2016 Makeup Favorites
2:09:00 PM
Happy New Year! 2016 is behind us, and that means that it is time to think back to what the very best products over the past year have been. I have been so excited for this post!
Some bloggers will restrict themselves in this kind of post to only discussing the products they discovered in the past year, but I have decided to do it a bit differently. I approached it this way: If I had kept a tally of every time I used each one of my makeup products throughout the entire year, which products would have the most tallies? I think this is an effective way of choosing the year's winners because the products I reach for the most are the ones I love, trust, and would recommend! Many of these will probably come as no surprise to those of you who read the blog regularly, as I have mentioned most of them several times!
So without further ado, here are 2016's best Makeup Products!
Face Primer
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36.00
Smooth, clear, and effective, I haven't used a single other face primer in all of 2016, except for when I had packed this one away already to take on trips!
Smooth, clear, and effective, I haven't used a single other face primer in all of 2016, except for when I had packed this one away already to take on trips!
Foundation
L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation, $12.99
Although in the past few months, the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse has been my go-to, this one by L'Oreal has definitely been used the most throughout 2016. It allows for a customizable amount of coverage (medium to very full, depending on how much you use), feels lightweight on the skin, looks flawless, and keeps me matte. I use shade 103 in the summer, 102 in the fall and spring, and 101 in the winter.
Although in the past few months, the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse has been my go-to, this one by L'Oreal has definitely been used the most throughout 2016. It allows for a customizable amount of coverage (medium to very full, depending on how much you use), feels lightweight on the skin, looks flawless, and keeps me matte. I use shade 103 in the summer, 102 in the fall and spring, and 101 in the winter.
Concealer
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, $6.99
Even though this was the year I bought the coveted NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, I did not find I liked it as much as this much cheaper one by Maybelline. I use 10 Light in the summer and 15 Fair in the winter.
Even though this was the year I bought the coveted NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, I did not find I liked it as much as this much cheaper one by Maybelline. I use 10 Light in the summer and 15 Fair in the winter.
Setting Spray
Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray, $15.00
I am fairly heartbroken to say that it seems Urban Decay, in relaunching their line of setting sprays, has begun to discontinue this product. However, you can still find it in some stores for the time being. I really hope that the new line of setting sprays will contain something just as wonderful, because I love this one so much! It locks makeup in place while keeping me matte, and setting powder goes beautifully over it.
I am fairly heartbroken to say that it seems Urban Decay, in relaunching their line of setting sprays, has begun to discontinue this product. However, you can still find it in some stores for the time being. I really hope that the new line of setting sprays will contain something just as wonderful, because I love this one so much! It locks makeup in place while keeping me matte, and setting powder goes beautifully over it.
Powder
Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder, $32.00
My favorite translucent setting powder for years now, this one is the best for oily skin girls who don't want to add more coverage but want their skin to stay matte.
My favorite translucent setting powder for years now, this one is the best for oily skin girls who don't want to add more coverage but want their skin to stay matte.
Bronzer
NARS Bronzing Powder - "Laguna," $39.00
This is a classic in the makeup world, and for a reason. The tone is just right (not too orange or too ashy), the slight shimmer gives it a skin-like appearance, it blends so well, and the pan is huge and very easy to swirl your brush in.
This is a classic in the makeup world, and for a reason. The tone is just right (not too orange or too ashy), the slight shimmer gives it a skin-like appearance, it blends so well, and the pan is huge and very easy to swirl your brush in.
Blush
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush - "Exposed," $28.00
I rave about every blush I have from this line, but this one, hands-down, has been my favorite this year. It is the most natural looking blush I have ever tried, and goes with every single makeup look.
I rave about every blush I have from this line, but this one, hands-down, has been my favorite this year. It is the most natural looking blush I have ever tried, and goes with every single makeup look.
Highlighter
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette - "Incandescent Light," $62.00
I think I used this product more than any other on this list in 2016. The funny (or depressing) thing is, I really don't touch the outer two shades very often. However, the center shade (Incandescent Light), which is exclusive to this palette, is my favorite highlighting powder I have ever tried. It creates the most natural, sheeny glow on the cheeks while remaining undetectable. I dread the day I run out and have to purchase this highly expensive palette all over again just for that one incredible shade, but I will do it!
I think I used this product more than any other on this list in 2016. The funny (or depressing) thing is, I really don't touch the outer two shades very often. However, the center shade (Incandescent Light), which is exclusive to this palette, is my favorite highlighting powder I have ever tried. It creates the most natural, sheeny glow on the cheeks while remaining undetectable. I dread the day I run out and have to purchase this highly expensive palette all over again just for that one incredible shade, but I will do it!
Brow Product
NYX Micro Brow Pencil, $10.00
For years, I was a loyal user of the Anastasia Brow Wiz, but I was always searching for a cheaper alternative that did the exact same thing. Enter this product. It is almost 100% identical to the Brow Wiz, but for a fraction of the price. The color I use, Taupe, is the most perfect grey-toned light brown, and the pigmentation and staying power are impressive. And it even has the all-important spoolie on the other end!
For years, I was a loyal user of the Anastasia Brow Wiz, but I was always searching for a cheaper alternative that did the exact same thing. Enter this product. It is almost 100% identical to the Brow Wiz, but for a fraction of the price. The color I use, Taupe, is the most perfect grey-toned light brown, and the pigmentation and staying power are impressive. And it even has the all-important spoolie on the other end!
Eyeshadow Primer
Another gem from NYX, this base is easy to apply and really enhances my eye shadow, making it last all day long without creasing.
Eyeshadow Palette
LORAC Pro Palette, $44.00
While other palettes have caught my attention more in the second half of the year, I used this palette almost exclusively for a large part of 2016, making it the winner. This is such a good basics palette, containing all the colors you need for an everyday look or a smokey eye. I especially love the shades "Mauve," "Lt. Bronze," and "Pewter." They are some of the most pigmented eye shadows I own, and they blend like a dream!
While other palettes have caught my attention more in the second half of the year, I used this palette almost exclusively for a large part of 2016, making it the winner. This is such a good basics palette, containing all the colors you need for an everyday look or a smokey eye. I especially love the shades "Mauve," "Lt. Bronze," and "Pewter." They are some of the most pigmented eye shadows I own, and they blend like a dream!
Single Eyeshadows
Makeup Geek Eye Shadow Pans, $6.00 each
These had to be included, as I have reached for almost nothing else since I got them this fall! The formula of these eye shadows is to die for, and you can select whatever colors and finishes you want, creating your perfect palette. I especially love "Baby Face," "Prom Night," "Homecoming," and "Barcelona Beach."
These had to be included, as I have reached for almost nothing else since I got them this fall! The formula of these eye shadows is to die for, and you can select whatever colors and finishes you want, creating your perfect palette. I especially love "Baby Face," "Prom Night," "Homecoming," and "Barcelona Beach."
Eyeliner
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $22.00
I won't go on and on about these, since I already did in a Spotlight post, but they are the BEST!
I won't go on and on about these, since I already did in a Spotlight post, but they are the BEST!
Mascara
Covergirl The Super Sizer Mascara, $6.99
The same goes for this as above, but if you're in the market for a new mascara, this will NOT disappoint!
The same goes for this as above, but if you're in the market for a new mascara, this will NOT disappoint!
Lip Liner
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat - "Pillow Talk," $22.00
I have never tried a lip liner as wonderful as Charlotte Tilbury's. The formula is amazing - full color, smooth, tacky, and stays on so long. This color is especially beautiful (a pinky nude) and goes so well under almost any lipstick!
I have never tried a lip liner as wonderful as Charlotte Tilbury's. The formula is amazing - full color, smooth, tacky, and stays on so long. This color is especially beautiful (a pinky nude) and goes so well under almost any lipstick!
Lipstick
NARS Lipstick - "Dolce Vita," $28.00
Finally, my favorite lipstick for about 5 years. It's sheer formula gives me the perfect wash of a light, "My Lips But Better" look. I have one on my vanity and one in my purse at all times, and I still find myself repurchasing it several times a year. That's how much I use it!
Finally, my favorite lipstick for about 5 years. It's sheer formula gives me the perfect wash of a light, "My Lips But Better" look. I have one on my vanity and one in my purse at all times, and I still find myself repurchasing it several times a year. That's how much I use it!
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