With the last week of 2018 upon us, chances are we’re all a mixed bag of feelings and/or new perspectives. Relatable or what? However, amid the highs and lows of the year, a few things have remained pretty much constant on the beauty and fashion front. As a result, I’ve rounded up all of them into one post for easy reference!
Best of 2018: Skincare
Hanacure: I can’t even begin to tell you how insanely effective this mask is. You’ve likely seen it in your Facebook or Instagram news feed and probably freaked you TF out. Ignore the fact that you look like a squeezed alien mutant for 30 minutes, because your face will look like you’ve had a facelift after. I shit you not: well worth the $29 single-use price tag. TBH: I use it when I want to stretch out time between Botox appointments.
Laneige Lip Mask: If you’re a regular reader, this should be of no surprise. I have used this EVERY DAY this year because it works. I have chronically dry lips year round, and this has allowed me to wear matte lipstick more often, and see less signs of aging on my lips. Hyaluronic acid people! It fucking works.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence: One of my most talked about skincare products this year, and most purchased by you! I saw the most results using this as my toner, and can’t say enough good things about how it changed the composition of my skin. I used to have uneven skin tone, and now my blotches are barely visible after over a year of using it.
Collagen Drinking Powder: One of the most read posts by you this year! This is by far my favorite powder of them all: truly tasteless, and I’ve added it to everything from coffee, La Croix, to cocktails.
Mini-Fridge for Beauty: This was by far the most purchased item this year on the blog in all categories! If you haven’t checked out my post earlier this year to learn why putting certain skincare in the fridge is so important, read here.
Best of 2018: Makeup
REN Skincare Perfect Canvas Skin Finishing Serum: One of the best universal makeup primers I’ve ever used. Dry skin? Covered. Oily? Same. I’ve even used it alone under sunscreen for a more natural “Insta beauty filter” look. You also liked it, it was the most purchased makeup item on the blog.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Mascara: This one slid in just before January hit! I got this in my stocking, and DAMN SON: one swipe and you’re ACTUALLY good to go with long, voluminous lashes. Major stretchy/lengthening superpowers IMO.
Lawless Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick: Hate how most matte lippies crack and make your lips look worse? This is your solution. Not only is it cruelty-free, but it’s clean and safe for anyone with any skin type. It stays put and feels like you’re wearing silk.
Best of 2018: Hair
IGK Hair (EVERYTHING): Chances are, I’ll never really use any other hair product again. Not only is it cruelty-free/vegan, but it’s also incredibly effective, regardless of which product it is. My front-runners include 1995 2 in 1 Shampoo/Texturizer, First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo, Beach Club Texture Spray, and Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask. It was also the most purchased haircare brand here on the blog by you!
Dyson Blown a-Ouai Noir Set: This hairdryer is worth the price tag, especially if you share a bathroom with someone or your significant other. It’s quiet enough to use in the morning and cuts dry time in over half. Not to mention, it’s small, making it a perfect travel companion. You also get a set of my second favorite haircare brand, Ouai, free!
Dyson Airwrap Styler: Want to never have more than one hair tool again? Look no further fam. Dyson is slaying the beauty tool competition these days with their killer technology. This is an interchangeable dryer, curler, and smoothing brush all-in-one. It sold out in less than a day at Sephora, and I am stalking it daily waiting for it to be restocked! I’ll keep you posted on that.
Best of 2018: Fashion
Rent The Runway Unlimited: Not only are you helping the environment by participating in sustainable fashion hacks, but you’re also saving your wallet from overspending on seasonal statement pieces/basics. For the price I’d spend on a single silk blouse from Joie or jacket from Opening Ceremony, I can have an ever-rotating closet of designer pieces each month. This week’s blog post is entirely from my subscription! PSA: their subscriptions are on sale right now ($69 or $99 a month), making it a great time to get started for your New Year’s resolution of saving more money when it comes to your wardrobe!
Via Spiga Sock Sneaker: Thanks to Balenciaga, sock sneakers have been all the rage this year, and I’m totally on board for it. For someone who’s a lazy dresser, these make all the difference! I pull them on like a pair of Uggs and can wear them with literally everything from fancy dresses to leggings, to jeans. These were also one of your faves too, being one of the top bestsellers this year on the blog! For less than $150, you can have that same Balenciaga look without the price tag.
Outfit Details
Dress: Black Sequin Pleated Shift, Tracy Reese (rent it here)
Jacket: Quilted Leather Bomber, Nicole Miller (rent it here)
Sneakers: High Top Sock Sneaker, Via Spiga
Handbag: Vela Mini Bag, Prada (vintage, similar here)
Makeup Details
Primer: Ambient Light Correcting Primer, Hourglass in Luminous Light
Foundation: The Influencer Clean Longwear Foundation, Sunday Riley in 140
Highlighter: Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, Fenty Beauty in Lightning Dust/Fire Crystal
Blush: Air Blush Soft Glow Duo, Marc Jacobs Beauty in Lines & Last Night
Contour: Match Stix Matte Skin Stick, Fenty Beauty in Mocha and Rum
Eyes: Naked Petite Heat Palette, c/o Urban Decay
Lashes: Ardell Wispies, Target
Lips: Rouge Pur Couture, YSL Beauty
Photos by Alix of Alix Kramer Photography
