The Year In Review

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Here is a list of my HOLY GRAIL Products for 2012

















Favorite Makeup Brushes
I have more e.l.f. Studio brushes than any other brand.
I do have some MAC Special Edition brushes and a 217 from their permanent line.
I plan to invest in Sonia Kashuk in 2013.

Skin Care Products
I got a deluxe sample of MURAD Resurgence Sheer Luster Day Lotion with SPF 15 from Sephora.
This had to be the best moisturizer I used in 2012. I do plan to purchase the full size of this item!
I got so many compliments on my skin when I used this product! I LOVE IT!
I neglected my Clairisonic Mia in 2012. I did however continue to use my microfiber washcloths.
I did not use my African Black Soap as much as last year. My most reached for cleanser was Philosphy's Purity Made Simple. My favorite Makeup Removing Cloths were from Neutrogena.

Face Primer
Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Shine Control Primer - Affordable, Easily Accessible
Milk of Magnesia for my oily nose.

Eyeshadow Primer
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Primer - Although this is expensive, it gives me all day staying power, makes colors pop and does not crease, despite my super oily lids!

Favorite Corrective Concealer
LORAC Cover Up C7. This was the solution to my dark undereye circles. It is a bit pricey but I DO plan to repurchase this!

Favorite Foundation
My favorite foundation for 2012 is Estee Lauder Double Wear Light. I wear the shade Intensity 3. Although I despise the packaging and it is rather pricey for the small amount of product,
it is the BEST match for my complexion. It has wonderful staying power. I cannot say enough good things about this product!

Favorite Eyeshadow
I wore more neutral eyeshadow looks during 2012. This was partially because I started a new job. Neutral eyeshadow is the quickest go to look for me. I also focused on building my staple neutral single eyeshadows from MAC this year. New editions to the family include FOLIE, BROWN SCRIPT, and SADDLE.
I tried to use my Wet N Wild Vanity Palette as sparingly as possible as I only have the one and it is no longer available for purchase. I added Urban Decay's NAKED 2 Palette and LORAC Pro Palette to my collection.

Favorite Eyeshadow Highlight
My most reached for eyeshadow highlights this year were Urban Decay's FOXY and L'Oreal HiP Loose Pigment in Restless.

Favorite Brow Products
I was disappointed that Maybelline decided to discontinue the Define A Brow Pencil in DARKEST BROWN. Two of my friends who live out of my state were able to snag several of these from Dollar Tree.
When we find a HOLY GRAIL product, we hate change. I hope that Maybelline reconsiders their decision.
I used MAC Studio Finish Concealers for my Brow Highlights.


Favorite Mascara
Maybelline the COLOSSAL. They had better not ever discontinue this formula.

Favorite Lipstick Finish -  Matte
I have been obsessed with matte lipsticks. My favorite brands have been
Revlon - Great pigmentation, matte, but not drying at all.
Wet N Wild Megalast - Markwins finally heard our complaints about the lack of name labelling on their lipsticks. The new Megalast Lipsticks have the name on the bottom.
Aside from Wet N Wild Megalast lipsticks, MAC got most of my money for 2012. Their having released so many limited edition lipsticks almost had me in the poor house.

Favorite Blush - NARS and La Femme top my list for the most pigmented and reached for blushes of 2012. Although I have enough blush PERIOD, I do want to purchase a couple of La Femme blushes in 2013.

Favorite Nail Products
I upgraded my organization from shoe boxes to acrylic wall organizers. This was a huge help as I can now see all of my colors at a glance instead of rifling through boxes and neglecting colors. Despite my having painted my nails less in 2012 than in 2011. I attribute the decreased manicures to not making the time to do them. Working at my job has cut in to my beauty time. I seemed to gravitate more towards Sinful Colors than any other brand this past year. I did step up my game and invest in a few China Glaze Wish List colors. My favorite finish is cream. My Favorite top coat is Seche Vite. My favorite Nail Polish Blog is
nailsbeautiqued. The Lovely Blog Author says that "Nail Polish is something every lady should have time for." During 2013 I plan to branch out into other brands such as American Apparel, essie and OPI.

Favorite Makeup Organizers.
Hands down, MUJI gets my vote for the #1 organizer of makeup products for 2012. I was OBSESSED with acquiring these acrylic drawers! I love them because I was able to customize my organization.
I have been eyeing the ediva Princess. Stay tuned for future updates.

Favorite Beauty Trend
Despite my desire to not give more of a spotlight than necessary to the Kardashian family, I will have to say that my favorite beauty trend of 2012 is the Kim Kardashian Highlight. It adds a youthful lift and light to the face.This is credited to her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic.

Favorite Hair
I would love to be able to say that my favorite hair for 2012 was MY OWN. *laughing*
However, I focused on the convenience of human hair wigs for protective styling until I am comfortable with the length of my natural hair. I was OBSESSED with short wigs during 2012. No hassle, no tangles, no glue, no tape are the reasons for this choice. My favorite wig for 2012 has to be Sensationnel FAB FRINGE.
I am on the fence about buying the same wig with highlights (Autumn). However I am dedicated to NOT purchasing more wigs for 2013. I do want to loc my hair. I have been toying with the idea of Sister Locks for about 2 years now. The cost is somewhat prohibitive. However I am still weighing my options.

Favorite Lip Gloss - Milani 3D Lipglass. This is the best dupe ever for MAC Dazzleglass.

Favorite Eyeliner - Revlon ColorStay is my liner pencil of choice. The black seems darker than
Urban Decay ZERO and is more affordable. It stays put! Wet N Wild H20 Liquid Liner was my most reached for liner as well.

Favorite Body Lotion - Korres Body Butters

Favorite Fashion Trends
Skinny Leg Pants. Prior to this year, I did not own very many pairs of pants. I love the look and feel of dresses and skirts. At my new job, I incorporated pants into my wardrobe. I found skinny legs to be my favorite cut.
Animal print will continue to be one of my favorite fashion trends.


Did you share some of my favorites for 2012?
If you are so inclined, please do share in the comments.

February Favorites (pic heavy)

Photo Credit: Sally Beauty

Babyliss Pro Thermal Ionic Rollabout Dryer

I use this for conditioning hair treatments, roller sets and wraps. I love the fact that mine & my daugthers' hair can dry quickly without neck searing heat.


For More info Click HERE



Mega Care Tea Tree Oil (Manufactured in Patterson NJ, by Sunflower Cosmetics)

Natural antibacterial oil with extra protection for your hair and body.

DIRECTIONS:
- Use for skin irritation and oily skin.
- Prevents itchy, dry scalp.
- Anti- dandruff and antifungal.
- Use as a massage oil or while in sauna.

INGREDIENTS:
Tea Tree Oil, Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Castr oil, Olive Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Jojoba Oil, Fragrance

HOW I USE IT
- My scalp tends to be super dry. This treatment helps me to exfoliate dead skin cells from my scalp. I use it as a pre-poo treatment before washing my hair.
My scalp absorbs it. My hair LOVES it!
- I also use this on my tween daughters' scalp after a shampoo.
It keeps them from suffering from itchy scalp and flakes.
- It has a pleasant scent that reminds me of my childhood.
- This is very affordable. I pick it up for $1.00 from a Mom & Pop dollar store in my area. I have seen it at local beauty supply stores for $1.99.


Photo Credit: Bath and Body Works
C.O. Bigelow® Mentha Cinnamint Lip Shine

"Our Cinnamon and Mint-infused lip balm provides a glossy high shine with a refreshing cooling sensation. Lips stay moist and protected while Cinnamon and Peppermint give breath long-lasting freshness.

Gives breath long-lasting freshness
Contains active levels of therapeutic apothecary ingredients
Contains no artificial colorants and not tested on animals
Developed by Bigelow Chemists
Best of Beauty
This CEW finalist for ™Lip Treatment Under $14™ (2007) is a shining example of how hardworking a lip gloss can be."

MY THOUGHTS
This is an oldie but a goodie! If you ever have scaly chapped lips, just using a little of this will help them to peel within minutes. The cinnamon oil has a plumping effect. Overall, this is my favorite conditioning lip treatment. I believe these are on sale right now at Bath & Body Works (Buy 2 Get 1 Free)

MAC Ripe Peach Blush Ombre



A powder blush featuring a shade wave of gentle ombre hues. Ultra-fine formula provides the cheeks with flawless, medium-buildable coverage and lightly pearled, natural-looking radiance. Limited edition.

MY THOUGHTS
Initially when I got this blush, I was surprized by the size. It is 9grams vs. a normal sized MAC blush at 6grams. I didn't think the lighter portion did anything for my complexion (MAC NC45). I had to play with it a few days before I decided that I loved it. I was not prepared for all of the "male attention" I received when I went outof doors wearing this blush. (I'm pretty sure that's a CON for me.)
I stacked paired it with L'Oreal Hip ENAMOURED cream blush as a base.
I used NARS Taj Mahal on the apples of my cheeks. The overall effect was that the blush imparted a youthful glow. LOVE THIS product!

New Born Free FREYA



- Synthetic Full Cap Wig
Special thanks to April (muffinismylovers) from YouTube for putting the spotlight on this wig. I call her my Niecy Nash wig. She doesn't tangle like some of my other synthetic pieces. She is not as heavy or dense. Manufacture/Wigsite Photo shows her worn with part in center. Like April, I prefer my part on the side. It means the eartabs are off kilter, but oh well. She only has adjustable straps, so I use bobby pins to make sure she's secure.


Favorite Blogger


Photo Credit: CosmeticQT


One of the lesser known gems on Blogger is
CosmeticQT Life Of a Makeup Addict
She does some beautiful soft and pretty eyeshadow looks. Please check her out.
You will not be sorry.

Favorite YouTuber

BEATFACEHONEY
Uber Talented! Awesome Teacher!

December Favorites

Body Lotion

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy for Extra Dry Skin $8.49



Frigid Temperatures call for extra moisturizing & this lotion does the trick!
I don't feel sticky after having used this, but my skin feels well moisturized.


Brushes

Coastal Scents Synthetic Wide Buffer Brush $14.95



This is the softest brush I own. There are no pricklies here! It has not shed since I bought it! It is super dense! I love using it to buff my foundation for a flawless finish!




e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush $3



I think this brush applies the perfect amount of powder product. I have not used it yet for cream bases. It may be used for both mediums. It allows me to perfectly control the placement of my blush before blending it.



I LOVE LOVE LOVE the tiny brush that accompanies the jane eyeliner gel. It is thin stiff enough to make a perfect line. I've been using black eyeliner pencil, set with NYX black eyeshadow for the entire month.

Concealer Combo





Make Up For Ever (MUFE) 5 Camouflage Cream Palette - No. 4 $36
I applied this with my e.l.f. Studio Concealer brush.

MAC Warm Light Sculpt & Shape Powder to set. $14.75 from CCO.
I applied this with my MAC Special Edition Brush. (light side only)

Eye Makeup



My preferred look was soft neutral eyeshadow this month, as I wanted to play up my lips. My favorite combo was from an old Princess Marcella Borghese Holiday Set, along with a soft matte brown L'Oreal eyeshadow.

I am convinced these are MAC Dupes for the
Warm & Cozy Collection. I feel like I can skip buying this one. I love saving money buy checking my current collection for dupes!

Embark, Mulled Cider, Modelette, Chamomile
Temptalia (blog) Reviews and Swatches

Blush Combo




L'Oreal HiP Blendable Blushing Creme GLORIOUS
NARS Mounia - This is from 2008 Holiday Collection. I believe it is being discontinued. It is the most beautiful blush I own. Great for women of color.

Lip Combo



Jordana Deep Purple Lip Liner $.50
NK Lip Crayon ROSEBLOOM $1
Ruby Kisses Red Velvet Lip Stick $1

L'Oreal HiP Shine Struck Liquid Lip Color ARRESTING
(Discontinued, but you still may be able to find in your local drugstore or Target)

This combo gave me the MAC Violetta look I have been dreaming about. Fake it til you make it!

Nails
I was obsessed with Navy Nail Polish! It isn't as dark as black, but it still has that chic, crisp sophisticated look. Lovely on active length nails.






Revlon Midnight Affair (Navy with Cobalt Flecks) $4.99

Gorgeous in the bottle. Needed 3 coats to achieve bottle color. HATED the brush, it was way to thin. It reminded me of a new MAC Dazzleglass brush...HARD! No staying power, easily chipped.

elf Dark Navy (almost black!) $1
Need base coat & Top coat. 3 coats to achieve bottle color. Hate the square bottle & cap, but getting used to it.

NK Midnight Blue (Cobalt) $1
Streaky, but pretty. Def need base & top coat. What else can one expect for a dollar?

Color Club Jewel Tone (Cobalt) Blue $1.99
Pretty. Could achieve Opacity with only 2 coats. Used with base & top coat.

Everything having been said, I should have probably just purchased the NARS Blue I was trying to dupe. LOL $15 is steep, especially since I'm not in love with that square bottle/cap combo. UGH!




You Tuber SongbirdDiva4Life

I love her channel. She is sophisticated, and classy. She has a huge makeup collection. Hubba hubba! She seems very approachable and sincere. Check her out!



Favorite Blogger





Traycee of KeepItSimpleSistah
She gives HONEST reviews on hair products. She seems to be a genuine sweet soul with a sincere helpful spirit.