2017’s Beauty Favorites

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Several of you have requested to see what my skin care routine is like and what kinds of make-up I use on a daily basis. So, I finally decided to put together a post to show some of my favorite products as of late! I usually don’t switch products up too often because I am totally the type to get comfortable with something once I find it works well for me. However, being the new year and all… my adventurous side came out & I’ve been trying a ton of new products. Much to my surprise, many of the things I’ve tried have not disappointed, and are now a new part of my routine! Now let’s get started with my beauty favorites of 2017 so far 🙂

Eyes

Earlier this year, Ulta had an amazing deal with Buxom Cosmetics where you can customize an entire palette of 6 eyeshadows for just $40!!! It was such a steal. Really though, I was in the market for a new palette because my LORAC palette was hitting the pan for a lot of the popular colors. What bothered me though, was that there were still a ton of unused colors in that palette. I’ve noticed that I tend to use the same 5-6 colors over and over to create my everyday smokey eye, so being able to create my own palette was just perfect! Of course, I ended up picking one black, one dark brown, one brown shimmer, one gold shimmer, one pink shimmer, and one white shimmer. I use all of these colors on repeat and love that I can just refill each shade as they run out. Never again will I have to deal with unused eyeshadow colors again!

I also recently ran out of liquid liner, and was given the opportunity to try out Maybelline’s master precision liquid pen. It’s amazing for creating the perfect wing. I also currently use one of their mascaras! A more detailed review of both products can be found here.

And now, the GAME CHANGER. Those of you who are Asian may understand the struggle of having really flat eyelashes. I’m actually blessed with pretty long lashes, BUT they never seem to hold curl… like, ever. My cousin then told me about her heat lash curler. I actually had one for a year but never opened the box or tried to use it. I decided to finally give it a shot. Since then, I have never touched my traditional eyelash curler again! It works wonders, doesn’t cause any irritation, and best of all, doesn’t ruin the rest of the make-up or cause any smudging. I love it!

Face

I actually switched up the majority of my face routine this year. As for primer, I still use one by elf cosmetics, which has never failed me and is very wallet-friendly. To cover up red spots, I use Smashbox’s Studio Skin 24 Hour Waterproof Concealer in medium. For foundation, I decided that while my BECCA foundation was great for coverage, it got me oily way too quickly. I am now using Chanel’s Perfection Lumière Velvet liquid foundation in beige 50. It provides great coverage but stays matte for longer. On my better skin days, I opt for a more natural option — Bali Body’s BB cream in tan. It comes with an SPF 15 so it’s great for a day outdoors too. I would say that the coverage is pretty decent for a BB cream, but not the best if I’m having a large breakout. Luckily, that doesn’t happen too often, though!

For contouring, I’ve been using NYX’s “LOVE Contours All” palette, which was gifted to me at a beauty event. It has a good amount of shades in there for me to blend into my cheeks and contour my nose. This palette is best for those who want a more bronzed (as opposed to rosy) finish. It also has some great brown shades to complement many eyebrow colors, so I use one to fill in mine.

Lastly, to set all this make-up and keep it matte all day long, I use Chanel’s #1 powder brush to brush a light amount of Laura Geller’s matte oil blotting powder. I got this from Ulta and totally swear by it if you want flawless looking make-up.

Sans Make-Up

As for general skincare products, I’m really loving Orogold Cosmetics’ 24K dark circle eye solution and collagen renewal cream. For whatever reason, concealer never works for me (yes, even the thickest type) because my eye bags are bad! They are so bad that they don’t really improve even with enough sleep. At this point, I’m convinced that my skin under the eyes is just thinner than usual. The dark circle solution helps give me a lift before I apply make-up and is a good eye cream to use at night. I’m all about collagen for my face lately, so the renewal cream is just right up my alley!

Body

I used to apply Jergen’s gradual tanning lotion religiously, until my best friend called me out for getting too orange. OOPSIES! The winter struggle… I swear, it’s never rained for so long in LA, and so much at a time! I hate feeling pale, so needless to say, I have been missing the sun dearly. In the mean time though, I have incorporated Bali Body’s bronzing lotion into my routine, along with Orogold Cosmetics’ bodylift cream.

I haven’t completely given up my Jergen’s lotion, but have found that when I alternate between these three products, my tan builds beautifully! Bali Body’s bronzing lotion gives a very beautiful brown tan, but unfortunately, it washes off in the shower completely. As of now, they don’t plan on adding any gradual tanning lotions into their line. So, I alternate between this one and the Jergen’s lotion to create the perfect glow without the sun. I also have BB’s sun tanning body oil, but haven’t gotten the chance to use it yet because it’s been so gloomy out. I’ll definitely be using it in a couple months when I head off to Cabo in April though, so stay tuned for that 🙂

To prevent getting orange, I give my skin some “off days” from any type of bronzing lotion. On these days, I use a rich body cream. I love how Orogold’s bodylift cream makes my skin feel and look very toned and firm!

And there you have it — my beauty faves of 2017 so far! What are some products you’re loving lately?

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166 Responses

  1. That make-up bag is soooo cute! Definitely made for you, and it’s really cool how your cousin makes these custom make-up bags. Will definitely have to check her out. And thanks for sharing more about your beauty routine! You have flawless skin <3 xoxo

  2. You are a total Chanel babe! Haha it’s no wonder your skin is always looking so amazing. I guess I’ll have to invest more in my make-up now haha

    1. Thanks Miranda! You’re too sweet! I definitely believe in investing in quality products when it comes to skin care xx

  3. I’m definitely gonna have to try that dark circle eye cream. No amount of concealer can cover up the darkness under my eyes 🙁 Do you know of a cheaper alternative? $248 is definitely not in my price range!

    Beautiful blog, btw!

    1. Ugh I can totallllly relate girl! I am the same way. I think the skin under our eyes must just be darker than everyone else’s! LOL! The Smashbox concealer that I’ve linked in the post is a cheaper alternative… but I would only use that when applying make-up and not right before bedtime. It doesn’t get rid of the darkness 100% but definitely helps to make me look more awake. Perhaps you might have better luck than me! Haha

  4. Omg I’ve heard so many good things about Bali Body! I definitely can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the tanning body oil. You must be excited for Cabo!!! 🙈😍

  5. Hopefully I’m not going to shock your dad now, but I loved reading about the primers and concealers! I am of the stern opinion that guys can wear makeup too, as long as it looks natural. That’s why I’ve been playing around with different kinds of products and brands lately to find the right ones for me and Smashbox actually has a wonderful concealer I consider perfect. Still looking for that perfect primer though, so I will check out your advice about the wallet friendly option! 🙂 Thanks for the tips. Always a pleasure to learn from a pro!
    xoxo
    Thomas

    http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

    1. Lol!!! Thanks Thomas! You’ll have to share with me some of your fave concealers. I still can’t really find one that fully covers up my dark circles! 🙁

  6. This makeup bag is too cute and so perfect for you! I love that you’re sharing your entire beauty favs including for the body! I totally have no clue when it comes to makeup so this is perfect for me to test out new products and read your reviews. I definitely need to revamp my makeup and get new things so I can’t wait to check these amazing products out! Thanks for sharing! xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    1. Thanks Christine! My cousin is so thoughtful and talented — it was a really pleasant surprise 🙂 Your make-up always looks flawless though so I never would have thought you have no clue when it comes to make-up haha. But I’m glad that these faves gave you some insight! xx

  7. First of all: I absolutely LOVE your new logo, girlfriend. So cute – and the bag to match is adorable! Totally diggin it all 🙂 I’m also dying to try all of these products now. You made me giggle with your Jergens story because that’s my go-to during the spring and summer to look gradually tanned haha! This was a really fun post to read! You should do more favorites posts! 🙂

    Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

    1. Aww yay! Thanks girl! I’m so happy to hear you love the new logo hehe I do too — my cousin is super talented for sure! So glad I’m not the only one struggling to keep my summer tan all year round haha! I’ll try to do more favorites posts. Thanks for letting me know! xx

  8. Absolutely LOVING all of this!!!!! There are two products I’m loving at the moment, but not makeup, 1. Dreamy Mist pillow spray from Body Shop – I did a blog post on this last year and 2. Essano Rosehip Mist Toner – my recent blog post. I swear by these at the moment, for hydration and renewal. Plus the makeup I’m using is on my post, Beauty Pickups and afternoon bliss. MAC liquid foundation and L’Oréal false wing lash mascara

    1. Thank you so much! Omg I need to try all the products you’ve mentioned — they all sound so heavenly! I imagine that the rosehip mist toner smells really good hehe 🙂

  9. Seriously this rain has got me struggling for my sun glow! And I also love the Jergens gradual, I’ve been using it for years! So you use any sunless tanning products in your face? Always looking for a great option that looks natural. And I LOVE that buxom shadow palette option, genius! It’s such a pet peeve that I always run out of my favorite colors and feel so wasteful throwing out the rest that I never use. For sure going pick that up!

    1. Haha I am soooo with you babe! I actually use Bali Body’s bb cream for a more bronzed look on my face 🙂 It hasn’t broken me out and works amazingly! xx

    1. Thanks Candace! Haha I think you’d like these foundations too — they have so many different shades to suit every skin tone! x

    1. Thanks loves! The eyelash curler actually doesn’t rip anything out! I was hesitant at first too but surprisingly it’s been amazing 🙂 xx

  10. Thanks for sharing with us your 2017 faves! I never knew Buxom carried an eye makeup line actually so I’ll definitely need to check that out. The idea of creating your own color palette is so cool! I currently use Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette, which I love but you’re right.. I also run into the issue where I just don’t use some of the colors on there and they go to waste. Creating your palette sounds like a fun idea and you probably really get your moneys worth.

    http://www.atsunamatsui.com

    1. Omg I was so close to getting that Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette just because I thought it was so cute how it was shaped in a chocolate bar… LOL… but I’m glad I ended up just going the more practical route because it’s as you said — it really sucks to watch the unused shades go to waste!

  11. Absolutely love this post babe!! Thanks for sharing your beauty routine secret. I totally have flat eyelashes and using Maybelline really help me to give more volume and curl them properly. Love your pictures so much.

    xoxo
    Marcy

  12. I love the idea of being able to create my own palette. I definitely want to check out the Buxom offer. And I also love the suggestions on body bronzers. I also hate looking pale, and it’s currently an uphill battle while I spend a lot of my time in Seattle. Thanks for sharing your favorite beauty products! I love your blog, by the way.
    xo, janea
    theSTYLetti

    1. I do too! I don’t think I’ll ever be going back to a pre-made palette now after customizing my own hehe. I totally understand the struggle of staying bronzed all year round. Luckily my Singaporean side keeps me relatively “glowy” all year round… but I want to be like, summer dark all the time LOL. So yes, an uphill battle for sure!

  13. I have to check out that eye cream – my eyes are totally the same way! Sadly sometimes genetics comes into play more than extra sleep can fix, LOL. Thanks for sharing all these products with us, girlie!

    Kathryn • simplykk.com

  14. Wow! Thanks for sharing. I’ve heard so many positive reviews on Chanel products.
    Also, this post came at such a great time! I’ve been searching for some new products to try out. 🙂

  15. That make up bag is the cutest! I have to check out your cousin’s work. Loving your 2017 favourites. I’ve been loving ABH brow wiz , Stila eyeliner, Essence Cosmetics eye shadows, Sephora’s blush and just a nice lipstick or lipgloss hehe! I need to check out the Maybelline’s mascara though 😉

    Bisous, Josie
    http://www.petiteandbold.com

  16. I LOVED this post, because I’m always looking for great new beauty items. Its so interesting to see what other products people love! Thanks for sharing Sharon!
    xo, LA
    brownpaperdoll.com

  17. Everything sounds amazing! I’m pretty much a beauty junkie so I’ll definitely check these products out when I’m next in Ulta! I have the same issue with straight eyelashes (the struggle is real haha!) and want to try that heated eyelash curler.

    xo, Jo
    http://www.cutandchic.com

    1. I will have to try NYX’s lipsticks! I’m usually not too much of a lipstick fan because from my experience it dries my lips out 🙁 so unless its cocoa butter infused I don’t use them!

  18. These are some great finds! I love that eyeshadow in the top picture. The shades are so pretty.

  19. I actually haven’t heard about most of these products. I need that lash curler! I’m not Asian, but I guess close to the area…I’m half Persian and my lashes are long and flat too. Curling them would change my life. Regular lash curlers tend to break lashes, so maybe a heating curler would work and still be gentle.

    1. Aww thanks hun! The bikini is from Wildfox — one of my faves! Can’t wait to wear it when I go to Cabo in April 🙂

    1. I had no idea either! Haha some lady who worked at Ulta came up to me and told me about it (and of course, I was sold on it haha)

    1. You should totally try it! I like the Smashbox concealer except it doesn’t actually really conceal anything beneath my eyes… works best on acne scars and redness under my nose though!

  20. Okay, I really want to try all of this! I’m really bad about buying and experimenting with new makeup, so posts like this are great for discovering awesome new things! xx

  21. So awesome to read about your beauty routine. My skin has been so awful, so I’m always interested in what others with great skin use. I have the biggest bags under my eyes. I need to check out the Orogold product. The heat lash curler also sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing! Also, I love your smoky eye. I’ve been changing my shadows to try something new, but I think smoky is always my favourite.

    Xo,
    Miki
    http://mikialamode.com

  22. A heated eyelash curler??? How did I not know about this?? I’ll have to check out that under eye treatment! My circles are awful lately! Thanks for the tips’
    Kyla
    Wanderlustkyla.com

  23. In awe over sooo many of your faves, babe!! How cute is that Buxom palette??!! <3 It's got all the essential shades & I am sure it's a lovely replacement for your Lorac. I am always on the hunt for that perfect concealer. Is that Smashbox one your no.1 hon? Orogold sounds like something my skin would need oh-so-much after during & after this winter.
    Also, gotta love real friends who would totally tell you if you're too orange or if there's spinach stuck in your teeth lol. Shout-out to besties like that! 😀
    xox Nadia
    http://www.mielandmint.com

    1. The Smashbox concealer works well if your dark circles aren’t HORRIBLE… I think the skin under my eyes is too thin so I actually have not met a concealer that conceals it completely… but the Smashbox one works well in concealing spots, acne scars, and redness around and under the nose for me 🙂 HAHA!!! I couldn’t agree more with you about the whole besties thing! I can always count on mine to call me out for looking ridiculous thankfully 😉

    1. Yes!! elf has been around all over the states for a while I think — I started using them in high school wayyy back!

    1. Hahaha! The Maybelline one is amazing! I highly recommend it also because it’s super affordable and great for what it is 🙂

  24. Thanks for sharing, Sharon. I have just invested in Chanel (Le Lift) skin care products, as well as their eyebrow pencil and am loving them, but I think I need to add the Orogold dark circle eye solution and a heated eyelash curler to my beauty routine!
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

    1. Ohhh! I haven’t tried that specific line but you have to tell me how you like it! I just got their eyebrow pencil too — Claire @thecodeofstyle gifted it to me! I love it!

  25. These are some great choices, I’ll have to check them out!! Thanks for sharing!
    Adi xx
    fancycorrectitude.com
    instagram.com/fancycorrectitude

    1. Thank you Jasmine! My cousin would be so thrilled to hear that! Haha 🙂 Thank you hun. I’m sorry to hear that concealers are a no-go for you too! And here I thought it was just me haha.

    1. Hi Debbie! Thanks for your sweet words! I really appreciate it <3 hehe I hope you'll try some of these products one day if you're feeling up for something new! xx

  26. Chanel Perfection Lumiere has been the only foundation that I have used closed to 10 years, and I still go back to it every time. Providing you have a good match with the colour (key factor), I believe it will be your favorite too. But its not great for the wallet – ha. I am not an elf girl – but I need to try them sometime. http://www.letsdolifestyle.com

    1. YESSS! My favorite foundation ever! So good haha. You’re right — it’s a bit on the pricey side but worth every penny.

  27. Yes! Yes! Yes! Your skin is always flawlessly on point babe…whether it’s bare-faced or made up- I’m always intrigued by skin care regimes! I’m all about quality now so I don’t even care about the price if I know it works! Great post~

    Thank you for visiting babe- Hope to see you back for my latest!

    Xx- Julie | Haute Khuuture Blog

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