I’m sticking to last year’s annual favorites format because it worked well.
Garnier Micellar Water, $7; Simple Micellar Water, $8
If I had to pick a single type of product to name as a favorite in 2016, I’d have to say micellar water is it. I like both of these and purchase whichever is a better value at the time. I’ve totally given up makeup wipes in favor of using this with cotton pads or a reusable makeup removing cloth.
Pantene Pro-V Stylers Mousse, $6
This mousse is my, “daily driver.” Out of the (average) 135 days per year I blow-dry my hair, this product is in my hair at least 95 of them. (The remaining ~40 is either hyper-lazy, product-free, or calls for the big guns.) It is accessible, inexpensive, and reliable – and it works well on my hair.
Benefit Gimme Brow, $28
I still enjoy Dipbrow, but it takes a bit more effort to apply than I care to exert on a daily basis. I had tried Gimme Brow before, but it wasn’t until this year when I received a sample of it that I decided to buy it. I wear the lightest shade currently, but the medium is better for me and is what I will repurchase.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light, $46
Although I’d be loath to pay full price, I adore this powder – and I’m happy I bought the larger pan. It lightly sets my base and imparts a subtle, flattering glow to the skin. If you want true highlighting, though, you should try their strobing powders.
Mountain Rose Herbs Argan Oil, $26.50
My review just came out about this recently, but really – I’m over-the-moon delighted with it. It’s fantastic to have a source of argan oil that is both inexpensive and comparable in quality to what I was buying from Sephora.
Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, $8
I just bought a prestige blush with a year-end 20% off, but my stand-out for 2016 was another drugstore option. Luminoso is one of those cult-y, bandwagon drugstore favorites – but it isn’t without reason. With a highlighter swirled in, Luminoso adds a little extra glow which is especially welcome in winter when many of us are suffering from dull complexions.
OPI Gelcolor in Bubble Bath, $18
Sometime during 2016 I decided that I enjoy neutral, nude nails more than I previously ever thought I would. Some of it is aging and changing tastes, some of it is probably subconsciously work-related. Regular polish virtually never touches my fingertips anymore, so Gelcolor was the only way to go. I’ve worn it more times this year than any other color. The formula is incredible – my most recent Gelcolor manicure (a different color) wore for 18 days before I decided to remove it due to out-growth.
Unfortunately, OPI has been cracking down and it is now much harder to come by from a reliable seller. Sigh. So, instead, support your local salon and see if they have it or if they can order it for you.
The Wet Brush, $8
I’ve loved the Wet Brush since I first got one. Since then, I’ve gifted them, given them away here on the blog, and bought backups for myself. As someone who insists on having, but generally doesn’t enjoy doing fun things with, long hair – it’s a godsend.
Onyx Soak Off Coconut Acetone, $4
I’ve repurchased this since I mentioned it earlier this year. Short of making acetone odorless, it’s hard to think of a better enhancement what just might be the least fun part of manicure prep.