Slipping in at the 11th hour, I’ve corralled my 2017 beauty favourites to help you build your basket for your first 2018 haul. These are the products that I’ve reached for again and again in 2017 and that have truly changed the game for me. Keep reading to find out which products made the cut and why.
Skincare
2017 was definitely the year of skincare for me. I’ll be 30 next year, spurring me into wanting to take better care of my skin than I have been the last little while. I’ve always taken my skin for granted, but leading up to the big 3-0 it hasn’t been the best ally anymore. These are just some of the products that really stood out to me in 2017 in the skin care category.
Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic
Chemical exfoliation has been one of the most change-inducing tweaks to my skincare routine. With a gentle 5% Glycolic Acid concentration and many hydrating properties, Pixi Glow Tonic is the perfect entry-level chemical exfoliator. This twice-daily addition to my routine leaves my skin glowing and preps it for serum and moisturizer. Bonus: the brand finally came back to Canada in 2017 and is available exclusively at Shoppers!
Pai Camellia and Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
2017 was the year of the double cleanse for me (look into Caroline Hirons skincare routine and you’ll see what I’ve been up to!). I’ve also been making ‘clean beauty’ swaps where I can in my routine, and this softly scented and incredibly gentle cream cleanser from Pai has been one of my favourite additions. It feels super luxe and my skin absolutely loves how it gently cleanses and hydrates.
Glossier Body Hero Duo
I’ve always been terrible at body moisturization. It’s always felt like one extra step that I didn’t have time for. Until I met the Glossier Body Hero Duo. Starting in the shower with the luxurious Daily Oil Wash, a body cleanser that froths right up and smells heavenly, gives my skin a break from harsher body washes. Out of the shower, I’m more than a little addicted to the whipped texture of the Daily Perfecting Cream and the soft sheen it imparts. It dries immediately, smells like expensive French babies and leaves your skin glowing.
Bonus: it’s the only body wash/lotion duo I’ve ever used that enticed my husband to comment on the scent. And request that, whatever it was, I keep it up. Don’t sleep on this body hero duo.
Fragrance
I did a fair amount of fragrance exploration in 2017, landing on two favourites that always make me want to do an extra spritz before heading out the door. Both are new 2017 launches and deserve a spot on your 2018 vanity.
Mugler Angel Etoile des Reves
This fragrance was a sleeper hit for me. I’ve never quite gotten along with the Mugler Angel line of fragrances, but from the moment I took Etoil des Reves out of the box I was seduced by the gorgeous vintage boudoir-inspired bottle. One puff later and I was enveloped in a scent that had a certain je ne sais quois. With notes of bergamot, praline, patchouli, vanilla and musk, Etoile des Reves feels very sensual and comforting. It’s meant to be put on before bed, but I like it any time of day.
Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum
Ah, the millennial pink bottle that everyone bought for Instagram flatlays alone. I’m happy to report that the juice inside is definitely worth the purchase. This rich white floral scent feels fancy and opulent and is perfect for anyone who wants to smell like a secret garden. It’s a bit heavier than what I usually wear, but I reach for it constantly – especially if I want to smell expensive.
Cosmetics
So many things came across my desk in 2017 – both for this blog and for work – but I’ve managed to narrow it down to just a few favourites. These are my 2017 desert island colour cosmetics.
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skin Stick in Amber
Fenty Beauty took over the beauty space in 2017 and completely changed the game. While there are many products to adore in the line, my most beloved is this extremely cool cream contour. It glides on like a dream and is the perfect shade for my fair skin – the shadowed look you want with a contour instead of orangey-brown stripes.
Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara
I didn’t find a new mascara to love until near the end of the year, when I finally gave in to Monsieur Big. Fat, blacker-than-black and just a little clumpy, I love the bold look this mascara gives. It’s almost like Benefit Bad Gal (one of my forever favourites), but a bit amped up.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in Heroine
I couldn’t possibly rave about this formula more, but I will. This Maybelline lipstick is my most-recommended product of 2017. One swipe of this formula will take you from breakfast to date night without a single touchup. It stays on even through tacos, which is always my #1 bellweather for a longwear lipstick. They’re releasing a whole new range of colours in January and trust me when I say you’ll want to find your shade and wear it every day.
TooFaced Just Peachy Velvet Matte Eyeshadow Palette
My 2017 beauty dare was this palette. I’m more of a boring neutrals kind of gal, so when I found myself unable to resist this palette I was convinced it would simply be a vanity showpiece instead of something I reached for ongoing. Well, these sunset hues have been my favourite eye look of 2017. The shadows are velvety smooth and creamy, they blend beautifully and they have a lovely light peach scent. They’re incredibly wearable and would look gorgeous on a variety of skintones. Give it a try!
Benefit Precisely My Brow
This is a 2016 favourite that bears mentioning into the new year. This is my ultimate brow pencil and gives the perfectly-defined look I crave. I’ve gone through mutliples of this product in 2017 and can’t see the love affair stopping anytime soon!
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer
Of all the highlights I’ve purchased this year – and trust me, there have been (way too) many, RMS Living Luminizer still comes out on top. This good-for-your-skin cream highlight sinks into your skin and imparts the most beautiful glow. It’s not over-the-top, but it does give the exact right amount of glisten, whether you wear it on top of makeup or not. If you try one highlight in 2018, make it this one.
That’s all for 2017! It’s been another fun year on the blog and I look forward to what 2018 will bring. Thanks for sticking around the past 8 (!!!) years and allowing me to have this creative outlet. Happy New Year! xo
