Absolute Favorites of 2011

I just wasn't really sure how exactly I was going to approach this post for my 2011 favorites. I probably took 200 different pictures of different things I have loved last year and I was going to even do a series but I felt like that still wasn't narrowed down. I felt as if I was cheating. So, here are my absolute favorites from last year. I think these type of posts are most helpful as they are not like monthly favorites. Monthly favorites for me are the things I have been reaching for the most that month or new purchases that I have been loving. This annual favorites post will be more or less my holy grails. Things I know I will be buying over and over again. Staples in my collection.

Proactiv: Proactiv has done wonders for my skin. Even though I mentioned in my New Years Resolution post that I wanted to explore other skin care and I do but I cannot forget about Proactiv. I had really bad acne and ever since I have used Proactiv, my face is extremely soft and pimples are few and far between. Now I just need something for dark spots and anti-aging. If you have acne prone skin, try Proactiv!

Laura Gellar Baked Blush in Brighten in Honey Dipped: I got this in my Birchbox and I used it for most of 2011. It does have a little bit of shimmer but I think it makes a perfect contour/bronzer as the shimmer isn't over bearing. It also blends extremely easy and actually looks like a shadow when I contour as opposed to just bronzer and i think that is why I love this stuff so much.

Revlon Colorstay: I love this foundation because it is such full coverage. They mean Colorstay because this stuff stays put! It just really makes my skin look flawless and I haven't found anything to date that does everything this stuff does.

Smooth Minerals Loose Powder: I actually did a review here recently. I wasn't sure if I was going to do this post or not so I really wanted to mention it. In a nutshell, when I am in a rush this is my bestie as it takes 2 seconds to layer on with a flat top kabuki. It isn't full coverage, more on the medium to full coverage side but when I wear this alone (with concealer & without liquid foundation) I get compliments on my skin. It makes my skin look flawless and soft.

ELF Radiance Enhancer in Spotlight: This is my go-to highlight. It is extremely creamy, blendable, & cheap! I did a review here.

YBF Beauty Eye Brow Pencil: Another Birchbox discovery and I know this brow pencil has won many awards. The pencil is so stiff & un-pigmented (which would be characteristics I usually shy away from when it comes to good cosmetics), but because of these characteristics, it looks like actual brows with the right flick of the hand. Love. I actually ordered another with the today's special on QVC and I cannot wait to show you guys everything I got!

Nyx Jumbo Pencil in Milk: A matte white base that will amp up any look. I used this almost every day underneath shadow and over primer as it really does make the shadows a bit truer & more pigmented, I guess would be a good way to put it. It is perfect for the inner corner and under brow bone. I love this little pencil. I do have other Nyx Jumbo Pencil's and I just favor this one when it comes down to it. I feel like it has the most pigment as well.

 Nyx Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo: Love the color. This was hands down my favorite color to wear on my lips in 2011. (couldn't you tell by it being the lip color on every FOTD?) It is a bit drying but if you can find a lipstick that won't take away from the color of Tokyo, it is the perfect color. Which brings me to my next favorite:

Maybelline Born With It: Over Tokyo. Everyday. I just loved it so much. If you like pale pink/nude lips you need to try this combo

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips for Blue Eyes: I keep on meaning to go back and grab the one with the taupe and purple colors as that one is right up my alley. This palette wasn't in the color range I usually go for, but since it was on sale I grabbed it. I am so glad I did because the colors are so pigmented and even though they aren't my faves to use, I used it at least 3x a week. It really says something about the quality of the shadow. I would honestly put this right up to Urban Decay's Naked palette, compare pigmentation & integrity, and call it a tie.

 

 Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum: This was the first hair product I ever bought as my hair stylist told me it would wonders for my frizzy little head of hair at 13. I have tried other serum's like this one but I always go back to it. It really does tame all the frizz and make my hair really shiny. I think it can be a good substitute for a heat protectant. This isn't how it is advertised or even their claim but I do forget to add heat protectant at times and my hair goes undamaged- I think it is the skinny serum.

Shea Cashmere Hand Cream: I would have picked up the body butter if it wasn't so expensive. This stuff is so rich that I bought it in February of 2011, kept it in my purse for the whole year and im on my last couple drops now, a year later- I was amazed. It also smells divine. Like butter and creme brulee. I wanna put it on top of some toast. Im not even joking. I will be buying another hand cream since I just got a lot of body butters for Christmas and I need something for my purse. Every time I pull it out and use it people ask what it is because it smells so good. The scent sticks for a while as well. It also is extremely rich and will rescue any person with dry hands, or skin. I have used it on my legs countless times.

Dark Kiss Body Butter & Spray: I love the scent. I think the butter, spray, & wash all smell slightly different when it comes to Dark Kiss and I would have to say my favorite is the body butter. Either way I have been using it all year, both body butter and body spray, and I never get sick of it. It smells amazing. The body butter isn't just nice because of the scent, it is extremely moisturizing. If you have tried B&BW body butters, you know they are awesome. Here's the scent description from B&BW:

"Master perfumers have blended voluptuous berries, tempting blooms, sensual incense and night musk for this daring and seductive fragrance. It is a modern tale of forbidden love that will unleash your most primal passions.

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Incense, Mirabelle Plum, Black Raspberry
• Mid Notes: Amber, Burgundy Rose, Geranium, Peony
• Base Notes: Dark Vanilla Bean, Labdanum, Vetiver, Sensual Balsam, Musks" 

If I had to describe the scent I would say that it smells fruity and tart. It actually reminds me of blue kool aid in a way. It also has an extremely sweet, warm note in it so I can really smell that vanilla. Yummy! I love it!

Sally Hansen's in Pink Blink: Another pastel pink obsession. I have bought about 5 pale pink nail polishes all year, as they all kept on drying out from so much use. I can't say I have a preference when it comes to brand, just as long as it was pastel and pink, it was doing the trick. I have also had Finger Paints Blushstroke Blush, & Essie in French Affair among a couple other pastel pinks I can't remember the names to.  This was the last one I bought and I really do like it alot as it dries extremely fast, however it is all dried up so I really need another. I wanna grab the new OPI collection, the Nicki Minaj one in Pink Friday- OMG so pretty!


Ok so there my absolute favorites from 2011. These are the products that I used mostly on a daily basis (depending on product, of course). The stuff I know I will repurchase. The things that kept me going in my cosmetic journey last year! This next year I have my eye on some brands I have never tried before: Origin's, Nars, YSL, Chanel to name a few. All names my wallet is cringing at....yes, my wallet cringes! she talks too! dont judge me.....

Hope you all are having a great night and till next time

thanx for reading!

xoxo

Erica J