For me, 2016 was the year of the lip. As I put together my favorite beauty products of 2016 I kept thinking of really great lip products that have not only taken over my vanity but my Louis Vuitton handbag as well. But I didn’t want my 2016 obsession to take over this list so I truly narrowed down my top makeup, hair, nail and skincare picks that I raved about earlier this year (or recently discovered) that I’m still using to this very day.
Applying setting powder has never been a priority in my daily makeup routine but lately Laura Geller Filter Finish Setting Powder has me changing my tune. Just a few swirls of these pure pigments help blur flaws, balance my skin tone and illuminate my face with a warm glow.
“I commute from Baltimore to DC every day. Suffice to say, once you commute for around three hours a day—well, that means I’m an expert at a streamlined morning beauty routine: primer, concealer, bronzer, and blush. Then, a quick blending of eyeshadow. Total time? Probably five minutes.
I start out with Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer. This primer is a magic potion that somehow preps my face with a smooth, even finish. Next, I use Laura Geller Real Deal Concealer in Medium. I’ve toyed around with a lot of concealers, but I’m sticking with this brand for the long run. I dust my cheeks with Too Faced bronzer in Beach Bunny to help set the concealer and add a healthy glow. Then, I top off my cheekbones with Nars blush in Luster.
For my eyes, I use the Too Faced Natural Eye Shadow Collection. It features nine shades in a fool-proof, portable box that’s easy to tote. I’ll actually apply my liner on the top lid twice with the Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx once before blending a smoky base and then after the base is blended. For my lips, I swear by the C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve. I apply that first, then a matte color by Maybelline in Coral Crush for a bright look. If I want to go glossy, I’ll top it all off with Smashbox Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss in Watermelon.
For a night out, I always just reapply—a little more contouring, a little smokier for the eye. Back to my beloved Smashbox—I use the Natural At Night palette this time to emphasize a darker eye. Hair products… this is where I cut corners. I use Dove products and a curling iron to style my hair for a bit of volume. I use Big Sexy Hair Spray if I add a curl.
In the evening, I’m really adamant about having clean skin. Washing my face takes the longest out of everything—even longer than getting ready. I also use Proactiv and swear by it. Each night, I scrub my face with a hot, wet washcloth, usually with Johnson’s Baby Wash. If my face feels dry, then I’ll use baby lotion in the morning. I have really sensitive skin and am a huge fan of baby products for the face.”
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