Best Products/Fashion of 2011

So, I’ve seen a lot of youtube videos giving their best of 2011. I thought I’d write a little blog about some of my favorite products and clothing of last year. Also wanted to give a shout out to my new favorite youtube beauty and fashion channel, Sokolum79. I’ve been really digging her videos. Check it out if you have time. So, in no particular order (Just the order I’ve thought of them in.)

1.       Favorite Eye Shaddow Pallate(s): I really like the e.l.f.  Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palettes. I have both the cool and the warm one and I use them daily. The colors are great and very pigmented. And their only $5.00. Can’t beat that! http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/sets-and-palettes/palettes/endless_eyes_pro_mini_eyeshadow_palette_limited_edition

2.       Favorite Jeans:  My favorite jeans of the year have been the Old Navy Slim Flares. I haven’t had them very long, but they’ve beat out all other jeans from last year. Some of you may know that I’ve lost a lot of weight last year (still rocking the chub, don’t worry) so it’s been hard for me to find jeans that work for my changing frame. These have been awesome!! The flare Is decent sized so I can wear them with boots for the winter, but the legs are slim enough for my apple shape. They’re the best of both worlds, a skinny jean with a flare. Love ‘em! http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70142&vid=3&pid=864817&scid=864817022

3.       Favorite top coat: LOVE, LOVE LOVE,  the essie good to go top coat!! It dries super fast, and one thing I hate about top coats in general is that they get really thick when you’re getting near the end of the bottle. Most of the time it’s too thick to use, which is my problem with seche vite. The essie top coat does get a little bit thicker, but not so much that you can’t use it.  http://www.essie.com/shop/good-to-go-p-110.html

4.       Favorite body scent: I’ve been rocking the Midnight Pomegranate from Bath and Body Works. I like the lotion and the splash. Sufficently musky and fruity at the same time. Love it!

5.       Favorite Hair Color: I’ve been rocking the same color for a couple of months, which I think is a record for me. I usually change it more frequently. I’ve had so many complements on my hair, and I’ve got friends trying to copy me. Love you Meggie Poo! So… what I’ve been wearing is Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in Light Intense Auburn. I’ve also seen it called Light Tint Auburn. It’s designed to go over darker colored hair, which I don’t have. But I love a 40 volume!! I haven’t tried the other colors in this range, but if they work as well as this one then you’re sure to love it! http://www.garnierusa.com/_en/_us/our_products/shades-haircolor.aspx?tpcode=OUR_PRODUCTS^PRD_HAIRCOLOR^NUTRISSE_ULTRA_COLOR^NUTRISSE_ULTRA_COLOR_DISCOVER&prdcode=P53201&varcode=603084223572&back=1

6.       Favorite Hair Care Products: I’ve been using the Tresemme Color Revitalize Shampoo and Conditioner, since I’ve been coloring my hair red, which we all know fades really quickly. I like them a lot. I’ve used them in the past and have had really good results with them. http://www.tresemme.com/Products/Gallery/Shampoos-(and)-Conditioners/Color-Protection/

7.       Favorite Skin Care – Cleanser:  I’ve been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for a while. It’s great at cleaning, but not over stripping your skin. If I need exfoliation I just use my scrubby gloves with this. http://www.cetaphil.com/products/gentle-skin-cleanser/

8.       Favorite Skin Care – Moisturizer: I’ve been using a new (to me) line of moisturizers. I really like the Elizabeth Arden Millenium creams. I’m using the Night Renewal Cream, the Day Renewal Emulsion, and the Eye Renewal Cream. I like them all. I’m only in my early 30s, so I don’t really have wrinkles, so this was more of a preventative measure. But I’ve really noticed my skin looking and feeling softer and more hydrated. I might have to switch to something lighter for the summer since these are all pretty thick. But so far I really like them.  They’re really expensive on the EA website, but I got all 3 of them at Sam’s Club for $28. http://shop.elizabetharden.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2808240&cp=2779948.2575453&view=all&parentPage=family

9.       Favorite Base Coat:  This isn’t new for me, I’ve been using it for a couple of years. But Orly Bonder is the best base coat I’ve found. I’ve tried a couple of other brands, but I keep going back to  Orly. http://www.sallybeauty.com/basecoat/SBS-654508,default,pd.html

10.   Favorite Nail Color: I really like gray nail polish right now, so anything in that range I’ve been gravatating to. Something like essie playa del platinum or China Glaze Retro Diva.

11.   Favorite Eye liner: MAC Powershock!! Can’t say that enough.

12.   Favorite Lip Gloss: tie between e.l.f. fire coral and too faced glamour gloss in pillow talk.

13.   Favorite Mascara: rimmel glamour eyes.

14.   Favorite foundation: I don’t really wear foundation, I use e.l.f. tinted moisturizer. Love it!

15.   Favorite accessory: I’ve been really into scarves this year. Usually the gauzy floral variety. And I’ve really loved my pocket watch on a necklace that I got at icing. I believe they still have some. They’re great, and I don’t have to dig through my purse for my phone if I want to know what time it is.

 I can’t really think of anything else at the moment. If I’ve missed something, let me know. I’ll be happy to give you a recommendation on something. I’m sorry I haven’t posted much lately. I recently moved, and just changed jobs so it’s been a little bit hectic. I also haven’t been getting out much and that really is what fuels my creative juices. I’m planning another move back to California, and maybe that will help me find more to write about. Until the next time.

XOXOXOXO, Steph