January 2018 Favorites

Happy New Year! Hope everyone's year is off to a great start, what are some of your new year's resolutions?

One of mine has to do with using products I own and not giving in so much to new beauty launches. I find that I own so many products I rarely get to use due to so many new releases taking their spot on my vanity. In other words, I'm finding myself shopping my beauty closet and hope to keep it that way for awhile. Let's be real, it's a tough resolution to keep, especially with the temptation splattered on my Instagram feed, but so far it's been a success.

During the month of January, I found myself using products over and over and wanted to share those with you all.

First up - it's all about the face, which in this case involves foundation and primer.

For the month of January, I found myself reaching for the Diorskin Forever Perfect Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 35 and the FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer.

I purchased both of these products during Sephora's sale in the fall after seeing rave reviews on both. 

I had my eye on the Dior foundation for a while after Youtuber Jaclyn Hill raved and called the product her "ride or die." She claimed it was the "best foundation to ever exist" and that it had a natural to semi satin finish, made the skin look amazing, and made her pores look flawless- which as a result pretty much sold me.

As an oily skin gal, I didn't have as much high hopes for the product but I have to say I was impressed with it. This foundation, which I own in the shade 25, looks stunning in photos, lasts all day and minimizes pores. I didn't notice the product fading or spreading throughout the day like some other foundations I own. This truly is a gem, and I'm glad I gave in to purchase it.

I especially enjoy pairing the foundation with the Fenty primer, which I have to say was also a surprise.

The primer keeps my skin matte all day and makes my foundation - no matter what brand- last all day. My foundation is not cakey and looks smooth and almost filter-like all day with this product. You only need a dime size amount of product. To apply it, I like to pat it on with my fingers and then let it sink in a bit before I apply my foundation with a damp beauty blender.

Moving on to the eyes next.

I couldn't get enough of the stunning Colourpop "All I See is Magic" palette. I got this palette also in the fall when it was half off and couldn't resist the stunning jewel tone colors.

The palette includes 15 shades, six of which are matte and the rest are shimmers. The pigmentation is incredible and the shadows are buttery smooth.

I've created countless looks from natural everyday neutral and warm tone ones to glam and colorful punchy looks. This is a great travel palette as well, as it has everything you need to complete an eye look. The shimmers work well either with the finger or applied with a flat brush.

I also found that you don't necessarily need an eye primer for the shadows to last all day, which is also a plus.

Next is concealer, a.k.a the product that makes you look like you got nine hours of sleep when you only got five.

Surprisingly this month I picked up my Kylie Cosmetics Skin Concealer in Sand so much more than my Tarte Shape Tape. ( I know I can't believe it either).

Here's the thing- I find that sometimes with the Tarte concealer, my under eyes look very dry especially during this time of year. The Kylie concealer goes on dewy, but when set, gets matte and stays put all day- not to mention it's lightweight and has great coverage.

The doe foot applicator is similar to the Tarte Shape tape which makes it easy to apply. Like any concealer, I apply it in an upside down triangle under the eyes, and then along the bridge of the nose, under the nose and in the middle of the forehead to highlight and brighten those areas. I then blend in the product with a damp beauty blender and then apply Laura Mercier Translucent Setting power to set it.

On to the cheeks.

This month I used my holiday Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush kit in Radiant nearly everyday. The kit is amazing, since there's four shades perfect for any look. I personally love mixing colors to get the perfect hue for my skin tone. Warning though, this kit is extremely pigmented (I kind of learned that the hard way)-- so you need to have a light hand when dipping in your brush and applying the product. The product blends seamlessly and looks flawless. I purchased mine at Ulta but I've been seeing these pop up in Marshall's and TJ Maxx for a fraction of the price, so if you're interested I would check out those stores.

Sooo I saved the best for last - which we all know is about that glow.

This month I've been glowing it up with the Huda Beauty Winter Solstice Highlighter palette. At first sight, this palette can scare some, due to the bright golden tones and purples, but trust me when I say they are super subtle and reflect beautifully in the light. The shades feel cool to the touch and are so smooth, similar to the Kylie Cosmetics Wet Set.

I like applying this highlighter palette with my Real Techniques setting brush, since it picks up the pigment perfectly. Northern Lights has been my favorite, its a pretty yellow gold tone but is BLINDING. I also love applying Winter Rose over my blush shade sometimes for a pretty glow.

So those were my picks for January- hope you all enjoyed! I'd love to know down below what your favorites were in January or what new products you've been loving. I'm always looking to try new products and brands. Let me know if you'd like to continue this each month as well.

I'll talk to you guys soon, have an amazing day!

-The Beauty Radar