I can't believe we're already one month into 2015. It's probably getting annoying that I always say I can't believe how quickly the month passed at the beginning of every monthly favorites post, but it really is true. In January I had a lot of favorites, probably because I've been using things I got for Christmas and trying new things for the new year, so my favorites are going to be broken into two posts: a beauty favorites and non-beauty favorites. Let's talk about the best in beauty of the month, and keep an eye out for my Non-Beauty Favorites post on Thursday.
You might remember me lamenting that there wasn't a shade of the NARS Sheer Glow foundation that matched my skin, and I would be forever bitter about not getting to try it. Well, just before Christmas I found that the shade Mont Blanc was a great match (I'm trying not to use pink-toned foundations anymore and go for neutral undertones instead to cancel out my redness) and onto my Christmas list it went. This is the only foundation I've been reaching for all month. It gives such great coverage (I'd say medium but easily buildable up to full) without ever getting cakey. It sets to a satin finish that's beautifully luminous without being dewy. This would probably be a great option for more oily-skinned people who don't want something totally matte. But it works even on my dry/dehydrated skin. It does cling to any flaky patches, but I've eliminated this problem by simply making sure I exfoliate regularly. I apply this with the Zoeva Silk Finish Brush (mine came in the Rose Gold Luxury Set), and while the entire set is unbelievably great quality, this brush has been my most-used. It's a large, dense buffing brush that's so soft and works the product into the skin quickly and thoroughly for an even, airbrushed finish. This is one pair I'll be reaching for for months to come.
A lip product that I can't believe I didn't try earlier is the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector. I got a set of them right after Christmas that contained the shades Rose, Rosewood, and Apricot, but I gave the Apricot shade to my sister (orange shades look funny on me). I've always kept one of these in my bag since I got them. They're perfect for topping up during the day because they're just as moisturizing and comfortable as a balm, but they give a hint of sheer color. Another plus is the packaging - a squeeze tube with an applicator so no grubby fingers ever get involved and taint the product (very important if you're working in a dirty/germy place). I'm seriously kicking myself for waiting so long to get these.
One other lip favorite has been the NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien. I wrote a whole post about my love for it here, so I'll just say that I've still been wearing this most days because it's such a perfect MLBB shade for me that lingers for most of the day without needing too many reapplications.
At first I felt bad including a limited edition product, but I realized that my favorite shades from the NARS Virtual Domination Palette are part of the permanent collection. I've been using every shade in the palette, but my most-used are the Laguna Bronzing Powder, Deep Throat Blush, and Miss Liberty Blush (really a highlight but they still call it a blush). All of the shades are so pigmented and blendable that they make application a breeze and add some much-needed life into my dull winter skin. My favorite brushes to apply these have been the Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush and the Real Techniques Bold Metals 300 Tapered Blush Brush.
I've already raved about theCharlotte Tilbury Luxury Palettes here, but they've definitely been a favorite of the month. I've reached for one of these almost every day since getting them, and I fall more in love with them with every use. I'm now desperate to try more of Charlotte Tilbury's line, unfortunately for my wallet.
My last favorite is a new mascara - I talked about the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in my A Mascara Match Made in Heaven post, where I raved about using it at the same time as the L'Oreal Miss Manga. But it's such a great product on its own as well. It gives such great length, separation, and definition that it creates a gorgeously fluttery look. I have the waterproof version, and it holds a curl and stays put all day.
As I said above, tune in on Thursday for my Non-Beauty Favorites! What were your favorite products of the month?