Makeup Favorites of 2016

Each year, I find myself feeling more content with my everyday make up routine.  Throughout the year, I have found several products that have made my mornings easier and prettier. ;)  I'm breaking down my favorite finds below, in case you are looking for some new gems to try out. Let's start with my favorite . . foundation and concealer. 

1.  Almay Smart Shade  CC Cream One of my most favorite finds of the whole year is the Almay Smart Shade CC Cream.  (I did a whole blog post on it here)  This stuff is amazing.  This CC Cream somehow manages to cover redness without making it look like I am wearing any makeup.  It is truly a "Complexion Corrector".  This is generally not my first choice if I have an active breakout, but if my skin is doing well and I don't need a ton of coverage this is my favorite product.  I seriously get excited to use it every time!

2.  Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless I love this foundation.  It is lightweight, but provides medium to full coverage, depending on how much you want to build it up.  It never looks "cakey".  If If my skin isn't doing very well, I layer this on top of my CC Cream for added coverage.  The two products together are amazing at camouflaging any breakouts or acne scars I might be dealing with.  You definitely can wear this on it's own, though.  It is a beautiful product.

3.  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer This concealer is amazing.  At first the little sponge deal wigged me out . . . but you can just pop off that bad boy and dispense the concealer without it.  I apply this under my eyes to cover any dark circles and also any breakouts.  It doesn't crease under my eyes, which is huge.  I love this stuff!

1.  Wet n Wild Coloricon Bronzer (Ticket to Brazil)  2016 was the year that I learned bronzer isn't just a "summer" situation.  I use bronzer every single day, no matter the season.  I find that it brings dimension to my face after applying a flat foundation.  Additionally, I think it helps camouflage acne quite well.  I once heard that comparison that you can camouflage a wine stain better on dark carpet than you could white carpet.  When I have a little more color on my face, my dark or red acne spots are way less noticeable.  This bronzer shade is my favorite I've tried this year.  It doesn't go on orange at all, and when used with a light hand looks very natural. Bonus points for the fact that it is Wet n Wild, and super cheap. 

2.  Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder (Translucent) My face requires powder.  I tend to be on the oily side, so if I want my makeup to last I need this stuff.  I also kind of have larger pores on my cheeks.  This powder fills in the pores nicely, leaving my skin looking smooth.  It has kind of a weird smell, so if you're sensitive to that kind of thing this might not be for you.  But, if you don't mind smelling a little . . . mature? . . . try this out.  

3.  Milani Baked Blush (Luminoso)  This is the prettiest blush I have ever tried.  It has a slight shimmer to it that gives your face that "lit from within" look.  The color is a pinkish-peach shade that I find to be quite flattering.  Plus, I feel like I'm casting a spell when I brush "Luminoso" onto my face.  (I was never able to find Milani products when I lived in Utah, but now that I'm in Vegas I can usually find this at Walmart or Walgreens. I've included an Amazon link in case you can't find it where you live.)

1.  Loreal Gel Liner  I have used a heck of a lot of eyeliners in my day, but this one is my favorite.  The staying power of this gel liner is unreal.  I do a cat eye almost every single day, and I have found that this eyeliner keeps the line sharp all day.  It is super smooth to apply, and I love the matte finish.  Definitely give this a try if you are into cat eyeliner.

2.  Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow (Bad to the Bronze) Full disclosure:  I hardly ever wear eyeshadow.  Really.  Like, maybe a few times a year.  But if I ever do wear it, I'm wearing this shadow in this shade.  Bad to the Bronze is a cream eyeshadow in a metallic bronze shade that makes a subtle statement.  I love how it pairs with my green eyes, but I'm sure it would look stunning on any blue or brown eyed girls out there.  It stays all day without creasing, which is necessary to me.  I just apply it with my fingers, and it is basically fail-proof.  Takes no time at all and looks gorgeous.  

3.  Covergirl Super Sizer Mascara I am a mascara snob.  I take mascara very seriously (haha) and spend a lot of time on my lashes.  This mascara was definitely my favorite I tried this year.  It lengthens and separates my lashes, while still adding a bit of volume.  I have recommend this to a few friends and family members in real life, and they have all loved it.  If you are looking to try a new mascara, definitely pick this one up.

1.  Covergirl Brow Pencil I feel like everyone was super into brows this year.  I tried maybe 5 different brow products this year, and this Covergirl Pencil was my favorite.  It has kind of a waxy texture and isn't super pigmented, which is a good thing for me!  I want my brow hair to look like hair . . . and this does that.  I also really like the shade.  I use "soft brown", which works perfectly for my complexion.  I usually have a hard time finding a shade that isn't too warm toned for me.  This has a bit of ashiness to it that I find to look quite natural.

2.  ELF Brow Spoolie  I discovered brow spoolies this year, and I can't recommend them enough!  I use mine after I apply my brow pencil, combing my brow hairs upwards.  This removes excess product and softens my brow makeup. I use this every day!

1.  Revlon Kissable Balm Stain (Honey) I have talked about this product before on Instagram, but it is worth mentioning again.  I use this balm stain all the time.  It is a total "your lips but better" shade and the application is totally fool-proof.  It is very natural looking, but amps up your look at the same time.  Plus, it feels really nourishing on the lips.  Love this.  

2.  Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Plumping Lip Gloss I discovered this lip gloss a couple of months ago, and it was an immediate favorite.  I have never used a lip gloss that is this intense.  When you apply a generous coat of this gloss to your lips, you feel an intense buzzing sensation that makes your pout a little . . . poutier.  I use the shade "plums up" but honestly, it probably doesn't matter which shade you use.  It is pretty sheer. I love this stuff.  I am always busting it out of my purse and telling people about it.  It is definitely worth a try if you like plumping lip glosses.  

3.  NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream (Prague) One of my besties (Kelsey from @xo4friends on Insta) told me about this product and I am so glad she did!  I don't often venture out from my natural, pinky nude lip color, but this color is so fun!  I have found that you can apply a more concentrated coat for a bold statement lip, or you can apply it and then blot for a more subtle look.  When I blot this lip cream, it looks more like a lip stain and has excellent staying power.  The formula is super soft and creamy and it smells like a cupcake.  You really can't beat that!

Phew!  That was kind of a lot . . . but all these products are truly gems! What were your favorite beauty products of 2016?   I'm always down to try something new!  

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