Can you believe that we are already at the end of the year? So much has been happening in my life (great things, I might say) that I haven’t really had time to blog about all the new products and fashion that I have been trying or wearing. As this is the last day of the year, I couldn’t just let you think that I’ve fallen off the face of the Earth. So here we are with my favorite beauty products of 2018.
Hair
These three products have really been my go to especially because I wear protective styles. What I love about these products is that they can be used on my natural hair as well as my extensions. I’ve done a blog post on just how much I love IGK’s Expensive Amla Oil Hi-Shine Top Coat. I mostly use this on my extensions because it really smooths the strands and gives incredible shine. Click here for my post on this product.
My next product is also from IGK and it is the Mistress Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner. I use this on my natural and my extensions. For my natural hair, I will use this after I deep condition and before I blow-dry. You don’t need to use to much and it really helps with hydrating my ends which always seem to be dry. I also use this after heat-styling my extensions as it seals the cuticles. What I will say is that this is a product that should only be used from the mid-shaft to the ends. Like I said, you don’t need a lot and you can use it a couple of times a week without worrying about buildup.
The last product that I have in this category is the Ouai Rose Hair & Body Oil. I received deluxe sample of this in a beauty box early in the year and started using it. It has a great scent, extremely light and during the summer it gave my hair the best shine. It never weighed my hair down (natural or extensions) and lasted forever. Since I’ve tried it, it’s been a staple in my hair styling routine. Even on days when I am wearing nothing more than a simple ponytail, this oil will smooth my ends in seconds and last for days.
Skincare
Now you know skincare is my jam when it comes to me and beauty. This year my favorites included a some favorites from past years and a few new ones.
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
- Shiseido Bio-Performance Glow Revival Eye Treatment
- bliss In the Honey™ Mega Moisturizing Lavender Honey Mask
- Sula NYC Mineral Clay Mask
- Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
It should come as no surprise that two The Ordinary products have made it to my favorites of the year. Since Deciem came onto the scene with their effective and super-affordable skincare line, I have been hooked on their products. The The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and the The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution have been my favorites since day 1. I love hyaluronic acid and think it’s essential to any skincare routine regardless of your age or skin type. I wish I had known about it in my 20s although, I’m quite certain that most of the skincare products that I used at the time contained even the smallest amounts in their formulas. In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past 5 years, hyaluronic acid is like the fountain of youth. It is a great hydrator and plumps the skin for a youthful appearance. ‘Nuff said, and despite the shenanigans of Deciem’s former CEO, this is a great product and The Ordinary is a brand that has quality products. If you suffer from acne, even occasionally, then you have to get the Salicylic Acid. It really helps to fade post-acne blemishes with regular use.
Moving on, I need to talk about Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate. When I first got this, I wasn’t quite sure what it was but all the reviews were great. For me the easiest way for me to categorize this product is as a “pre-serum-serum”. I say that because it has the consistency of a serum but it’s actually product that optimizes the effectiveness of your serums and the rest of your skincare routine. I find that it is extremely soothing and hydrating when used right after a clay mask.
That brings me to my next favorite—Sula NYC Mineral Clay Mask. Like any other skincare enthusiast of color, I follow This That Beauty for all things skincare related because—SHE IS the fairy godmother of skincare. She has been talking about this mineral clay mask for quite some time and when I finally purchased and tried it, I had to ask myself why it took so long to incorporate this into my skincare routine. Not only does this mask purifiy—it also exfoliates revealing a brighter, more even complexion. What I will recommend is that after using this mask, follow up with a sheet mask (This That Beauty confirmed this) and then you can go into your pre-serum, serum, etc. While we’re talking about masks, my next must-have mask for 2018 and beyond is the bliss In the Honey™ Mega Moisturizing Lavender Honey Mask. This is my morning mask. It’s like my winter skin savior before facing the day. It is extremely hydrating and I use it before I use Ultimune. While it’s on I usually go about my day, picking out what to wear for the day, making my breakfast, etc. Once rinsed off, your skin will feel baby soft. This is a mask that I have re-purchased about three times this year and at the price-point of $13 you are getting your money’s worth.
If you are not using an eye cream and you are over 25, you seriously are not living your best skincare life. Remember, you don’t have to wait for problems to appear before you try to fix them. It’s all about prevention. I was introduced to this eye treatment about 3 months ago, and I’ve been using it ever since. This is another win for Shiseido. This Shiseido Bio-Performance Glow Revival Eye Treatment really does reduce the appearance of dark circles when used continuously, it hydrates the under-eye area and the applicator tip makes it easy for the product to absorb into the skin. Honestly, I think it has helped with the way that my concealer applies. I’ve noticed less creasing, and even after using setting powder under my eyes, my under-eye area looks hydrated all day.
For my final selection of skincare favorites for the year, this has to go to Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Hydra-Gel Eye Patches. This is not a new product. I’ve seen it in Sephora for a couple of years, but was always hesitant to buy it mostly because of the price. For $75 dollars you get 60 patches. I’m the kind of person who thinks that this type of a product needs to be used on a daily basis, so basically I would have to commit to spending $75 every month for one product. I’m a beauty junkie so you see how that could be a problem for me. But lo and behold during Sephora’s VIB sale in November, they had special packaging for with 30 patches for $18! I bought 8 because with my discount it ended up like getting 4 full-size products for less than the price of 2. Good thing I did that because they no longer sell the smaller package at that price. Getting back to the product—for me, this is the holy grail of eye-patches. It de-puffs on contact, hydrates and plumps the under-eye area, and smooths fine lines. It’s basically magic in an eye patch. I almost want to say that it’s worth buying the 60 patches for $75 (if your coins are up to the task). I do use this every day and I have notice significant improvements mostly with my fine lines. Also, knowing that you actually put gold under your eyes every morning makes me feel very rich, lol.
Makeup
When it came to my makeup routine, I pretty much stuck to what I like so I really didn’t deviate from what I normally use. However, of all the new product that I tried over the year, there were a few that made a lasting impression with me, so much more that they have made it to my replenishment list. So let’s get right into it.
- Benefit Bad Gal Bang Mascara
- Danessa Myricks Smooth FX Refining Gel
- Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
- Too Faced Born this Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer
- Covergirl Full Spectrum Color Idol Satin Lipstick
I have been pretty loyal to my Cover FX Power Play since it launched, however the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation quickly became one of my go to foundations. I was impressed at how matte it stayed even during the hottest days. I also went swimming in this foundation and it DID. NOT. BUDGE. I was convinced that it was some type of sorcery and it was for that reason that I had to include it in my 2018 favorites. On top of that, I was able to find a color match, so that was also exciting. It is a medium coverage foundation that is buildable. It does have a skin-like finish although I wouldn’t call it velvety. It doesn’t settle into fine lines and it set with some powder and a setting spray you will find that it will last all day and for the most part it is a transfer-proof foundation.
Next up we have the Too Faced Born this Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer. This gave my Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer a run for it’s money. For it to be a pretty thick concealer that is definitely full coverage, when set it will not crease and although matte it is not drying to the under eye. There are so many shades and as the name suggest it is a multi-use concealer. Basically you can buy three shades and do your entire face. You can highlight, concealer and contour. On top of that, you get a ton of product. You are probably getting twice the amount of product that you would get with other comparable concealers for the same price. Who doesn’t love that?
This next product is some sort of makeup sorcery. Developed by Danessa Myricks (sometimes referred to as the human unicorn), this product is definitely magical. It kind of reminds me of Guerlain’s L’Or with the same blurring effect as Murad’s Invisiblur. I like this because it can be worn alone or under makeup. I have not tried it alone, but I’m planning to for 2019. What I have noticed is that it does keep me matte longer when I use this with my foundation, but not so matte that I look dry. It creates the perfect canvas for makeup application. Definitely going to repurchase this when I run out.
To me, Benefit is to mascara and brows as MAC is to lipstick. Of all the mascaras that Benefit has released, this is probably my favorite—or at least my second favorite (I still really like Roller Lash. What I love about this mascara is the skinny tapered silicone brush. If you weren’t blessed with naturally long lashes, this mascara is your friend for two reasons:
- It will evenly coat the tiniest of lashes – yes even those tiny pesky ones on your lower lash line
- It will literally last all day – seriously like all day
Let me be honest I have other mascaras that I will use from time to time, but this is the only mascara that I have multiple backups of. When it comes to this mascara I basically have FORO (Fear of Running Out) so whenever I get a chance, or when Sephora or Ulta is having a sale, I pick up at least two.
Lastly, is a lipstick that I have wanted to try since the line launched. Covergirl recently launched a new line called full spectrum that caters specifically to women of color. I actually bought three products from the line, but this is the product that I have used the most and the other two will need to be used a few times before I can give an honest review. However, I do find myself reaching for their Full Spectrum Color Idol Satin Lipstick almost daily. It glides on well, the color payoff is incredible and there’s just enough shine that you can wear this lipstick day or night.
So there you have it, my beauty favorites for 2018. Were any of your favorites listed? What were your favorites. Sound off in the comments below or reach me on the webs:
Instagram & Twitter: @seetouchtaste
Have a happy New Year!
xx