12 beauty favorites of 2012

Looking back, 2012 was a great year for discovering new products. I have a lot of favorite products form the year, but only a few that I will re-purchase over and over again. It's hard to even pick an absolute number one makeup product or tool. 

So, here are my "top 12 of 2012." 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

A lot of people ask if both palettes are necessary. I personally love the Naked 2 better than the original. I use them both, but I reach for Naked 2 more because it has cooler colors that are perfect for everyday subtle looks. 

Maybelline Color Tattoos

I can't say enough about these. The longevity, pigmentation and price. Amazing. More on these cream shadows here.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Ah, it was the year of the BB creams. Smashbox got it right. It evens out my skin tone, provides light coverage, and lasts all day. Perfect for days in the sun or traveling. 
My post dedicated to this BB cream is here. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

This powder is a savior for girls with oily skin. Apply it in the morning over your foundation and you're good to go for the rest of the day. For $6.00 at the drugstore, you can't beat it! 

Maybelline MasterDrama Eyeliner 

This year I finally found the only eyeliner that does not smudge throughout the day. This has better staying power than Urban Decay 24/7 glide on pencils, and you don't have to sharpen these.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

This is a creamy concealer that really brightens the under the eyes. I like it better than the YSL Touch Eclat concealer (which is $45). See my blog post on this amazing concealer!

Soap & Glory Hand Food Lotion

This is amazing stuff. This is the only lotion that doesn't leave a greasy feeling after applying.  Use before bed and your hands feel so silky and soft in the morning. 

Mary Kay Timewise Moisturizer

I've been using this since late 2011, but I never realized how much I loved this moisturizer until this year. I tried to stray, but I can't find anything like it. Hey, if it isn't broke, don't fix it. More on this moisturizer here. 

Maybelline Babylips in Quenched

The most moisturizing lip balm at the drugstore. They’ve since come out with some new colors that I’m dying to try. Read my post on Babylips here.

Clarisonic Mia

The Clarisonic has kinda changed my life. I’m not really sure how I ever washed my face before. I use it with a gentle Neutrogena cleanser and it gets every spec of makeup off. If you don’t have one, and have been on the fence about getting one, I say do it. It’s definitely well worth the money! 

Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Foundation

I know I've mentioned it before, but the Revlon ColorStay whipped foundation has ousted the liquid version as my holy grail foundation. I'm on jar number 3 in just 6 months because I use it so much. It's the longest-lasting foundation with the most natural finish.
More on this foundation here. 

Sultra Bombshell Curling Wand (1 ¼”)

I can honestly say that this curling wand has changed my hair life. I prefer a curling wand over a curling iron because the curls last… for days..and days. If only I was one of those girls that could go a week without washing my hair. But, by day 3 I need a wash and I’m always sad to see the wavy curls go. I highly recommend using a curling wand over a curling iron now. There are some great inexpensive ones at Ulta and Target. You can find the Sultra Bombshell at Sephora.

What were your favorite products of 2012?

xo, Mal

November Favorites

China Glaze Rare & Radiant

This is a perfect Fall-golden-iridescent- multicolored- nail polish for this time of year. 
I think it's also a close dupe for Chanel Peridot. 

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen in Blackest Black

I'm trying my hardest to finish this eyeliner up. I swear it just won't dry out-- but I guess that's a good thing. The stiff tip of the pen makes it easy to apply a straight line, and even great for winged liner. 

Benefit Bella Bamba Blush 

(yeah, say that five times fast...)

This is probably my favorite blush of all time. You can achieve any shade of pink on your cheeks with this.  Even if you apply too much, it can very easily be blended to a subtle pink. 

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara

This month I realized I have too many about 10 sample mascaras I have yet to try. I've been LOVING Lancome Hypnose Star. The shape of the brush is perfect for separating and lengthening the lashes, and I haven't had any issues with clumping.
Anyone else love this one? 

L'oreal Eye Shadow in Iced Latte
I did a whole post on this one here. Basically, it's the perfect highlight shade for the inner corner and brow bone. 

Maybelline Babylips in Quenched

I think I'm giving up on EOS lip balms. This Babylips is easier to apply and I find it is way more moisturizing on my lips. With crazy chapped winter lips, this is my go-to for moisture about 10 times a day. The name Quenched is spot-on! 

Oscar Blandi Texture & Volume Spray

Something about the cold months that makes my hair feel like it needs to fall flat every single day. I got this Volumizing spray in my Birchbox and I'm loving it so far. 

Clarisonic  "Deep Pore Cleansing" Brush Head

This was my first time trying out a brush head other than "normal" for my Clarisonic. Not sure how to compare the two other than I love them both. I just like the idea of getting a "deep pore cleanse" at night. I recommend trying this if you have a Clarisonic! 

What have you been loving this month? 

xo

budget beauty buy: maybelline babylips

Any chapstick addicts here? I’m not starting any chapstickers anonymous groups or anything, but I can support your habit a little more. I don’t know about you, but even if I am wearing lipstick for the day, I first have to apply some form of "moisturization" (yep made that one up). My lips are constantly dry, cracked, and full of fine lines; thanks to good ole Accutane from a couple of years ago.

I love a good lip balm and they are crucial to keeping my lips moisturized throughout the day. Sometimes I just want a little color, too. And it’s a bonus when a beauty product can do two things in one. That’s where Maybelline Babylips come in. Maybelline released these some time last year. They are said to have “lip renew formula and 8 hour hydration for visibly renewed lips in 4 weeks.”

I can’t vouch for the “8 hour hydration.” The color will fade off throughout the day after eating, drinking, talk, etc. But, what I love about these are the initial hydrating feel, the super pigmented and glossy color, and the fact that you can still see color a few hours after application. You might be able to get away with only re-applying twice throughout the day.

This is the color Pink Punch. First application leaves a nice glossy pink finish. And it is a buildable color. You can leave it a light pink, or build it up to a bolder bright pink. It also smells amazing, has a nice strawberry/fruit scent. I keep this in my purse at all times; it's perfect for on-the-go color and hydration.

image: makeupgeek

These retail for $3.99 and you can buy them wherever Maybelline is sold. 
These come in six shades—Quenched (clear), Peppermint (clear), Cherry Me (dark red), Grape Vine (burgundy), Pink Punch (above), and Peach Kiss (nude). 
I own Pink Punch and Peach Kiss and I love them both! 

I’m going to try posting once every couple weeks about a great budget-friendly beauty product.  If your budget only allows you to buy from the drugstore, this topic is for you! 
Stay tuned for more!

What’s your favorite budget beauty product?