When I sat down to reflect on the last year, the two words that came to mind were eyeopening and growth. 2017, while full of great experiences, new love, travels, and new ventures; it was also full of hard times and bittersweet moments. I wouldn't trade any of these obstacles for they allowed me to feel emotions, be more vulnerable, and really find my inner strength and confidence. It can be challenging to look back at the last year and dwell on all the negatives, or things we could've done better, more of, etc- but we can't let that energy follow us.
I was unapologetic about my wants in 2017, and plan to be more unapologetic with my dreams and career in this new year. I personally don't set a "resolution", but small goals I want to work towards throughout the entire year. Here's to another 365 day journey without comparison, self doubt, and starting to live by your own rules! To more traveling, more growth, and more experiences that truly make you feel alive. I'm beyond thankful for the blessings, relationships, and happiness 2017 brought, and excited for what 2018 has in store!
I wanted to bring back my favorites by showcasing ten of the products I couldn't live without in 2017!
Anastasia Beverly Hills, Modern Renaissance Palette:
Anastasia BH never disappoints, but this collection of 14 shades is every warm tones lovers dream! Seriously, I couldn't get enough of this palette. From matte transitions to metallic lid colors, the amount of looks you can create are endless. I honestly need to invest in a backup because I've already hit pan on quite a few of the shades!
L'Oreal, Elnett Hairspray:
Literally the only hairspray I'll use! A strong but flexible hold that disappears at the stroke of a brush- basically your hair won't have the dreaded vintage crunch! I like to use this spray before styling for extra hold, and to top off my style. Also works great for sleek pony days.
Ole Henriksen, Nuture Me:
It's known by now that Ole Henriksen is one of my holy-grail skincare brands. This line specifically, is formulated to hydrate, soothe, and comfort the skin. Packed with a blend of vitamin A, B5, C and E, along with sunflower and rosehip oils, this moisturizer intensely hydrates while reducing any redness. The cute light pink tint and citrus scent also leaves skin feeling refreshed and supple.
I also fell in love with the corresponding facial mist. Also formulated with Provitamin B5, and a blend of cucumber and chamomile extracts this mist is like a little spa in a bottle! I prefer to spritz it on before my makeup for added hydration, or throughout the day for a skin pick me up! I enjoyed pairing it at night with the moisturizer to really lock in all the benefits and soothe my skin.
KISS Lashes, Spicy:
I purchased these lashes on a whim when Walmart was out of my usuals, but these soon became my other go-to's throughout 2017! Wispy but full, these lashes remind me of the perfect extensions you can remove at the end of the day. The tapered ends also give a more fluffy effect that looks great with or without eyeshadow!
NARS, Super Orgasm:
The best blush for any and all makeup looks! This peachy pink shade gives you a beautiful flush, while the gold glitter flecks provide a subtle glow. Layer a lot for a throwback Kim K baby doll vibe, or a little for a natural pinch to the cheeks.
Herbivore Botanicals, Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist:
I was fortunate enough to have this product sent to me, but have already re-upped on my own! This coconut water based mist is infused with anti-aging hibiscus flower and rose to tone and hydrate the skin. [but] Let's dive deeper into the additional magic ingredients...
Coconut Water- great for instantly rehydrating the skin while providing a glow.
Hibiscus Flower- rich in malic and citrus acid, which provides natural exfoliation and cell turnover to provide a more even skin tone.
Rose- high in antioxidants, hydration, and reducing redness and inflammation.
Witch Hazel- helps to tighten the skin, de-puff, and also reduce inflammation.
Aloe Vera- super hydrating and healing without leaving skin feeling greasy.
I love to spritz this spray on my face in place of a toner before applying moisturizer, and sometimes again before makeup application. Another reason why I love this mist so much, the company behind the brand is amazing!
Benefit, Hoola:
An oldie but a goodie! This bronzer is like a "beach in a box". Buildable but cool in tone, this bronzer is perfect for contouring or warming up the skin. On no makeup days I also like to blend some in my crease and lower lash-line for subtle definition.
Salon Perfect, 615 Lashes:
Pretty much the only lashes I wear (until I stumbled across the Kiss ones)! Perfect for giving that piecey doe-eyed look and complimenting any makeup look from everyday to super glam. I also love that when paired with more dramatic makeup these lashes don’t overpower, allowing your eyeshadow to peek through. Great dupes for MAC's 35.
L'Oreal, Pro Glow Foundation:
There are very few drugstore foundations that I reach for daily, but this one always seemed to make it's way into my makeup routine! Ideal for normal to dry skin, aka my skin, this foundation gives skin a naturally glowing finish. Lightweight, long wearing, buildable coverage, and an spf, what more could you want from a drugstore foundation?!
Shea Moisture, African Black Soap:
I gotta give credit to my boyfriend for getting me addicted to this soap. African Black Soap is an ancient beauty secret formulated from palm ash, tamarind extract, tar, and plantain peel to help calm and clear skin. Aloe and Oats also help to cleanse, moisturize, and comfort, removing excess oil without stripping the skin. This soap is said to also help relieve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. While I personally don't have either, this soap did help clear up my mild KP and has bettered the overall appearance and feel of my skin!
Here's to the return of monthly favorites in 2018!
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