Making Up Reasons

My Favorites of the Year So Far....

[All purchased by me or given by family/friends]



Even though it's almost done being 2014, I thought it would be nice to keep in mind what I've really enjoyed this year.  While I didn't make a ton of big purchases, I definitely went crazy for lip products.  I like experimenting with the ones I have, but they didn't make it here because I don't feel like I have a good idea how they rank against each other.  I just know the drugstore/high end lip trend is welcome after the years spent chasing the newest, biggest palettes.


To start, let's talk body and hair products:

Supergoop! Sunscreen Oil Spf 50, Blow Pro dry shampoo and Royal Apothic Hothouse Peonie

I needed a new sunscreen for the summer and was too intrigued not to buy this new sunscreen oil from Supergoop!  It was only after I left Sephora that I realized L'oreal makes a very similar product and purchased that as well.  I have since given the L'oreal away, not because it's bad but because I didn't see the need for two such similar products.  This one is less scented, less oily and contains no alcohol.  In fact, the ingredient list is pretty impressive.  Be careful with sunscreen oils as it can leave oil spots on certain fabrics and will appear shiny before it absorbs into the skin.  However, for how soft and un-"sunscreeny" this leaves my skin, I really enjoy this product.

Blow Pro Faux Dry Shampoo is non-aerosol and non-scented, two big things that annoyed me about every other dry shampoo I had ever tried.  I feel like all the chemical propellants and heavy fragrances could not possibly be good for me and it also interfered with my perfumes.  I scoped this one out and it's turned into a favorite.  It controls oil well, leaves no white cast and is very economical (this thing still feels full!).  

Royal Apothic Hothouse Peonie is a brand new purchase but one of the only perfume purchases I made all year.  I was pretty happy with the few that I have, but this floral scent really took me by surprise.  The miniature is thankfully not a rollerball, but an actual spray which made it worth picking up in my opinion and the little box it comes in is too cute.  It's hard to describe this, but a warm floral like the name implies is pretty accurate.

Essie Spin the Bottle, Nails Inc Baker Street, Out the Door topcoat and OPI Don't Pretzel my Buttons

This year has all about finding the perfect nude polish, a trend I thought I would never fall for.  Something about the clean, sleek look eventually appealed to me and I tried a lot of shades before I found the right ones.  Essie Spin the Bottle was my favorite for most of the year.  It has a beige, neutral undertone that still has contrast against my skin.  Essie formulas, though, are really not a favorite so I was happy to find OPI Don't Pretzel My Buttons.  It looks very similar on the nails but applies about 10000x better.  OPI formulas are my favorite and I was late on this shade since it debuted last year.

Out the Door topcoat is the only topcoat that has ever made a difference in the dry time of my nails.  I feel that it does help with chipping but really the amount of time it cuts down in dry time is enough for me to recommend this to anyone and everyone.  I've never used Seche Vite, but this is also much cheaper so I'm not tempted to look elsewhere.

Nails Inc Baker Street is so so so so bright and sooooooooo awesome.  Compliment-inducing (more than any nude shade ever) and just really attention grabbing.  I love this shade.  I recommend this to anyone who loves a good blue polish.  

Milani Luminoso, Innisfre Long Wear Cushion, Bite Beauty Rose, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard and Jane Waterproof eyeliner in Brown

What can I say about Luminoso that hasn't already been said?  It's very pretty, not overly shimmery and just looks great.  I am curious about Coralista now that this has lived up to the hype.  

Innisfree Long Wear Cushion is the best face product discovery of the year.  Before this I tried the Etude House Precious Mineral Cushion but I felt it broke me out and the oil control is not as strong as this one.  This cushion is unique in that it doesn't claim to have a dewy finish.  Instead it wears well, is not overly scented and applies in SECONDS. Convenience and speed is really the best thing about cushions and I think it's worth it to embark on finding the right one for you since it will save you time getting ready and makes for the easiest, highest SPF touch ups.

Bite Beauty lipstick in Rose is a gorgeous bright pink with rosy (hence the name) undertones.  I think the color is stunning but the formula is also top notch.  I'm not super fussy about lipstick formulas, but this one does feel especially moisturizing without losing any wear time.

Last but not least the Jane waterproof eyeliner is my favorite eyeliner currently.  Stila waterproof pencils are also a close favorite and the Marc Jacobs pencil is just not a favorite.  This was a great discovery for how cheap it is and how well it lasts without giving up any creaminess.