It seems that I'm not very good at sticking to the traditional 'Monthly Favorites' post format. Almost every month my posts seem to go up further and further into the next month and at this point calling a post 'December' anything is really just an embarrassment. Sigh. So, to save face and take into account that some of these things didn't really come into my life until the holidays, I'm calling this a 'Recent Favorites' post. Either way, these are the beauty products that have been rocking my socks as of late.
Soap & Glory Hand Food
By far the best hand cream I've ever tried. It's creamy, hydrating and absorbs quickly while leaving your skin incredibly soft. It also has an amazing shea butter/marshmallow scent that I can't get enough of.
Nivea Men Cooling Post Shave Balm
This is literally THE BEST PRIMER EVER! It has a milky lotion formula that leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth, and makeup just sticks to it like glue. If you have oily skin this is an absolute must buy. My makeup is still there after a long day and looks like I just applied it an hour earlier. Yes, it smells like a men's aftershave when you first put it on but that fades in about twenty minutes. I can't rave about this stuff enough but I do have a full review post here if you want a more in-depth breakdown.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
I've always been a bit skeptical about makeup sponges. The whole concept seemed a bit old school to me, even considering the interesting new shapes, textures and all the hype. I'm usually just a big fan of using a buffing brush to apply my foundation but this sponge has really been changing my makeup application game. I dampen the sponge and tap my concealer and foundation into my skin, using the pointed end to really get in the corners around my eyes and nose. The result is a pixel-perfect finish that looks even more smooth and natural than with my buffing brush. You do get slightly less coverage than with a brush but that makes this perfect for applying those foundations that just look a bit too caked on and full coverage for me to really wear normally (I'm looking at you, Revlon ColorStay). This is now literally the only way I blend in my concealer and if I do use a brush for my foundation (usually just when I need some heftier coverage) I will blend in the edges around my nose and brows which tend to cake up with this. I was a total skeptic when it came to the whole 'blending foundation in with a damp sponge' thing but I couldn't be happier. It's a game changer!
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
I was lucky enough to receive this beauty for Christmas and since then I've worn nothing else. It's a fresh, woody fragrance with a touch of citrus and a saltiness that really makes you think of being along the coast. I would never have imagined loving a salty fragrance but this is one of those things you just kind of need to smell to understand. It's comforting, fresh and intoxicating all at the same time and I'm absolutely addicted.
Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in 38 Golden Taupe
I've raved about these insanely long wearing, fuss-free shadow sticks in the past (they're absolutely incredible) but I purchased a new shade last month which I've been wearing quite a bit. Shade 38 is a lovely taupey bronze which, although it has some sparkle in it, is great for everyday wear. These shadows blend so well and quickly set to a budge-proof finish that lasts all day even on my oily lids. This is my absolute favorite eyeshadow formula. If only Kiko would come out with some more matte shades my eyeshadow drawer would consist of nothing else.
Those are all the products I've been obsessed with lately. These are products I've been gravitating towards and some things that I can't go a day without using. I still hope to have a January favorites post up at the beginning of February so be on the lookout for more beauty loves. Mamas been testing quite a few things lately.
Have you tried any of these products? How do you feel about makeup sponges? What products have you been obsessed with lately? Do you have any questions about any of the products I mentioned? Let me know in the comments below.
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