By Sheila Arkeep
Let’s talk lists that are almost impossible to pen, as it were. Last week I was putzing around in my makeup kit and I had this deep realization that I really and truly adore makeup. Always have, always will, and I am so thankful that I get to play with it every day.
Confining my favorites from a whole year of makeup to just six feels impossible, because I feel like I used so many great products this year. There were a few stinkers here and there, but for the most part there were some really solid products that will stay around for a good while.
For this list I thought about the products that I reach for on a regular basis. Every couple of weeks I rotate products out of my makeup case but there are a few that never leave.
Yes, as I so proudly declared yesterday, this $3 tube of goodness is the mascara of my life! Fabulous, lush lashes are a guarantee and you’d swear were the result of a much more expensive brand.
A recent addition to my set, I cannot get enough of these rich shadows. They’re smooth, highly pigmented and just plain lovely.
3. Sugarpill Cosmetics Shadows in Goldilux, Mochi, and Midori
I’m a bit late to the game on Sugarpill, but these shadows are as incredible and right up my color-loving alley. Super pigmented and dramatic, they are so much fun to work with!
While I’d known and loved Milani before 2012, this is the year we went from acquaintances to full-time lovers. With a few exceptions, everything from Milani is top notch. From the pigmentation to the price point, Milani has affordable and high quality products that perform, and then some.
The line that surprised me the most in 2012 is Prestige – another great affordable brand that I was apt to ignore. And then I tried their Total Intensity Shadows, which are simply divine. The Prestige favorite is their Primed & Ready Shadow Base which is just as great and even better than Too Faced’s Shadow Insurance.
6. Vapour Organic Beauty Stratus Instant Skin Perfector
Every single time I use this primer I gasp and declare it’s the most perfect product on the market. It can be used on its own or as a primer, and makes your skin look great with or without foundation.
Do you have new beauty must haves?
It’s so easy to overlook Jordana, Milani and Prestige! I like how you shed light on the lesser-known brands
The Urban Decay Smoked Palette is so beautiful.
I’ve yet to find a store that has anything new in Milani. It looks like they never restock at any CVS I go to.
With the Jordana mascara it’s really YMMV since it was pretty bad on me and I was sad about that.
I need to look for that Prestige primer now.
You have so many good ones on here. Love the shadow insurance, never tried the jordana brand mascara but love their lip + eye liners and still haven’t tried Sugarpill or Milani but working my towards it. Great list!
My local stores never have any new Milani either, and I just haven’t gotten around to ordering it yet.