Beauty Favorites: BEST of 2013!

For the past year, I've been sharing my beauty favorites each month. To see each one, click here. I thought it would be fun to post my favorite products for the year, instead of doing a December favorites. Without further adieu, I introduce my Best of 2013 beauty favorites!

1. Skin Care:

100% hands down my Clarisonic. It cleans my skin deeper than I ever could before and leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth. It's pricey but I truly think it's worth it. Plus, since I use it every single day, the cost-per-use strategy stands strong for this one!

and my last skin care favorite, which has been my favorite for literally 6 years, is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. It moisturizes my skin without leaving it oily. It doesn't make me breakout and makes my skin also very soft. 

If I could only bring two things to a deserted island it would be the Clarisonic (assuming I could charge it) and this moisturizer. 

2. Primer

I'm not sure if eye primer counts but it's the only primer I've used religiously this year. It's the Urban Decay Original Primer Potion. I love that it gives my eyeshadow something to 'stick' to in a sense and that even if it's a poorly pigmented shadow, it still looks great over this. I bought the full size after christmas last year and I am just now about out of it. It lasts forever!

3. Foundation

This was the year of finding a foundation for me. I feel like I tried about every single one available. When I finally tried the Urban Decay Naked Skin, I fell in love. There were a couple things I needed in a foundation: It had to be light weight, but medium coverage, doesn't smell and doesn't turn orange on my skin (oxidizes). This foundation met all these needs and I really recommend it. While I love drugstore, I do think that if you are going to spend a lot of money on something, choose skincare or foundations. I really think that most of the time you really do get what you pay for. (I'm in shade 0.5 if your wondering. #palegirlproblems)

4. Powder

While I don't typically use powder on its own, I do use it to set my foundation. This year, I've been absolutely loving the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder. It's light but locks in my foundation all day. I don't typically get oily, but over the summer I used it when my skin was looking a bit shiny. It really does make you stay matte! Plus, at $5, you can't beat it. 

5. Concealer

I got this NYX Full Coverage Concealer in the tail end of the year and couldn't be more happy with it. Like I've said a billion times, this past school semester brought a lot of dark circles. I find that this shade in porcelain is very peachy which counteracts those circles. It's full coverage but not too thick, it covers blemishes nicely and lasts all day.

6.  Bronzer

I love my deluxe sample of the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. It's perfect for contouring because it's matte and is actually a great shade for my pale skin. PLUS, it smells like chocolate heaven. I'm not sure if I am going to fork over the $30 for a full size, though. 

7. Blush

I got this NYX Blush in Spice in an ipsy bag and have been using it non-stop since. It looks a bit intimidating (it's waaaay more red in person) but applied lightly to my cheeks, it looks like the perfect natural flush color. It's very pigmented which is great because this will last forever. 

8. Highlight

Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Translucent Pearl  is the perfect highlight! It's not too glittery but adds a nice glow to your skin. Plus this is always on sale at CVS. 

9.  Brows

I can't tell you how many of these Elf Eyebrow Kit (in medium) I've been through. I only use the wax side (on the left) and it is the perfect shade for my brows. I love how cheap it is and that it make my brows look naturally more full. I thought about buying a more expensive brand to try, but can never bring myself to do it because I love this one so much!

10. Eyeshadow

Of all the shadow palettes that I've tried, I keep coming back to this one. They shadows are all amazing quality and are the perfect neutral colors for me. I've had it for over a year now and have used is regularly and still haven't hit pan. 

11. Eyeliner

I love love love the Urban Decay Double Ended Eyeliner. The black and brown are perfect colors for me. The eyeliner is so smooth to apply and does last all day. Once again, I got this last christmas and use it almost everyday and am just now almost out. 

12. Mascara

I have never been in love with a mascara before I tried the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. I never knew what I was missing out on! It make my lashes look longer and more voluminous without being clumpy. Only bad thing is the price, but I have a few samples (did you know that most mascara samples are about .17 oz, and full sizes are .27 oz, which means that your getting about half the full size?? That's crazy, right?!) and when I had the 20% off coupon at Ulta, a grabbed a full size. 

13. Lips

While I do love the Revlon Lip Butters, I like the Maybelline Color Whispers  a bit more. They're lighter and smoother and doesn't feel like a normal lipstick. They aren't too sheer but give my lips a nice pop of color. My favorite shades are A Rose Attraction, Coral Ambition and Pink Possibilities. 

14. Brushes

I don't think I will ever pay a lot of money for brushes after finding these. Real Techniques brushes are the best on the market. I use the Expert Face Brush everyday for foundation, the blush one, the powder brush and I could go on and on. I haven't found one I don't like. I just got the sponge and it is amazing as well (I won't buy the beauty blender after using it because it's better!) If you need to invest in good quality makeup brushes without breaking the bank, definitely try these out. 

and that's it! Whew, that was a lot, but what have been your beauty favorites this past year? Have you tried any that I listed above? Did you like or dislike? Let me know in the comments below!

November Beauty Favorites

Here's what I've been loving in November!

1. NYX Above and Beyond Full Coverage Concealer in shade 01 Porcelain

This school semester has brought me some serious under eye circles. This is the perfect concealer for them! It's definitely full coverage, but isn't thick like most. It's super creamy and doesn't crease under my eye. Not only that, but I also use it to coverage blemishes and it works wonders on those, too. I struggle with finding concealers light enough for my pale skin, and this shade is perfect!

2. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

(The name makes me blush typing it!)

I got a sample of this mascara in this set, and have been wearing it everyday since. I used to believe that paying for high-end mascaras was crazy because the drugstores were just as good, but this changed me! I have never wanted to buy a mascara more in my life. From the second I put this on, my stumpy lashes look amazing. It volumizes and lengthens the lashes without making them clumpy. Normally, I go no where without a bit of eyeliner, but with this mascara, I don't feel like I need to!

This is for sure going on my Christmas list!

(Sorry Santa about the name. I can't help that I love it!)

3. Kirklands Daily Facial Towelettes

I got these at Costco for $14ish (don't know why the link above is so expensive!) because they were such a bargain and because both my mom and I use these nightly. I love these because 

1.They are cheaper than most ones at the drugstore. (You get 150 for $14 something!)

2. They are so moist compared to other brands. I hate some because they are way too dry to remove anything.

3.They take all of my makeup off with one towelette, whereas other times it takes me 2-3. It even removes all my mascara!

I definitely recommend picking these up next time you're at Costco.

4. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

I got this in the set I mentioned above as a little baby sample. YOU GUYS. THIS SMELLS LIKE CHOCOLATE.

Sorry, I didn't mean to shout.

It smells amazing, but it doesn't translate to your face once you apply it. It's a great color for my skin tone and I love that it's all matte.

Although, for $30, I don't see buying the full size. I'll just use up my sample!

5. Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set

I just recently received this set (thanks Aunt D!) and once again, haven't stopped using it since!

I love the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (for foundation) and I now feel the same for these brushes. They are so soft and don't lose hairs like some brushes seem to do. 

The first brush in the picture above I use with my NYX concealer to cover blemishes.

The next brush above, I use for blending in the concealer under my eye.

The 3rd I use for highlighting and the last for buffing in foundation for light coverage.

If you haven't tried this brand before, I'd totally recommend this set!

What products have you been loving this month?

September Beauty Favorites

Here's what I've been loving for the month of September:

1. Wet N Wild Megalast Nail Polish in 2% Milk
I got this with a coupon for $1.99 and wasn't expecting much. I was so wrong! This color is very opaque and the perfect neutral polish. It only takes one coat to reach this beautiful pale pink. The brush is wide and only takes one stroke to fill your nail, and it dries very fast. I definitely want to get some more colors and you can't beat that price!

2.Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
I've actually been using this for years, and keep repurchasing it. I've tried countless other moisturizers and I keep going back to this one. I absolutely love it, especially right now because my skin is dry. It's very moisturizing, but doesn't leave any oil on your face. If you put it on before foundation, the foundation will glide on like a breeze!

3. Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo
I've tried almost all of the drugstore dry shampoos, and this one continues to be my favorite. I love the smell and it really soaks up all of the oil in my hair. Sometimes I even use this on clean hair to add a bit more texture to curl, but it doesn't leave my hair so 'chalky' where I can't run my hands through it, like some other ones tend to do (suave).

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hr Blush in Fearless
I got this blush off Hautelook recently and I've been wearing it ever since. It's greatly pigmented and flatters my skin tone nicely. I love blush and this has been my go-to shade this past month.

5. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus
I've been wearing this a lot recently on campus when I want a more natural lip color. It's very sheer, but still provides just a hint of color to my lips. It's perfect for those days when I just want a no-fuss makeup look.

July Beauty Favorites

1. Physicians Formula Conceal RX Concealer (In shade Fair/Light)

Lately, as in since January, I've been having sleep trouble which has inevitably led to dark circles under my eyes. Yeah, not fun. So, I've had to find a good concealer that has enough coverage to disguise them. This one certainly is. It's thick, so just use a little bit, but it works wonders! It does the job well and a little goes a long way. {Watch out for sales at CVS for this. I got mine for $1.99!}

2. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (In shade Sweetheart)

I'm the kind of girl who puts on my makeup once in the morning, and doesn't touch it again until I wash it off at night. I don't really touch anything up, because I just find that I don't need to. The same goes for lipstick. While I love wearing different shades, once it wears off, I don't really find myself re-applying throughout the day. This is why I love this lipstick! It's a balm-y feel, but it actually stains my lips so I don't have to ever reapply throughout the day (like I would anyway). I'd really like to try out a few other shades because this one is really bright. I'm thinking the shade "Honey" will be my next purchase. 

3. NYX Powder Blush in Shade 'Spice'

I got this in last month's Ipsy Bag, and I've been loving it recently! It's a really pretty shade that compliments my skin tone really well and lasts all day. It's perfect for summer!

4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencils (In shade Zero)

I'm going through this phase where I don't want to wear liquid eyeliner like I normally do (it just takes too much time!) So I've moved back to using a regular old eyeliner pencil. I got this for Christmas and I love the formula. It is literally the smoothest eyeliner I've ever used. The shade is just a regular matte black so I'd love to try out the other shades as well. I'm normally not one to spend a lot of money on things, but I can tell you... this is worth it!

June Beauty Favorites

Where has time gone? I refuse to believe it's July. Refuse. 

Anyways, here's what I've been loving (Beauty wise) for the month of June!

1. Nars The Happening Palette

I got this a few months ago with my mom's discount because I had been wanting both the blush and bronzer. Separately, they were $30 each, so when I saw that this palette had both plus a few eyeshadows, I knew this would give be a better bang for my buck. Now, the blush is quite popular (it's the one that starts with an "O" and rhymes with spasm) and I have to agree with how awesome it is. I also really like the bronzer; it goes well with my skin tone. The eyeshadows are just okay. The light shade is very very glittery, so I just don't get much use out of them. What I really like about this palette is how travel friendly it is. It's has basically everything you'd need and is great just to grab-n-go! I have to say, I definitely think it's worth the price!

2. Revlon Photoready BB Cream

Now, I've been trying to stay away from the BB, CC cream trend because I had heard from several people that they were pretty gimmicky(many companies just repackaged their tinted moisturizers and added the BB cream label). I got this one because I needed something lighter to wear during the summer months. I like how this does have SPF in it, although it does have that strong sunscreen smell. It's got pretty good coverage (I wear the shade Light) but does the job for adding just a bit of coverage to my skin. Only down side is that this does make my skin slick. I normally don't have oily skin, but I definitely have to set this with powder, which explains my next favorite.

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

I got this because I needed a powder to set the BB cream with and because I had heard great things about it. The smell when I first applied it kinda threw me off (it had that 'old lady' scent, if you know what I mean) but it went away by my second use. It adds just a bit of coverage and keeps my skin matte throughout the day. I have to say I really really like this! On days when I don't want to go through the hassle of putting on a liquid foundation, I apply this is my Eco Tools Buffing Brush and it gives me the coverage I need without wearing any foundation. 

4. Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara

I got this in March, I believe when Ulta had it on sale for $10 and I've used it everyday since then ( I know mascara goes bad in about 3-4 months). I have never really been specific about mascara because I just felt like they all performed the same on my dull, limp lashes. But you guys, I have found my kryptonite of all mascaras. This thing ROCKS!!!! It makes my lashes look so voluminous and it lengthens them like crazy. I am so sad that I have to throw mine away, because I don't want to fork over the $20 price tag. I haven't decided if I will repurchase, or try to find a drugstore dupe. Please share if you know of one!!

May Beauty Favorites

I have to admit, this was kinda hard to come up with. I really haven't tried any 'new' products, instead I've been using what I already have. It's great for my wallet, but not so interesting for a post. Nevertheless, I did find a few things I've really been loving this month. 

1. Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Eyeliner- in Black

Lately, I've been loving a simpler eye look consisting with a light eyeshadow and a thin winged eyeliner. This is perfect for that! It goes on easy, dries fast and isn't shiny-all things I look for. Only negative is this definitely isn't waterproof, and I wouldn't suggest rubbing your eyes. But for $2.99, it works for me!

2. Zoya Nail Polish in Rica

I love love love this color! It's perfect for summer and I have been wearing it ever since I got it. I really like Zoya nail polishes because they are "green" and don't use harsh chemicals. Plus, they run sales all the time, and I got this one for $4. Can't beat that!

3. Almay Oil Free Liquid Eye Makeup Remover

If you are somewhat of an extreme couponer, you probably have loads of these by now. I get them free all. the. time. I figured that I would give it a shot, and I really love it! I hate that oil feeling that so many makeu[p removers have, and this one doesn't have that. It gets rid of my mascara fairly easily and doesn't burn my eyes too badly. 

4. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded

Like I said, I've been going light on eyeshadow recently. I can quickly put this on and it will look great and last all day. I love this color specifically because it's the perfect base to wear under shadows, or even on it's own. 

My All Time Favorite Fragrances

I have to say, I'm really picky when it comes to perfume. I pretty much can't stand any men's cologne, and the majority of women's fragrances are way too strong for me. You see, scents are a major trigger for my migraines and perfumes generally just add to the problem. 

After many trials and errors (hello Britney spears "fantasy" anyone???)

I've found some scents that I can actually wear without getting headaches.

Funny thing is that all but one are from the same brand... I like what I like, what can I say?!?!?

Oh, and I should say that all of these perfumes were either free from rewards points at ulta, or given to me as gifts. I almost always have a perfume on my wish list since they all are kinda pricey. (right now this one is on my list... I bet you can guess why!)

Anywho, lets get started going from left to right:

1. Dot by Marc Jacobs

This is my newest addition. I loooove it. It's verging on the strong side for me, but it's perfect for those days when I feel like I can handle it. It's a very fresh and energetic scent, if that makes sense. 

2. Daisy Eau So Fresh by Marc Jacobs

I kinda have an obsession with the "daisy" line. Partly because they are one of my favorite flowers, but also because they aren't too overpowering but I can still tell I am wearing a perfume. I would describe all the Daisy perfumes as classic and feminine. This one in particular is more fruity and lively. I love this one for summer!

3. Unconditional Love by Philosophy

This one is the lightest fragrance I own. It wears very sheer which I like a lot. I was actually talking with the Philosophy Sales Lady and she told me that all the Philosophy scents are made to be only smelt when you are up close.  This one certainly isn't overpowering, but it's a warmer fragrance. Dare I say Vanilla-y? I spray this one on my hair brush and brush it through my hair. It's just lovely. 

4. Daisy by Marc Jacobs

Can you tell I really like Marc Jacobs??

I guess his scents just work well with my PH. 

This one was my first 'big girl' fragrance purchase. In fact, my family calls it my signature scent. I kinda like knowing that whenever they smell it, they think of me ;)

This is a classic in my book. It's warm, but fruity and floral in a way. If you haven't smelt this before, you're missing out!

Oh, and doesn't Marc Jacobs make the cutest bottles?

I swear once they are used up, I'll never be able to throw them out.

I might just use them to decorate.

no, I'm not joking. 

I guess I should throw in my favorite body splashes for good measure.

I always keep a body splash either in my purse or my backpack just because I can't stand smelling bad. (I mean who would?)

Body splashes are my best friend. They add just enough, but not too much. I love that they don't linger all day because sometimes I find that makes me sorta sick. (am I the only one?)

These are my current favorites

1. Victoria's Secret Vanilla Lace

This is such a yummy scent. I mean, the title explains it all. Very Vanilla and delicious. 

I love spraying this after a shower. 

2.Pink Chiffon by Bath and Body Works

Okay, I know I've been saying I love everything, but it's true. 

This one is 100% girl in my book. It's light, flirty and floral. 

 3. Victoria's Secret Love Spell

Ahh, the smell of high school.

Whenever I smell this scent it brings me back to those awful high school days. 

hehe, just kidding :)

but in all seriousness, this is my all time favorite smell. 

Its Über fruity and delicious. I lurrrrv it. 

This is the one I carry in my purse, at all times. Hence, the travel sized version. 

I even found a scentsy wax that smells just like it for my room... I'm a little obsessed. 

April Favorites

Ahh! I can't believe I'm so late, seeing that we are already almost a week into May!

Nevertheless, here were my favorite beauty products for the month of April:

1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I have been using this brush for applying my liquid foundation. After years of using a flat brush, I just got sick of seeing so many streaks. I did some research but I didn't want to spend over $18 for this brush. I was wondering around Ulta and I picked this one up. It is amazing! I will never go back to my old ways.

Plus, it's on sale right now!

2. Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Fruitti

I adore this color for spring. It appears like a bright orange, but it goes on much more sheer on the lips. You guys know how much I love the lip butters, and this is the shade I have been gravitating towards more recently. 

3. Z Palette Pro Size

If you don't already know what this is, I plan on doing a full post on this soon to explain a bit more. I ordered mine off ebay for over half the price (I think I paid $13), and have been in love with it ever since I got it in the mail. It saves so much space and I end up using my products so much more now that I am able to see them all. 

4. Wet N Wild Blush in Pearlescent Pink

Ok, so I don't know about you, but for the longest time I thought Wet N Wild was that super cheap brand at the drugstore and it was all a bunch of junk. 

Boy, was I wrong. Not only are their eyeshadows completely amazing, but their blushes are just as awesome.

I adore this shade. It works well with my pale skin and gives me that natural looking glow. Not to mention the pigmentation on all of the blushes are awesome. I barely tap my brush on the product and I am set. 

5. ELF Studio High Definition Powder in Translucent

For the longest time, I had been setting my foundation with revlon's nearly naked powder. I liked it, but I found that sometimes I just wanted to set my makeup without adding anymore color. I apply this after I completely finish my face. It really helps to set everything to make it last all day. It has the coolest texture and leaves my face matte, but with no white caste like some powders have. 

Just a warning, the only negative to this is that this is really really messy. I have to open it over my sink just because so much product comes out. 

That's it for this month.

What were your favorite products last month?

March Beauty Favorites

March is almost at it's end, so today I am sharing with you my favorite beauty products of the month.

1. L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

I have heard wonderful things about this mascara. When I saw a coupon in the sunday paper, I knew I wanted to pick it up. I've used it ever since. It builds great volume but lengthens at the same time. I like it a lot! Plus it's pretty cheap. I think I paid like $3 after coupons.

2. Philosophy Snow Angel 3 in 1 Shower gel

I got this for Christmas from my mom (I'm pretty sure she found it at Ulta) and the smell is absolutely amazing. I have been using it since December, and am just now almost out. I've used it more as a body wash but also as a bubble bath and I even used it as a shampoo. All three worked great, but the most amazing thing about this is the scent. I can't even begin to describe it to you, but its wonderful. I also liked how it didn't leave my skin dry, like most washes do in the winter. 

3. Maybelline Color Whispers

So, you know already how much I looooove revlon's lip butters, so when I saw these come out, I had to see how they stood up against the lip butters. I have to say, that the Color Whispers are much more sheer and actually feel like a lip balm but also have great sheer pigmentation. The lip butters definitely feel more like a lipstick. The color whispers are great for just throwing in your purse and applying on the go. I love all the colors and I want to try more. Right now I have pin up peach and pink possibilities. 

I love both shades!

4. Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder

I have never been much of a powder person, mainly because I don't really get oily throughout the day. I picked this up because once again I got it super cheap with coupons and sales. I was so shocked about how this powder feels! It has the most unusual texture (Almost creamy, but not if that makes sense) and goes on the skin so smoothly. I use it to set my foundation (I have also tried the nearly naked foundation and like it too!) I have already hit the pan on mine, and I will be repurchasing. 

What were your beauty favorites for the month?

I'm a book re-reader.

Source: someecards.com via Amber on Pinterest

So, since I already told you my "secret"

I thought I'd continue on the topic and share my top three books I could (& have) read over and over again.

Books that I love.

Books that I consider 

"a part of me"
Books that I would consider my favorites
(because you know I can't just pick one!)

1. 

(if you read yesterday's post this should be obvious.)

The Notebook

Source: goodreads.com via Amber on Pinterest

I love this book.
I've read it at least 4 times
and it never ever gets old.
It's a classic in my book.
The story is beautiful.

and the movie is probably one of the only adaptations I love just as much.
well, also because Rachel Mcadams is my favorite actress (we share a birthday!)
anyway,
the book is amazing.
love love love it.
and this past summer I got my copy signed!!!

“I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough..” 

Nicholas Sparks; The Notebook

2.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Source: goodreads.com via Amber on Pinterest

This book is genius.
It's really lovely.
It makes me both laugh and cry.
and I kinda wish Claire was my friend in real life.
(is this normal?)

just don't see the movie.
it is awful
(sorry Rachel!)

“Love the world and yourself in it, move through it as though it offers no resistance, as though the world is your natural element.” 
Audrey Niffenegger; The Time Traveler's Wife

3.
Redeeming Love

Source: google.com via Amber on Pinterest

This is one of those books that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
no really.
It does.
It's such a beautiful love story that keeps you on edge and guessing how it will turn out.
I read it straight through because I literally couldn't put it down.
It's beguiling.

“...for some of us, one mile can be more to walk than thirty.” 
Francine Rivers; Redeeming Love

and this list could go on and on,

but I will refrain for your sake.

What are your favorite books? Which ones can you read over and over again?