Today I want to share my top beauty and makeup products I tried in 2017 in case you feel like trying something new this year 🙂 I often get makeup and beauty products sent my way as part of media gifts, something that I love (who wouldn’t, right?) because I get to learn about new releases and try new products of brands that I already love and use. Some of them don’t work well on me, others are not the right fit, but I’d say that a good chunk have become part of my beauty and makeup routine and I wanted to tell you about them! Of all the products I tried in 2017 I’m sharing these particular ones because they are so good (in my opinion), they have become part of my regimen and now use them regularly, if not daily. Scroll down for the scoop on each!
BEST MOISTURIZER – Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Cream: I’ve been using this moisturizer for at least the past 6 months and it has become part of my daily skincare regimen. Smells incredibly fresh, goes on super smooth and it really gives your skin a good dose of moisture. It’s not sticky, nor heavy, just the right consistency. The weather has been very cold here in Toronto and that topped with a face oil has been enough to keep my skin hydrated.
BEST NIGHT CREAM – Fresh Black Tea Overnight Cream: I’m a huge fan of Fresh products, especially their face masks (I’ve tried this one, this one, this one and LOVE them all!), and I was intrigued to try this overnight version. I thought that it would dry on my face and I would wake up unable to move my cheeks, but it’s not like that at all. Goes on like a smooth layer of cream and you wake up to super soft, hydrated and firm skin after applying it. I’ve been applying it before going to bed every night for the last 3 months and LOVE how my skin wakes up. Highly recommend it!
BEST HAIR MASK – Kérastase Masque Force Architecte: If your hair needs a little care, you NEED to try this mask. Particularly great if you swim and want to keep your hair healthy, but regardless of swimming or not, this product does wonders! I use it at least 3 times a week (I wash my hair every day because I run or work out) and I can definitely tell when I use it.
BEST BROW PRODUCTS – Benefit Brow Pencil, Goof Proof Brow and High Brow Glow: Benefit’s brow products are seriously amazing and if you have never been one to care much about your brows, wait until you try any of their products to become obsessed with them (my sister-in-law now loves this!) My makeup routine is quite simple and as you have seen here I always go for a very natural-looking makeup look, so at first I was hesitant to try brow products as I thought I would look too obvious and un-natural. Well, that’s not the case with these products, they really give you a natural look! This is something I also use every.single.day. (can’t leave the house without it!)
BEST SHAMPOO – L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Shampoo (also buy it here): Oh my Goodness people, wait until you try this shampoo to feel like you’re in a shampoo commercial (I’m not even slightly joking!). The scent is super fresh and leaves your hair smelling amazing! Whenever I use it and have my pal Aylin do my hair she always asks why my hair smells so good. I know that the price is not exactly super cheap, but if you are looking to treat yourself for a special occasion or gift it to someone, I promise you won’t be disappointed and your money won’t go to waste.
BEST FOR NAILS – Essie Gel Setter and Gel Couture Nail Polishes: Essie nail polishes are my favourite (here’s a list of my top rated ones) and the gel setter has been a GAME CHANGER. It’s a bit more than just a top-coat, it gives your nails that perfect finished look, and it somehow takes them to a new level. Regardless of using gel couture polishes or not, I ALWAYS apply a coat when I do my nails.
MOST PRACTICAL FOUNDATION – Nars Velvet Matte Foundation Stick: I have to give this Nars product the award for most practical foundation! If you’re one to apply foundation with a brush you won’t have to bring one if you’re traveling and you’ll certainly love the built-in sponge. It goes on really smooth and provides amazing coverage. Plus, the sponge makes it easy to blend.
BEST LIPGLOSS – Bare Minerals Gen Nude Lipgloss (you can buy them at Sephora too): I tried these this year and love how creamy and hydrating they are. They go on super smooth and dry fast!
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT FOUNDATION – Bare Minerals Performance Wear Liquid Foundation: This foundation is great if you’re looking for light coverage. It’s very easy to blend, and I find that it’s perfect for those days when you don’t feel like want a lot of coverage or Summer days when you don’t want your skin to feel cake-y you know? I find that the Nars stick is best if you’re looking for more coverage and this one when you don’t require much.