And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! I tested, tried and fell in love with so many beauty, skincare and make up products this year. First of all, get out that champagne and let's toast to all the amazing products of 2018! 2018 was a serious deal in the beauty world and I really feel like I came into my own. I discovered more about my skin type and focused on what truly works for me, and not just on the hype products of the moment. There were so many amazing new brands that came out to really shake things up. We had a rise of plant-powered ingredients, tons of green beauty and I gravitated towards natural beauty and skincare. So, while I haven’t tried it all and there are some products I’m itching to get my hands on in 2019, today I’m capping off the 2018 beauty posts with the best of the best.
Here they are, by category, the best beauty products I tried in 2018.
Cleanser
Can you tell by my empty bottle how much I use this? This has become my number one morning foaming cleanser. I use it every single morning to prep my skin for the day. It’s green, clean and all natural so I don’t have any quaff with using it daily or twice daily. It amazes me how light it is yet how well it foams and actually penetrates and lifts dirt. I have yet to find a natural cleanser with the same results (that leaves me feeling refreshed). Definitely going to restock this come 2019.
Makeup Remover
Total game changer. This is my go-to night cleanser when I need to seriously remove makeup, open up my pores without stripping my skin, and just feel ultra luxe. With ingredients like chamomile, cocoa butter and clove you just feel soothed, calmed and refreshed in the most luxurious way. There’s a reason why it’s been named the best cleanser in the world. It’s gentle, does not dry you out and improves skin texture. It's a staple. Use it as the first step in a double cleanse, or on its own and you will not be disappointed. I'm so glad I discovered this in 2018.
Toner
For the second year in a row, Pixi wins my vote for the best toner for noticeably different results. I tried a fair few and seem to always come back to this one. It’s so gentle on the face, balances the skin and preps it perfectly for subsequent skin care products and reduces the size of pores. I’ve been trying to reduce my consumption of disposable makeup wipes in 2018 by using spray toners, but Pixi does it best. I hate how most toners have a tendency to make you feel so dry and stripped of your natural face oils, and this does NONE of that. I just love how you don't raw or overexposed after this toner (it's alcohol-free!).
Peel
Okay. I’ve been through my fair share of scary peels, where I’ve been inflamed, red for hours, and felt like my face was going to burn off. These peel pads are the most gentle, non-abrasive pads I’ve tried and there is noooooo recovery time needed. I can’t believe how gently they are on my sensitive skin and how I can go about my day with zero redness or inflammation. All your left with is perfectly buffed, texturized skin since they remove all the dead skin cells and leave visibly smoother skin. No parabens, sulfates or nasties. These will continue to be a necessity as I get older!
Eye Cream
Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream
Again, I've tried so many eye creams this past year and nothing does it like Origins GinZing Eye Cream. I have brought this with me on long-haul flights, across the world, and back again. It seriously reduces under-eye puffiness and smoothes out lines and creases like no other. It also leaves a little bit of illumination which I love. I came back to it all year and will continue to do so in 2019.
All-in-one Moisture
Cocokind Matcha Stick
This is another life saver which I became obsessed with in 2018. Under the eyes, on dry patches, on my lips-- basically anywhere. It smoothes and soothes the skin. It's a does-it-all kind of product, and you don't need to worry about where you're applying it since it's 100% natural and organic. The ingredients are just coconut oil, beeswax, and matcha powder! Allow this one to become your BFF in 2019.
Eye Cream
Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream
Again, I've tried so many eye creams this past year and nothing does it like Origins GinZing Eye Cream. I have brought this with me on long-haul flights, across the world, and back again. It seriously reduces under-eye puffiness and smoothes out lines and creases like no other. It also leaves a little bit of illumination which I love. I came back to it all year and will continue to do so in 2019.
All-in-one Moisture
Cocokind Matcha Stick
This is another life saver which I became obsessed with in 2018. Under the eyes, on dry patches, on my lips-- basically anywhere. It smoothes and soothes the skin. It's a does-it-all kind of product, and you don't need to worry about where you're applying it since it's 100% natural and organic. The ingredients are just coconut oil, beeswax, and matcha powder! Allow this one to become your BFF in 2019.
Healing Balm
Huna Apothecary Nourish Skin Nutrition Balm
Guys... this stuff is a miracle worker. If you remember back in the summer I broke my foot and had to get stitches. Honestly, it was a nightmare! The cut was huge! I started applying this natural balm on the cut and it healed fast and the scar lessened! That's because it's packed with 22 essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients like camellia seed oil, pomegranate oil, chia seed oil, and the list goes on! It nourishes, replenishes and protects. I even apply it to dryer skin and on my lips. Brandon has actually stolen this product from me as his skin get's sooo dry in the winter. Looks like I need another already!
Serum
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
I have tried so many serums this year and always seem to come back to this one. It's like I miss it when I forget about it for a few days. It's that good. And you can see the results, instantly. We're talking instant skin glow and radiance, and it prevents existing skin damage and reduces wrinkles and lines. It's packed with pure vitamin C and worth every penny. Trust me.
Day Face Oil
Indie Lee Squalane Face Oil
I actually went through a bottle in a few weeks, which is kinda crazy! A little goes a long way but I just love how it feels. It works on all skin types and it's green and clean! I love that it is a lightweight oil and improves texture, tone, reduces wrinkles and lines and leaves you glowing. Squalane oil is great for anti-aging, it calms inflammation and to promotes a healthy glow. Mix it in with some face cream for an even lighter application, or mix it in with some foundation for a dewy look!
Night Face Oil
Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil
This rosehip oil by Pai has become a nightly addition. I love how nourishing it is and actually seeps into the skin. I lather it on nightly and wake up with radiant, glowy skin. It also makes you look a little bronzy which is an added bonus to me!
Masks
Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask
Worth the hype, 100%. It hydrates your skin in the most loving, rich, penetrating way. I love how it seeps into the skin, totally absorbs and does not leave you feeling greasy. Puffy, inflamed, dull skin be gone! It's packed with vitamin C, E and hyaluronic ingredients which not only evens out the skin but also boost hydration. It's also very luxurious feeling. I apply before bed and wake up with silky, smooth, baby soft skin! I even apply under the eyes anytime I need a little revival.
Eve Lom Rescue Mask
Man, oh man. There is a reason it's called rescue. When your skin is puffy, tired, hungover, dull, or just lacking in life-- let this be your guiding light back to life. This is my morning after mask, when I need a skin reset. It gives you that deep cleanse, does not dry you out and completely resurfaces the skin. We're talking evens out the tone and texture, too. I love that it reduces redness and inflammation too. It's thanks to the Kaolin clay, honey, and almonds. Just love this mask.
Moisturizer
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
While I'm still waiting to try La Mer, Tactcha, and Sunday Reiley, Charlotte Tilbury's magic cream is my miracle worker. It's luxe, rich, yet does not overpower your skin or feels heavy. It's light and airy and transforms the look of your skin, completely. It's collagen boosting, so gives you the ultimate hydration and plumps your skin back to life. Love the way it smoothly glides on the skin. I am obsessed with the new mini size... perfect for travelling!
Tinted Creams
L'Oreal Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator
This is the best drugstore illuminator I discovered all year! It gives you serious glow and dew which I am all about! I still wear my It Cosmetics CC Cream, but I wore this one by L'Oreal all summer, brought it on vacation in the Bahamas and still mix it in with some moisturizer in the winter. Since it's an amazing price point, you can't go wrong. You could just apply it to certain areas you want to highlight, but if you're like me and love the radiance, apply all over! You'll never feel more sunkissed.
Bronzer
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
There is not a week that goes by where I don't get asked if I've just come back from vacation, or why I'm so tanned. My sly response "I do the Hoola". Seriously, this is probably my most asked about makeup product. It is by far the most perfect shade to give you a sun-kissed glow. It's matte so there is no shine or shimmer which I love as a base on my cheeks! If you need a bit of shine you can just add some highlight on top (which I do), but as your base, you cannot go wrong with the Hoola. It's great for contouring and adding a pop of colour to your face and body!
Lips
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
This one I purchased late into the year, so I wasn't sure if I should include it since I haven't given it the minimum two-month trial. But, YES! I am obsessed. I apply the moisturizing balm before bed, and every time I wake up with supple, plump and completely hydrated lips. It's amazing and completely worth the hype! It's not sticky at all, it contains berry mix complex, which is refreshingly sweet, and it's packed with hyaluronic acid to inject moisture into the lips. I even use it as lipstick primer! It's a lip saver! Also, I love the little applicator it comes with, so you don't have to stick your fingers in the pot.
Niu Body Vanilla Lip Polish
I love this lip product too! I use it as a scrub when my lips feel damaged and are cracking/flaking, and need some exfoliation. So perfect to use in the winter months! I scrub it on my lips and the natural ingredients (shea butter, sugar, hydrating oils) make my lips so moisturized and full of life. Follow with the lip sleeping mask and you are set!
Hair Care
Ouai Anti Frizz Hair Sheets
I just had to try these. I was sick of applying some sticky product into my hair to tame the frizz. And, HOLY MOLY, are these a game changer! The make your hair so sleek, without altering your hairstyle and totally tame the pieces that are frizzing out of control. It's a little sheet and you essentially wipe your hair. That's all. And the frizz is gone. I keep them with me in all bags and in my car for all the moments.
And a bonus, because I can never go anywhere without bold brows.
Eyebrow
Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Brow Pencil
My brow savior. I find this to be the easiest product to apply to your eyebrows. It's a one swipe does all. I love the creamy texture of the product and the angled shape. It looks so natural on the brow as you can really fill, shape and blend with the built-in spooli which is on the opposite side of the applicator. It comes with me everywhere I go.
What products did you fall in love with in 2018? I can't wait to hear!
P.S.: Stay tuned for my best post where I'll be sharing the best lipsticks I tried this year.
S H O P T H E P O S T :Huna Apothecary Nourish Skin Nutrition Balm
Guys... this stuff is a miracle worker. If you remember back in the summer I broke my foot and had to get stitches. Honestly, it was a nightmare! The cut was huge! I started applying this natural balm on the cut and it healed fast and the scar lessened! That's because it's packed with 22 essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients like camellia seed oil, pomegranate oil, chia seed oil, and the list goes on! It nourishes, replenishes and protects. I even apply it to dryer skin and on my lips. Brandon has actually stolen this product from me as his skin get's sooo dry in the winter. Looks like I need another already!
Serum
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
I have tried so many serums this year and always seem to come back to this one. It's like I miss it when I forget about it for a few days. It's that good. And you can see the results, instantly. We're talking instant skin glow and radiance, and it prevents existing skin damage and reduces wrinkles and lines. It's packed with pure vitamin C and worth every penny. Trust me.
Day Face Oil
Indie Lee Squalane Face Oil
I actually went through a bottle in a few weeks, which is kinda crazy! A little goes a long way but I just love how it feels. It works on all skin types and it's green and clean! I love that it is a lightweight oil and improves texture, tone, reduces wrinkles and lines and leaves you glowing. Squalane oil is great for anti-aging, it calms inflammation and to promotes a healthy glow. Mix it in with some face cream for an even lighter application, or mix it in with some foundation for a dewy look!
Night Face Oil
Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil
This rosehip oil by Pai has become a nightly addition. I love how nourishing it is and actually seeps into the skin. I lather it on nightly and wake up with radiant, glowy skin. It also makes you look a little bronzy which is an added bonus to me!
Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask
Worth the hype, 100%. It hydrates your skin in the most loving, rich, penetrating way. I love how it seeps into the skin, totally absorbs and does not leave you feeling greasy. Puffy, inflamed, dull skin be gone! It's packed with vitamin C, E and hyaluronic ingredients which not only evens out the skin but also boost hydration. It's also very luxurious feeling. I apply before bed and wake up with silky, smooth, baby soft skin! I even apply under the eyes anytime I need a little revival.
Eve Lom Rescue Mask
Man, oh man. There is a reason it's called rescue. When your skin is puffy, tired, hungover, dull, or just lacking in life-- let this be your guiding light back to life. This is my morning after mask, when I need a skin reset. It gives you that deep cleanse, does not dry you out and completely resurfaces the skin. We're talking evens out the tone and texture, too. I love that it reduces redness and inflammation too. It's thanks to the Kaolin clay, honey, and almonds. Just love this mask.
Moisturizer
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
While I'm still waiting to try La Mer, Tactcha, and Sunday Reiley, Charlotte Tilbury's magic cream is my miracle worker. It's luxe, rich, yet does not overpower your skin or feels heavy. It's light and airy and transforms the look of your skin, completely. It's collagen boosting, so gives you the ultimate hydration and plumps your skin back to life. Love the way it smoothly glides on the skin. I am obsessed with the new mini size... perfect for travelling!
Tinted Creams
L'Oreal Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator
This is the best drugstore illuminator I discovered all year! It gives you serious glow and dew which I am all about! I still wear my It Cosmetics CC Cream, but I wore this one by L'Oreal all summer, brought it on vacation in the Bahamas and still mix it in with some moisturizer in the winter. Since it's an amazing price point, you can't go wrong. You could just apply it to certain areas you want to highlight, but if you're like me and love the radiance, apply all over! You'll never feel more sunkissed.
Bronzer
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
There is not a week that goes by where I don't get asked if I've just come back from vacation, or why I'm so tanned. My sly response "I do the Hoola". Seriously, this is probably my most asked about makeup product. It is by far the most perfect shade to give you a sun-kissed glow. It's matte so there is no shine or shimmer which I love as a base on my cheeks! If you need a bit of shine you can just add some highlight on top (which I do), but as your base, you cannot go wrong with the Hoola. It's great for contouring and adding a pop of colour to your face and body!
Lips
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
This one I purchased late into the year, so I wasn't sure if I should include it since I haven't given it the minimum two-month trial. But, YES! I am obsessed. I apply the moisturizing balm before bed, and every time I wake up with supple, plump and completely hydrated lips. It's amazing and completely worth the hype! It's not sticky at all, it contains berry mix complex, which is refreshingly sweet, and it's packed with hyaluronic acid to inject moisture into the lips. I even use it as lipstick primer! It's a lip saver! Also, I love the little applicator it comes with, so you don't have to stick your fingers in the pot.
Niu Body Vanilla Lip Polish
I love this lip product too! I use it as a scrub when my lips feel damaged and are cracking/flaking, and need some exfoliation. So perfect to use in the winter months! I scrub it on my lips and the natural ingredients (shea butter, sugar, hydrating oils) make my lips so moisturized and full of life. Follow with the lip sleeping mask and you are set!
Hair Care
Ouai Anti Frizz Hair Sheets
I just had to try these. I was sick of applying some sticky product into my hair to tame the frizz. And, HOLY MOLY, are these a game changer! The make your hair so sleek, without altering your hairstyle and totally tame the pieces that are frizzing out of control. It's a little sheet and you essentially wipe your hair. That's all. And the frizz is gone. I keep them with me in all bags and in my car for all the moments.
And a bonus, because I can never go anywhere without bold brows.
Eyebrow
Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Brow Pencil
My brow savior. I find this to be the easiest product to apply to your eyebrows. It's a one swipe does all. I love the creamy texture of the product and the angled shape. It looks so natural on the brow as you can really fill, shape and blend with the built-in spooli which is on the opposite side of the applicator. It comes with me everywhere I go.
What products did you fall in love with in 2018? I can't wait to hear!
P.S.: Stay tuned for my best post where I'll be sharing the best lipsticks I tried this year.
