I guess I have to begin with the thing I have actually mentioned on the blog a lot lately – the new Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel Nail Polishes! I think it’s no secret that I have been in love with these. The colors are nothing out of this world, but they are good staples and the lighter shades are spectacular! Shades that usually cover in 3 coats take only 2 with the Wonder Gel. I did have major issues with air bubbles on one shade, “Pinky Swear,” but I’m hoping it was an unfortunate combo with my base coat and not the formula on its own because it’s a beautiful pale baby pink. The air bubble issue has shown up with other shades too, but just a couple tiny bubbles here and there that are barely noticeable. These don’t last 2 weeks as promised on my nails, but they do last longer than most polishes, which is probably why I’ve used them so much in January. As for some of my favorite shades, I absolutely love “Air Apparent” (pale baby blue and this week’s #ManiMonday), “Pretty Peas” (the perfect mint green), and “Peri-wink-le of an Eye” (perfect periwinkle blue). Pretty much all of January has seen the 1 Step Wonder Gels on my nails because I love them. J
Another new entry into the beauty world that’s been making its way into my everyday foundation routine is the Milani Prime Perfection Hydrating + Pore Minimizing Face Primer. This reminds me a lot of the Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer, but without the coconut scent (I don’t notice any scent). Though my skin is more or less normal to combo, my cheeks often end up looking extremely dehydrated after applying foundation and this primer help tremendously! It feels quite nourishing on the skin without being greasy or sticky. It’s not so hydrating that it makes me oily as the day wears on, yet it does seem to provide a decent moisture boost. I really think anyone could probably use this primer without trouble. It’s a white lotion-like consistency that sinks into the skin with ease. I’m not sure if it extends wear time, but it certainly makes my makeup apply and look better, so I’m sold!
Also in the prolonging makeup wear realm, I’ve started using Urban Decay’s DeSlick Setting Spray again. My old bottle was literally in the original version of the packaging. For some reason I decided to pick up a travel-size bottle to test out its oil-controlling abilities again and I have been pleasantly surprised! It really does seem to keep the oil from peeking out throughout the day. As I said, my skin is normal to combo, but makeup always makes the oil come out as the day wears on and I hate blotting. This seems to pretty much take care of the problem! I spray it on before and after applying foundation. It can feel a bit sticky – kind of like hairspray, but not as bad and it disappears over time – but the mildly weird feeling goes away after maybe 30 minutes at most. Definitely recommend trying DeSlick if you have any kind of issue with oiliness throughout the day.
Moving on to blush, I’m back on the Too Faced Love Flush Blush train, but a new shade this time – “Baby Love.” This is a great relatively neutral blush. It just works with most looks and always looks natural. The powder itself, insanely cute design aside, is the perfect balance between firm and soft and it’s nicely pigmented without applying too much too fast. I really love these blushes…and they’re just so nice to look at!
Continuing on with one of last month’s favorites but in a different shade is the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in “Bond Girl.” This is just a really great deep neutral shade. No need to go on since I mentioned the formula last month too.
Another lipstick I need not go on about since my love has been professed numerous times is the Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick. I’ve been reaching for the shade “Sheer Beso,” which is an UrbanDecay.com exclusive. Absolutely perfect “my lips but better” kind of shade with a decent kick of shine as well. Really pretty color and another fantastic lipstick formula!
For my super dry hands, I’ve been using the Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream. It’s not exactly greasy, but it does take a minute or two to fully sink in. That said, it actually does sink in unlike so many hand creams that just seem to sit on top of the skin. I do need to apply it relatively often (I wash my hands constantly), but it’s been keeping my hands from that painful dryness that so often shows up in January. I’m not sure I’d call it my all-time favorite…yet, but it’s been a great hand cream for the month.
A few quick honorable mentions that eased me through a horrid cold this month. Firstly, the Caboo Tissues. I went through the entire box. They’re made with bamboo and sugarcane without being insanely rough. They’re not incredibly soft when using them 200 times a day either, but they didn’t cause a single breakout like a lot of other brands seem to do when I get a cold. Plus they’re eco-friendly and cruelty free. Another mention must go to my evening skin care oils – Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil and the Shea Terra Organics Tamanu Oil. My nose did not get the slightest bit dry, which is also unheard of! I’m not sure what else to attribute that to so thank you nighttime oils!!!
On another honorable mention note, we have an under eye dark circle hero. I’ve been using the Sunday Riley Start Over Active Eye Gel Cream for a while now and it’s ok, but not fantastic and it recently started burning my eyes more often than not. I decided to switch to the Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream, which is good but I noticed the circles returning. After trying a horrifying alternative that left my under eyes peeling and even darker and almost looking bruised, I started using the first two products together. The Dr. Dennis Gross all around my eyes and just a bit of the Sunday Riley at the worst parts of my dark circles. I hate to admit it because they’re both expensive (Sunday Riley has also changed packaging which I don’t like the looks of), but I feel like these two eye creams are really keeping my eyes well hydrated while battling the deepest darkest circles.
And I think that’s going to do it for January’s Favorites! Whew! It’s like running a marathon isn’t it? J Really looking forward to February. Fingers crossed it will be more positive than January! There are so many new beauty releases in anticipation of Spring that my head is spinning over how to test and review everything. It’s an exciting head explosion though! Haha! J If there is anything specific you are interested in hearing more about, let me know – the comments should be working properly again…finally. In fact, if there is anything at all you would like to see or to see more of on the blog, I’m taking suggestions! I am hoping to post more frequently and regularly in February and I need to get back on track with more reviews. Here’s to a fantastic February and I hope your January was better than mine!!! {{hugs}}
