Hello everyone! It’s been SO long but let me tell you, I have been VERY busy educating several of you on cleaner, safer beauty with Beautycounter. Because of that, the blog and my YouTube channel has been… well, crickets. But now that the holidays are basically HERE, I have more time to catch up on the long list of blog posts I have in my draft to share with you all. I figured we’d kick this off with a wrap up of my 2019 Beauty Favorites from makeup to skincare, haircare and more… ya know, considering I did like ZERO monthly favorites this year -__- But that doesn’t mean there weren’t some stand out gems helping me look somewhat like a beauty blogger over the last 12 months.
*Affiliate links used. Full disclaimer details here.
This is the product that set off my love affair with Beautycounter and why I chose to become a brand rep. I LOVE a good chemical exfoliator for so many reasons – they’re the best for sensitive skin, they clear congested pores, reduce fine lines, fade dark spots and overall refine skin texture. This ‘peel,’ which is more like a serum, is used at night before bed and you don’t have to rinse it off!
After clearing out my entire makeup collection to be moderately clean, I was left with like… two bronzers. That is an insufficient number for a makeup hoader! But really… it was sad. Bronzers are apparently a category that is hard to get right in clean beauty. I picked this perfectly neutral/almost cool toned bronzer at my local Target (also on Amazon) and loved the smooth, mineral-based formula that works great as a contour powder OR bronzer!
Yea yea yea, I am majorly clean beauty now… I know too much. BUT that doesn’t mean this Hourglass stick foundation didn’t majorly get me through a huge part of the year when Savannah was really young (and sometimes still…). There is just something so quick and easy about a foundation stick, and this formula from Hourglass (yes, they’re vegan; no they’re NOT totally clean) is amazing at coverage and a natural finish. I think I may always have this in my collection – clean or not (it could be a lot worse).
If you follow me on YouTube, you know I was not super impressed with the eyeshadows from the Bounce and Blur line from bareMinerals. However, the blushes are perfection! I love how they melt into the skin, last all day, and look like you are just the healthiest version of yourself. Coral Cloud is pictured here and my favorite.
This mask has definitely made an appearance in my favorites before… probably more than once. I can never be without this balancing mask. When my skin has a breakout or is just looking _YUCK_ I slap this powerful gooey mask on for 20-30 minutes (the longer the better, I think) and within a day or so, my texture is improved, breakouts subside and I’ve once heard if you use this mask, you won’t age? Or you’ll age slower? Whatever. It’s magic.
When I get a breakout, my skin tends to respond better to Benzoyl Peroxide than it does Salicylic Acid. Everyone is different. However, the typical 10% treatments in stores are way way too abrasive and can make my acne worse – not to mention totally dry out my skin… bleach my non-white sheets/towels and then I have to fix THOSE issues. Paula’s Choice makes this extremely gentle 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide that gets the acne-fighting job done without bleaching your clothes/sheets/towels. It’s just delightful. I usually use this on my jawline where I get my hormonal breakouts and it’s a game changer.
This is a multi-tasking powerhouse product! It’s a makeup removing cleansing balm, facial cleanser (on it’s own), brightening overnight mask, cuticle healer, elbow/heel fixer, split end tamer, and I’ve heard it’s excellent on eczema! I personally use it as my first cleanse/makeup remover. The scent is super luxorious and makes me feel like I’m doing a little spa treatment at home but I also love using this occassionally as an overnight mask. A thin layer is all you need to wake up to radiant, comfortably soft, calm skin.
Another ‘hook’ product for me was the Beautycounter Tint Skin Foundation! It’s like a lighter-weight IT Cosmetics CC Cream. I love the natural finish and the ability to layer coverage depending on my needs. Plus, it has skin-nourishing ingredients to actually improve your texture and tone over time. Definitely my most-used foundation this year!
*I did a YouTube demo and wear-test using this, as well
I don’t typically share fragrance favorites, but this one makes me so happy! It truly smells like a lazy sunday morning and that’s something I want to have every day, lol. A little goes a long way with this fragrance, and I love how it lasts on my skin all.day.long.
Can’t have a yearly favorites without a texture spray in my life. It’s a must for my beachy waves! I fell in love with the Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray this year especially because of the iconic scent – yes – but also because it didn’t leave my hair feeling super dirty or weighed down. Just the right amount of texture!
And that wraps up a very busy, crazy 2019 for me! My first FULL year as a new momma has been extremely exhausting, extremely emotional and extremely special. I’m ready to take on 2020 feeling a little more confident, a little more NO BS (was that even possible?!), and wanting to make a lot more time for being present. I encourage you all to do the same. Focus on what matters <3
You mustn’t be afraid to sparkle a little brighter, darling
XO,
-Steffanie
