When it comes to beauty products, I’ll admit I can get overwhelmed. There are so many amazing products on the market. And I’d love nothing more than to play with them all. But I also have my go to filters for these products. From youtubers to bloggers, I have the people I trust to recommend and test everything so I don’t waste time or money. Despite all the amazing beauty brands out there, I know every company can have a dud product.
But for the past few months, I’ve collected my fair share of products. Based on recommendations or my own inner curiosity, I’ve collected my own pile of gems I love. These items are all over the skincare and beauty range but have introduced new brands into my life. So today, I thought I’d share some of the products I’ve been loving and the brands I hope to try more from this year.
Beautycounter
There’s a part of me that would love to have nothing but green beauty in my kit. And I’m slowing working towards being that person. But I also just like trying new products. So when I began my journey into the greener beauty pastures, I went for a product I knew I could get samples of and my friends loved. Because one of my friends is a consultant, I went to her first to see what colors might work for me. So far I’ve only tried the foundation but it’s been a good experience. I’ve been eyeing the lip products and tinted moisturize for a few months now. But I love that the prices aren’t too crazy for make up and they aren’t filled with loads of toxins. Plus, I love being able to support my friends in their side hustles.
RMS*
Another green beauty brand, I’ve been testing RMS products for a few years. But the living luminizer* is one of my favorites. I reach for it heavily on the days when I do no makeup makeup (post coming soon). But they also have great powders and other shadows. While not as pricey as some of the luxury brands, some of the items can seem like an investment. If you’re looking to try them out, I’d recommend products that have dual use like the lip & cheek stain. Or if you’re just wanting a glow, you can’t grow wrong with a little highlight in your life.
Hourglass*
This brand has been on my list for years with one product or another. I’ve heard amazing things about their powders. But when I went looking for a new foundation last year, I stumbled onto their vanish stick foundation* and fell in love. It’s been great for travel and full coverage days. Plus the color matches wonderfully to my skin and doesn’t oxidize (turn orange). Again, this is a bit higher on the price side but the products are incredible. I currently have my eye on the ambient lighting palette. It’s the perfect travel combo for glowing skin.
YSL*
If you haven’t heard me rave about my most recent mascara obsession, welcome and where have you been? I love the baby doll mascara*. It does amazing things to my lashes and I don’t remember the last time I was so obsessed with my mascara. But YSL has a couple of other cult products on the market I’d love to try. If you’re on the hunt for more luxury beauty or just want to try amazing products, I’d highly recommend checking them out.
Charlotte Tilbury*
I follow a lot of British beauty bloggers. I’m not sure how that happened but it’s become a thing in my life. And Charlotte Tilbury is a brand that gets a lot of love from them. If you saw any of my Christmas wishlists or guides, you’ll know that quite a few products from CT made it on the list. You’ll also see in my January favorites next week, one of those items made it into my collection. From skincare to make up, I always hear amazing things about Charlotte Tilbury. I’ve been really impressed with the product and the packing from the palette I got. And I can’t wait to try even more of the cult products like pillow talk* or the contour wand*.
Odacite*
As much as I want to have a cleaner beauty routine, I’m also looking to find products that fit in my budget. So when my toner ran out last month, I decided I would try to find an affordable but cleaner replacement. Odacite’s Mint + Green Tea Hydrating Mist* quickly won my heart and convinced me I needed to try more from the brand. They also offer quite a few serums that are affordable and come highly recommended. If you’re looking to start branching over into greener skincare, I’d check them out. You can find them online at nordstrom*, the detox market and a few other places.
First Aid Beauty
When it comes to this brand, I honestly wasn’t sure that I would love it. I snagged their ultra repair cream* a few months ago because it was the more affordable option. Do we see a pattern yet? The price point was right and there was far more in the package than the other moisturizers I was considering. It’s also an allure beauty winner so it must have done something good, right? Essentially, it won my heart. It’s a good moisturizer that doesn’t overwhelm my skin and a little goes a long way. It’s worth the money and gets the job done. And it’s also what inspired me to consider other products from First Aid Beauty. I’ve heard amazing things about their retinol* and AHA products. I can’t wait to try them in the next year!
Belif
Last but certainly not least is the Korean skincare that has been taking over my shelves. I’ve tried both a moisturizer and the eye cream* from Belif. And I have to say I’m impressed. After seriously struggling to keep my eyes hydrated and from constantly watering, belif’s eye cream has been my saving grace. My love for their products has only grown with every one I’ve tried. So it’s safe to say there is place in my routine and my Sephora cart for this brand for a while.