Favorites - January 2016

I bounced around through a lot of products in January and honestly, most were either just OK or not that great.  But the ones that stood out were fantastic!  It’s a short list this month, but all are products I can’t live without right now.

• BareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara in Intense Black – This mascara does AMAZING things for my lashes!  I swear, it looks like I’m wearing falsies every time I put it on.  I’ve been keeping this at my desk, and there are many times I skip the mascara I have with me and wait until I’m at my desk just to use this one.
• Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Bali – I have been loving this blush this month.  I rediscovered it in my stash looking for waterproof and water resistant makeup in preparation for an upcoming trip, and I’ve been using it absolutely every day.  It’s a great peachy-pink color that isn’t overwhelming but is buildable.  That works out great because I’m not overly confident with powder blush (I’m primarily a cream blush person), which means there’s a lower chance of me overapplying.
• ColourPop Matte Lippie Stix in Lumiere – I love this MLBB matte lipstick.  It’s not too drying and stays on for a good long time (although not through a meal).
• Dr. Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum – My skin looks amazing when I use this super hydrating serum with retinol.  Don't be put off because it's an oil; once fully absorbed it's matte.  I had been hesitant to use it since receiving in a QVC Favorites kit, but now I wish I had started sooner.
• LOC Vibrant Matte Lipstick in Glam Life – I have a few dark hot pink/berry shirts that I could not figure out a good lip color to wear with them. Applying this as a lip stain by putting a little bit on then blending in with my finger gives the perfect amount of color in the right shade family without being overpowering or clashing. Most important- no feathering.
• Mary Kay Day Solution Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 – I didn't know how good this was until I didn't have it anymore.  By trying to use up my stash, I’ve also been trying out other face sunscreens.  Some were OK, but none have come close to this one.  I really like the serum formula, because then I can choose my moisturizer as needed without affecting my makeup.
• Simple Micellar Water – Again, I didn't know just how great this was until I used something else.  Now, whenever I overhear someone talking about micellar water, I always recommend this.  I’m trying out the wipes now and not quite sure how I feel about them, but I love the water.  I find it very versatile, and have no problem using it on my eyes when I have my contacts in.  It doesn’t remove makeup the best, but it does work nicely as an intermediate step or a quick cleaning.

What products stood out for you this month?