I had just begun working on my must haves for January 2015 when I realized these last few days of December are the perfect chance to reflect on what I obsessed over this past year.
Beauty and fashion. A little bit of everything. I would be lying if I wasn’t taking these products/items into 2015 with me. Not to be dramatic or anything. I don’t place much emphasis on the new year – I firmly believe that every new day is a chance to reinvent, re-organize and replenish your life or your surroundings but this is as good a time as any.
Beauty
Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop
This newfound obsession which originated this past September has now come almost full circle. I am not ashamed to say that I own 4 of the 9 different shades. My sisters are starting their own collections and one has actually sworn off ever purchasing a regular powder shadow altogether. Not sure if it’s the having the feeling of the cool Swiss Alps on my eyelids or the vibrant shades blended together garnering almost an obscene amount of compliments but I am hooked. This was definitely my product of the year.
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact in Highlight 01
The best highlighter I have ever swept onto my cheekbones. After trying a few others (that are contenders but not fit for the throne) I can firmly say this is my favourite highlighter right now. Not too matte and with the perfect amount of shimmer. On days where I had less than 7 hours of sleep this brightener has been a God send.
YSL Lipstick
I fell in lust with this formula at first try. It gives off a wet look without sticking to your hair like a gloss and it manages to stay on your lips all day, hydrating the sh*t out of them. The colours are intense and the packaging is luxe. Need I say more?
Lush Lip Scrub
I can’t go to bed without applying my lip scrub. It’s more about how my lips will feel in the morning before I slather them with lipstick than an OCD thing but the more I think about this certain quip combined with my 8 minute bed prep routine it is starting to lean towards OCD. Anyway, I use the Bubblegum flavour because it smells like Snow Fairy which is my fav Lush scent – many would agree. It’s nice to sloughing away dry skin and leaving your lips free of any nastiness in the AM. Plus you can eat any wayward grains. This month I think it’s the only type of sugar I’ll be ingesting.
Lush Ocean Salt Scrub/Cleanser
I had a newfound relationship with Lush this past year as you can tell. I tried this Ocean Salt scrub as a sample and was so gobsmacked (not only by the fact that it smells like margarita) that I went and got the biggest, baddest tub I could find. The scrub is amazing for everyday use, it gets rid of dry skin and ultimately acne and blackheads and leaves my skin feeling so moisturized that I don’t need to use anything else afterwards. Whaaat. Yeah. The minerals in the sea salt, avocado and coconut oil and lime and vodka make for the perfect combination for both drinks and this life changing scrub.
Dior Nail Lacquer
I posted about this polish a month or so ago and still stand behind my gushing. The formula is practically unbeatable (see below). The gel like shine, the chip resistant power and the colours are worth shelling out a little more for. My sister is ready to throw her Essie polishes in the trash. A little rash but I had to put it in there for emphasis.
Marc Jacobs Hi Shine Enamored Nail Lacquer
For a more detailed and romantic review see my most recent review. I’ll mention that besides the Dior, this formula is unlike any other. I type all over town and my nails are still so fresh and so clean clean. The stealthy, sleek packaging is worth writing home about too.
CHI Silk Infusion
I’ve been using this product for years and have never done a review. I am clearly an asshole. I love this stuff, and haven’t come across anything that feels like it. It’s a build up free serum that goes on silky and leaves your hair feeling the same. I hate sticky or oily when it comes to hair product because the grease effect isn’t something I’m into, whether in terms of hair, food or people. Enriched with pure silk and wheat and soy proteins. This sh*t is amazing.
L’Occitane Almande Oil
I tried this as a sample from Sephora and then went and purchased another for safekeeping and hoarding reasons. The smell is divine and the qualities are quite practical but effective. I use it in spots on my face and body that tend to get drier during winter months. Elbows, knees, around the nose and eyes etc etc. I would slather it absolutely everywhere if I wasn’t so stingy.
Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadow
Oh yes. I was so head over heels with the Marc Jacobs Twinklepop that I failed to do a review on my new shade of Chanel Illusion D’Ombre. Now is as good a time as any. I purchased my first this past Fall and picked up another last month. Besides the luxe packaging (which gets me every time) the formula is highly innovative. It’s shimmery and pigmented with a gel like texture that’s both spongey and cushiony enough to go on with ease. Nice because the brush allows you to wear it like a liner as well. I love the plush texture, and the colours are amazing. I have Convoitise which is a rice paper, champagne like shimmer, and the limited edition Envol which is a medium pink like I have never seen before.
Naked Basics 2 Palette
I just got this for Christmas and although I haven’t used it yet, I had to include it in my favorite, must have shadow arsenal. I ran out with the Naked Basics way back and have to say that it’s the first palette I have actually ran dry. The colors are ideal for everyday use and you can make use of every single shade. I hate when you spend money on a palette for a few colors and tell yourself that you really will try to use it all, when you’re really just purchasing for a few key colors. The Naked Basics palettes have it all – hugely popular and it’s because you can actually wear it all.
Seche Vite Clear Top Coat
This gel coat has been a huge player in my nail game. The thickness and glass like quality is mind boggling. I’m still in awe when I apply it and find it a little mesmerizing to watch it coat everything. It’s nice for when you want a glass like effect and it protects your colour by hardening your nail and further extending your mani.
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
Very rarely do I come across a fragrance that I am floored by. I did many years ago and I’ve since made it my signature scent. That’s Philosophy’s Pure Grace by the way. So when I happened to take a whiff of this particular Jo Malone potion I had to have it. Intoxicating in the softest, most subtle-y masculine way. Like sitting in front of a wood fire fresh from a shower and sprayed in light fragrance. Best explanation ever. Go smell it for yourself. I am so taking this into 2015…
Lush Ultrabland Cleanser
Lush describes it as a hugely popular cult favourite but I don’t like being labelled so I’m going to go ahead and say it’s been my second favourite cleanser of the year (I swear by Philosophy’s Purity). It contains essentials oil, honey and beeswax that gets rid of pretty much everything that shouldn’t be on your face. The rosewater (which I can’t smell) and iris flower extract leaves your skin feeling like you just slathered it in moisturizer. But you didn’t. You just washed it was a tiny smudge of cleanser. It’s that good. I love the fact that it can do both jobs – cleanse and moisturize. Saves time and any less time spent on your feet means more time spent laying in bed, I say.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara
I’ve been using this mascara for the better part of the last year. I’m pretty picky with mascara – I don’t usually like it when it’s brand new and fresh because I feel the product isn’t gritty enough to have a significant impact on my lashes but this one has proven my theory wrong. It lengthens, curls, blacks out and separates. Not usually a fan of the stiff brush but again, this particular one I can work with. It’s the blackest black, doesn’t dry out, and the brush is molded with dense bristles on one side that coat the lashes, while the other longer, firmer side lengthens and separates. It’s a triple threat so definitely a good investment for those who want lengthening, separating and curling in one swipe.
NARS Audacious Lipstick
Oh yasss. Last but most definitely not least. The new NARS Audacious lipstick collection that emerged this Summer was nothing short of mind blowing, lip enhancing huge. The matte shades have just the right hint of shine and moisture and more than enough satiny emollients to ensure an even non drying application. And I’m not getting paid to say that. So far I only have 2 shades but that’s only because I have no room left in my lipstick holder. (Pictured -Jane)
Fashion
Over The Knee Boots
I first fell in love with over the knee boots when I laid greedy little eyes on the Stuart Weitzman Highland boot in the winter of 2013. Yes. I have a detailed memory of my first encounter but long story short – I now own them. In black. Duh. They are the quintessential boot for fashion types. Makes wearing a shirt as a dress and a mini in the dead of winter completely practical. I like wearing them with bare legs – elongates them enough to compete with a VS model I swear. Recently I’ve been throwing them over leggings, skinnies and tights. Anything goes. They’re an instant vixen factor for any outfit, plus they keep you warm but that’s an afterthought.
Blanket Scarves
Nothing excites me more than being able to practically wrap myself in a blanket and call it a valid fashion statement. The blanket scarf allows you to do just that. It was huge this Fall and I have a feeling that it hasn’t been outdone just yet. At least long enough for me to be able to invest in the Burberry monogrammed poncho.
Sneakers
Athletic sneakers, plimsoles, slip ons – embellished, printed, pony haired, faxed – anything. The sneaker was the best way to top off an outfit whether casual or draped in an evening dress. Well – I wouldn’t go that far but you get the point. They make getting around less messy, your walk more attractive and your outfits trendier. Definite carry into this year…
Photographed: Dolce Vita metallic slip ons prancing around in Disneyland.
Normcore
Definition – Clothing characterized by unpretentious, average looking clothing. Indeed. But fashion types can attest that to pull off this lived in, ain’t ironed my clothes all week, was too busy building my empire look you have to put some thought into it. I mean, pretending you don’t care is different than actually not giving a sh*t you know. Think Cher’s mechanical wardrobe in Clueless. THAT kind of effort. In all honesty though, I like the fact that basics are at the forefront. They’re the bare bones of an outfit. Your face, your hair, your shoes and your gleaming personality are your accessories. Basics have always been my go to, then you can plan which trend your feeling, which lipstick shade you want to wear to take it up a notch, or what perfume is going to make your black V neck turn up that much more.
Faux
I’ve been making the most of my basics and hobo chic wardrobe choices by capping them off with a bit of glam – in the form of faux. You could be wearing a ragged t shirt (strategic of course), motorcycle boots and boyfriend jeans but as long as you got your faux on you’re worthy of sitting beside Anna Wintour. I like throwing on a faux vest with denim or plaid button downs, a scarf or stole over a t shirt or basic v neck and a jacket with layered t shirts. As long as you don’t throw it over your pajamas from 8 Christmases ago during a run to Walmart – you can consider it a perfectly acceptable fashion choice.
Off the top of my coiffed little head, that’s what I could come up with. I’ll definitely be hoarding these products/trends and taking them into 2015 with me.
Anything I’ve missed?
xo
Jennifer In The Sky With Diamonds 