"My favorite beauty buy of 2013 is my Givenchy "big girl" lipstick. While browsing in Sephora one day I realized that I'd be turning 30 soon, and as such my lipsticks needed to start having more gravitas. It's a highly pigmented lipstick that goes on surprisingly smooth. The color lasts for hours on end, which never happens with my "lesser" lipsticks. Plus, the tube is encased in leather - so it looks great on my vanity, too!"
- Adelle, The Fashionista Lab
"I have to credit Birchbox (even though I have a love-hate with them) for helping me discover my new 'can't live without' beauty product. I'm addicted to lip balm. Don't tell me that I should stop using it and my lips will eventually regulate themselves. That just doesn't work for me. I keep one in my bedside table. I store a tube in the car. I have one in my purse, one in my desk, even one in the junk drawer in my kitchen. Usually, I'm not picky. ChapStick. Burt's Bees. Carmex. But then Birchbox sent me the Jouer Lip Enhancer. At $14 a tube, it's pricier than I usually pay, but it's so worth it. This one I keep in my purse and use sometimes in lieu of lipstick when I know I'm going to be running around and won't have time for lip maintenance. Its very soft color gives just enough hue to make me look awake, and the texture is delicious. If only it didn't run out so darn quickly!"
- Chelsea, The Chelsea Chronicles
"My favorite beauty buy this year wasn't something new or trendy, but rather something that is always reliable and almost sort of utilitarian. I can't live without color (red, preferably) on my lips, and Stila Stay All Day liquid lipsticks in Fiery and Beso are my go-tos. While most liquid lipsticks are drying and cakey, Stila's feel like velvet on my lips and stay put forever. (I use jojoba oil to gently dissolve it at the end of the day!) I feel like you can't go wrong with anything Stila, but these babiesare a standout product for me. They truly really embody what a liquid lipstick SHOULD be."
- Erin, Zero Style
"I had to think about this for a while but my favorite beauty buy of 2013 has to be my NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Lodhi. I'll admit, I totally purchased this coral lip color on a whim and I never thought it'd become a staple in my small cosmetic bag but I was proven wrong. I love the color and it enhances my complexion (if you have fair skin, I highly recommend). I also love the formula. It's easy to apply on the go and I love the creamy satin finish. It even fades well. Seriously, this lipstick can do no wrong!"
- Kara, Politics of Pretty
"My favorite beauty buy of 2013 is my Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in a Blackberry (#640). I don't wear lipstick on a daily basis, but it is an evening and weekend staple I use to finish off my look. This darker shade of lipstick is a departure from the reds and dark pinks I usually favor but I'm feeling it! As my makeup routine becomes more minimal and my skin care routine becomes more important, I see lipstick as being a go-to beauty buy for years to come."
- Shen Dove, Shen Dove Style
"Best beauty buy from 2013 is Velvet Matte NARS lip pencil in Cruella."
- Tashira, Politics and Fashion
I always say I learn the most from you, readers. Some of my Holy Grail beauty products are ones you recommended in the comments. So let me and everyone else know, what were your best skincare buys in 2013?