13 Best Beauty Discoveries of 2013

I thought it would be fun to do a little year in review and do a post on the 13 best beauty discoveries of 2013.  First of all, I can’t believe it’s almost 2014 (It will probably be 2014 when you read this, so Happy New Year!!) and only picking 13 beauty products is challenging! 2013 was a year of some really good beauty discoveries for me, but I think I’ve put together a list that is pretty good! I took into consideration products I’ve used repeatedly, products that really wow’d me and products that I felt were game changers. Here’s what I picked:

1. Flower Beauty

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this product line. I’ve tried everything from the powder,foundation, eyeshadow, creme eyeshadows, lip glosses, mascara and lip sticks. It’s probably my FAVORITE discovery of 2013. If you aren’t familiar with it, click the link above and read more about the products I’ve tried. So far, Flower Beauty has become a staple in my beauty routine. Plus, it’s only available at Walmart and it’s very, very affordable. Did I mention Drew Barrymore created the line!?!? Enough said.

2. Sephora Formula X

I have been LOVING this new Sephora nail collection. The one they did before with OPI never really did much for me, but this line is totally different. I now own about four colors and the complete “system.” I am really impressed with the colors available and the fact that it seems to stay on my nails for quite a while without chipping. It’s only available at Sephora. Make sure to click the link above to read more about the line.

3. Maijan Beauty

I did a review on  the entire collection of Argan Oil products and just recently, I was sent a Shampoo, Conditioner and Facial Steaming products to try. Majijan Beauty is probably my second favorite discovery of 2013. It keeps my face, hair and body very well hydrated and I just love the results I’m getting since I’ve started using the products. For more information, click the link above. I know there are a lot of other Argan Oil products out there, but this line is the real deal and gives fantastic results.

4. Real Technique Brushes

I’m a makeup lover, so it only makes sense that I need to have good brushes available to me. I love Sigma and MAC brushes, but when I picked up a couple of the Real Technique Brushes, I was blown away by the results. These brushes are extremely affordable and work so, so good. I’d put these up against any of my more expensive brushes any day. You can purchase individual brushes or sets. These were a fantastic addition to my makeup brush collection and I’ve picked up more since my last post. I hear there is a sort of “beauty blender” type sponge available from them and that’s on my list to pick up!

5. La Collection Privee Christian Dior

I attended a fabulous event at Sak’s Fifth Avenue and we were able to meet and talk about Christian Dior’s La Collection Privee and ever since then, I’ve been obsessed. Are these fragrances crazy expensive, most definitely, but they are an amazing product to treat yourself to. I now own two of the products and find myself loving each of the scents more and more. I know this is a real splurge and I get that, but you need to at least experience these fragrances. The “set up” alone is one of the most breath taking displays I’ve ever seen for perfume. If you want to know more about the line, the gentleman at Sak’s was super informative and had lots of neat information on the whole Dior collection.

6. Acure Skincare Products

Another Argan Oil product line that I’ve been trying and loving the results. If you are interested in a skincare/bodycare product line that cares about educating you and only using the BEST ingredients available, then you must click the link above and read about Acure. I’ve been trying their products for awhile now and have really fallen in love. I’ve learned a lot just by reading their website. Their Argan Oil is fantastic and they offer something for every skin type. Their dark chocolate mint lip balm is fantastic!

7. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

How could I not mention the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette for best of 2013! It’s THE makeup palette to own right now and it’s a great addition to my makeup collection. The rose/gold palette is a stand out and I’ve loved creating new looks with it. It’s a great palette to own for so many looks. Honestly, the Naked palettes are some of my favorite and I reach for them over and over again.

8. JustNeem

A company based in Carey, North Carolina that has really been a favorite of mine for 2013. Their body polish and green tea body lotion are two products that I reach for over and over again. The scent is so light, but the products are so moisturizing. I think they are a fantastic product line to look into and I’m so glad that I got a chance to try their products. They are available at some Whole Foods locations as well! If you are in need of a goof cuticle pen, you must try theirs out! It’s fabulous.

9. Dr. Dennis Gross

Oh my. Where do I even begin with my love for Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare products. This has been the one product line that has changed my skin. Their Alpha Beta Peel Pads are simply the best thing I’ve ever used on my face and since using them, I’ve also started using their face wash, several serums and a moisturizer. The product line is a serious game changer and I can’t imagine not having them as a part of my collection. If you are looking for a result based skincare line, you need to look no further.

10. L’Oreal Magic Skin BB Cream

I’m not the biggest fan of BB Creams other than Smashbox, but it’s not the cheapest product to own. I tried the L’ Oreal Magic Skin BB Cream because I had been reading so much about it and I haven’t stopped using it since. It’s perfect for a base for my other foundations or just alone. It gives the skin a gorgeous glow, without being obnoxious. I really love this product and can see why it’s so popular. Plus, so far, besides the Smashbox BB Cream, it’s the only one that works with my fair skin and doesn’t change my skin to orange.

11. St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse

Bronzing and Sunless Tanning products are really, really hard for me to use. Why? Because I’m so fair and pale that most of the time they tend to look way too dark or orange on my skin.  I don’t like that they streak and I’ve just never been happy with the results. The St.Tropez Bronzing Mousse is fabulous for us fair skin ladies. It doesn’t streak and the color payoff is gradual. I love that it doesn’t have a horrible smell and it allows me to get the glow that I want. The mitt that they sell with it is a must have and much needed for best results. I’ll be using this soon to get some color on my skin.

12. Dove Dry Shampoo

The Dove Dry Shampoo smells so good and really takes the gross out of my hair. I love keeping a bottle around in my gym bag, or for when I’m traveling and don’t have time to have flawless hair. If you need some volume and texture to your hair, spray a little bit of this in your roots and it will give you the extra “oomph” that you need. The best part, it’s under $5.00! Score!!

13. Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Refreshing Toner

Ever since I bought the bottle of this product to try, I’ve been OBSESSED! Yes it’s labeled as a toner, but it takes off makeup perfectly without drying out my skin. I use this every single night and sometimes in the AM if I don’t have time to wash my face. It’s under $5.00 and can be found at Target. A lot of people say this is a dupe for Bioderma (Much more expensive cleansing product) and I don’t know if I agree with that fully, but I will say that it works great for me and it’s super affordable!

I wanted to also include some tips that I’ve picked up during 2013. Here are a few that I feel are important and worth mentioning:

1. Less is more

2. Make sure you get tested by the Sephora + Pantone Color IQ System

3. Try an eyeliner other than Black

4. Feature one area on the face to highlight (Bold Eye or Lip, not both!!)

5. Wash your face AM/PM and use SPF DAILY

6. Start using anti-aging products in your 20’s. You’ll be so happy that you did as you get older.

7. Nails can be a really fun accessory. Try an accent nail or nail accessories.

8. Beauty Subscriptions can be a great way to try new products (Birchbox, New Beauty, Ipsy, etc)

9. Always remember to keep your lips hydrated and use an SPF on them also

10. Makeup is a personal thing and you like what you like. Always remember what makes you look and feel your best is all that matters! There are no rules when it comes to makeup!!

I can’t wait to see what 2014 brings. It’s been such a crazy year that I’m ready for a fresh start! I’ve already picked up some new beauty products that I’ll be reviewing and sharing with you guys soon! Happy New Year! I’d love to hear what were some of your favorite product finds for 2013!! Make sure you share them with me! This post is being featured on a Blog Hop, so make sure you follow the other blog posts and read what they had to say! More information below.

Vivienne at Jolie Pagaille – http://www.JoliePagaille.com

Michelle at Pretty in the East- http://www.prettyintheeast.wordpress.com

Jen at Dragonfly Reviews – http://dragonflybeautyreviews.wordpress.com/

Kristina at The Feminine Files- http://thefemininefiles.com

Jenn at Little Bit of Girl Geekery-http://icedwavez.wordpress.com/

Cheryl Hawley – http://theskinnyonbeauty.com/