2016 Beauty Holy Grails

2016 was the year I definitely came into my own as far as style and beauty. Finally I've discovered what really works for me. When I first started reading fashion blogs and binging on YouTube makeup hauls and tutorials I tended to listen to everyone else's tips and advice while trying to put my own twist on things. Now, however, I'm able to develop genuine, new thoughts and opinions about products, techniques and styles that suit my personality. Over the past how ever many years its been since I watched my first Zoella video, I've finally found my niche. 

This past year housed the making of my holy grail beauty routine. Makeup and skin care finally became narrowed down to what I like using rather than merely what others recommend. This was the year that I finally defeated the acne I'd been struggling with since elementary school, as well as the year I fell in love with the subtle Parisian inspired makeup look. 

So without further ado, it's time to talk about some absolutely incredible products that I discovered in 2016, and will continue to love throughout the new year.

Skin Care.

I feel as though I've talked more about skin care than makeup this year. Without even realizing, I've been pushing the importance of skin care over makeup which I truly believe in. Without a clear, beaming complexion makeup frustratingly doesn't sit right on the skin. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is if you're going to spend your money on beauty products, spend it on something to elevate your natural skin rather than something to cover it up. I know there's a million and one foundations, concealers and powders that can make you look flawless and airbrushed, but wouldn't you rather look like that naturally instead? I know what it's like to have horrible skin but the three products I'm going to recommend to you will help your skin with whatever you're dealing with. No matter what skin type you have I promise these products will not disappoint.

LUSH Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser - I'm starting to talk about this cleanser as frequently as I quote Friends, and that's saying something. It's gentle, exfoliating, thoroughly cleansing and nourishing for your skin. 

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil - This product has to be my number one favorite of the entire year because it is the main reason my skin is looking so clear. The retinol and blue tansy in this oil are absolute magic for your skin. I absolutely swear by it and would recommend it to everyone.

Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment - This is an exfoliating serum you apply after the Luna oil. Together they are the most perfect pair. This serum is equipped with lactic acid to gently exfoliate sensitive skin and give your skin a look of naturally good genes. I will never use anything else.

For my full skin care routine read The Skin Care Regime that has Changed my Life

Makeup.

In my mind, there's nothing better than a simple, sophisticated messy Parisian makeup look. You know the one. A fresh dewy base, naturally bronzed skin, hint of a glow, full but not over the top brows, a smear of shadow, some smudged black liner and a stained red toned lip. It's easy, undone and sexy. Here are the products I've been using to achieve this look all year long. Each of these products I would very highly recommend.

Becca Backlight Priming Filter

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue

 LUSH Jackie Oats Colour Supplement

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer 

e.l.f Tone Correcting Powder

Physicians Formula Powder Palette in Translucent Pearl 

Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade in Taupe

NYX Tinted Brow Mascara in Brunette OR Benefit Gimme Brow

MAC Prolongwear Paint Pot in Groundwork

Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eye Liner 

Black Eye shadow (to smudge out the liner)

Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curlers 

Lancôme Grandiôse Waterproof Mascara

The Estée Edit Beam Team Hydrate + Glow in sheer sun-loving bronze (used as a cream bronzer)

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzer

Josie Maran Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter 

Lip Options: Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N9, MAC lipstick in Lady Danger, Philosophy clear gloss or Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

Fragrance.

Scents are the next best things after pictures for bringing back memories. As I write this I'm sniffing all four of these scents and being transported back to my grad, my last summer of freedom, my first days of college and everything in between. 

Summer Scents: Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay (crisp notes of blackberry and greenery) OR MAC Turquatic (a fresh tropical fragrance, great for blending with other scents like Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess)

Winter Scents: Chanel No 5 L'eau (if you don't know what this smells like you're doing something seriously wrong) OR YSL Black Opium eau de toilette (Warm notes of vanilla, brown sugar and bourbon) 

                    




Not that any of us need to shop this time of year, but I hope something here caught your eye and will perhaps become a favorite of yours in 2017!

Thanks for reading.

- Emily