SHOP THE POST

Hello Friends and welcome to one of the biggest posts of the year! My yearly favorites! Today, I’m sharing my top 16 products of 2016 – all items I feel like I can’t live without. Obviously, there are more things I could have included, but that would take foreverrr, and whose got time for that, am I right?! So I thought long and hard about the products that have changed my routine for the better or that I feel like I couldn’t get ready the same without. And here you are…drum roll please…my top 16 products of 2016!

7. Dior Creme De Rose Lip Balm If you want to do your lips a favor in the cold winter months, buy this lip balm. You’re going to say, “Amanda a high-end lip balm, really?!”…and yes, really. I didn’t believe the hype originally, but I kept hearing people go on and on and on about this product by Dior. So I finally caved and purchased one for myself. I don’t even like rose scented products so I was sure I was going to be underwhelmed. And yep. I was SO wrong. This lip balm, one, lasts forever, and two, is the best conditioning product I’ve ever used on my lips. I literally cannot find anything that even remotely compares. I keep mine in my bedside drawer and each night before bed I apply a generous amount to my lips. It’s been a lifesaver in the dry California weather. 

8. Moroccanoil Treatment (For all hair types) I don’t know what I would do without my Moroccanoil treatment. I have fairly coarse and very thick hair and this is one of the only products I use that keeps my hair manageable and shiny. My hair is so thick that I can actually get away with using this oil every day without my hair getting dirty. I like to use it primarily when my hair is wet before blow drying and then right before straightening. And then I use it throughout the week if the weather is humid, which luckily, in California it usually is not (except for the last couple days of rain…I was told it doesn’t rain here…good thing I’ve got good hair products!).

9. Loreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray (Unscented) I loveee this hairspray! Originally I purchased the scented version and hated it because it smelled so strongly. But the unscented version is so much better and a fantastic medium between light hold and heavy hold. I know it’s called extra strong hold, but it still gives the hair movement and doesn’t leave it feeling dirty when you brush your hair out at the end of the day. I hardly ever use any other hairspray and I own several options. I also love that they sell this in a travel version so that I can keep my hair routine when I’m away from home. Or you can carry it in your purse or gym bag!

10. Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara I have talked about this mascara sooo many times! It’s the only mascara I will use on my lower lash line and I’ve been using it for years now. It’s the only mascara I’ve tried that doesn’t transfer under my eye during the day. Since I only use it on my lower lashes a tube lasts me for quite a while so the purchase price isn’t so bad. You can obviously use it on your upper lashes too, but I don’t so that I can save it for the bottom and because  I have several favorites I love for volume and length and thickness. 

11. Invisible Tape At first you might laugh at this being one of my top products of 2016, but it’s been an eye makeup game changer! I don’t think I will ever do a cat eye without tape again – it’s just so easy! If you haven’t seen my eye makeup routine go ahead and check it out, as it explains more, but basically I use the tape as a guide for my liquid liner which creates a flawless perfect finish. If you haven’t tried it and like liquid liner, go grab some tape out of your desk drawer and give it a go!

12. MAC Fix+ This is an oldie, but a goodie. I’m sure most of you have heard about Mac Fix+ at one time or another. It’s a face refreshing, makeup setting spray. I use it before my makeup to hydrate my skin – it’s also wonderful on trips when you’re in an airplane with dry circulating air. I also use it after I’ve put on my makeup, not to keep it on longer, but to help it blend into the skin with a more flawless finish and a pretty glow. I feel like I couldn’t do my makeup without it – it’s a great way to avoid having “cakey” foundation & powder. I’d say I’ve gone through a good ten bottles or so in my lifetime. 

13. Skin Ceuticals Phyto Corrective Gel For me, this has been a skincare game changer. I purchased this product after getting a hydra facial at the recommendation of the facialist. After I moved the redness in my skin got pretty bad… so bad I actually hated having to take my makeup off. So I started using this gel in the morning and at night, and not only did it calm my skin with a cooling effect, it drastically changed the redness! I actually ran out a couple weeks ago and have been dying without it. You better believe I’m about to use some of my holiday gift cards to repurchase. If you’re suffering from facial redness and/or irritation I would definitely give it a try. You can even use it on your neck, arms, chest and the back of your hands. 

14. Zella Slim Fit Leggings As for clothing, Zella slim fit leggings have been my jam! Not kidding, I wear these, probably four or five times a week. I bought two pairs during the Nordstrom Nsale and designated the as “non-workout” pants because I didn’t want them to wear out too quick. I use them as pant-type leggings only. Although they are absolutely designed for athletic wear. I tried on the high waist version but didn’t like them on myself. So I bought the slim fit mid rise style instead and they are perfect! Quick note: they do run big so you can size down. I normally wear an XS and purchased an XXS – and they don’t cut off my circulation haha. I could probably get away with wearing my usual size, but I like to feel like my leggings are holding me in. 

15. Sigma Tapered Blending E40 Brush Again, if you haven’t seen my eye makeup routine, make sure to check it out! This is the one makeup brush I couldn’t live without. It’s the most wonderful blending brush and what I use first to apply my transition shade in my crease. It’s affordable, easy to use, and mine has held up really well through lots of use and washing. Definitely, a must have for anyone! 

16. GHD Platinum Straightener 98% of the questions and comments I receive are about my hair, which I think is funny, but very sweet! It happens all the time, even if I’m sharing a piece of clothing or an outfit. So this is the tool I use to create the magic – haha! But really, this is the only tool I use other than my Bio Ionic blow dryer to style my hair. I use it to straighten and also to curl because it has such nice beveled edges. And I got mine in white so it’s very chic and looks beautiful sitting out! Yes, it’s a splurge, but much like the blow dryer, it’s designed to treat your hair nicely and should last you for quite some time. I kept my last ghd for over four years. Plus, it comes with a warranty.