January Beauty Favorites

I can’t believe we're already three quarters of the way into February. January flew by and to start the year off right in terms of beauty, I got a fresh haircut, drank lots of water and ginger tea, and started wearing sunscreen religiously. All things from which I already feel the benefits. And in all of this, I also found myself really loving the following items:

1. Real Techniques Blush Brush I picked this one up in December and find myself using this more often than my more expensive Sephora stipple brush. I also love the Real Techniques story - two sisters (the self-proclaimed grandmothers of YouTube beauty vlogging) started the company which makes high-quality tools at really accessible prices. The brushes are cruelty-free, made with synthetic Taklon bristles. Taklon is smoother than other synthetics and natural bristles, so this helps with bacteria production on tools. And because it's so smooth, application is wonderfully soft. The tapered end of the brush is perfect for applying blush at the highest point of my cheek - I wish I could call it a cheek bone - and distributes the perfect amount for a soft-focus finish. And it's only $9!
2. CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen I bought this a couple days into the new year and continue to swear by everything CeraVe. I chose this one for its oil-free formula because SPFs tend to make me break out. I put all my faith in this one because it's CeraVe and it definitely held up - no breakouts thus far. I apply daily after serum and moisturizer and before my CC cream. I realized when putting some of this on my husband that the only negative is that when applying to bare skin without any moisturizer, you'll get a sheer white film like most sunscreens tend to leave. But with a good moisturizer and generous blending, you should be fine.
3. The Balm Cosmetics Cindy LouManizer Everyone sings praises of the must-have Mary LouManizer highlighter from The Balm, but I opted for the Cindy. I loved the rosy tint and that it's a triple-duty product. I can wear this as blush, highlight and often (when I'm in a hurry) as eyeshadow. This doesn't flake when picking some up with a brush (the Real Techniques Blush Brush, of course), it applies with the right amount of pigmentation and isn't so shimmery that it's off-putting during the day. I have a thousand and one blushes but keep coming back to this one.
4. Revlon Matte Balm in Shameless I love Revlon's Matte Balms and Stains. I have several of these and come back to them from time to time. In January, I found myself using the Matte Balm in Shamless with a plum eyeliner I picked up at CVS often. The result of the two was the most intense deep purple perfect for the colder days of the month. On its own, this shade is much more vibrant, and still rich and beautiful.
   
5. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish This is one of the more exciting samples I've received in a Birchbox. It was so beautifully packaged that I couldn't even bring myself to open and test it until months after I received it. This is a two-step cleansing system - a gel-like cleanser and a muslin cloth. While massaging the cleanser on my skin, I was surprised there were no suds. It has eucalyptus and rosemary and the scent is unbelievably soothing. The muslin cloth is dampened with warm water and wiped across the face to clean off the cleanser and what happens during this process is magical. My skin is incredibly soft and supple after using this and feels great through the following day. I'm definitely picking this up in its full size.