Best, Most, and Worst! [2019 Edition]

[makeitup305]

I did this tag two years ago and wanted to give it another go. I love to read everyone’s responses and I think it’s a great way to look back on our purchases and review all our goodies.

1) Your favorite purchase of the year.

2) A purchase you regret- why?

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? 

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it?

5) Most shopped at store (for makeup). Did you shop more in store or online?

6) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? 

7) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries

😎 A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want

9) Did your makeup routine change in any way?

10) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year?

Here are mine:

1. My favorite purchase this year was all my Natasha Denona and Pat McGrath eyeshadow palettes. I can’t pick just one, it’s like picking a favorite child. I think if I had to get rid of all my palettes but keep my ND and PMG I could do it. I’d cry, but I could do it.
2. I think my recent Ulta purchase was overall a regret, not because the products were bad but my heart wasn’t really invested in any of the products, which is how I’ve shopped most of the year. I used points and a 20% off coupon so I’m not too hurt about it.
3. My most expensive purchase was the Natasha Denona 28-pan palette.  Technically, I got it for 50% off since it was BOGO but it’s still really expensive. I love them, though. No regrets.
4. The most hyped product I bought was either ND Metropolis or the PMG quads. Both amazing and worth the hype (and price) IMO. Something also super hyped that I just picked up is the CoverFX blush duo. I don’t see what all the fuss is about.
5. I shopped mostly online this year. A lot of the stuff I wanted was harder to find in store so it wasn’t worth it to drive over and I think that helped curb my spending a bit.
6. I was pretty good on my low buy this year up until October and November, when all the sales started. I went a little nuts and pretty much undid a lot of the progress I made. However, I think I spent less overall than last year and I hope to do the same next year.
7. They’re both relatively new to my collection but the EM Cosmetics serum blushes and the Pacifica Alight foundation are both awesome products that deserve more hype. The Smashbox brushes are great quality and I realize that nobody ever mentions them. I rediscovered my love for the Hourglass Ambient Unlocked palette after it was rereleased in the Ghost version this year.
8. PMG Divine Rose. I want to see it in person before I pick it up but I’m dying to purchase it. The new Charlotte Tilbury Look in a Palette is a runner up.
9. I think this year I really focused on really dewy skin and using lighter coverage foundations. I used lots of cream products, especially in the summer.
10. I think we’re going to see a few more wearable and neutral to cool palettes in the coming year.

Tagging some of you, hope you don’t mind! @tsavorite @WinglessOne @Kim888 @Luvstravel @RGbrown @curlychiquita @lmaster @itsfi  @SportyGirly125 @blackkitty2014 

[Zpsid91]

The Clarifying oil is the one I use the most - even if I notice a spot popping up I'll dab it with that and it's gone!

The brightening oil is great too, although I don't know that it necessarily brightens? I don't use it every day so hard to tell. 

I haven't tried the anti-aging oil more than once or twice, so that's next on my list!

The body oil is nice too, although I prefer lotions to body oils. 

The calm wellness oil is my favorite of those 🙂

[greeneyedgirl107]

@makeitup305 Oh what fun!  I can't wait to read everyone's answers!

1) Your favorite purchase of the year.  The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil for Skin Elascicity 1 oz/ 30 mL b/c it saved my dry skin since doubling my Retin-A concentration.

2) A purchase you regret- why?  I was fortunate that I pretty much loved everything.  However, I do regret buying Alpha Skin Care 10% AHA Gel b/c it was premature - I'm still working on my 8% AHA, and integrating the new Retin-A.  I should have waited.  Luckily I got it for a steal on Dermstore.

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Nourishing Whipped Refillable Moisturizer 1.69 oz/ 50 mL - yes, I'm loving it for my extra dry eye area.  (But while I appreciate the airtight packaging, I don't love this particular model.)

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it?  All right BIC, I have a confession to make - I bought the Kylie Cosmetics Momager Kit when it was 50% off at Ulta.  I've been afraid to try it - like I will kick myself if I don't like it.  

5) Most shopped at store (for makeup). Did you shop more in store or online?  Ulta.  Their rewards system is just so good.  I've earned over $390 in 1.5 years.  I bought mainly online for GWP and eBates/Rakuten.

6) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? About the same - last year and this year I stocked up on haircare products.  I get fearful they will be changed or discontinued.

7) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries: I found the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo to be a gem.  That said, I think I will try the LIVING PROOF - Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampooas I think it will be more gentle.

😎 A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want: I missed out on two eyeshadow palettes that I dragged my feet on (LM Eye Artist's Palette and NARS Skin Deep).  It's psychology, really - once they were gone I decided I just had to have them.

9) Did your makeup routine change in any way?  Just in the last two weeks I started using tarte sex kitten eye definer gel eyeliner Black on my upper lashline.  For years I've been using SEPHORA COLLECTION - 12hr Colorful Contour Eyeliner in 5th Avenue.  The color's been discontinued, so while I have a stash it might be time to change.

10) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year?  Hmmm...I think I guess about trends the last two years, but this year I'm just not as educated or savvy.  Maybe blues will be big since Pantone picked Classic Blue as the color of the year for 2020.

[WinglessOne]

@greeneyedgirl107  Interestingly, I didn’t spend as much at Ulta as I have in past years. I didn’t re-Diamond for 2020 until just a couple days ago, vs. re-Rouging months ago. I’m not sure why, since I did (and still do) have lots of Ulta points/dollars banked. I think I just had more Nordstrom Notes banked, so I’ve done much more beauty shopping there this year. 

And okay, now you have to try the Momager kit and give us a review! 🙂 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@WinglessOne That IS interesting about your shopping analysis!  Nordstrom Notes ARE awesome - although I've yet to earn one!  My friend lived within walking distance from their flagship store in Seattle, and let's just say she earned many, many notes...;p

As soon as work slows down, I will have to give first impressions on that Momager - LOL!  Why is my work always so slow, except around Christmas?  And my commute takes me past the mall - total gridlock.   It took me twice as long to get home today.  

[itsfi]

Yes, yes, yes to The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil @greeneyedgirl107! Love it!! ♥️♥️♥️

[makeitup305]

@greeneyedgirl107 Rosehip oil is seriously amazing. It’s great for hyperpigmentation too, I think.

[CookieGirl1]

This is such a fun thread to read, @makeitup305!

[meganlisa]

1) Your favorite purchase of the year.

Lisa Elridge lipsticks (stunning, love supporting a new indie brand), Givenchy highlighter, cover Fx blushes, Sephora favorites mascara set holiday 2019

2) A purchase you regret- why?

Pat McGrath Ritualistic Rose.  Fallout city and lacking in pigmentation.  Makes something hard to get and people want it, even if it isn't worth it.

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? 

Drunk Elephant trunk; caused major skin issues (not good) but works if I mix it in sparingly with my other skin care.  Worth it?  I don't know.  Just I need to remember - AHA/BHA/lactic acid - no more than once a week

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it?

ND (love her but) Metropolis.  I could not get a non muddied look.  And did I try.

5) Most shopped at store (for makeup). Did you shop more in store or online?

Always online.  Always.

6) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? 

I always spend a lot.

7) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries

Violet Voss Coral Crush.  And finally bit on ND Sunset.  Both are STUNNING for blues eyes.  Love them.

😎 A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want

ND Metropolis.  A rare return on my end.  But I couldn't justify the price when I couldn't make it work.  Like a dysfunctional relationship, I remain convinced that had I just tried harder, I could have made the palette work.

9) Did your makeup routine change in any way?

More oranges on the eyes.  Softer overall.

10) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year?

Skin.  I think we will go more natural, vegan, with a strong amount of shimmer/glitter added in (but less color).

[itsfi]

Ohhh, Lisa Eldridge! Nice!! “I always spend a lot.” I loved that @meganlisa. 💖 It’s good to be consistent! 🥰

[MissPuff]

@meganlisa  Lisa Eldridge! Maybe it's because I loved the first three reds so much, but I was just so sliiiiiightly underwhelmed by the newer velvet shades just released. Still lovely, but the bar was set so high with the first three reds 🙂 

[Luvstravel]

@meganlisa, I think I'm with you on Ritualistic Rose. The few times I used it, glitter city, so I'm not reaching for it often!

[heartsmyface]

@meganlisa  Omg thé Lisa Eldridge lipsticks are divine!  
oh no!  Did you give yourself too much of a peel with the DE?  😮

[makeitup305]

@meganlisa Sorry Metropolis and Ritualistic Rose didn’t work for you. I feel sad since I love them both. I love Sunset too, so I’m glad you found one you liked! Too bad about the DE Trunk- I’m in the same boat as you, I have to use acids pretty sparingly or my skin goes nuts.

[tsavorite]

This Thread needs a Bump! There are some great ideas here!

[Luvstravel]

@tsavorite, I'm just now having time to read back through this and I'm really enjoying it.

[CC3616]

1) fav purchase: PMG ritualistic rose or ND cranberry 

2) A purchase I regret: Nothing I can think of. I did some pretty well planned shopping this year.

3) Most expensive purchase: Diptyque 34 indoor/outdoor candle. No regrets. 

4) Most hyped product I bought: I also say the PMG ritualistic rose quad! So worth it.

5) Most shopped at store (for makeup). Did you shop more in store or online? I shopped direct online a lot this year. I barely made platinum at ulta and VIB at sephora. I barely shopped in store, most of my in store shopping was tj maxx/marshalls shopping. 

6) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? About the same or less than the last couple years. I definitely bought less items of higher quality/price this year though. 

7) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries: This year I started using Tatcha camilla cleansing oil and Tata Harper regenerating cleanser again. I took a hiatus from a lot of wash off products since our rental before purchasing our home had terrible water quality and using balms with a washcloth was much easier with the cup of filtered water I kept in the bathroom to use.. So glad that's behind us. 

😎 A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want: Hmmmm. I didn't purchase the diptyque LE baies candle for black friday or the sunday riley sleep subscription box that's currently released but I did hint them to santa. 

9) Did your makeup routine change in any way? I have tried bolder eye looks this year and also experimented more with contouring.

10) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year? Naturals. Looks and brands. 

[itsfi]

Love Tatcha cleansing oil @CC3616! So happy to hear you’re able to use it now! 💕

[makeitup305]

@CC3616 yes! TJMaxx and Marshalls have gotten so much of my money this year. It doesn’t hurt that I have one right next to my grocery store, 5 min from my house.

[MissPuff]

Thanks for the tags ladies! I had to refresh my memory, I don't know if it's just me, but this year feels like it's been going on FOREVER. 

1) Your favorite purchase of the year - The Hourglass holiday blush quad. I love everything about it, the colors are just so lovely on my complexion, plus the typical perfect hourglass finish. Makes all my other blushes jealous 🙂 And also the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme formula, specifically Epitome, my new go-to bold lippie for everything.

2) A purchase you regret- why? -  No real regrets, except maybe when I purchase a lip color based solely off online pictures and it turns out to be not my favorite. Then I'm mainly sad that it will be a neglected lipstick. I regret that I only have one face to use for all my pretties 🙂 

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? - Definitely something skincare related, maybe the Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen? I've been hoarding small samples all year but Algenist direct had 30% off!!!! so of course I had to get the full size. Loved and noticed a difference with the samples, so I'm expecting the same from the full-sized 🙂 

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it? - Wasn't EVERYTHING hyped this year? There must have been a million and one releases! The Natasha Bloom & Glow blush palette was in my cart and ordered the second it dropped and I don't regret it one bit 🙂 The red cream blush and pink cream highlighter...swoon!

5) Most shopped at store (for makeup). Did you shop more in store or online? - Probably Sephora, 80% online, 20% just impulsively walking through while bored 🙂 A couple more orders this year via direct sites, Nordies, and Cult Beauty but generally only when the discount was at least 20% or something Sephora didn't carry. Almost no Ulta unless it was to redeem points, for some reason, they just don't ever have what I want, except the occasional MAC release.

6) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? -  Definitely less this year, not that much has caught my eye and I've been focused on using what I already have, both makeup and skincare. I tried to only buy things I KNEW for sure I'd use and love and oddly enough, very few GWP's caught my eye, so no impulse purchases (unless I was in store, no self control there once I'm holding it!). Lots of non-beauty purchases and gifts this year!

7) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries -  Shiseido Whipped Blushes and the Visionairy Gel lipsticks. The blushes are a dream, the perfect youthful flush of color that takes two seconds to blend on, especially nice on no makeup/no base days because it just gives me this glow and polish. And the lipsticks, I forgot how much I enjoyed these (lightweight and STAYS), till I grabbed a couple for a weekend trip last month. Why did I ever stop wearing these (real talk, because I pick up a new lipstick almost every other week and it's not fair to play favorites 😜)? 

😎 A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want - I can't stop starting at the ND Metropolis palette, it's so physically pleasing to look at. BUT, I don't wear eyeshadow (no skills and no patience!), at least not in way that would make best use of the palette. I sort of just want to buy it and display it open on the wall, like art, so I can stare at it...

9) Did your makeup routine change in any way? - I've always been a bit of a minimalist, but even more so this year. Brows, eyelash curl, maaaaaaaaaybe mascara, blush (ALWAYS BLUSH), lipstick and go. Tinted moisturizer/concealer if I have time, but I don't think I did a full face glam, high coverage foundation more than 3 times the whole year (weddings!). One thing I have changed up a bit is to actually USE the nice, LE or fancy things I've purchased, rather than "saving" them for...never? 

10) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year?  - More "clean" beauty, whatever that means 😛 I have a special rant about "clean" and "sustainable" brands that are clearly in it for the marketing, but this is neither the time nor the place 🙂 

[itsfi]

Oh yes! I completely relate to hoarding samples of the Algenist liquid collagen @MissPuff! 😃 

[makeitup305]

@MissPuff apparently ND designed Metropolis to be able to be used in all directions (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal). I think that’s what makes it so aesthetically pleasing, combined with the Art Deco color scheme she was inspired by. Maybe she will come out with a mini and that will tide you over 😉