Best Skincare & Makeup of 2019 (Yearly Beauty Favs)
One of my guilty pleasures is watching beauty-related videos on YouTube. Most of them, like myself, try out a million different products throughout the year and are constantly recommending things. Because of this, the videos I love most are the yearly favorites ones, when they tell you their best of the best recommendations.
Since I’m in the same position, I figured y’all would like to know my yearly beauty favs. So of all the new things I tried in skincare, makeup, and other beauty-related genres in 2019, here is a roundup of my absolute favorites.
Did you know I have a skincare and beauty specific Instagram? Click here to follow me at @skincarethatilike!
Supergoop Forever Young Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn SPF 40 — Something I carry in my bag 24/7: this Supergoop hand cream with spf in it. If you don’t already put spf on your hands everyday, you gotta! Your hands are one of the first areas to start displaying signs of aging so you should not neglect them.
I’ve been buying and trying hand creams my entire life because my mom always carries one in her purse so I assumed it was something everyone did. Just like storing bread in the freezer... I was 17 and in college when I learned that most people do not store bread in their freezer 🤣 anyway, this is the best one I’ve tried because (1) it has spf in it and (2) it’s not crazy thick. It doesn’t really feel thick at all actually, it sinks into the skin right away and leaves your hands incredibly hydrated (and protected!). I *think* I discovered this this year and if so, it’s one of my best discoveries of 2019.
PS. They recently changed the name of this to Handscreen SPF 40 and adjusted the formula to be reef safe (yay!). I haven’t tried the updated version but they’ve assured me you won’t notice a difference.
Click here to buy it from Supergoop, from Sephora, and from Dermstore.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter — Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter is easily one of my top 5 purchases of 2019. I bought it back in May after seeing it used by a makeup artist on Instagram and have been obsessed with it ever since. But like most of Charlotte Tilbury’s products (which I LOVE, by the way), the marketing is a bit ridiculous. This one in particular doesn’t even have a product category or state on the label what it is, so the odds of anyone buying this off the shelf randomly while shopping are pretty slim. They say on their site that it is an entirely *new* category of makeup, actually.
Weird, but luckily you have me! The actual description is “a customizable complexion booster for superstar-lit skin in seconds”. Basically, in my opinion, it’s a tinted illuminator that leaves your skin looking dewy AF. You can use it anyway you want — as a primer, a highlighter, mixed in with your foundation, etc. I use it many different ways but most often it’s as a primer before foundation or on its own without a foundation (caution: you will be very dewy if you do this!). On days I’m rushing and forget to use it I notice my skin looks wayyyy more dull, dry, and boring.
Charlotte Tilbury says it is inspired by all of those perfecting social media filters with ingredients to soften focus, illuminate skin, and make lines and pores appear smoother. It’s something you’ve gotta try for yourself in order to really understand!
Click here to buy it from Charlotte Tilbury, from Sephora, and from Nordstrom.
Aquis Luxe Hair Turban — This Aquis Luxe Hair Turban is something I can’t even comprehend living without, truly. It’s a towel you put on your hair right after the shower. It is proven to cut drying time by 50% and is much healthier for your hair than having it up in a towel or naked in the air. It works to reduce frizz and breakage while helping hair to look smoother, shinier, and softer.
I personally leave it on until I am ready to blow dry, at least 30 minutes sometimes much longer, and then I use my blow dry brush to dry it fully. I love it because I hate to blow dry my hair when it is soaking wet but I hate even more to let it air dry.
Click here to buy it from Sephora, from Ulta, and from Dermstore.
Neocutis Lumiere Eye Cream — This Neocutis Lumiere Eye Cream is the first product I have tried from Neocutis. It’s been such a hit for me! I bought it when my regular SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex ran out, after seeing it listed on Dermstore’s list of products they can’t keep in stock. They also sy it is their number one selling eye cream.
The Lumiere Eye Cream has growth factors to boost the skin’s ability to repair and revitalize, increase firmness, and reduce wrinkles, plus hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate. I have super dry skin and I think I find this to be even more hydrating than SkinCeuticals' A.G.E. Eye Complex! Definitely worth a try, especially if you are also very dry. It does say it’s ideal for all skin types though, so it’s not exclusive to dry skin!
Click here to buy it from Dermstore and here from Skinstore.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops — I am a big fan of many self tanners and, much like dry shampoos, I have one for every scenario under the sun. This one falls under the "easiest and least high maintenance" category.
I like it for many reasons, not least of which is because I can still have my regular skincare routine when using it. The way this one works is that you add a few drops of the product to your normal moisturizer, mix it together, and then apply it to your skin. Piece of cake! The results are very natural looking (it has color correcting technologies) and it doesn’t smell horrible, either. The entire product is clean with fun ingredients like organic tanning actives, avocado, chia seed, and coconut oil. Of all my self tanning products, this is the only one I use on my face.
Despite being ghostly white, I use the dark colored one at my sister’s suggestion. I’ve also used the medium - both are great. I would recommend buying at least the medium shade as I have heard the light one can actually be a bit orangey (have not tested that out myself). I talk about this on Instagram a lot and it’s easily one of the top beauty-related products people message me to rave about after buying it at my recommendation.
The literal only problem with it is that it’s sold out way more often than it’s not so it can be a bit hard to track down. But, good news, every shade is on stock now! Speaking of which, I am very pale but I use the dark shade. I’ve also used the medium. I’d say at the very least, go with medium.
Click here to check availability at Sephora and here for the 2 for 1 deal at QVC.
Jan Marini Skin Zyme Face Mask — Jan Marini’s Skin Zyme mask is my favorite mask of 2019, possibly even my favorite of all time. I originally got just a sample of it per my friend Rachael's recommendation to use post-microneedle treatment. It's exfoliating and eats away at your dead skin cells without harming you. Perfect for when you're peeling since you definitely do not want to pick at your peeling skin.
But it's not just for use post-treatment. I now own the full size version and die for it. After I use it my skin feels mind blowingly soft. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced! Made from papaya enzymes, this mask is incredibly resurfacing and reveals healthier, smoother, more polished skin in just 20 minutes or less. It's also said to help with acne, hyperpigmentation, and scar reduction but I cannot speak to those. It's hydrating too! Very highly recommend.
Click here to buy from Dermstore and here from Skinstore.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — Another great 2019 discovery, the EltaMD UV Clear SPF. I had known about this SPF for years because after every single beauty appointment I go to they hand me to this to (re)apply before leaving. Literally, it’s always this exact SPF no matter where I go, never any other. It’s also the number one selling sun care product at Dermstore. So one day it felt like it was finally time to give in and buy it, and the rest is history! I love it.
It contains hyaluronic acid so it’s very hydrating and it doesn’t smell or feel like all the negative things you might associate with a traditional SPF. It’s great for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, even! On days I go makeup free I use SkinCeuticals’ tinted SPF, and on days I want a little more coverage I use this prior to applying makeup (because hopefully y’all know that makeup with SPF in it is not SPF).
Click here to buy at Dermstore and here to buy at Skinstore.
If this is still in stock whenever you are reading this, I very highly recommend this Best of Dermstore kit, which includes a full sized version of this SPF. It’s over $200 of professional skincare for only $49.99. Truly crazy, I’ve bought four so far.
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH™ MD Lash Enhancing Serum — After ~3 years of nonstop lash extensions I started using Latisse to grow my natural lashes instead and was amazed at how well it worked. I used it for many years and loved it but, as someone who travels frequently, I didn’t love the individual applicators. (Side note: the single use sterile applicators are for safety purposes which is important to acknowledge IMO)
So I decided to test out something new to see if I could accomplish the same thing in a more convenient way. Grande Cosmetics’ GrandeLASH had great reviews and a bunch of people told me on Instagram that they use and love it so this won. After many months of testing, I find it to be just a great as Latisse! People still think I have lash extensions and that my real lashes can’t possibly be my natural lashes. But it’s easier to acquire and much easier to travel with so if you’re in the same situation I would recommend giving this a shot.
SkinCeuticals Biocellulose Restorative Masque — Another favorite product discovery of mine is from my favorite skincare line of all time, SkinCeuticals! In 2019 I discovered their Biocellulose Restorative Mask and I live for it. If you have any treatments scheduled (microneedle, peels, lasers, etc.) these sheet masks are an absolute MUST.
I started microneedling in 2019 and the SkinCeuticals team sent me one of these to test out post-treatment. To be totally honest, I thought it was BS prior to using because the ingredient list is a bit underwhelming to say the least. Fast forward to my face being on fire and this gem of a sheet mask providing immediate relief when literally nothing else would. No joke - it turned a *very* uncomfortable situation around immediately.
It’s made of biocellulose fibers infused with heat-reducing water to cool and soothe irritation, specifically designed for post-procedure skin! I still don’t fully comprehend why/how it is so amazing but just trust me on this one. I’m personally never getting any kind of treatment again without a box of these on-hand. They are not the most inexpensive masks on the planet but they are so worth it.
Click here to buy at Dermstore and here to buy at Skinstore.
Billie Razor — Another thing I tried this year because people would literally not shut up about on Instagram: Billie razors. I avoided trying it for a long time because I did not understand how people could be so enthusiastic about razors which made all the buzz seem fake. Then I went to Santa Fe with my fam and even my sister was raving about it so I gave in.
Is it life changing? No. It’s a razor. Is it cuter than most razors? Yes. Cheaper? Yes, much. Does it simplify my life? Yes, because refill blades are auto-delivered to me for free. So I like it and recommend it.
The gist is that for $9 you get a razor, a magnetic holder, plus an extra razor cartridge. Then moving forward for $9 they auto-mail you four replacement cartridges — only as often as you need (depending on how frequently you shave). You can skip, adjust, or cancel anytime.
It’s half the price of most other razors, has 5 blades, and is encased in 360° of charcoal shave soap to float over your skin. They also have a line of body care made of natural, toxin-free, premium quality ingredients. I have the shave cream and it’s great.
IMO there’s really no reason *not* to use it, especially given the low price point and the fact that I can almost guarantee it’s cheaper than what you’re using now.
Click here to check out the $9 starter kit.
Amika Vandal Volume Powder Spray — My sister is a hair dresser so we spend a LOT of time buying and trying out products from the professional beauty supplies she has access to. I love the entire Amika brand as a whole but this volume powder spray of theirs is a total game changer if you want big, beautiful hair.
Unlike most volumizing products, this one is a powder spray that you apply on dry hair. You can spray it on your roots for instant lift and texture or throughout your strands for added fullness there. It’s also texturizing and oil absorbing so it helps to refresh your hair like a dry shampoo would. No sticky residue, no damaging ingredients (sulfate free!). One of my favorite hair products of all time.
Click here to check availability at Sephora.
Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color Bronze + Glow — Last Sephora sale I went a little crazy buying ten Nudestix products after seeing someone's IGTV doing their entire face solely with them. It all seemed very convenient, especially for travel, but I ended up not liking most of it. This, on the other hand, I LOVE... So much so that it’s on my list of yearly beauty favorites!
It is a cream highlighter stick that makes you look incredibly dewy. I cannot stand a chalky, dry highlight - especially when you can see the powder just sitting on someone's cheek bone - and this is the exact opposite. It's super creamy, almost wet looking.
I have it in the color "hey, honey" but all three color options look gorgeous. The stick is dual ended, with the color on one side and a blending brush on the other. Very convenient! I love it so much it now lives in my purse.
Click here to buy at Sephora, here to buy at Ulta, and here to buy at Nordstrom.
Fresh Vitamin Nectar Antioxidant Face Mist — This antioxidant glow water from Fresh, which I discovered in 2019, is my favorite face mist. I like it because the mist is super fine and it's very cooling which I especially love while traveling or after a treatment. It can be used as a primer, a setting spray, or just a hydrating refresh. Most (all?) setting sprays are a makeup product but this is more skin focused than that so of course I prefer it to the others.
It contains vitamin C, E, and B5, lemon and orange extracts, and minerals to make your skin more vibrant, refreshed, hydrated, and more. Honestly the ultra-fine mist is reason enough to buy it - it's truly a treat.
Click here to buy at Sephora and here for Nordstrom.
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Florale Dry Oil — This NUXE oil is in my top 5 purchases of 2019, maybe even of all time, without a doubt. I bought it in Paris one day and then went right back the pharmacy the following day to buy four more. It is THE BEST.
If you aren’t familiar, NUXE is a Parisian skincare brand most widely known for their iconic Huile Prodigieuse dry oil (the original version of this). Both this and the original are luxurious multi-purpose oils that nourish, repair, and soften skin and hair. Made from a unique combo of vitamin E and seven 100% botanical precious plant oils, it can be used by all skin types and all year long to alleviate stretch marks, deep condition hair, and much more. I personally use it as a body moisturizer post-shower, plus an occasional spritz to the hair. I use it alone or lately I have been mixing it with the tanning drops I talked about below.
The fragrance of the original oil is part of the reason it sprung to stardom in 1991, with a sweet smell of orange blossom, rose, lily, and vanilla. It’s great, I have the shimmer shower oil in that scent and love it (I will link that too). But the new floral scent is actually to die for. They describe it as a delicate and fresh floral scent with notes of grapefruit zest, magnolia and musk.
I don’t even like scented things usually and my mom especially hates scents because they give her a headache. But I brought this Santa Fe with me and my mom not only said she liked it but she let me apply it on my arms and legs in an ENCLOSED CAR she was riding in. For the first time in 31 years. If that doesn’t sell ya on it, I don’t know what will.
Click here to check availability!
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil — This primer oil is fantastic if you are hoping to look glowy AF. It’s good as a primer, which is its intended use, but I’ve found a hack for it that I love even more. You can lightly pounce it over your makeup to keep your face from drying out throughout the day! It sounds scary but it’s not, it’s honestly magical. I very highly recommend.
Click here to buy at Sephora, at Dermstore, and at Ulta.
Static Nails Pop-On Reusable Manicure Set — Back in May I jokingly put on a pair of glue on nails. I was in need of a new manicure but had to wait a week in order to time it right with a trip. They were metallic lavender from the drugstore and everywhere I went people died for them.
Fast forward to today, eight months later, and they’re one of my favorite things ever. I think I’ve been to a salon for gels once since then (which is saying a lot considering I used to go every 3 weeks like clockwork). I’ve always hated getting my nails done because the amount of time it takes gives me anxiety, but I also hate not having my nails done. These are the perfect happy medium!
My favorite are the ones by Static Nails which Nordstrom carries. They have beautiful shapes and colors and each set lasts me at least three weeks (through 3-6 high intensity workouts per week, tons of typing, jewelry making, cooking, dish washing, etc.). Such a great discovery!
Weleda Skin Food Original Cream — Weleda Skin Food is another item I had heard about for a long time before I finally decided to give it a try while in Paris last summer. It originally launched in 1926 and has been a cult favorite in the beauty community and amongst celebs ever since. It's a rich cream made from calendula, chamomile, pansy, and sweet almond oil to alleviate dryness and balance the moisture levels of skin for all seasons. There’s now a whole range of Skin Food products, ranging from light to ultra-rich, allowing you to buy what you need depending on skin type and time of year. It’s a fantastic natural, nourishing, basic (in a good way) lotion.
Click here to buy at Dermstore and here to buy at Ulta.
Nudestix Nude Metallics For Eyes — If you aren't an expert shadow applier or makeup artist, these Nudestix shadow pencils are really helpful. All you do is glide it over your eye quickly, blend it out a bit if you feel the need, and then you're done. It honestly takes ten seconds and looks really good. I prefer the set of three because that way you can use more than one shade to add dimension. They're long-wearing, waterproof, budge proof, and idiot proof (in my humble opinion).
For one individual pencil you'd pay $26 but this three pack is only $25 for all three shades slightly smaller than full size (.088 oz each vs .1), a sharpener, and a mirror attached to the tin they come in. A great buy!
Click here to buy at Sephora and here to buy from Nordstrom.
Milani Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper — This one is a bit random but I really love this Milani lip gloss. It claims to be a plumper which I don’t really find to be the case (at least not compared to the Lip Injection gloss I have loved for years) but it’s very hydrating and I LOVE the soft rose shade. I’ve been wearing it almost nonstop for a few months now. The champagne shade is a close second.
Click here to check availability.
Brooklyn Candle Studio Candles — Not technically a beauty discovery (or is it?) but I couldn't love Brooklyn Candle Studio’s candles more so here we are. Since I'm a sucker for anything travel inspired, I fell in love with their Escapist collection which is inspired by different places around the world. This Santorini one, for example, is made to smell like Santorini and described as “reminiscent of the earthy fruity aromas of Santorini’s abundant fig trees and lush native currants". The scents are fantastic, made with fine perfume oils and essential oils, and the candles are hand poured in Brooklyn, New York. They're made of 100% soy wax (apparently that's good?) and have a burn time of up to 70 hours.
The Santorini candle is amazing, as is Maui, Tuileries, and Santa Fe! They truly smell SO good - in a mature, luxurious way, not like cheap crappy candles do (I hate those). They're a great gift idea for anyone, especially for those you travel with. There are some non-travel candles which I did not smell but I'm willing to bet they're great also.
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