Best, Most, and Worst [2023 Edition]

[makeitup305]

I've been posting this thread for a few years and wanted to bring it back again. I love reading through everyone's responses. 

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why?

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

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries

7) A product you missed out on, or haven't bought yet, but really want

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way?

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

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance?

I'm tagging some BICers but please feel free to participate or tag anyone!

@itsfi @Sunnysmom @tsavorite @Mellmars1185 @ather @Samtian @JoSometimes @curlychiquita @lmaster @CynthieLu @SportyGirly125 @blackkitty2014 @sister13 @Ispend2much6 @haleyvvvv @WinglessOne @danielledanielle @eshoe 

[JoSometimes]

@jaaayp Seems like the set is Canada only… I hope you guys get something good though!

[eshoe]

@makeitup305 thank you for the tag! I need to go through and read everyone else's response, this is such a fun thread. It took me awhile to think (through) everything, and I still feel like I may have missed something, but here goes:

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why? This is a toss-up between NATASHA DENONA I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette  # and Farmhouse Fresh Smurfberry Mask. So I guess a favorite for makeup, and a favorite for skincare

2) A purchase you regret- why? Diptyque 34 candle.The wick leaves residue on the mirror and inside the glass jar, in addition to emitting a surprising amount of smoke. It is fast-burning as well, for a single wick. The scent is rich, a deep herbal, but most definitely something I would not buy again due to the burn.

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? Probably the above, and no, I do not believe so. I just read this morning that the candles are now made from ‘high-quality’ paraffin wax, which, had I done my research prior to purchasing, would have likely passed. 

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it? Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench™ Deeply Moisturizing Body Butter for Dry Skin 8.1 oz / 240 mL # - despite my arachnophobia, and a wild wolf spider claim, I bought this. It is winter-worthy, and I don’t mind the subtle sugary scent. Was it worth it? I suppose, although it wouldn’t be a repurchase as I think there are other options that work just as well.

5) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? Depends on how you look at it. My husband and daughter are now getting into skincare, and I am the one helping them (and buying the products) work out routines. Personally, maybe the same, or a little less.

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries - MAC Brushstroke 24 Hour Liner in Black. @SportyGirly125  sent this my way and I’ve fallen in love because it checks a box my favorite Glossier Pro Tip Eyeliner doesn’t; longevity - not on me, but for how long it lasts in the pen before drying out. 

7) A product you missed out on, or haven't bought yet, but really want - Hmmmm. I am pretty content right now and cannot think of anything I feel like I missed out on. 

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way? I simplified a few things to streamline my morning routine. 

9) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year? Brows. Softer and more natural.

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance? Armani Privé Pivoine Shizou as a bouncing board mixed with Givenchy Irresistible Eau de Parfum   for a soft mood and layering KILIAN Paris Angels Share Eau de Parfum with Tonka Bean & Cinnamon  for a hint of smokiness.

Thank you again, @makeitup305! I love reflecting on the previous year's ups and downs.

[CorgiMommy]

@eshoe I love the spider comment.  

[eshoe]

It was an entertaining fiasco, @CorgiMommy - and also a good reminder to not believe everything you read online!

[makeitup305]

@eshoe that sounds so disappointing for such an expensive candle! I would have complained to Diptyque tbh. I've never picked up any of their candles but it's good to know just in case. I've been tempted by the Biscuit one before. The whole "spider" thing about SdJ I thought was so funny! it's crazy how a single review got so out of hand! I'm glad you like it, though. I've been waiting to get the body mist since I just bought the Costco dupes of the 68 and the 40 (it was a duo). I haven't tried them yet but have high hopes. 

[eshoe]

Ooooh I saw those on the Costco website (I believe), @makeitup305! Just realised from your note here that it includes 40 and 68, my favorites. I may have to try those as well. If you try them and love (or hate) them, I would love to hear 😉

[makeitup305]

@eshoe will do. I opened them up just to smell them and they do remind me of the SdJ but maybe a little lighter on the scent. I have a mini of the Bom Dia so I'll compare and report back.

[eshoe]

I decided to pick them up @makeitup305 and am using the Bom Dia dupe tonight, I could not wait, ha. I agree, a little subtler and *maybe* a wee bit thinner? I have both SDJ's and they are certainly both fantastic dupes! Also...vegan.

Spoiler

[makeitup305]

@eshoe I tried the dupe and liked it. I don't mind the lighter scent since I usually wear more body lotion to bed and this way it's not overwhelming. Not bad for $10 imo

[eshoe]

Definitely a good deal, @makeitup305 

[SportyGirly125]

@eshoe yay!

[eshoe]

I absolutely love that liner, @SportyGirly125 - thank you so much!

[SportyGirly125]

@eshoe Welcome 🤗

[Samtian]

Ooh it's too early to make my brain think.

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why?  Sephora Favorites Clean Me Up Beauty Set I would never have gotten the ROSE INC Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color Delphine  blush otherwise. And it's my favorite blush! So far. 

2) A purchase you regret- why? Financially all of them 😅

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork V: I Am Palette For Eyes And Face I hope so. Haven't tested it yet. 

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it? Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork V: I Am Palette For Eyes And Face Not sure yet.

5) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years?  Less baby! 

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries- I feel like there was a lipstick but I'll be darned if I can remember what one. 

7) A product you missed out on, or haven't bought yet, but really want- The PATRICK TA Dual Ended Blush Brush  

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way? I don't think I did as much as normal. But towards the end I started the powder/cream blush trend. 

9) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year? 🤔 no idea. 

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance? Chloé Chloé Naturelle Eau de Parfum  and   Jo Malone London Mallow on the Moor 1 oz / 30 mL cologne spray  

[eshoe]

Ha ha you biggest regret cracked me up, @Samtian. Good for you for spending less, though! 

[Samtian]

@eshoe Thank you! I was thinking really hard, it hurt, and I'm like I don't think I wasn't happy with anything I bought. And then I was like...I could have used that money for other things 😑 seeing as I just hoard stuff haha. 

[makeitup305]

@Samtian I'm a diehard fan of the Rose Inc blushes. I have almost all of them in case you need swatches 😉 The DM is a lot of fun, I hope you love it!

[Samtian]

@makeitup305 Oh you know I want to see those swatches!! Please lol. 

[JoSometimes]

@Samtian No. 2 is so true… 💸 but good on you for No. 5!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on No. 3/4 once you try it out. I want it because of the hype but I know I don’t really need it…

[Samtian]

@JoSometimes I will definitely post in the 100 Shades of Eyeshadow Challenge when the random generator chooses it lol. I'm really bummed about IV so I let fomo get me this time. 

[itsfi]

Oh, I really enjoy reading through everyone's thoughts on their best, most and worst of the year. Thank you for bringing this back @makeitup305 and for tagging me. 😀

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why?

How about purchases?

Diptyque Seoul candle - this made my room smell incredible and the jar was so beautifully designed.

Clarins Cryo-Flash Instant Lift Effect & Glow Boosting Face Mask 2.5 oz / 75 g  - it really does what it claims and I love the cooling effect.

Gucci Brume de Beauté Beauty Mist 2.7 oz / 80 mL - love how this preps skin for makeup, sets my makeup beautifully with a dewy glow, and acts a gorgeous refresher throughout the day. There's also sentimental value attached to this beauty - I picked it up at Sephora 34th Street, the largest Sephora store in the U.S., while in NYC for Sephoria this year

EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C 1 oz/ 30 mL  - it works wonder at reducing my sun spots and discoloration.

Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover 1.9 oz / 54 g - such an elegant formulation; kicks off my evening skincare routine with a luxe touch

Skinfix Barrier+ Foaming Oil Hydrating Cleanser 6 oz/ 177 mL  - this was recommended to me during a perk facial (summer 2023) and it's been so good for my mildly rosacea prone skin

Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil Romance  - nourishing on lips and the shade is magnificent

2) A purchase you regret- why?

No, not really. Not everything I purchased this year was a product I loved or even a product I liked, but that's to be expected. I'm fortunate that there were just a few products that didn't end up working for me (mainly one or two scents in a fragrance discovery set), for whatever reason. Again, I think that's to be expected and having just a few for all that I hauled isn't bad at all. So, all in all, a few items I won't be repurchasing but nothing I regret. 

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

I'm going with purchases again. These are my most expensive purchases; they're all roughly around the $80 mark. All absolutely worth the money (and any gift cards that might have been applied towards their purchase) 

Diptyque Seoul

Clarins Cryo

Gucci rose mist

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

I'm trying to think what was the most hyped product I purchased this year. Maybe the Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover 1.9 oz / 54 g? It was is worth it. I love that there are so many wonderful cleansing balms on the market now but it makes having only 1 or 2 open at a time hard. lol

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

Overall, as far as beauty expenses are concerned, I spent less; in large part because I put myself on a no buy or low(er) buy for a few months during the year, and I had allocated most of my spending money for 2023 to other things. I don't know if the info on our spend at Sephora has come out yet but if it has (or when it does), I don't think I'll look at it. I'm fairly certain I spent less at Sephora than other years, but I'm still not going to look. 😆

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries

Not in the makeup space, but in the body care or bath and body field, the underrated / underhyped discovery is the 54 Thrones Moisturizing Butter Cream Body Wash - Non-Stripping with Shea Butter, Ceramides and Niacinamide 8.4 oz / 250 ml . The packaging has its hiccups, but the product itself is wonderful. It's creamy but still pretty easy to work with and it leaves my skin moisturized.

7) A product you missed out on, or haven't bought yet, but really want

At some point, I'll probably pick up a full size of Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Over Red with Cherry & Coffee  and TOM FORD Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum Fragrance  - I wouldn't mind seeing a travel spray version of that latter one come out.

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way?

I started wearing deeper lip shades more regularly. Not everyday by any means, I still love my-lips-but-better (MLBB) shades, but I wear deeper shades more regularly than before. 

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

More focus on skin/skincare. Fresh faced, natural, healthy, lit from within glow. Pared down makeup. Dewy skin, skincare infused makeup. 

Glossy lips - tinted lip balms with shine, lip oils, and/or high shine lip glosses.

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance?

Body oils, for both adding moisture back into skin but also for the wellness / self care component when paired with a gua sha or body massage tool. 

Fragrance - I did have a lot of fragrance purchases, in candle and perfume form, that I enjoyed last year, but too many to choose from and too hard to choose just one or a few. The Diptyque city candle - Seoul would definitely be among the top.