Since I’ve been sick for the past couple of weeks and have been on a clear liquid and now a soft white diet, I’m not exactly ready for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I don’t know what I’m going to be able to eat! But I am thankful that I will be finished with most of the medications I’ve been taking that have horrendous side effects by the time this posts. Yay.
2015 hasn’t exactly been my favorite year, but in terms of beauty products, it’s been a good one. I’d like to mention several products that I’m thankful for. We’re all different with different needs and preferences, but you never know: something I love might just be appropriate for you too! Plus, I think a lot of these items would make great holiday gifts or stocking stuffers.
Beauty Tools
My bamboo-fiber Hubalou Hair Wrap is probably this year’s winner for me, and I’m not kidding!
I received this hair wrap from Hubalou back in February, and it is a real game changer. The bamboo fiber fabric is uber soft, and it doesn’t pull out hair at all the way microfiber towels do. If you’re sick of seeing hair strands on your microfiber or regular towel, I strong recommend you get one of these beauties. Plus it helps remove more water from your hair cutting down on drying time. Check out my original Hubalou review for details. $24
I think I mentioned the Shiseido Lash Curler last year, but I’m mentioning it again. It’s the best lash curler for me because it’s so wide. It doesn’t crease my lashes, pinch my eyelids or pull out my lashes. And the curl stays in. $19
Before buying the Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser, I used baby shampoo, Dr. Bronner’s, or regular mild soap to clean my Beauty Blender. It took forever to clean it. I don’t know what miracle ingredients are in the Solid Cleanser, but they get my Beauty Blender cleaned up in well under half the time and it’s much cleaner than using the other soap products. Buy this. It’s worth it. $16
Skincare
DermaMD Soy Moisturizer Intense Healing Cream (body cream)
This past year, I tried a lot of great body lotions, creams and butters, but the one I reach for most often for my very dry skin is DermaMD Soy Moisturizer Intense Healing Cream. This light green gel-cream is beyond ah-maaaaz-ing! You know how you have to rub in some creams or butters forever till they absorb into the skin or to get rid of that white look, that NEVER happens with DermaMD Soy Moisturizer Cream. It is so fast to apply, absorbs instantly, and makes my dry skin feel baby soft. I adore this stuff. I am almost finished with the super-size pump bottle that has lasted me since June. Thankfully, I have one more regular size jar waiting in the wings. $52
I have a skin condition on my eyelids related to having dry eye. My eyelids and eye sockets look red and inflamed. The skin on the inner corners of my eye sockets is dry, flakey and hurts when I put some eye creams on it. Thank goodness I discovered Lindi Skin Eye Hydrator that is part of a line of skincare products for patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy or for anyone with stressed, sensitive skin. This thick golden gel is so soothing and healing. It’s a miracle. I can’t be without it so I hope they make it forever. If you go to my original Lindi Skin review, there’s a 25% off discount code there for any Lindi Skin purchase. $30 regular price
OZ Naturals Pro-Retaxinol 2.5 Serum
This affordable facial serum from OZ Naturals contains 2.5% retinol plus hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and an anti-aging ingredient called astaxanthin. It’s a lightweight liqui-gel that absorbs in a few seconds. You can’t beat this ingredient combo for hydrating, evening out skin tone, and lightening the appearance of lines and wrinkles while still being gentle enough for my sensitive skin. My full OZ Naturals serum review here. $25
Paula’s Choice Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment
I just bought another tube of Paula’s Choice Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment to keep at lightening my dark spots. Between this and the OZ Naturals Serum, they are definitely lighter. Check out my empties post where I talk about finishing up this spot treatment to get 20% off and Free Shipping on this and any Paula’s Choice product through the end of 2015. $55
H2O+ Targeted Care Hand and Nail Cream
I’ve tried a lot of great hand creams this year, and I think I’ll do a separate post on them. But the winner for me is H2O+ Hand and Nail Cream because it absorbs super fast and leaves my bone dry hands feeling lightly coated with a protective feeling for hours. Travel size $6.50, full size $15
I’m almost finished with the jar of Nail Butter I got back in the summer. I adore the lemongrass scent (but it also comes in gardenia). Since I’ve been sick, I haven’t been using it and you can see the difference in the health of my nails and the look of my cuticles. Once I feel better, I will get back on the bandwagon to get my nails into shape for the holidays. I plan to pick up a jar or two of Nail Butter for myself and gifts. Nail Butter is having a 25% off sale on Black Friday and BOGO 50% off sale on Cyber Monday. No code required. $24 regular price
I’ve been moisturizing my neck for years but at this stage of the game, it needs the heavy duty stuff. StriVectin Neck Cream with NA-114, their patented niacin derivative ingredient, definitely helps me tighten things up. Serious stuff. $95
Makeup
Mirabella BlackMail Eye Crayon and butterLONDON Wink Eye Pencil Crayon in Union Jack Black
I tightline my upper waterline and/or between my lashes and I need a soft, easy to use pencil to do it with. Mirabella BlackMail Eye Crayon that is black, black, black and butterLONDON Wink Eye Pencil Crayon in Union Jack Black are both super soft and easy to use. Although they do come off a bit on my lower waterline, I’m OK with that look. As eyeliner, they stay put. I just love that these both go on like a breeze, no tugging at all. Mirabella Crayon $24, butterLONDON $18
Stila Convertible Color Cheek (and Lip) Cream
I prefer cream blush, but some women complain that cream blush doesn’t last. With Stila Convertible Color Cheek Cream – I use the shade Peony, a peachy-brown natural-looking shade – the color DOES NOT FADE. It stays on for hours and hours till I take it off. Love the shade, love the performance. $25
I have a lot of eye shadow palettes, but the ones that are easiest to blend, stay on forever, and look great are the two I own from Viseart, professional makeup. I own the Neutral Matte Palette, and I just bought the Cool Matte Palette.
They are pricey and also often sold out, but I wait for the sales. The next one on my Wish List is the Paris palette, a mix of satins, mattes and shimmers. These palettes are an investment, but they’re the best! $80
Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain
The lip crayon I’ve been using most often this past year is an affordable crayon from Jordana in Fig. Check out my longer review for Jordana Twist & Shine Balm Stain here. I love it. It’s hydrating, it’s a very flattering shade that’s great for everyday, and it lasts a long time and leaves behind a stain when it does fade. $4.99
So these are the tried-and-true products that have helped me get through the year so far. Which beauty products are you thankful for?
For those in the U.S., have a great Thanksgiving!
I need one of those hair wraps!! I have a microfiber towel, but it never stays on my head! This looks so much better since it really wraps to the head! I’m going to send a link to my mom as a hint for Christmas…
I hope she’ll take the hint, Tess. I haven’t gone back to my microfiber towel once since I got the Hubalou. Major difference!
Lot of great stuff here .. I highly recommend the Shiseido Lash Curler .. what a game changer! My lashes use to get crimped with a regular drugstore lash curler, but the Shiseido one gives my lashes that nice sweep. Yes, an EXCELLENT stocking stuffer for sure.
Didn’t know you were sick Allison ~ feel better soon 🙂
Monica.
I was trying not to dwell on being sick, Monica, but the med combo I’ve been on have been making me feel worse. Finished with them for now, but still not feeling 100%. I hope I will be soon. Thank you! And I think for $19, the Shiseido Lash Curler is so worth it!
I’m so sorry that you have been so sick, and that your Thanksgiving will be impacted by your awful bug! I love your product picks!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…GuruNanda Essential Oils with Diffuser Gift Set | Review
Thank you, Helen. I hope I recover soon too. It’s a little scary.
I love Stila’s Convertible Colors! I really like the finish and you’re right, they last all day!
Molly and Stacie
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Glad you love ’em too!
Oh man I should have picked up Viseart during the VIB sale. You have lots of goodies listed here!
I picked up the Viseart Cool Matte palette during Frends’ sale in late October, I think. It was a great deal, I think maybe even more than 20% off.
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been so ill. I hope you get well soon.
Thank you, Rachel. I really appreciate it. I feel a little better today! Hopefully, I turned the corner.
I hope you feel better for Thanksgiving…my Mom and I both love the H2O hand cream!! At least you can eat Mashed Potatoes which is soft white food and maybe Turkey soup!
Ursula
I’m glad you like the H2O hand cream too. 🙂 Thank you, Ursula! I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!
I would really love to try the hair wrap hah, it looks lovely! I am always looking for a way to keep my wet hair away from my face while it’s drying; towels constantly fall off or are just too bulky!
Those Jordana Lip Balm Stains also look like something I want to try!
Something I will ALWAYS be thankful for is Burt’s Bees chap stick!!
I hope you’re up to feeling better though for the holiday! 🙁
Thank you, Rachel, for your get well wishes! I haven’t tried Burt’s Bees in ages because they used to put peppermint oil in their lip products and it destroyed my lips. But I don’t think they do that anymore so I need to check ’em out. I hope you do get to try the Hubalou Hair Wrap. For me, it’s been a game changer. And the Jordana lip crayon is soooo worth it. Happy Thanksgiving!!
I love the Hubaloo!
Isn’t it the best?!
Nice haul. I need to get the Beauty Blender cleaner and some hand lotion too.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Winter 2015 Beauty Trends
I’ve tried a number of great hand creams this year, but the H2O wins especially for winter 🙂
Great choices! Love H2O & Mirabella!
Thanks! They’re good ones for sure
That palette looks amazing!
The Viseart Cool Matte palette is great for us cool-toned gals!
Oh no, I hope you feel better soon that sounds awful! YAY for loving the BB solid cleanser, it’s such a game changer!
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Thanks, Julie!
I’m sorry you are still unwell, this has been going on far too long. I love your choices. You were the one that convinced me I needed the Hubalu and I’m so glad you did. I need to find my DermaMD now that I know how much you like it. And you are convincing me to buy the PC Vitamin C Spot Treatment. So many great products, so little money.
Thank you, Marcia. I have diverticulitis, and I just finished a 10 day course of two very major antibiotics with horrible side effects that I’m still experiencing. I wish I were completely healed but I’m not quite. Hoping I won’t need more meds. But on a brighter note, I’m glad you were pleasured with the Hubalou. I have very thick hair that used to come off on my microfiber towels, and now I don’t have that problem. I hope you received the green gel-cream body moisturizer from DermaMD. I do think it’s the best! The PC Vit C is good, but if you do go for it at some point, buy it on sale because it’s quite expensive IMHO.
Hope you’re feeling better. Bummer that you’re restricted to certain food. I’ll eat for you, lol. I love Viseart palettes too
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | Splurge Edition
Thank you, Kathryne. I can eat any raw or difficult to digest foods 🙁 Dying for a salad
Hmmmm, if I had to pick products that I’m most thankful for I’d say some of my tops are Pur CC cream, Mark mascara and Viseart matte 01 palette. Of course the list could go on for days! I like your choices. I need to look into the OZ skin product you mentioned. I like the ingredient list.
I’m with you, Stacie, on the Viseart Neutral Matte Palette. Still my fave
Hope you’re feeling better soon! I find that retail therapy helps.. and you’ve certainly provided some inspiration for me! I hope Jordana has a sale for the holidays, because I have a huge wishlist of their stuff I want to try!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Clearly The Treatment for Luminous Skin #AvantiRx
Thank you 🙂 That’s great, Nidia. Jordana Cosmetics had a good at least first half of 2015. I loved just about everything I received from them, but the lip crayons, lip pencils and liquid eyeliners were the real standouts for me. Unfortunately, the brand is difficult to find near me and my Jordana contact left 🙁
You have some of my favorites here. Nail Butter is my top cosmetic item for 2015. But, hello girl, I’ma gonna need me one of them towels. I have a microfiber that I’ve been using for years and I just hate it, but haven’t found anything but microfiber when I look around.
You gotta get the Hubalou. Definitely a game changer!
Testing testing 1 2 3!
Kiss & Make-up recently posted…Beauty meets fashion | Exist for Infinity
Yay, success 🙂
Kiss & Make-up recently posted…Beauty meets fashion | Exist for Infinity
Thank you so much, Melissa! I think things are straightened out now
I hope that you’re feeling much better. (gentle hug) This is a great roundup! I almost bought a Viseart palette during the recent Sephora sales. Don’t know why I didn’t. I have it on my Loves list, I’ll pull the trigger, soon. 😀
Erika recently posted…Pamper Your Lips and Delight Your Senses with TokyoMilk DARK
Eager to see which you go for. There are so many Viseart pretties! And thank you, Erika.
Oh Allison, I’m so sorry! I’ve never been on a liquid diet (apart from when I got my braces off, and that was only for a day if even). I hope you can get back to eating regular foods, soon! I am so obsessed with the Stila Convertible Color in Peony. It doesn’t look super flattering on the pan, but it looks so natural on the face!
Sammi the Beauty Buff recently posted…Black Friday Picks 2015
Thank you, Sammi. It hasn’t been fun. I can eat some solid foods now, but only processed/refined foods that I usually avoid (e.g. white bread, white rice, canned veggies & fruit) so it’s not fun. I’ll be having a limited Thanksgiving this year, boo hoo. On a more positive note, glad you love the Stila Convertible Color in Peony too! You’re exactly right that it looks brownish and boring in the pan but great on. I’m not even sure how I found this – oh yeah, Ulta 21 Days of Beauty! – but I’m glad I did!
Ooh that healing cream sounds absolutely PERFECT xxx
Soy Intensive Body Moisturizer from DermaMD is the best I’ve found for my dry skin. I will be so sad when I use up my last jar! Gotta save up for more 🙂
Definitely a great list of things to be thankful for! I need some Hubalou hair wraps! <3
You really do! Every woman with long or substantial hair needs a Hubalou!
Awwww I hope you feel better soon! I totally agree with you on the Nail Butter and the Jordana lippies! Plus, why do I have no Viseart palettes?!
Thank you, Babi! And yes, everyone needs a Viseart palette!
I love love love those hair wraps! I have like 15
OMG, 15?? I need a second one, for sure, but 15? That’s so cool
What a great post idea 😀
Thanks, Laura 🙂
I am officially putting the Hubalou on my wish list. I still need to try Visart too. That palette looks so perfect!
When you start looking at Viseart, check out AlconeCo.com. They seem to have the best “regular” price and a better selection than Sephora but I could be wrong. I bought my palettes on Alcone and on Frends.com. You will not regret getting the Hubalou. I can’t even fathom going back to a towel or to a microfiber again!
Great post! One day — some day — I AM going to get a Viseart palette! I keep seeing them everywhere and whoever owns one raves about it. Can’t wait to splurge and try it someday soon!
I’m sure you’ll love ’em. I hope to get another someday too!
I think I a need a Hubalou in my life!
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With your beautiful long hair, you really do! It’s a game changer, Chelsea 🙂
I’m so jealous of your Viseart palette!! I’ve been eyeing them forever now They’re just so expensive !!!! I agree with Stila !! Such a versatile product. Solid cleanser has been my favourite too 🙂 What a lovely idea for the post !!!
D.
Glad you like my product faves, Dorota. A Viseart palette is a worthwhile investment to save up for. You won’t regret it.
I haven’t tried *any* of these products yet, so looks like my wishlist just grew a bit!
I just said the same thing to another beauty blogger today. In spite of the fact that we’ve tried a million beauty products, there’s always a zillion more 😉