Happy New Year’s Eve! I can’t believe today is the last day of 2018. It’s been quite the year. I hope everyone has had a lovely holiday season.  I’ve been settling into the new apartment and it’s been fun adjusting to our new home. It’s amazing to have more space. I was reorganizing my beauty products and it got me thinking about the products I was really drawn to this year. Some of these brands I’ve been using for a while now while others are new discoveries for me this year. Here is my best of beauty 2018 recap.

Makeup

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

This setting spray has become a fan favorite for a reason. Your makeup will stay in place all day and well into the night. It’s great on all skin types and holds up regardless of the weather.

Beauty Blender

This is one of my favorite makeup application tools. Products blend smoothly and I use less of them than I would with traditional brushes. I love that I can use it with both liquids and powders.

Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Hate that heavy oily feeling of some eye makeup removers? This one doesn’t have any of that but it does an amazing job of removing even the most stubborn makeup. It’s suitable for those with sensitive skin and eyes too.

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna has been one of my favorite beauty discoveries of 2018. I’ve been using the Match Stix Matte Skinstick mainly for contouring. The formula is lightweight and blends beautifully into your skin.

Bobbi Brown Art Stick

Sunset Orange has become a bit of a signature color for me. It’s this bright reddish-orange in a creamy matte formula. I love the lipstick liner combination of the application. It’s also available in 7 other shades.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo

Charlotte Tilbury is another favorite brand discovery of 2018. It’s available in two shades. It helps you achieve that combination of a lit from within glow and defined features. The glow it provides is subtle enough for daytime but with enough impact for nighttime as well.

 

Gadget

GloPRO Blush Microneedling Tool Set

This tool pulls double duty for your skin. Microneedling can amplify absorption of skincare products you apply up to 200 times. In addition to the benefits of this amplification, it also triggers your skin’s regeneration response.

Jade Facial Roller

This is like a nice cooling massage for your face. It’s soothing and helps reduce puffiness and tension in the face. I like to keep mine in the refrigerator for an extra cool treat. This is amazing during the hot summer months too.

NUFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device 

This is an FDA approved system for at home use. It helps improve facial contour, skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are multiple attachments to create different spa level treatments at home. It took a little practice but it’s fairly easy to use.

Pro Facial Steamer

Continue to the bring the spa experience home with this facial steamer. In just 9 minutes clarify your skin and open your pores up for a deep cleansing or moisturizing mask. Use this once or twice a week and notice a big difference when applying treatments or masks to your face.

 

Hair

Pantene PRO-V Blends Charcoal Shampoo & Conditioner

Ever feel like your hair needs to hit the reset button? This Charcoal shampoo and conditioner washes away impurities and leaves your hair feeling refreshed. The conditioner infuses your hair with plenty of nutrients leaving it healthy and looking great.

Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray

I love Oribe, whether it’s their texturizing spray or their dry shampoo. This spray is another addition to my styling line up. It’s super lightweight and softens your hair. It shortens your drying time while protecting your hair from heat styling.

Dove Dry Shampoo

I live off of dry shampoo and I’m convinced I’ve tried almost every single one on the market. Dove is one that is always in rotation. You can’t beat the combination of value and effectiveness. I recommend it to everyone.

EVO Bruce 22 Bristle Brush

I own a number of brushes and each of them serves a different purpose. This one is good for styling my hair while blowing it out or touch-ups with a bit of dry shampoo. The natural bristles really help to distribute the natural oils in your hair giving your hair a smooth and polished look all over.

Nume Love Wins Curling Wand

This was a new wand to me this year. I love how it holds a curl. This the number one factor for me with a curling wand. It also comes in at a great price point. Be sure to use the heat-resistant styling glove it comes with though. It gets quite hot!

Nume Root Werk

When my hair needs a little extra something this is the product I go for. It adds volume while also moisturizing and adding strength. The best part is, it doesn’t weigh your down. It’s also eco-friendly and cruelty-free.

 

Skincare

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Youth Dose Eye Treatment

You might recognize some of the images on this campaign. It was a really exciting launch to be a part of, especially for a product I now use every day. A little goes a long way with this eye cream and you can start to see results right away.

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules

Retinol is such an important part of my skincare regimen. Elizabeth Arden has made adding retinol to your routine so much easier. I love that the product comes in the individual capsules. I know I’m getting the perfect amount with each use. Read this post for more information.

L’Occitane Reset Serum

Does your skin need a little extra TLC? This serum works quickly to help your skin recover from the stressors of everyday life. Your skin will look more rested with less visible fine lines and more youthful looking skin.

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

This is one of my favorite night oils. It has made such a difference in my face with regular use. It’s helped to plump up my skin in the right places while reducing the look wrinkles and pores. It’s also helped with the texture of my skin.

Eve Lom Cleanser

While this is a bit of a splurge, it’s worth it. It removes all of my makeup including waterproof formulas and cleanses my skin. My skin feels so smooth and soft afterward. It also comes with a muslin cloth.

First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Face Cream SPF 30

First Aid Beauty is one of my favorite brands. If you only use a handful of products, you should add this to your list. I love that they included a high SPF too. It’s important to use throughout the year.

 

Body

Tan-Luxe Wonder Oil

Self-tanners can be tricky but this one offers something a bit different. It’s oil based and gives an illuminating glow. It has a rollerball applicator making it easy to apply. The formula helps keep your skin hydrated.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Whipped Body Balm

The Hydro Boost line by Neutrogena features hyaluronic acid. Don’t let the name fool you. This ingredient is exactly what your body needs to keep your skin properly moisturized. For more information be sure to read this post.

Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish

This is an all natural exfoliator that also hydrates your skin. It’s gentle so it’s suitable for all skin types. The smell of coconut and rose lingers after you rinse off the scrub. The product is both vegan and cruelty-free.

NARS Monoi Body Glow II

Need an extra boost in the moisturizing department? This body oil is amazing. It’s sheer, lightweight, and absorbs easily into your skin. The smell is subtle but lovely. It’ll take you away to the islands of Tahiti that inspired the product.

RAHUA Body Shower Gel 

Rahua is one of those brands that has such an inspiring story behind it. I love exploring other products in their line up. If you’re looking for a body wash I recommend this one. It’s scented with a blend of lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla, and palo santo.

DR. JART+Dermask Foot Smoothing Mask

When taking care of your skin one of the last things people think of is their feet. This mask is a pampering session to alleviate dry, rough skin. This mask is great in the winter which can be especially tough on your feet.

What were your favorite beauty products in 2018?

xo, Olivia