I’ve rounded up my favorite beauty products of 2017 and let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. But I really tried my best to think about the products thats made a difference for my skin and were worth purchasing.
2018 is finally here and I have gone through my share of beauty products in the past year. Some really amazing, others not so great. However, this year I really want to focus on locking down my skin care routine and stop experimenting so much. It would be amazing to have a skincare routine that I am 100% content with. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of my current skincare routine but I really want to spend less time applying 10 products to my face one day, 2 the next, etc. Really adopting the “less is more philosophy because I’d love some consistency and more gentle love on my skin. Of course, some days may be different than others because hormones, and the change of the seasons but I am really making it my goal to find out my staples that I just can’t do without and stop splurging on a meaningless moisturizer or highlight just because they’re a trend or it is aesthetically pleasing. When I have 6 others sitting on my top shelfie.
But anyway, the point of this post is to share with you the 25 products that I found worthwhile in 2017. I’ll do my best to keep it at a few items per category but as you know, I don’t wear too much makeup so I won’t have too much in that department. I will be focusing more on skin/hair care. So follow along and let me know what your favorite beauty product of 2017 was in the comments below!!
Cleansers:
Bioderma Sensibio H20 – I’m a fan of gentle and effective products and this Bioderma Micellar water is exactly that. It removes my makeup without the tightness and dryness. Holy grail for sure.
Fresh Soy Cleanser – Similar to my beloved milk jelly cleanser, this cleanser is gentle and soothes my skin while washing away makeup and impurities. It doesn’t dry out your skin but instead makes it feel and look hydrated and refreshed. The best part is that it smells like roses and cucumber.
Toners and Exfoliants:
Pixi Glow Tonic – If you’ve been following me for quite some time, you know the Pixi Beauty has my heart. More specifically their glow tonic. It’s an extremely gentle exfoliating toner that does the job. Makes my skin really smooth with a healthy glow. Really keeps my breakouts away too. I use it in the am and pm and it’s just heaven sent.
Exfolikate – WOW. Just wow! I wish I tried this sooner. I had clogged pores and black heads on my nose toward the end of the year and this exfoliating mask immediately vanished them after 2 minutes. Perfect for instant results. They don’t call it “Hollywood’s 2 minute facial” for nothing.
Serums, Essences and Oils:
Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma – This Vitamin-C serum has become a staple in my morning routine. It leaves my face glowy and plump and just so vibrant and awake. I can literally wear this without foundation or anything because of how good it is and leaves my skin looking.
Saturday Skin’s Freeze Frame Beauty Essence –
I am hooked on this product and have never came across anything like it before. I usually use it after cleansing and toning my face and right before my serums. It leaves my skin plump and hydrated (esp in the winter) plus it really helps prep it for the rest of my skin care routine as it helps that products sit and absorb better.
Ordinary’s Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Oil –
I suffer from dry skin from time to time and I love to add this oil on those areas and it really does the trick. I add a little in with my moisturize and my skin is juts glowy and vibrant the next day. Makes your skin look smooth and fresh with or without makeup, honestly.
Acids and Treatments:
Sunday Riley’s Power Duo (Luna Oil and Good Genes):
Ahhh, my favorite little power couple. Name a better duo, I dare you. These two have really helped bring out my best skin. First off, I use Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil at the end of my night time routine about twice a week and it just smells incredible and really soothes my skin, and helps reduce any redness, pores and any fine lines, esp around my eyes. After my skin has absorbed it in (like 5 minutes later) or sometimes in the morning, I apply Good Genes Lactic Acid which helps smooth and brighten my skin. It especially helps a lot when I have breakouts, it literally vanishes them. My skin looks incredibly radiant with a healthy rejuvinated glow ever since I’ve purchased. LIFE CHANGING to say the least and well worth the price!
Eye Care:
Olehenriksen Banana Eye Cream – A newer product I just began using after I ran out of my Kiehl’s Avocado Cream but so far, I am obsessed. Not only does it really help hydrate and depuff my eye area, it also is a great base for my concealer. When applied under my makeup, it doesn’t crease and lasts. Also, a fan of the pearlescent finish it has which really brightens my undereyes and makes me look more awake, great for non-makeup days. A+ for sure.
Moisturizer:
Origins GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer – The perfect Summer day time moisturize (just because at night and winter time I need extra moisture). It really energizes my skin and just gives it this radiance like no other. Light-weight and smells divine.
SPF:
Glossier’s Invisible Shield – I really started taking my SPF seriously last year because of this baby! It makes my skincare routine fun AND safe. It applies clear so that on is own makes it already much better than most spfs because it doesn’t leave that white cast and instead is absorbed by your skin immediately while leaving a nice dewy finish. What I found most fascinating about this SPF is that it also protects your skin from pollutants and the light from your computer screen and phone and as someone who spends a large amount of time on both, I appreciate that. One thing to note though is that it’s not sunscreen so it’s not waterproof or necessarily meant for the beach, more as an everyday part of your skin care routine.
Primer:
YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer – Possibly the best primer I’ve tried yet that does exactly what it says it does. Applying it feels like silky goodness. It leaves your skin so smooth, blurs blemishes and covers my pores (if you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of anything that hides my pores). It helps makeup stay put all day. It does have little gold glitter flakes which I love but are covered up with your makeup if that’s not your thing.
Dermologica Hydrablur – Similar to the YSL primer, this one blurs imperfections and leaves my skin looking absolutely smooth. So smooth that I love to apply it after my moisturzer without any makeup on. It also helps keep my makeup, including my concealer intact without any creasing. If you like a matte-soft finish, you’ll love this!
Brows:
Glossier Boy Brow (duh) – Do I have to talk about my obsession with this any more than I already have? I literally recommended in my new year’s post last year & you bet I’m recommending it again . Last year they made a clear one which I love as an everyday brow gel, but I will mostly turn to the black shade on most days. It’s small wand makes it so easy to shape, fluff and tame your brows without the nasty flakiness or stiffness. Enough said, go buy it and thank me later. (Glossier.com/reps/itzy for 20% off + free shipping when you spend over $30)
Foundation:
It Cosmetics CC – I’m not a crazy foundation fan because I’m in a long-term relationship with Glossier’s skin tint but I spent pretty much experimenting on finding the perfect one last year because I knew there had to be one out there for me that was not cakey and let my skin breath. So I came across this one and it’s like skin tint but on steroids, meaning it provides more coverage.
Concealer:
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer – Only concealer I’ve tried that hasn’t creased and actually covers my dark circles. Most concealers dry out my under eye no matter how much eye cream I use but this one leaves it moisturized without feeling tight or cakey. Radiant is right because the natural finish is everything + long lasting that takes you from day to night. I’m obsessed!! Also works well to cover blemishes! 100% recommend.
Blush:
Glossier’s Cloud Paint (Beam and Puff) – I created an entire Youtube video on these little gems so if that doesn’t tell you how much I am obsessed with them, idk what will. They are creamy buildable blush that give you a natural glowy flush. I’ve literally just left the house with boy brow and these because they just add a kind of vibrancy to your face that you can’t achieve unless you’ve done hot yoga, gotten your full 8 hours of sleep and drank loads of water.
Bronzer:
Chanel Tan de Soleil – I consider myself to be pretty tan but somehow my face just missed the subtle sunkissed glow and Tan de Soleil gives it just that. It provides a healthy, luminous bronziness (is that a word?) from within that looks very natural. Works as a buildable bronzer and or contour. It applies sort of like a cloudy creamy powdery perfection. Not sure how to explain it, it’s smooth and I really enjoy the scent too. Will continue to purchase forever.
Countour:
Fenty Match Stix in Mocha – I got this as part of the Match Stix Trio and the contour stick was my absolute favorite. Contouring has always been quite intimidating but this one is so simple to use and blend easily too. Leaves a subtle non-cakey finish that you can’t go wrong with applying.
Eye Shadow:
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colors – These little buddies are so easy to use for someone like me that isn’t into the whole precise technique of eye shadow use. Literally takes 10 seconds to apply to your eyelids or lash line and they are so creamy and stay put too. Love the range of colors and especially love applying the color rose gold to the inner corner of my eyes. The darker colors make it so easy to achieve a smoky eye and I can’t wait to buy more!
Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow – The hype on these are soooo real. I was never a crazy fan of glitter because it can get real messy real quick but these are extremely pigmented and look so gorgeous when applied. It doesn’t look tacky whatsoever, it’s the right amount of shine and I am just so in love. My fave is the rose gold because it’s subtle enough with just a little oomph! The applicator also makes it extremely easy to use for anyone. I used these on NYE and applied it around 4pm and literally stayed on, full shine up until about 4am without any creasing so I guess you can say it’s pretty long lasting. Minor fallout but nothing like other loose glitter shadows I’ve used in the past.
Highlight:
RMS Magic Luminizer – I love my highlight to be extra but subtle so I’m a fan of natural sheer highlighters. This one in particular just gets me. Similar to Glossier’s Haloscope, it has no glitter, no shimmer, exactly what I love. It’s just glowy, ethereal, dewiness in little jar. It includes natural oils (coconut oil, castor oil, and beeswax). Definitely does not leave you looking oily though. It’s just an effortless healthy glow. Perfect for that natural “non-makeup” makeup look. I love to apply it on my cheek bones, nose, cupid’s boy, the inner corners of my eyes, and my eyelids for a glossy lid. Incredibly easy to apply and I can no longer live without it.
Mascara:
Mar Jacob’s Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara – I am soooo picky with mascara’s because I hate when it clumps, flakes, or just makes them look spidery. Plus, I have really thin lashes. This one not lengthens them, it makes them look thicker and fuller. I’ve been asked if I have lash extensions on. That’s how good it is. And although it’s a little pricy, lash extensions are pricier so this will more than suffice.
Lips:
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment – Absolute, favorite lip product. The only product that will actually nourish my lips and hydrate them overnight. I also love that they come in different tints which makes it a 2-in-1 product that lasts. Amazing quality and super effective that I’ve gotten friend hooked on these babes. I feel like most lip balms will just hydrate for a short amount of time and then you have to keep applying, and most lipsticks dry out your lips or don’t last very long this one actually feels like it heels your lips for a lightly tinted plumped look. Obsessed is an understatement.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb – Literally, THE BOMB. This lipgloss is just everything you could ever want on your lips. It has a nudish-brownish-rosish tint that’s great for any skn itone and goes on so smooth without any stickines. Looks glossy af while still being subtle enough to take from day to night. Makes your lips look fuller. Smells amazing. Lasts long. Doesn’t dry out your lips. Packaging is gorgeous. Everyone needs this. Shoutout Rihanna.
Mists and Setting Sprays:
Urban Decay All-nighter Long Lasting Setting Makeup Spray – I don’t wear a face full of makeup too often but when I do, it’s usually for a big event or a full day of shooting. On those days, I turn to this magic spray which literally makes my makeup last all day and would probably last for several if I left it on (totally kidding, please don’t try that at home). I take my makeup application very seriously and if I am going to work hard to make my face look pretty with products that I spent a decent amount of money on, it better stay on. This setting spray ensures that so I’m a big fan
Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray – Another product that I talked about in 2016 as one of my favorites and it still stands. I’m absolutely obsessed and I just can’t get enough. I need a lifetime supply of these please.
Setting Powders:
Laura Mercier’s Transluscent Powder – I just started using setting powder more often last year because of the concealers and foundations I was trying out and no matter which one I used, this setting powder really helped it stay put. It especially helped with the preventing the creasing from under-eye concealers. It’s really light and airy and leaves a matter but subtle finish. My makeup stays flawless all day when I use this and it literally feels like you have nothing on. Without this, usually at the end of the work day or night, my makeup needs a touch up or I begin to get a bit oily, but with this, it looks just as perfect as when I applied it. Never trying another powder again.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you! You’re amazing and hopefully some of the products I metioned were helpful. I’ve decided to do a little bonus section because let’s be honest, there was no way I was going to keep it at only 25.
Masks:
Origin’s Clear Improvement Activated Charcoal Mask – Lately I’ve had blackheads on my nose, and this stuff has really helped diminish them. It makes my skin look revived immediately after using it.|
Perricone MD Refreshing Shower Masque – This Mask is the perfect pick me up for dry and dull skin. I have been using it all fall and winter and it has really softened and perked up my skin. What I love most about it is that it’s used in the shower and uses the heat in there to activate it.
Hair:
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer – This multi-use hair spray has really made my life easier in so many ways. I immediately spray it when I’m out the shower and it adds shine, softens and detangles right away. It dries frizz-free and also protects it from heat which saves me so much time when styling my hair. It also works as a leave in conditioner. So much power for such a little bottle. A tiny bit definitely goes a long way! Has a light refreshing coconut scent too.
Ouai’s Wave Spray – Used following the BB Primer, this wave spray just gives my hair the perfect texture and it’s not sticky, smells amazing, unlike most wave sprays. Giving you the perfect beachy waves without weighing you hair down.
Nails:
Marc Jacobs Enamored High-Shine Nail Polish – Worth the splurge. Beautiful colors, goes on smooth and long-lasting. Everything you could ask for in a nail polish.
Fragrance:
Byredo’s Gypsy Water Eau De Parfum – The name sold me. A vanilla scent with a dark woodsy and earthy twist. Clean, light and edgy. Like me.
Vita Parfum’s Flama – Okay, so if you’re like me and aren’t ready to splurge on Le Labo’s Santal this is the perfect dupe for a much more affordable price. It’s small in size but a little goes a long way. I’ve been wearing it since I got it.
Body:
Le Labo’s Hinoki Body Cream – This buttery cream hydrates and moisturizes your body like no other. Similar smell to Santal which I adore. My skin just drinks it right up. Includes Avocado, Shea Butter and Coconut oil so you can’t go wrong.
Candle:
Dyptique Paris Figuier Candle: Light cozy woodsy smell that’s not too overpowering. One of my favorite Dyptique candle scents.
