I’m back for part two of my best of 2018 series! As a makeup junkie, it’s always hard to narrow down lists like these. I can easily write about 50 products that were “amazing,” but for the sake of keeping this short and sweet, I kept this list to just 12. Each of these products were well used, and very loved last year. If you spot any favs, let me know!
YEARLY FAVORITES {2018}
1// URBAN DECAY BORN TO RUN PALETTE
I’m going to kick things off with my favorite eyeshadow palette of 2018. At first glance, the Urban Decay Born to Run Palette doesn’t seem very unique. The shades are basic neutrals, with a few pops of color, but there’s something magical about it. I reach for it on a daily basis, and absolutely love the formula. If you want a palette for everyday use, this is a great choice. They blend beautifully, are nicely pigmented, and you can create a variety of day or night appropriate looks. It has quickly become a staple in my collection!
2// BOBBI BROWN SKIN WEIGHTLESS POWDER FOUNDATION (SAND 2)
Despite my struggle with dry skin, I’m a big fan of powder foundations. With the right base (meaning tons of hydrating skincare), powders can look effortless and pulled together – with a touch of natural coverage. Plus, they are quick and easy, which makes them my go-to on casual days. I discovered the Bobbi Brown powder mid-summer last year, and adore the formula. It’s not cakey or heavy, and it wears nicely all day over concealer.
I also really like the shade range. Rather than pulling too pink or yellow, there are a lot of neutral shades to choose from. This year I hope to try her stick version of this foundation!
3// NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER (CUSTARD)
If I could only use one concealer for the rest of time, this would be it. Radiant Creamy has been in my rotation for years, and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. It’s creamy, hydrating, easy to blend, and it covers beautifully. It doesn’t settle into fine lines, and it doesn’t break up and look splotchy throughout the day. It’s the perfect mix of coverage, and moisture – so it’s great for us dry ladies! It even comes in a cute travel size, so you never have to be without it.
4// GLAMGLOW GLOWPOWDER
Like years prior, 2018 was all about the highlight. Brands released a plethora of options in a variety of formulas, but this subtle glow from GLAMGLOW really impressed me. The finish is soft and dewy, but it can be layered for a more intense effect. Rather than looking metallic and unnatural, it leaves a soft lit from within glow.
The formula contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, and a TEAOXI® Vitalflower Complex to blur imperfections. Unlike chunky or glittery highlights that can accentuate texture, this helps soften the skin for a younger appearance. Bonus points, it smells like a tropical vacation with its yummy coconut scent!
5// BENEFIT HOOLA LIGHT BRONZER
This has been one of the only bronzers I’ve reached for all year! It reminds me a lot of my old fav, the Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil. It’s light, easy to wear, and very hard to over-do. If the OG Hoola scares you, I highly recommend trying this. You can throw it on all over, and never look muddy or orange. It’s quite light though, so if you’re darker than a medium skin tone, you might want to skip this (or layer it with another bronzer). For comparison photos, check out my Hoola bronzer post.
6// FULL BROW BROW POWDER (DARK)
This should come as no surprise, as it’s pretty much the only brow product I’ve used for years. The powder is super silky, and provides all day color for natural looking brows. The shade runs cool, so it matches my brows perfectly, and it has great color payoff (not too pigmented, and not patchy). I got my first one from PR, and loved it so much that I purchased my second one on my own. You can purchase it online from QVC, and it even comes with the cutest hot pink brush. Both the brush, and the powder are my fav brow combo!
7// COVERGIRL UTRA FINE BROW PENCIL
When my beloved Full Brow ran out last summer, I was in desperate need of brow filler. So, I reached for some of these Covergirl pencils sent to me in a press package. I wasn’t expecting to like them, but I did. In fact, I loved them! I completely used up Rich Brown, and used about half of Soft Brown (oddly they are very similar). Once my back up Full Brow came in, I stopped reaching for this as much, but I still really love it. The tip is super fine, so it’s easy to create hair like strokes. It’s not itch proof though, so I do carry this with me on days I’ll be gone for a while.
8// MAC BLUSH (TENDERLING, MELBA & HARMONY)
I feel like no one talks about MAC blushes anymore, but they are what started my obsession. If you’re looking for easy to wear neutrals, MAC has got you covered. They offer some of the prettiest natural looking blushes around. I can name so many that are incredible, but the three I reached for most last year were Tenderling, Melba, and Harmony – though Cubic and Prism are top favs as well.
These blushes are not the most creamy or overly pigmented, but they are easy to apply, and easy to build. They are a great staple for everyone to have, from beginners to pros!
9// STILA STAY ALL DAY MICRO TIP LIQUID LINER
I was really into wings last year, but it’s always been something I struggle with thanks to my hooded lids. Thankfully, I discovered this ultra fine tipped liner from Stila, and it made things SO much easier! The formula is super black, and the felt tip is easy to maneuver. You can create a bold line, or sharp point, and it lasts 10+ hours without fading or smudging. I’m not a fan of the over $20 price tag, but I haven’t found a drugstore formula that is quite as good.
10// L’OREAL COLOUR RICHE SHINE LIPSTICKS
I blogged about these last summer, and even compared them to my favorite YSL lipstick. They are creamy, easy to apply, lightly pigmented (so you can apply on the go), and they smell so good! The packaging has flaws, but the hydrating balm like formula is a wonderful dupe for the YSL Rouge Volupte Shines. Fun fact, L’Oreal actually owns YSL beauty. So, the two lipsticks probably aren’t all that different. Except one is less than $10, and the other is over $30!
11// REAL TECHNIQUES FACE BRUSH (200)
This came to me late last year, but I was instantly impressed. It has the perfect density of bristles, and it blends liquid foundations effortlessly. It’s soft as can be, and it doesn’t leave behind streaks or brush marks. In recent months, I’ve even reached for this over my beautyblender. There’s no getting up to wet it, and it’s easier to store since it’s not a round sponge. There are certain products I’ll always use with a beautyblender, but this brush has been a great addition to my collection.
12// BARE MINERALS GEN NUDE EYESHADOW PRIMER IN EXPOSED
This seems like a boring product to include, but I wanted to mention it because it has pretty much replaced my OG fav Soft Ochre Paint Pot. I’ve been addicted to paint pots for years, especially the concealing ones (Painterly and Soft Ochre), but the jar packaging gets old – and they eventually dry out. With this I get the same coverage and priming, but with a convenient doe foot applicator. A teeny tiny amount, and I mean realllly tiny, goes a long way. If you apply too much, it can look a little heavy on the lids, so use sparingly. The good news is, this will last for years 😆 and despite it’s ultra creamy texture it doesn’t crease!
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