best beauty buys of 2013.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I am a huge makeup junkie.  I love trying out new products and finding gems that I can rely on for years to come.  To me, makeup is just another accessory.  Like a great pair of earrings or a statement necklace, the right lipstick or eyeliner can add a fresh element to any outfit.  However, that's not to say that bold makeup is all that's important.  The real stars are the products that you don't always notice.  While things like foundation and moisturizer don't always get the hype they deserve, they should not be forgotten.

This past year I focused on both my statement products and my undercover necessities as I tried to sort out the winners from the losers.  While I am still constantly on the search for new products, I thought I'd share with you some of my tried-and-true favorites from 2013.  They range from low-end to high-end, so there's something here for everyone!

1.  Moisturizer:  Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
This stuff is absolutely amazing.  I use it every morning before putting on makeup.  I've also been using it at night recently, since my skin has been getting dry.  It's so light and it absorbs immediately.  I'm pretty sure this is a forever product for me.

2.  Eye Cream:  Clinique All About Eyes
I've only tried a few eye creams so far, but this has definitely been the best.  It noticeably lessens dark circles and puffs.  I use this every morning and it gets the job done.

3.  Foundation:  Covergirl Natureluxe foundation #325
There are multiple things about this foundation that make it perfect.  To start, it's a drugstore foundation.  It matches my skin tone exactly.  I have yellow undertones and often have issues with foundations that have pinkish tints.  This one is a great match.  Also, it has SPF 10, which makes me feel better on the days when I forget to put on the real stuff.  It has a lot of natural ingredients and smells fresh too.  The coverage is light, but buildable.

4.  Concealer:  Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer and Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer
Ok, so I have two but I use them for different things.  I use the Rimmel for around my nose because it's lighter and blends in nicely.  The color Soft Honey 103 is great.
The Clinique one is for the rest of my face, which is slightly darker.  It conceals pimples and blemishes easily and blends into my foundation well.  I use the shade Medium 04.

5.  Under-eye Concealer:  L'Oreal Paris MagicLumi Concealer
So technically I have three concealers.  Oh well.  I know this one has gotten a lot of hype online with beauty bloggers.  The reviews are true.  This stuff is amazing.  It conceals dark circles while highlighting the eye area so you look fresh and awake.  I'm almost out of mine and will definitely be repurchasing it.

6.  Eye Primer:  NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
I used to use the Urban Decay primer but found that my shadow would always be creased by the end of the day.  So I switched to this one and have not had a problem since.  Eye shadow doesn't budge. 

7.  Powder:  Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
I bought this after reading a bunch of positive reviews and am so glad I did.  Although I do not have excessively oily skin, I do feel a bit shiny by the end of the day.  This powder is just the thing to keep my makeup in place and my skin looking matte.

8.  Bronzer:  NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder
After finishing a horrible bronzer that was both too sparkly and too orange, I knew I had to find something that was the exact opposite.  However, I didn't want to pay too much either.  I did a lot of research and ended up deciding on this one by NYC.  Now I use it every day and it does not disappoint. It blends in nicely and offers the perfect tan color.  I use it all year.  Not only is it incredibly cheap, but it also lasts forever.  The best part is that it is neither sparkly nor orange.

9:  Brow product:  Anastasia Clear Brow Gel
I was wary of this product when I received it as a sample from Sephora.  Now I realize I was worrying for nothing.  This is the product you never knew you needed but cannot live without after trying.  I just finished my sample and need to buy some more ASAP.  Groomed brows really make a world of difference.

10:  Highlighter:  Benefit Watt's Up!
Highlighter is such a great product.  It immediately illuminates your face and makes you look alive.  I love the Benefit one because the shimmer blends in easily and matches my skin tone really well.

11:  Liquid Eyeliner:  E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Black
If I had to put just one product on the list, this would be it.  I don't understand how this stuff is only one dollar.  It stays on all day, lasts a while, and makes such an impact.  I have gone through a few of these now and make sure that I always have backstock. 

12:  Pencil Eyeliner:  Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
 If a better eyeliner than this exists, then I certainly don't know about it.  I own this product in multiple colors.  Some of my favorites include Perversion, Smog, and 1999.  They stay on all day and are really pigmented.

These have been my tried-and-true products this year.  I hope you guys try some of them out!

xoxo

Sabrina