As a beauty editor hopeful, trying new products is the new of the game. Sometimes, you find new favorites and others, you’re downright disappointed. Here’s a list of my beauty loves and let-downs for 2018. Here’s to 2019! My wish is a year of damage-free hair, high-performing makeup, glowy skin, and new discoveries for all.
Loves
As a post-Accutane user, seeing any new skin issues arise is especially disheartening. When I started constantly getting huge blemishes, I decided to go for a well-reviewed and natural option made by Kypris. The only times I’ve broken out since integrating this serum into my routine is when I got lazy and skipped a few uses and when one of the products on my least favorite list wreaked havoc. This list isn’t in any particular order except for this one--it is number one.
Calia Natural Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
If you read my haircare routine post, you’ve already seen my praise for this shampoo and conditioner combo. If you haven’t read it, just know this is all natural, keeps my hair clean for days, and is silicone-free so it doesn’t weigh down the hair.
Before I started using the Kypris serum and was experiencing pesky breakouts, I got this after going to a Kjaer Weis master class and my life changed. This is hands-down my favorite foundation I’ve ever used. You can use it all over or treat it as a concealer and make spots disappear. No matter how you use it, it’ll make you look fresh and glowy and is absolutely weightless. If I can’t convince you, maybe this will.
Clinique Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask
It’s clear, glossy, and not scented with anything obnoxious. After continued use, you can’t even tell I had peeling lips a few days ago.
Farmacy Green Screen Sunscreen
I picked this up on a whim after I forgot to pack extra sunscreen on a trip. I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did, but it definitely impressed me with its lightweight texture and the way it disappears into the skin with just a few swipes.
GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum
I was in line at Auntie Anne’s getting some mini pretzel dogs when the woman behind me asked if my lashes were real. Swipe it on your lash line at night for a few weeks and you’ll have pretzel patrons asking you the same.
Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara
I tried the cutest lil sample of this and immediately knew I had to get the full size. I usually don’t like rubber brushes, but this one is somehow different. My lashes look big, bold, and black. Does being very luxurious and Chanel have anything to do with it? Hmm.
Milk Makeup Long Wear Gel Eyeliner
I think every middle school eyeliner wearer can agree it’s hard to find a liner to stay on throughout the day because putting a waxy texture on arguably the wettest part of your body and expecting it to stay can be asking for a bit much. Somehow, this sets and stays. I’m in love with the dark blue color, Biz, but the “holographic” shade, PTO, looks really fun too.
Let-Downs
L’Oréal Ever Pure Intense Repair Hair Sheet Steam Treatment Mask
My switch to silicone-free hair products can be attributed to this video and the fact I used this L’Oréal mask that scarred me for life. The premise is to tuck your hair inside, let the steam from your shower help the mask to penetrate, and then wash it out. It sounded like a fun product to try until it took about three washes to get all the way out of my hair. It made my hair feel tacky and disgusting and probably caused more damage than it helped. Highly DON’T recommend. The only good thing that came from using this product was this picture I got when I put it on. It would just be wrong to hold out this laugh on you guys.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
I have quite a few gripes about this product. First, it’s packaged in a jar, which is probably the most inconvenient way to put something in that you need to open with wet hands in the shower. Second, it gives me flakes, which is the opposite of what it’s supposed to do. Lastly, this made my hair greasy. For a shampoo, especially an exfoliating one, that doesn’t make much sense. I thought everything going wrong was user error because this has such great reviews, but Amelia’s review in this Man Repeller article proved I wasn’t the only one who didn’t fall in love with this goo.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Again, this is a well-reviewed product and I love sleeping masks when I’m being lazy and don’t want to do my full routine before bed. Sadly, this did nothing but break me out. I guess I’ll be sticking with my twelve-step routine.
Milk Makeup Kush High Volume Mascara
Okay, WHAT?! I’m confused as to why everyone except me loves this. On me, it flaked and looked clumpy. No thanks.
Milk Makeup Kush Fiber Brow Gel
I put this in my Boy Brow article as something that is supposed to be a dupe but doesn’t quite meet the mark. It doesn’t hold the brows and the brown color wasn’t too flattering on me.
Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF 50
I must admit I got this because Tati Westbrook raved about it in a past video. I ran to Sephora to buy it and slapped it on only to find it looked dry. It’s supposed to have a glowy finish, so I have no clue what was going on there. Face makeup that makes me look worse? I’ll pass.
I couldn’t tell you how many completely used and squeezed up tubes I’ve seen of this on Instagram with captions shouting the gloriousness of this mask. When Sephora came out with a set including a mini of this, a Ouai hair mask, and a headband, I jumped on it. Too bad it made me have an allergic reaction and my skin is still recovering. This is a testament to the thought that just because something works for someone else, it may not work for you and just because something has clean ingredients doesn’t mean it’s completely free from irritating ingredients.
Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo
Gotta admit I was brought in by the cute pink packaging. When I actually used it, there were flakes and it made my hair feel a bit too squeaky-clean. I can’t say I love that feeling.