As you see from my unboxings and obnoxiously large beauty closet (err apartment) I’m starting a new weekly column of what makes it to the top of my list and cabinet. This week some big headliners like Urban Decay’s Naked Heat Palette to Lancome’s Monsieur Big Mascara made the count as well as ones that are probably not new and not sure how their amazingness hasn’t broken the internet by now — I’m talking about Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush. What’s going to be a weekly top 10 column, I had to make a top 11 since there’s so much good stuff!!
1. Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite EyeCare Pro LED Device, $159
You may have seen these funky LED glasses on your Instagram feed recently, and while you may look like a character out of a Spy Kids moving while wearing them, it’s 100% worth it! One of my all time faves, Dr. Dennis Gross launched this innovative anti-aging device featuring professional light therapy that has been proven to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as stimulate natural collagen production. Although I’m going to add in dark circle rescuing as well since I noticed a big difference. It’s the most efficient at-home solution — literally, clean your face, put it on, hit a button and it shuts off in 3 minutes. I find as I get busier if a gadget has too many steps or requirements around my face I lose interest. This one could not be more foolproof. So much so I’ve even gotten my boyfriend into using it. The other thing I love about gadgets, you can share, and you never run out of product! PS if you’re in NYC this Friday 8/18, the Dr. Dennis Gross pros will be at Sephora 34th Street (112 West 34th Street) from 11am – 7pm doing complimentary consultations and treatments. RSVP: [email protected].
2. Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush, $6
I picked this up at The Makeup Show and it’s been a total game changer! I used to shy away from gel or cream liners and favor liquid pens because I found the application so much more challenging. This brush changed that for me. It makes applying eyeliner so quick, even and easy that if you’re a cat-eye enthusiast (or general liner enthusiast), this one’s for you. This handy little tool features a fuss free silicone tip that allows for smooth and precise liquid, gel or cream eyeliner application, plus, it’s super easy to clean. It doesn’t have hairs! It’s a silicone tip. GENIUS!
3. Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum, $54
So many of my favorite ingredients including Vitamin C and Rose hip in one super natural and clean beauty product that brightens and evens skintone while tapping into the anti-aging category to minimize fine lines and dark spots. This radiance booster is super lightweight, moisturizing, absorbs beautifully for an all around exquisite formula. You can wear it alone as a moisturizer or layer it beneath your foundation or night cream for added protection. You’ll notice over time with continued use that your skin tone will be brighter and more even! And it’s great for all skin types!
4. Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup SPF 30, $42
If you’re on the go and want dewy glowing skin, I highly recommend this foundation. It’s amazing for summer, hydrating (they aren’t down playing the “Water Fresh”) and packs an SPF 30. Usually with these types of foundations I don’t get the coverage I want without the weight but this is a true light to medium coverage foundation that gives you that refreshed, hydrated skin.
5. Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Booster, $29.50
This daily booster is basically next level thermal water meets glycerin and hyaluronic acid, so your skin is super hydrated but also plumped to perfection. Hyaluronic Acid is all the rage, but this one is next level with the addition of 15 minerals plus the thermal water from Vichy (as in the place in France where it’s extracted). I’ve been so obsessed with this product lately and have been incorporating it into my skin routine daily. It also has no oil, alcohol, fragrance, parabens or silicone in it and great for all skin types including sensitive. If you dry, tired, lifeless skin get ready to be resuscitated.
6. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, $25
So I know this isn’t a new product, and everyone has already tried it. But just in case you have been living under a rock, I wanted to make sure you know I think this is the best concealer on the market and literally can’t get enough. It offers flawless and creaseless coverage that stays put literally ALL day.
7. NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment, $26
Calling all my matte lipstick lovin’ ladies! NARS new matte lippie is lightweight and has some serious staying power, which is crucial when it comes to matte products. These lipsticks are available in 18 gorgeous shades, the one below is called “Give it Up.” I did a whole review on it (you can read it HERE), but I’ve been wearing it non-stop so it’s making my top list!
8. Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette, $58
I just had to include the most buzzed about palette of right now because it’s so good! For me, it was love at first swatch. The new Naked Heat Palette is packed with beautiful matte and shimmering shades that compliment every skin tone and provide the bold pigment (the flame runs deep!) that the Naked palettes have become infamous for. For a full review and peek at this palette check out the full post here.
9. Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara, $25
When Lancome launches a new mascara, I pay attention. Definicils is one of my all time favorite mascaras and they’ve finally launched a new mascara in it’s league! (I’m lying, they’ve launched a bunch of awesome ones that these are my top two from them!). The new Monsieur Big Mascara lives up to the hype, it’s large wand coupled with its ultra creamy formula delivers bold volume that literally glides onto lashes that gives them flawless definition and the perfect amount of curl. It also doesn’t flake or smudge, which is amazing.
10. Glossier Boy Brow, $16
This week I got my brows microbladed (learn more HERE) and say good bye to brow products for a while but not before bowing down to this classic. The Glossier Boy Brow, which has been around for a while now, thickens, fills in and keeps brows in place! With a creamy wax-like consistency, their Boy Brow offers a flexible hold without stiffness or flakiness and instant Cara Delevingne brows (or as close to it as one is capable of getting). It’s available in 4 shades and will quickly become a staple in your makeup routine.
11. Isdin Ultralight Emulsion SPF, $50
Everyone knows I love a good spf! This broad spectrum sunscreen offers ultra protection against UV rays and actinic damage. If you’re wondering what actinic damage is (don’t google it, it’s gross) it’s growth caused by sun damage. Bottomline, this product has amazing sunburn protection, awesome formula, is light, doesn’t have a white cast and is packed with DNA repairsomes and antioxidants. LOVE IT!