Over the past year I’ve been exposed to boatloads of beauty products. Some through my job, some through my shopaholism… others being sent to me for review, and still others through friends. Some are good, some OK, and a few have made me break out in hives, but the ten that I’m featuring here today are the great ones.
We’ll start off with Birchbox. I have written about this company before, so it probably goes without saying that the monthly box of samples I receive from them is far and away, one of my favorite things. Each box inevitably contains something that has become a favorite thing. From the NARS multiple stick, to the Jouer tinted moisturizer, to the Laura Mercier gloss that I’ll get to in a bit, the products they pick never disappoint. And they’ve got a rocking customer service team to boot. (Hayley, I’m talking to you!)
The next favorite is Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara. (Disclaimer – I work for Coty Beauty, Rimmel’s parent company. I will also tell you that prior to this discovery, I had been obsessed with Maybelline The Falsies. You can read my glowing review of the product, here. Don’t tell my boss.) I got this from a coworker (who doesn’t even know I have a blog,) and immediately became obsessed with it. Best Mascara Ever. It lengthens and thickens, with no clumpiness. Your lashes won’t look exactly like Zooey’s, but they’ll get pretty close. Oh, and if you become a Facebook fan of Rimmel, they’ll give you a coupon for $2 off.
Next, we’ll move along to Essie Berry Hard. This, I discovered during a trip to the salon. It’s become my new go-to shade. I’ve always found it difficult to find the perfect blood red/purple. This one is just that… and all out gorgeous.
Oh, Moroccan Oil. This one, I heard about from multiple girlfriends. It’s been a game changer for my hair. It dissolves frizziness, and turns split ends into satin. I use it every day.
Next up is L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream. I got this from a girlfriend in a Yankee Swap, and can’t say enough good things about it. It smells amazing, it deeply moisturizes, and the tube is the perfect size to stash in my purse.
Smashbox Eyeliner could easily be my favorite discovery of the year. These, I read about in Lucky. The pencils are highly pigmented, do not smudge, and go on like butter. I bought this cute set of 4 pencils to give ’em a try, and it’s become my go-to eyeliner brand. PS – the purple shade is especially lovely. (This is coming from someone who is relatively conservative in her makeup choices.)
Next up, we move along to NARS lipstick in Heat Wave. In case you weren’t already aware, this is the shade Jenna Lyons selected for the Spring ’11 J.Crew preview. She paired it with silky shorts and blouses… lots of blush tones, bright corals and blues… and (yes!) more nautical stripes. I had to have it, and ordered it immediately. As I said before, I’m a bit timid with my makeup choices, but I’ve worn it twice and love it. I just use a tiny bit, blot and apply gloss, but if you are braver, you can apply it straight from the tube. I will be jealous because I’m just not quite that gutsy.
Laura Mercier’s Lip Glace in Opal was a Birchbox discovery. I wear this every day. It’s the perfect nude. It stays on for ages, and gives you great shine – without any tackiness. (If it gets windy, your hair won’t stick to your lips…)
And then, we have Sunday Riley Juno. I’m so obsessed. It’s an oil, but your skin sucks it up in seconds, so skin is never greasy. My skin just feels (for lack of a better word,) happier and healthier after I use it. Luminous, devoid of flakes, and glowing. It’s been a cold winter, and this product has been a huge help in the battle against dryness.
I’ll end with Blow Dry Beauty’s Blow Out Spray. If you’ve ever had a blow out at their salon, you know that a Blow blow out is unlike no other. My girlfriend calls the end result “sex hair,” and she’s totally right. When you leave their salon, you go home looking like a Victoria’s Secret model. Hair is sleek, but still bouncy and voluminous. Part of their secret is this spray – it provides serious hold, without weighing it down. (It also helps you to make your blow out last a few extra days…)
So there you have it… my favorite things from 2010. Now tell me… what are yours!?
