Best of Beauty 2016

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

C&C Beauty: Latest Sephora Haul

I'm currently sitting on my bed, my head adorned with two Miley-inspired buns, reflecting on my week in terms of the decisions I have made thus far.  

Leaving the house 20 minutes late at peak rush hour craziness, hoping to still make it on time just so I can finish an episode of Orange is the New Black? Not my greatest idea.

A smarter choice was my impromptu trip to Sephora, where I swear I only went in for one thing and, of course, left with five.  However, it was the extra few dollars spent that bumped my rewards account up to Sephora V.I.B status! (In case you're wondering, you get a shiny silver card to flaunt, a free in-store makeover, free shipping on an online purchase, and a discount on your next in-store purchase. whew!)

In celebration of my new borderline dedicated customer/makeup addict status, I thought it appropriate to share some of my recent Sephora purchases, complete with a 'no BS' review, rating, and ways to use the product. Enjoy!

1. Mai Tai Spritzer Sea Salt Spray by Drybar

• Size: 3.4 fl oz. 

• Smell: sweet and coconut-y

• Price: $23

• Review: Honestly, I read many a bad review about this product online, but I ended up buying it anyway because I have so many Drybar products I can't live without (Mr. Incredible leave-in conditioner and Triple Sec styling spray, to name a couple.) I was pleasantly surprised when the spray not only smelled fantastic, but also gave my hair effortless waves with no heat whatsoever.  Doesn't leave my hair stringy or crunchy. Doesn't make my hair feel greasy. 

• Rating: 8/10

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyebrow Pencils

• Sizes: Anastasia Brow Wiz (.003 oz) and Anastasia Brow Definer (.007 oz)

• Smell: crayon-y

• Price: $20-23

• Review: Your brows have not lived up to their full potential until they have experienced Anastasia Beverly Hills products.  This should come as no shock to the average beauty junkie, but if you're new to the brow game, this brand is a must-have! The Brow Definer and pomade serve as an intensely-pigmented base, while the Brow Wiz emulates small, hairlike marks with each stroke. Very easy to use.  Very high-brow, if you will. 8/10

3. Caudalie Beauty Elixer Spray 

• Size: Ranges from 1oz.-3.4oz. 

• Smell: Herb-y, floral, light

• Price: $13-40

• Review: One of my all-time favorites.  I have a large bottle on my vanity and a travel size bottle in my bag at all times.  The perfect pre-moisturizing toner, midday makeup pick me up, or post-gym refresher.  This facial spray tightens pores, plumps and adds radiance all in one spritz! 10/10!

4. Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Studded

• Size: .11oz. 

• Smell: no fragrance 

• Price: $17 each

• Review: I've been itching to try one of the new Vice shades since their release date was announced.  Being the adventurous makeup geek that I am, I decided to go for a wildcard shade. Studded is a metallic gunmetal silver with taupe undertones.  Surprisingly, the shade turned out to be pleasantly subtle.  It's not glittery, but rather contains a very finely-milled shimmer.  Very flattering. An edgy shade to add to your collection! 7/10

5. St. Tropez In Shower Gradual Tan

• Size: 6.7oz. 

• Smell: Manly, musky

• Price: $25

• Review: Recommended by a Sephora employee with an impeccable glow. While it's very easy to use (apply to wet, post-shower skin, wait 3 minutes, rinse) the results are VERY gradual.  Within 5 days I started seeing visible color-change.  It was worth the wait! There is absolutely no orange hue or 'tanning lotion' smell.  6/10 

Go forth and experiment! 

XX, 

C&C

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