My 2017 favorites stood out to me all year.  They were the things at first swipe and application that I paused and audibly exclaimed my satisfaction or took a closer look in the mirror because I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I had no intention to put so much beauty content up on this blog but it happened and I really enjoyed it.  I’ve loved makeup and skincare for my whole life and it really kicked off in my pre-teens when my mom took me to get first Clinique skincare set after I’d been using Sea Breeze toner (another suggestion of hers).  Then again my sophomore year of high school at the Bobbi Brown counter as I prepared to go to junior prom with my h.s. Sweetheart.  Although I am actually new to blogging this I am certainly true to this as well.

So let’s go. 2017 beauty favorites ahoy!

SKINCARE:

CLEANSE by Lauren Napier: These are an essential for me.  I’ve used these since 2016 and I tried to save money and time but it was a ‘no go’ and I had to get back to them by any means necessary.  100% recyclable. Full of good soothing things like aloe, cucumber, and camomile extract. I personally only get the Abundance package of 50 individually packed wipes for $40 through laurennapier.com

Shiseido Facial Cotton:  I heard about these in passing and randomly grabbed one before a flight to Vegas and I loved them.  They don’t shed like normal cotton rounds (as long as you’re not ridiculous with the pressure.) Only $10 for 165 and available at Sephora.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream:  had a terrible breakout from ALL my faves in the second installment of my favorites written in December.  My friend recommended the CeraVe cleanser and moisturizer.  It worked but the moisturizer is wack and after some research the night serum came across my screen.  IT’S SO GOOD. I think I paid just $13 from target.com but the prices seem to vary all around the web.

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Day Sheet Mask: Uhm.  This was a mix of seeing A Charlotte Tilbury YouTube video and happening to be in a Nordstrom in Minnesota.  These mofo’s are next level dope. And you can reuse them 3 times.  The moisture. The shine.  The brightness!  Man.  So good. They’re $24 so that’s like $8 per use.  Only on CharlotteTilbury.com or Nordstrom.

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Balm: Not much to say. Just amazing. I have one next to my bed and the other I take with me everywhere. $18 at Sephora.

MAKEUP:

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lip: I got the color Hawkwind and it’s a great matte nude for me. Although the liquid lip is “out” I still love this one for every day alone, lined, or with a gloss on top. Lasts quite a while & packs well. $20/Sephora 

Laura Mercier Pony Tail Brush:  this brush is legit. Sturdy. Good for all over color and the tapered end gets in the creases for definition.  I want a second one but I think they’re only available at Laura Mercier counters.  I got mine at Blue Mercury. $30.

Black Up Blush: #9 Iced Chestnut.  I think I made a mistake by adding this to this year. I can’t recall when I got it but I loved it.  So I’ll just stop. lol $26.50, Sephora 

Lune + Astre Vitamin C + E Lip Gloss:  Marla Beck, the owner of Blue Mercury and one of their skincare line M-61 made L+A. Although this is a buy from 2016 I realized how much I loved it when I was getting low and knew I needed another.  This guy is stupid moisturizing and I also LOVE the color. $18; Blue Mercury.

Lâncome Monsieur Big Mascara:  Needed something that didn’t flake under my eyes and this did it.  Still hella volumizing and just sits there. Doesn’t budge. Yee haw. $25

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water: $32 a setting and finishing spray that’s super flame and natural looking.  Keeps me makeup in place all bloody day. (Currently watching Peaky Blinders Season 4 as I type this.)

Pear Nova Nail Laquer: Diana Boss is my fave and I’ve mentioned it repeatedly so there’s not much left. Still...I love this sh*t!  I think—I actually know—this is my most favorite color of all time.  $11.50, pearnova.com

HAIR:

IGK Smoke + Mirrors Conditioning Cleansing Oil:  I really thought that the saleswoman at Sephora was trying to hustle me when she mentioned this but I’ve fallen deeply for this product.  I love how my hair feels after and that I get to skip a step cause the cleanser and conditioning happen all at once.  AND I can detangle quickly as well. $29, Sephora 

Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter:  this butter is so thorough.  Soft hold.  I can count on great definition + it’s hydrating. Also lasts a long time. $18, Sephora

Tangle Teezer: painless detangling, handy, and only takes what it needs.  Quick and easy.  Got mine at Urban Outfitters for $15.

Eternally In Amber Tortoise Shell Pick:  I think these are on super sale as we speak.  They’re handmade, seamless, and the tips are rounded.  I love this thang. $15.50 from eternallyinamber.com

LOLA: 100% organic cotton tampons.  A friend told me about all the bullshit that surrounds the tampon industry from ingredients to regulations, etc.  I took heed immediately and switched.  The bonus to these is that they’re delivered to my house monthly and I can customize the box contents as well. $10, mylola.coM