chanel Makeup Bronzing Base.  Loooooooove this stuff.  This is a product that is new to me, but has been talked about forever.  It is the only cream bronzer I've ever tried, but I can't say I feel the need to look anywhere else for a better one!  It's awesome.  It's very natural on the skin and I think it would suit anyone from the fairest girls to those somewhere in the range of a Mac NC/NW 38/40.  I love to apply mine with a damp Beauty Blender for a sheer wash of color.

12.  Red Cherry Lashes.  I discovered these over the summer when I found Jaclyn Hill on YouTube, and I am SO glad I did.  They're super duper cheap (like $3 a pair!!) and they look gorgeous.  I've used my #43s a few times already and they're still in great shape.

13.  Makeup Geek Eyeshadows.  I finally placed my first Makeup Geek order this year, and I absolutely LOVE Marlena's eyeshadows!  They're the quality of Mac's permanent line at 1/3 of the price.  My personal favorite shade is Creme Brulee, which is a warm brown perfect for blending out the crease.  And they're cruelty-free to boot.  I definitely plan to purchase more of these in 2014!

What made your favorites list this year?

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

Mommy Makeup Monday: My New Favorite Topcoat

On Mondays, I share a tip, product or tutorial that will help you look polished and put-together quickly and with minimal effort.  You definitely don't have to be a rushed mom to benefit from these posts...anyone who needs to be out-the-door fast (and who doesn't?!) can appreciate Mommy Makeup Mondays!

The start of a nice short week!!  I hope you're all enjoying the last three days before the Christmas Season officially begins.

Image Source: Sephora.com

Today I have a nail polish topcoat that I was lucky enough to find recently.  A few weeks ago I snagged a mini of the Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat ($18) from Sephora as a 100 point perk and I am IN LOVE with this stuff.  It is the perfect solution for a mom who is trying to beat the nap time clock or who has to be out the door to do a ballet class pickup...you know what I'm getting at!

Julep says that this topcoat "sets" in natural light in 5 minutes, and I have to completely agree.  I get professional, salon quality gel like results with this polish and I am 100% smudge free in 5 minutes.  I will say that I don't get the long-lasting results of a professional gel mani, but I say that with the caveat that I am really hard on my nails.  A normal polish change will last me 2 days before I have to repolish.  With this topcoat, I can get 3 days (same as my other newest love, Sephora's Formula X Polishes.)

I know this one is pricey, but if you can grab the 100 point perk I would highly recommend "spending" your points on this!  I have a small stockpile of topcoats to go through (another Seche Vite, an Out the Door, a Formula X, and this mini) so I won't be purchasing right away, but when I work through my stash, I think I'll go for the full size Julep.  I absolutely love the fact that within 5 minutes of putting it on, my nails are completely dry to the point where I can do dishes, change a diaper, or (wishful thinking) go to bed!

Have you tried this topcoat?  What are your thoughts?

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

Sephora VIB Sale Haul!

Happy Weekend Lovelies!  Before the Sephora VIB sale ends tomorrow (Monday, November 11) I just wanted to share with you all quickly the items I picked up and my first impressions on what I've tried so far.  Sorry for the all-text post, but I'm trying to beat the fast-ticking nap time clock right now!

In super exciting news, I made VIB Rouge!!  I bargained with my hubs and I think now he's just happy he doesn't have to battle the mall for a Christmas gift for me :)

First off, I did grab my extra Clarisonic Sensitive Brush Heads ($25 for 1; $40 for a 2-pack) and the Shiseido Facial Cotton ($9.50) that I am obsessed with.  Both of these items were in my recommendations post, and they're both items that I use regularly so I take advantage when I can pick them up at a discount.

From my wishlist, I got Dior Diorskin Shimmer Star in Amber Diamond ($45).  I grabbed the last one they had in store, and last I checked it was sold out online, but keep your eyes peeled.  I haven't used it yet, but it's just the prettiest highlighter.  I can't wait to dig into it!  I also grabbed a few more Formula X Nail Polishes ($10.50 to $12.50)...another red, a purple, a grey, and a glitter.  You guys know I LOVE these polishes.  I also grabbed the topcoat thinking that it may leave my "normal" nail polish with as good wear and shine as the Formula X does.  After I test it out I'll be sure to post about it!

Other wishlist items I purchased:  Touche Eclat ($40) and the GlamGlow Gift Sexy Supermud Set ($69).  (Quickly...I tried the Supermud mask last night and I wasn't left overly impressed, especially for the price.  I am going to try it a few more times, and try the exfoliating mask it came with, in the hope that more regular use will leave my skin in better condition.  I'll do a full review, but for now I can't say I would recommend spending the money on it.)

I also grabbed a few other impulse items...

This Soap & Glory Lip Balm in Peppermint ($10), which I LOVE, may be my favorite item!  It is seriously like Christmas on your lips.  It leaves the prettiest shimmery sheen and smells absolutely amazing.

This Bumble & Bumble Dry Thickening Spray ($29).  Jury's still out on whether I like this or not.  It did really volumize my hair after I sprayed it in, but it fell flat in a short amount of time.  Re-fluffing through the day helped, but for the price, I'm just not sure how I feel about it.

This Wen Healthy Hair Kit ($42.50).  What can I say...I totally fell for the informercial I saw a few weeks ago.  Have any of you guys tried Wen??  Give me your thoughts and tips please!!

Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray ($29 for 4 oz., $14 for 1 oz.)  I grabbed a small bottle of this to compare to some other setting sprays I have.  I'm going to do a full post on these in a few weeks once I've fully tested everything, but here's a preview...don't waste your money on this one.

And that's about it!  I'm on a SERIOUS makeup no-buy after this haul, but I'm happy to use my new products and shop my collection a bit.

Lovely readers...what did you get at the VIB sale?  Share your goodies :)

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

Sephora VIB Sale Info!

Sephora has announced this year's 20% off sale for VIBs.  No information has come out yet regarding a Beauty Insider sale, but from November 7 to November 11, VIBs will receive 20% off in-stores with their coupons (watch your mail...mine came today!) or online with code VIBTOPIA. 

As always, the amazing Temptalia has all the details here.

If you aren't a VIB, you can still participate in the 20% off sale by making friends with a VIB!  VIBs each get 2 coupons - one for themselves and one for a friend - in their mailers.

Also check out my recommendations for what to pick up at the sale, and my wish list to see what I'll be grabbing!

Happy shopping :)

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

Sephora & Ulta 20% Sale Wish List

With both Sephora and Ulta running 20% off promotions right now (details in my prior post about their sales), here are the products I can't wait to try at 20% off.

Don't fret if you haven't been lucky enough to score a Sephora Friends & Family code...they usually run their BI/VIB sale shortly after F&F ends on October 30.  If you aren't a Beauty Insider, you definitely need to join!!!  Do that here, right now, before you do anything else.  Same with Ulta Rewards!

Things on My Wishlist

Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara ($20 at Ulta)

I have heard SUCH amazing things about this.  I won't lie, I was introduced to Mally Beauty one night while watching QVC and I got totally hooked on trying this mascara after seeing the models.  Of course I don't buy without doing my homework, but this gets really good reviews basically across the board.  It has a 3.9 rating on MakeupAlley, which is pretty good!

Dior Diorskin Shimmer Star in Amber Diamond ($45 at Sephora)

I've wanted this highlighter forever, but I cannot bring myself to spend the money on it.  For 20% off though, I think I may finally splurge! I grabbed a Dior eyeshadow palette last time around and the quality is so amazing that I'm sure this will be great, too.  Besides, Michele1218 can't stop raving about it, and I trust her like no one's business!  If you don't watch her channel, you should!

DevaCurl Products (at Sephora or Ulta)

I have naturally curly hair, and I was lucky enough to receive a few DevaCurl products in a Birchbox a few months ago.  The No Poo, One Condition, and the Light Defining Gel gave me the most amazing curls with minimal effort.  I'd love to get full size bottles.  They're $19 each, though, so it's not cheap to buy the whole line.  Ulta does have a larger range of the line than Sephora, plus they're doing free gifts with purchase.

Image Source: sephora.com

Formula X Nail Polishes ($10.50 to $12.50 at Sephora)

I can't lie, I am so intrigued by this new line of polishes!  I have about a zillion bottles of polish already, but damn Sephora...I can't help but need to try these, too!  They're said to have a gel-like finish, and I'm a total sucker, so I'll probably pick up 2 or 3 shades.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Styling Heat Protect Spray ($23 at Ulta)

I use this regularly to protect my hair when I style it with my curling iron.  I love the lemon scent and the fact that it dries instantly so there's no wait time between spraying and iron.  I've used cheaper oil-based heat sprays, but this one beats them all by a mile.  I'm almost out, so I need to repurchase.

Marc Jacobs Lolita Palette ($59 at Sephora)

Just what I need...another brown neutrals palette.  I actually had no interest in this until Sarah Victor just had to go and rave about it and do an awesome tutorial.  (I mean, what else is new...she's amazing, of course she did another great tutorial!) Now, of course, I HAVE to have it.

 

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation ($55 at Sephora) & Touche Eclat ($40 at Sephora)

I have to be honest, I never really jumped on the Touche Eclat train when it was at full speed a few years ago.  I recently got a sample of both of these products with a Sephora order, though, and I'm hooked.  I LOVE undereye concealers with a thinner consistency (full post on that coming soon!) and the Touche Eclat is so perfect...creamy, easily blended, and still full-coverage.  The foundation is amazing, too.  It gave me medium but buildable coverage, lasted all day, and looked so natural.  I'm also just a foundation junkie, so I love trying them and purchasing anything that works for me.  (My foundation collection is ridiculous.  Let me know if you want to see a post on it!)

Image Source: sephora.com

GlamGlow Gift Sexy Supermud Set ($69 at Sephora)

I actually really only want to try the Supermud mask, but if I'm getting a free Youthmud Tinglexfoliate, why not just try the set?  This contains a full size Supermud Clearing Treatment (normally $69) and a .5 oz tub of the Tinglexfoliate, which is normally $19.  I'm really not a mask person, but this has my curiosity piqued.  Anything that can actually draw dirt out of my pores is something worth considering in my book.

Have you tried any of these products?  Should I skip over any of them?  What am I missing from my wishlist?  What are you wishing for from the sales?  Please share!!

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

Sephora and Ulta 20% off Sale Recommendations

With both Sephora and Ulta running 20% off promotions right now (details in my prior post about their sales), here are the products I absolutely love that I would definitely recommend grabbing at 20% off.

Don't fret if you haven't been lucky enough to score a Sephora Friends & Family code...they usually run their BI/VIB sale shortly after F&F ends on October 30.  If you aren't a Beauty Insider, you definitely need to join!!!  Do that here, right now, before you do anything else.  Same with Ulta Rewards!

My Product Recommendations

Image Source: sephora.com

The Clarisonic (and extra Brush Heads)  (Sephora and Ulta both sell this!)

I use the Clarisonic Mia ($125) and it has absolutely changed my skin.  I seriously cannot rave enough about this product.  My skin is clearer, has fewer clogged pores and less uneven tone, and is always wonderfully exfoliated.  I use the Sensitive Brush Head once per day.  This brush was honestly worth every single penny I spent on it...and I got mine 20% off during the 2011 F&F Sale!  I always pick up replacement brush heads during the 20% off sales.

Shiseido The Makeup Facial Cotton ($9.50) (Sephora Only)
Yes, I am telling you to go spend ten bucks on cotton rounds.  Why?  Because they are SO worth it.  I would never use these to remove nail polish or anything like that, but for eye makeup removal, they are where it's at.  It's the biggest luxury $10 can buy you ($8 during this sale!).  These squares are thick, don't shed, and help get every last bit of makeup off.  They're so thick that I often use the same square twice, just flipped over.  It's a small splurge that will make you feel like you've treated yourself in a big way.

Hourglass Veil Primer  (Sephora Only)

My Holy Grail primer.  This stuff is incredible.  It is the only face primer I've ever used that actually does keep my makeup on all day.   It is stupid expensive ($52 for 1 oz; $18 for .33 oz) but omg is it amazing.  It's silky smooth, blends away uneven skin texture and skin tone, and even has SPF.  One pump will cover your entire face, so the bottle will last you forever.  I will definitely be picking up a full size bottle for when my small one eventually does run out.  I cannot live without this stuff!!

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation ($55)  (Sephora Only)

To pair with your amazing primer, if you have oily skin, you must try this foundation.  It keeps me matte all day long and helps my powder blush and bronzer stay on my skin for 8+ hours, too.  Rather than rave for hours about it here...I'll direct you to Josh Collier's video explaining all there is to know about how amazing Immaculate is!  It's long, but it's well worth watching.  (Josh works for Hourglass, but his product reviews are always spot-on and honest.  He is one of my favorite YouTubers...I highly recommend subscribing to his channel!)

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders ($45)  (Sephora Only)

Another Hourglass rave.  Go figure.  They've become my favorite brand this year!   I use Diffused Light on a regular basis, and love how it blends away any redness that my foundation or concealer didn't cover.  It also helps blur pores and imperfections, and who doesn't want that?  These powders are great!

Beauty Blender ($19 for 1; $29 for 2) & Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser ($16) (Sephora Only)

Proof is in the pudding.  The solid cleanser is great!

I know you probably all think I'm insane for recommending you buy a $20 cosmetic sponge.  I thought fans of the Beauty Blender were nutso, too, before I tried it.  There really is nothing else like it on the market.  I bought the 2-pack during last year's VIB sale, and my first sponge is finally getting to the point where I should toss it - point being - they last a while.  A damp Beauty Blender applies liquid foundation (plus cream bronzer/blush/highlighter) so flawlessly it's unreal.  And yes, you should just suck it up and get the cleanser.  I cleaned mine for a while with baby shampoo or Dr. Bronner's soap (what I use to clean my makeup brushes) but it didn't get my Beauty Blender even close to as clean as the solid soap did.  I paid full price for the solid cleanser and still think it was worth every red cent!

Image Source: thepolishaholic.com

Deborah Lippmann Glitter Polishes ($19) (Sephora only)

There is no better way to splurge on a nail polish than to pick up a Deborah Lippmann glitter.  She just does them better than anyone else.  I know they're expensive, but at 20% off, 1 polish is basically the price of 1 salon manicure.  Grab the polish, give yourself your weekly mani, and you've broken even.  (Give yourself manis every week and save a mint!  More on that to come!!)  I'm dying to grab Candy Shop!

Benefit They're Real Mascara ($23) (Sephora and Ulta both sell this!)

My Holy Grail mascara.  It's a wet formula, but like all of them, dries a little in a few weeks.  It's been raved about so much in the beauty community, I don't know that I can do it any more justice.  It makes your lashes long and thick, and the spiky end of the brush lets you get every last lash.  Perfection in a tube.

Fake Bake Flawless ($25) (Ulta only)

If you like to self-tan and haven't yet tried this, I have no idea what you're waiting for!  This is bar none the best self-tanner I've used.  The mitt it comes with gives you a flawless application...it's virtually impossible to be streaky.  This is the first (and only) tanner that I was brave enough to do my entire body with, by myself without help.  Even my back was streak-free! 

Also consider grabbing any hair styling tools (hot irons, blow dyers, etc), fragrance (at Sephora), or anything you regularly use while you can get them all 20% off!

Do you plan to grab anything?  Leave your wishlist or anything I need to add to mine in the comments!

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

Sephora & Ulta 20% off Sales

We all know what October and November bring about - a 20% discount on all the good stuff! 

Starting with Sephora - the Friends & Family sale is the same as it was in 2012...you actually need to know a Sephora employee to get a 20% discount code.  It runs until October 30 this year, so if you have a connection, work it!  (And hook a sister up!!  I sadly don't know any employees.)

If Sephora is as smart as they were last year (given the complete uproar on their Facebook page after announcing they were limiting the F&F sale...in years past, it was open to all BI/VIBs, as we well know!), they will hold a Beauty Insider/VIB sale again.  Nothing has been announced yet, but in 2012, BIs received a 15% off coupon, and VIBs received 20% off.  I'm curious to see if and how the discounts will change with Sephora's new VIB Rouge program.  (I'm 300 points away...who thinks I can make Rouge by December 31?!?  Don't tell my husband!!)  When any sale is announced, I'll make sure to include the details here!

Onto Ulta - watch your mail ladies, because their 20% off coupons are out!  Mine came in today's mail, but I know I am usually one of the first to receive my coupon.  As always, they exclude certain brands (Lancome, Clinique, etc.) and products (fragrance being the major one), but you can use these coupons on all the good stuff...what Ulta calls "prestige cosmetics" or "prestige haircare."  My coupon expires November 2, and is good for a one-time use either online or in-store.

Stay tuned, I have posts upcoming showing you what my picks are from each sale, and once I shop them I'll be sure to post a haul from each :)  (What do you guys prefer, a haul post or a video?  Let me know what you want to see!)

What do you all plan to pick up at the 20% off sales?  What do I have to have?

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.