Favorite Things from 2013

2013 is finally gone, and I'm actually pretty happy about that. It wasn't the best of years for me, but now that it's 2014, I'm hoping that it'll be better. :) But even though 2013 kind of sucked, I did discover some pretty awesome things along the way. So without further ado, here are my favorite things (plus runner-ups!) from 2013!

Let's start with makeup. Now, I'm not going to lie, I tried out a ton of makeup products in 2013 (thanks, YouTubers!) but I think I've narrowed it down to my absolute favorites. And I apologize in advance for not posting individual pictures for some of the items. I either used it up and threw it away or just forgot to take the individual picture. But some of the items lacking their picture can be seen in the image above. :)

Foundation: 

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation

I planned on doing a whole post about this foundation but never got around to it, but it's been the first foundation that I've consistently bought. Before this, I was always looking for something better, but this stuff is amazing and looks better the longer it's on. I have combination skin and have never had any issues with it. The only thing I don't like about this, is the packaging. Not because it's a jar (I know that bugged a lot of people), I usually kept it on it's side and used the plastic cover on the inside of the lid/cap to get the product out; but I hate the cap. The jar is glass, but the screw on cap/lid is a flimsy plastic, so if you tighten it too much, it'll crack and no longer sit on the jar. Other than that, I love this product.

Foundation Runner-up: Estee Lauder Double Wear Light

Kinda pricey, but this stuff seriously stays on all day! Plus it's really lightweight, build able, and has good coverage.

Setting Powder: 

Physician's Formula Youthful Wear Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Mattifying Face Powder (Whew! What a mouthful!)

I think I read somewhere that this was a good "dupe" (although I'm not sure how true that is, so don't hold me to it) for MAC's skin finish powders. Either way, I really like the way it makes my skin look. I've even worn this by itself without a foundation and love the way it looks. It evens out the skin tone and smooths the surface; it's just awesome.

Setting Powder Runner-up: Rimmel StayMatte Pressed Powder

It's light weight and lasts for a good amount of time. Plus it's like $4, so I love that! It does keep my skin matte for a few hours but depending on the day, I usually need to reapply it. 

Under Eye Concealer: 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Concealer in Brightener

I don't usually have dark circles under my eyes, but when I do I find this really brightens up that area. It goes on smooth, the sponge tip make it easy to apply but I always blend it out with my fingers. I did have to play around with different setting powders. When I used my MAC Accentuate powder, it would really dry out my under eye and give a flakey dry look (not cute!). But it was fine with the Physicians Formula and with Too Faced Candlelight .

Under Eye Concealer Runner-up: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Pen

I tried this in Radiant and really liked it, but I felt like I ran out of product too quickly. Other than that I liked the formula, I did set it with a powder (MAC's Accentuate setting powder) and didn't have any issues with creasing. I also liked the packaging, it's a twist up with a brush on the tip so you can just paint on the product. But again, after applying, I would still blend out with my fingers.

Blush: 

MAC's Margin

This has been in my collection for like 3 years, I used it a couple of times after I bought it and then I kind of forgot about it. But this little guy has been in my "daily makeup stash" for most of 2013. It's a frosty peach with gold shimmer and pretty much looks great on everyone. Since it is frosty, I usually don't use a cheek highlighter with it and find that it blends easily.

Blush Runner-up: NARS Orgasm 

I know, this is like everyone's favorite and it's widely used, but for good reason! :) Its a great color and goes with everything! I won't go on about it because I'm sure everyone is pretty familiar with it already.

Bronzer: 

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Medium/Deep Matte Bronzer

This was kind of a late comer to my collection but I haven't put it down since I got it! Its a great contouring color, not muddy or red, it's just a great color,very similar to Benefit's Hoola Bronzer. Plus it smells like chocolate, so what's not to love about that! And the smell hasn't worn off either or changed, it still smells like it did the day I got it. And I love the compact. 

Bronzer Runner-up: MAC MSF in Give Me Sun

Its described as a "light summer peach tan", so it does have a tad bit of orange to it, but nothing Oompa Loompa status.

Highlighter: 

Too Faced Candlelight Softly Illuminating Translucent Powder (w/real gold! ;))

Okay, so this technically isn't a highlighter..well it is and it isn't...I'll explain. So this is more like an all over highlighter/setting powder. You apply it all over your face, yes your entire face! I know, it may seem crazy, especially if you look at the pan or swatch it on your finger, it looks intimidating because it looks kinda glittery. But trust me, after you apply it, it sinks into your skin and gives you this glow that's just gorgeous! Not to mention it has antioxidants that soothes your skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and imperfections.  And if you wanted more of a highlight, it's build able. See - an all over

highlighter and a spot highlighter! :) Plus the compact totally reminds me of Cinderella. Love!

Highlighter Runner-up: Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki

I'm not sure why this is called a bronzer because it couldn't be further from it, but nonetheless, it gives a nice subtle highlight. And apparently you can apply it wet, but I haven't tried that yet. 

Eyeshadow: 

Makeup Geek in Cocoa Bear

Without a doubt, Makeup Geek eyeshadows (and pigments!) were my favorite of the year! The quality is amazing - think MAC if not better, and they're super affordable. Picking just one MUG eyeshadow, it would have to be Cocoa Bear. It's such a great, versatile color and I love the way it looks all over the lid but it's also great in the crease. I definitely need to get more. 

Eyeshadow Runner-up: Urban Decay Buck in the Naked 1 Palette

I'm pretty sure that this is the only eyeshadow, in all of my palettes that I have hit pan on! (So I either don't wear eyeshadows enough...or I have too
many...hehe). But I love using this as a blending color and sometimes I'll do my eyebrows with it. :)

Eyeliner: 

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Pen in Black

I pretty much used this eyeliner every time I wore makeup. It has a long felt tip which makes it easy for easy application and it doesn't flake.

Eyeliner Runner-up: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Bourbon

I have a few UD 24/7 pencils but this one is my favorite! It's brown with gold glitter and I think it makes my hazel eyes stand out. The only issue I have is sharpening it, it never sharpens evenly (although that could be the sharpeners fault) and I kind of wish it was a retractable pencil. Also, I don't think it wears that long. I can get a few hours out of it but by the end of the day it's not really noticeable and never really seems to set (but I do have oily lids).

Mascara: 

Maybelline The Rocket Waterproof Mascara in Black

I have a whole post dedicated to this mascara! This had been the first mascara that I have used that actually held a curl and allowed me to add multiple coats without it weighing my lashes down. And that's a big deal for me since my lashes grow straight. However, this mascara only got my top pick by a hair...or lash rather :). Why? Because it could get clumpy sometimes and wouldn't separate my lashes as much as I would've liked.  Other than that I never had any issues with the packaging and I got my full 3 months wear out of it. I took a little bit of a break from it but I think I'll be repurchasing it very soon. (And if you're wondering 'why 3 months?', you should be swapping out your mascara every 3 months :))

Mascara Runner-up: Maybelline One by One Waterproof Mascara in Black

Honestly, this could have been my favorite mascara but the packaging ruined it for me. I went through about 3 tubes of this (in about 2 1/2 -3 months) and every single one of them were defective (see image). 

This is a problem because 1. it dries out the mascara faster and 2. it allows bacteria and other crap to get in there! And it never failed, it didn't matter how I much I tightened it or how I unscrewed it, it always happened.

Aside from that, the formula is very similar to The Rocket, it held a curl and it seemed to grab my lashes better and really separate them. I'm not sure if it's something in the formula or if it's the brush but I'm thinking of getting another Rocket mascara and cleaning out my old One by One mascara wand and trying that out since both wands are different. I'll be ecstatic if I get the same results minus the packaging issues.

Lipstick: 

MAC Plumful Lustre Lipstick

This is another MAC item that I had for awhile and never really wore. It's described as a rose-plum color and I'm all about plum shades! Since it's a lustre it gives a nice shine and it's also build able.

Lipstick Runner-up:Too Faced Spice Spice Baby

This is another rosey shade and it goes on a little sheer but can be built up. It's just a nice warm color, nothing crazy but pretty. I'm all about rosey, plum, neutral shades. :)

Lip Gloss: 

Maybelline Color Elixir in Captivating Carnation 

Technically these are more of a lacquer than a gloss
 and I did get them towards the end of 2013, but I have been wearing these non-stop and I'm not really a gloss kinda girl! I have 4 shades - Captivating Carnation, Blush Essence, Raspberry Rhapsody, and Amethyst Poison. They're kind of thick on the lips, but not sticky, they feel more like a heavy balm. They have great color payoff and they leave a little bit of a stain behind, which I like. They do have a slight scent to them but they don't taste like anything.

Captivating Carnation Swatch

Lip Gloss Runner-up: Buxom Lipgloss in Lola and Moxie in Dare Devil

Lola is more of a caramel nude color and Dare Devil (I believe I got in one of my ipsy bags) is a purple-pink color. In the warmer months I wore Lola a good bit and once I got Dare Devil I started to wear that instead.  Both are from Bare Minerals and provide a hint of color.They have a slight scent to them and are a bit minty and sticky. 

Coconut oil

I've been reading about all of the health benefits Coconut Oil has to offer and decided to pick up a jar and see what happens, if anything, I'd get a good moisturizer out of it. I won't list all of the health benefits because there are 100s if not 1000s and this post is already long enough :), but one of the things it's supposed to help with, and that I was most curious about, is acne. I know there are a few oils out there that are supposed to be great for your skin but none of the ones I tried worked for me. So I picked up a jar and started using it as an all over moisturizer after my showers instead of my usual lotion. I get really dry skin, even in the summer and it gets worse in the winter, but I haven't had any issues since I've been using this. And once I'm done apply it on my body, whatever is left over on my hands, I just press it into my face. No joke, my existing acne cleared up within a couple days of using it and I don't really break out (unless its around that time of the month or I'm super stressed out). I've also been using it as a makeup remover. I get a little bit in my hands, rub it all over my face and eyes to get the make up off and then I'll wash my face with a cleanser like Purity. So yeah, this has been my favorite product and I have a huge jar under my bathroom sink. I've even made a couple of scrubs with it. ;) But if you're not familiar with any of the health benefits or just want to learn more about how to use it, Google it and YouTube it. There's a ton of info out there. :)

Lush Lovely Jubblies

I was a little skeptical about this cream but heard that it was great at firming, not just "the girls", but any "wobbly bits" as well as the under eyes. It does have a floral honeysuckle smell to it, which I enjoy. It's a bit pricey and it only comes in one size but I was surprised to see that it actually worked in terms of firming. And sadly the firming effects aren't long term, but with regular use, it works great. I'm pretty much out so I plan on purchasing more and using it in the Spring/Summer. I do wish they offered it in a bigger size and could offer seasonal scents. Even though I enjoy the floral scent, it's a little strong and can almost double as a perfume. 

Loreal Youth Code Texture Moisturizer and Serum

I saw this duo mentioned a few times on YouTube and people were saying that they actually saw the texture of their skin change. I had some acne scars, mostly on one side of my face and they really bothered me. They weren't really deep, they were a mixture between boxcar and rolling scars (google acne scar types for more info). But I started using these products together and the other day when I was applying my makeup, I realized that I didn't notice my scars. A lot of them are gone and the ones that aren't fully gone are less noticeable. So I'm happy that I took a chance on these, even though they seem a little pricey for a drugstore brand, they were well worth it. 

Shampoo: Lush New! Shampoo Bar

Another item I was skeptical about but turned out to be amazing. If any item could turn me into a faithful customer, this was it. New! is a stimulating shampoo for thinning hair. It has cinnamon and mint and other spices that are supposed to stimulate the scalp to promote new hair growth. Due to some health issues, my hair was thinning out...badly. I wanted to see if there was anything natural I could use/take and saw this shampoo on the Lush website and saw that it had a lot of good reviews. Within a few days I stopped by my local Lush, picked up a bar and used it pretty much every other day. And after a few weeks I could see some regrowth coming in and it just kept coming. I seriously hope that Lush doesn't discontinue this product because I don't know what I would do without it!

Shampoo Runner-up: Wen Cleansing Conditioner
I've seen the infomercial for this several times and was always curious about it and I ended up getting it as a gift from my boyfriend's mom. Usually I like shampoos that lather really well because to me, the richer the lather, the cleaner the hair! Even though I know that's not exactly true. So the idea of shampooing with a product that didn't lather up was weird, but once I got the hang of it, I really liked the way my hair felt afterwards. If you haven't used this product, and want try it, try it a few times before deciding whether or not you like it since it's a little different. I tried it like three times before I found a technique that worked for me.

Perfume: 
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
Normally I don't go for Floral scents, I've always liked the vanilla, musky, sweet scents but when I smelled this, I fell in love with it. It's so different from the rest of my perfumes and it's just so fresh and feminine. I love it.
Notes: Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia, Patchouli.

Perfume Runner-up: Prada Candy AND LANCÔME La vie est belle
I know, I cheated again and put 2 runner-ups :) But I'm not a big perfume person, I don't buy perfumes often. I have to really like the scent in order to pick it up and these, along with Flowerbomb, were all purchased in 2013, which is kind of crazy for me.
So as I said before, I usually gravitate towards the sweet scents, and Prada Candy definitely falls into that category. But it's a more mature sweet scent, not something that a teen would wear but it's still fun, make sense? (or scents?! haha....no? K...) :)
Notes: Caramel, Musk, Vanilla, Benzoin. 

As for La vie est belle, I actually caught a whiff of it while on vacation from a woman that was standing near me. I asked her what it was and ran inside the shop she bought it from to try it on. After thinking about it for a few weeks (yes weeks lol) I decided to try it out again and realized I still liked it, so I got it. :) It's sweet and definitely has staying power and little goes a long way. 
Notes: Iris, Patchouli, Gourmand. 

Alright, I think this is officially my longest post! If you continued til the end, I appreciate it, you're a real trooper! :) I hope you have a great New Year! I'm thinking of changing things up on my blog this year, maybe adding some more variety. If you have any suggestions, or anything you'd like for me to do, please let me know! :)

Thanks!