I realize it’s now the second week of January and no one is thinking about 2018 anymore. Let’s admit…it feels as though we’ve been in 2019 for ages. But I can’t stop thinking about last year because I have yet to share my favourite beauty discoveries with you! Today I’m sharing all of the beloved drugstore items I discovered, and you can expect to see my favourite high end products in a separate post in a few days.
Now let’s get to the good stuff!
LUSH Sleepy Cream
Are you surprised? Of course this is the first product I have to talk about. It’s probably my favourite product discovery of the year. No scratch that…it IS my favourite product discovery of the year. I’m absolutely obsessed with the fragrance of this lotion. It has become a scent I associate with sleep, so as soon as I slather it on my body, I know it’s time to catch some zzzz’s. I feel relaxed immediately. I’ll even use it throughout the day if I’m feeling a bit frazzled. The lavender and vanilla notes are really calming.
It’s a product I think everyone should try. Even men! My Grandma bought a tub for herself and apparently my Grandpa quite likes the scent too.
Now, I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure whether it should be considered drugstore or high end. It’s technically not available for purchase in a drugstore, however I don’t feel the price of it is quite high end. It’s just $9.95 for 90g, which in my experience can go quite a long way. However, the jumbo tub (425g) costs $32.95. I suppose it could go either way but I hope you can understand that I just couldn’t wait until my next post to gush about this magical lotion. Hence why you’re seeing it here and now, at the very beginning of my 2018 favourites round-up.
NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Boho Chic
I really enjoyed using cream products last year and this cool-toned pink blush was a standout for me. I actually bought it initially to do makeup for a wedding on someone with mature skin.
*Sidenote: cream products are less likely to settle into wrinkles and fine lines.
I ended up loving it on myself as well. You can tell that I’ve hit pan. It’s been put to good use this year. Not only is the colour absolutely perfect for my fair skin, but it also adds a beautiful glow. It can feel a bit tacky on my cheeks, so I tend to set it with a tiny amount of powdered blush that’s close to the same colour. This also helps it stay in place. The combo of cream and powder locks it in to help it last pretty much all day long.
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Ruler
Formula-wise this is one of the best liquid lipsticks available. It’s comfortable to wear and has some serious staying power. If you read about my huge ULTA haul back in May (see here) you may remember I picked up two shades: Ruler – a beautiful berry shade, and Dreamer – a cool-toned pink. Ruler ended up becoming my favourite and most-worn lip colour of the year. It’s a slightly bolder hue (totally my vibe) and one that I can put on in the morning and not have to worry about it smudging, fading or crumbling.
L’Oreal Clear & Comfort Seaweed Pure Clay Mask
I always like to have a clay mask on hand for the times that my skin feels a little congested. Or if I sense some bad breakouts. Or for the nights when I just want a good pamper session. There’s something so satisfying about carefully applying a mud mask around the eyes, nose and mouth and walking around like an alien while it dries. It always makes me think about the gold digger (Jane Sibbett) in It Takes Two.
*Big shoutout to those that know what I’m talking about!
This blue mask in particular quickly became my favourite in 2018. It dries down without feeling too tight or uncomfortable and pulls the gunk out of my skin without causing any irritations. It’s super gentle and makes my skin feel like a baby’s bottom (for lack of another cliché).
Essence Cosmetics Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara
I’m floored by the performance of this $5.59 mascara. It’s super black and contains fibres for extra length. I enjoy using the wand and appreciate that the brush tapers to a point, which makes it really easy to reach the lashes on my inner corners. Although it does smudge a little on me (mostly if I apply it to my lower lashes) I seriously cannot complain about the cost. In my opinion, it’s comparable to the L’Oreal Lash Paradise (which you may remember was a 2017 favourite drugstore discovery of mine) for about 1/3 of the price.
Now I’d love to know…what were some of your favourite drugstore discoveries of 2018? Leave me a comment below.
xxx
