Even though i'm finally getting comfortable writing the date as '17, some things have stuck with me from 2016. I'm rounding up all the makeup, skincare, & hair products I couldn't live without last year. Here's to many more knockout products in 2017!

1. NYX HD Finishing Powder

Weightless, Colorless, Flawless! This powder is brightening, yet mattifying for the perfect everyday makeup look. (Also available in yellow for brightening the ender eye area!) Ulta, $9

2. L'Oreal Infallible Foundations

Usually i'm down to splurge on a foundation or BB Cream, but this one gives you the best of both for around $12! Use the matte finish for a long-lasting, full coverage look, or the glow finish for a natural, everyday face! Best applied with a damp BeautyBlender.

3. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks

I spent most of 2016 wearing one of these & trying to get my friends to buy them! These long-lasting colors range from everyday nudes to bold blues, reds and purples. Easy application & super lightweight feel. ($20, Sephora)

4. Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Kim K.W.

Yep, i'm devoting an entire heading to one shade of lipstick, & for good reason! You've just met the everyday lipstick of all everyday lipsticks. All i'm saying is this little thing lives in my purse for a reason. It's hydrating, full coverage, & works with many skin tones. ($32, Bloomingdales)

5. Milani Blush in Luminoso

The best way to avoid clown cheeks. This versatile color mimics a romantic, natural flush. A cult fav. ($6, Drugstores)

6. Laura Mercier Lip Balm

Who am I kidding? I've loved this stuff for longer than a year. Shoutout to my mom for introducing me to this one! What started out as part of my dance theatre makeup kit has become a day to night favorite. Whether you're looking for a daytime balm with a touch of color, or a before bed staple, this one's got you covered. ($22, Sephora)

7. Clinique Take the Day Off Balm

This cut my nightly routine in half! Just apply a small amount to your face full of makeup, massage with water, & rinse. The balm melts makeup (Even stubborn mascara & long lasting lipstick) and lifts it gently to remove all remnants of makeup from pores. Follow up with a facial cleanser & moisturizer! ($29, Sephora)

8. Bumble & Bumble Dryspun Finish Spray

Pros: Weightless, super thickening for all hair types, refreshing, smells amazing

Cons:

($31, Sephora)

9. Drybar Mai Tai Spritzer Sea Salt Spray

Use this for the perfect tousled look, sans heat. Always natural, never crunchy or greasy!

($25, Sephora)

10. MAC Fix+

Prime, hydrate, lock-in, & set with one little spray bottle! I use this after applying foundation, then again after my entire makeup look is finished. Also great for refreshing makeup throughout the day. ($23, department stores)

XX,

C&C

Happy Friday!

Wanna know my favorite thing about getting up in the morning? My beauty routine, of course! I believe it's very important to thoughtfully create a beauty & makeup routine that works realistically with your skin type, schedule, & budget. In terms of the latter, I think high-end skincare & makeup lines are great, but there are always more economical ways to build an amazing skincare & makeup kit. You can find everything you need right around the corner at the drugstore!

I used to think drugstore makeup brands were all low-quality & unreliable, & while some of them can be, I have found that most drugstore brands have kicked it up a notch in the past few years in order to keep up with more expensive brands. The important thing here is to know which brands to look for, as well as which to stay away from. That's where I come in! Drugstore makeup is a slight addiction for me because I can experiment with new colors and products without breaking the bank. A few brands I really love include NYX, Jordana, Wet 'N' Wild, Maybelline, Milani, and The Balm. Other brands have great products too, but I have found the aforementioned to be the most consistent.

Below I will share (in no particular order) my top ten skincare and makeup products from drugstore brands. Enjoy!

Eye Makeup

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara ($4)

The perfect all-in-one mascara! I just recently found this gem & I truly love it. This long-lasting formula extends lashes while giving a naturally plump look. It can also be layered with 2-3 coats for a more dramatic look.

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara ($10)

I can't believe it, but I've been using this mascara for over six years! There is simply nothing like it. This formula stretches your lashes to the high heavens for a wide-eyed, thin lash look. Tip: the formula takes a few seconds to dry, so apply one coat, then gently fan with your hand before applying a second coat. It reduces clumping!

NYX Eyeshadow Base ($10)

Ever feel like your eyeshadow disappears after a few hours of wear? Say goodbye to fading & fallout with this eye primer! Available in different shades for a natural look that matches your skin tone. On minimal makeup days when I skip foundation, I also use this as a natural-looking concealer to cover any dark circles or imperfections! Can be applied with a small flat brush or your finger.

Wet 'N' Wild Comfort Zone Eyeshadow Palette ($6)

These highly pigmented shades are perfect for any eye color! The formula is silky smooth with a subtle shimmer. The light, basic shades create an understated eye look, while the deeper tones can be layered on for a nighttime switch! My favorite eye palette from W&W!

Face Makeup

Maybelline FitMe Foundation ($8) and Concealer ($7)

These are perfect for a full-coverage look! The formula comes in Matte OR Dewy, depending on the look you desire. These last on my face all day, just like a high-end foundation. The concealer is very thin when used, but blends out perfectly with a damp Beauty Blender or sponge.

L'Oreal Infallable Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation ($12)

If you're looking for a truly flawless look, this one is a must! This foundation is lightweight and breathable, but SUPER long-lasting. It can withstand water, heat, and sweat! A true gem from the makeup gods.

NYX Honey Dew Me Up Serum ($24)

$24 for a NYX product??? Trust me on this one, this will change your life...or at least your skin. Since I started using this a few months ago, I have noticed that my skin is much more soft, bright, even-toned, & healthy-looking! Just dot the applicator a few times onto your face and massage into the skin. Wait for it to dry before you continue with your makeup regimen!

The Balm Cosmetics: Mary-Lou Manizer ($23)

I'm relatively new to The Balm, but I had to try this cult favorite highlighter...& I'm so glad I did! The formula is highly pigmented & very finely milled, which creates a subtle sheen with one layer of product. Upon layering, the product becomes even more shimmery and bright, but never glittery! You might need sunglasses for this one.

Lip Products

Milani Matte Lipsticks ($9 Each)

Finally, my favorite section! As a girl whose lipstick shade changes by the day, it's important to find an affordable line of great lipstick. The Milani lips are unfortunately underrated, but I think they yield great color while keeping lips hydrated. The line includes many neutrals as well as fun corals, reds, and plums!

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks ($8 Each)

This line is GREAT and offers multiple finishes, from creamy and shiny to matte. The Creamy Mattes and Buff Nudes are my top two, each with about 8 shades. These can be used alone or layered over lipliner for more intense color! Bonus: they smell like fresh baked sugar cookies:)

That wraps it up for my drugstore favs! I hope this encourages you to try a new, bold look or just add an affordable addition to your everyday routine!

XX,

C&C