best of beauty 2015

I can’t believe it’s almost 2016. Here’s a round up of the best beauty products of 2015. It was really hard to pick just one for each category but I went with those products which I’ve used for long enough to know that they truly do what they claim to. Here they are:

Best in Skincare:

best makeup remover– clinique take the day off cleansing oil

I have been using both the oil and the balm version of this makeup remover and love them both. They are fragrance free and remove every last bit of makeup. I find this is the ideal first step in my evening skin care routine. This past year has definitely been anti makeup removal wipes for me and I am glad to have made this change. More reviews here. 

best facial cleanser– fresh soy face cleanser

This is a new cleanser for me and one that I’ve been using for the past few months now. I use it every morning and every evening after removing my makeup. I love the subtle cucumber scent, along with the soothing non-foaming texture. Most importantly, it does not break me out. I am currently on my second large tube and have used a travel size before purchasing my first full size.

best facial scrub– dermalogica microfoliant

This mild exfoliator is my every day acne buster. See my review here. This is a staple in my evening routine and I keep it in the shower at all times. I love how mild yet effective this is. See review here. 

best facial moisturizer– clinique moisture surge

After having received a sample of this from a Sephora purchase, this has been my go to moisturizer for the past several months. I cannot say enough good things about it. See my review here. I like to apply it every morning before SPF and every evening after serum.

best facial sunscreen– MD solar sciences

This has an SPF of 50 which is ideal sun protection for my face. I also love that it keeps my skin matte and is wonderful to use for even sensitive and acne prone skin like mine. This is my holy grail facial sunscreen for every day of the year. See my review here. 

best anti aging product- estee lauder advanced night repair

I’ve been using this serum in the pm for around a year now and absolutely love it. It hydrates, nourishes and has improved the texture of my skin. See my review here.

best facial mask – clear difference purifying exfoliating mask 

I use this mask twice a week to keep acne at bay. It is kaolin based and also has salicylic acid, which removes dead skin cells and helps reduce sebum production. I also love the way it smells. I am on my second pot of this. See my review here. 

best eye cream– lancome genifique yeux atop estee lauder advanced night repair eye serum

I like to apply this after applying the eye serum and find that this particular combination works really well in keeping the skin around eye area hydrated, smooth and bright.

Best in Makeup:

 

best lipstick – YSL in beige instinct

YSL lipstick in beige instinct is my go to lipstick for any time of the year, any time of the day. The formula is heavenly. Just get it.

best lip gloss/lip crayon –

best lip gloss–  NARS chelsea girls 

I am not really into lip gloss but have been liking Nars chelsea girls to add a nice shine to whatever lipstick I have on.

best lip crayon– clinique fuller fig chubby stick

Clinique fuller fig chubby stick is that perfect shade of my lips but better. I think black honey almost lipstick should also get an honorable mention for that perfect natural no makeup makeup look.

best lip balm: Nivea kiss  of milk and honey.

I apply this several times throughout the day and before going to bed. It softens the lips, hydrates and smells wonderful.

best blush- benefit rockateur

Benefit’s rockateur is a shade that will go with any makeup look and gives just the perfect amount of color. You can build it up depending on what look you are trying to create. I can wear this to work every single day and wear it for glam looks in the evening. Super versatile. See review here. 

best eye shadow palette– too faced semi sweet chocolate bar 

Too faced semi sweet palette is hands down my palette of choice. I reach for this palette more than any other palette I own. I like to travel with it, wear it to work, nights out, and even for no makeup makeup looks. See review here. 

best eyeliner–Maybelline Lasting Drama by Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner

Maybeliine eye studio gel liner has been my eye liner choice of late. It is nearly impossible to mess up with this. See review here.  

best mascara– too faced better than sex

Better than sex mascara is amazing. I am extremely picky about my mascara since I already have long lashes, they can easily go haywire and get clumpy when using most mascaras. This one truly does it all- it adds a ton of volume and thickness. I use it every single day and always get asked which mascara I am wearing. Best of all though is that it comes off easily!

best concealer–L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer

I discovered this a few months ago while watching a makeup tutorial on youtube and have been hooked ever since. I find that it does a far better job at concealing my dark circles than most high end concealers I have used. I prefer this every day as well as for events. It is weightless, blends like a dream and is super affordable. Try this one!

best bb cream – bare minerals complexion rescue

Bare minerals complexion rescue is great for weekends or those lucky days when you don’t need much coverage. It has a dewy yet natural finish which isn’t shiny. The shade range is excellent. I prefer to wear this on weekends and all summer long.

best foundation–Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup liquid and powder

Estee lauder double wear will always hold holy grail status for me. I have never come across a more perfect foundation. See review here and here. 

best makeup brushes- real techniques

Real techniques makes the best makeup brushes as far as quality, price and functionality are concerned. Each of their brushes is versatile, hold up well after several washes and blend makeup beautifully.

Best in Hair:

best shampoo and conditioner–Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB 

Pantene bb shampoo and the conditioner are a great combination for soft, smooth and silky hair. I like to use the bb styling cream while my hair is still damp. This has been my go to hair combo for several months now and I am loving it.

Best in Body:

best body scrub– LUSH ocean salt

Lush ocean salt is a refreshing body scrub which is not too harsh. I like to use this in the shower once a week for a nice treat. The scent is refreshing and summery. This might be one of my favorite lush products. See my best of Lush products post here.

best body moisturizer – bath and body works Signature Collection Ultra Shea Body Cream

Bath and body works shea butter body creams are hydrating, softening and the tube makes them easy to apply. I like to keep one on my night stand at all times. Pumpkn marshmallow latte is a fall favorite and I am currently enjoying the warm sugar cookie.

best body oil– l’occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil

L’oocitane almond body oil is probably the ultimate in luxury for me when it comes to skincare for the body. I like to spray this on as soon as I get out of the shower. The smell alone is so intoxicating that I don’t think I can ever be without this product. You must try this one- and get one for someone who you love.

 

best fragrance-Roses De Chloé

Roses de chloe is a scent that I always go back to. It’s very feminine, not too subtle yet never over powering. I also love that it does not give me a headache, which sadly many fragrances do. The scent

best Bath bombs and massage bars: lush butterball and From Dusk ‘Til Dawn

I am a recent bath taker and have fallen in love with the butterball bath bomb by Lush because it has oils which hydrate your skin while you’re taking a bath rather than drying it which usually happens once you get out of a bath. It is such a nice thing to do after a long day at work or on the weekend when you have some time to pamper yourself and relax.

From dusk till dawn massage bar smells amazing, has different oils which melt into the skin and is the perfect end to any day.  I especially enjoy this on my back right after getting out of the bath or shower.

lingers on my clothes for days after I’ve worn them, which I love.

I can’t wait to read your comments to see what products made it on your best of beauty list for 2015!

Happy New Year!!!

Xoxo