I’ve always loved the hunt for best products from a mascara that doubles the thickness of my lashes to a high rise jean that hugs my butt just so. However, while I’ve been easily enticed by advertising promises and fancy aisle displays in the past, something happened once I turned 40–product monogamy. I admit, I’ve had commitment issues to products in the past, playing the field of mascara and skin creams because–sure, the one I’m currently using is nice, but what if there’s a better one out there? Shouldn’t I be dating all the mascaras? I mean, the Benefit cosmetics display is so fancy. And Tarte has cute product names. There’s so much to choose from, and I want to have fun.
Of course, I’ll dip my toes in product samples to come, buy the jeans everyone’s raving about, jump on some plumping cream band wagon. But 2019 was a year of settling down and sticking with products that work for me. I’ve basically “put a ring on it” in several categories, sealing the ultimate product monogamy deal–reordering the exact same thing–with several different products this year. Before I get weird with this analogy and a product gets pregnant, I’ll stop and tell you what I loved.
Without further ado, the 2019 products all expecting my babies (Oh God, why can’t I just stop?). I’ve reordered these multiple times and they’re all going in my Product Hall of Fame forever.
*Note: Most of these were found either randomly after testing something in store, through friends I trust online, or through my own circle of friends and family ( We have a family text thread of sister/niece/cousin thoughts that fires all day, every day, and we are constantly raving about things we love and use).
**Another note: There’s a good mix of upscale and drug store brands here. I’ll splurge on certain products that are incomparable, but I’m all for affordable beauty routines and wardrobe sources. I’ll never go Goop on you, and I don’t have time for a beauty routine that involves 500 products. Speaking of Goop, what the actual hell is this?
Okay, okay, I’ll shut up.
BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Retin A (0.05 Tretinoin Cream) – I’ve raved about this multiple times on Instagram, but this has been the biggest game changer for my skin prone to frequent breakouts. I get panicky when my refill runs out and can’t get to a doctor fast enough to get a new one. Plus, there’s all sorts of anti-aging properties, so double win. It does make your skin photosensitive though, so sunscreen is a must…which brings me to…
Supergoop Sunscreen (not to be confused with the other Goop)- This mineral sunscreen is the bomb.com. It goes on super soft and isn’t sticky under makeup. I love their Sunscreen SPF 50 Setting Mist for reapplication over makeup, especially in the summer if we’re outside a lot. Also, look at me adulting and wearing sunscreen every day! Wish I would have started in my 20s.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray – I wish this didn’t work so good because it’s not cheap. But a bottle does last a long time, and I only use a few little sprays at the root of my hair. It gives it that perfect slight tousle look (and smells so good!).
Colourpop – I started using Colourpop’s eye shadow this year, enticed by their shadow palettes that aren’t $500. I’m now I’m hooked. So many fun colors, so many palettes, so many singles when you just want that one colour. And who doesn’t love a “u” in “color”?
Dose Matte Liquid Lipstick in Campfire. I wore this lip color more than any other color this year. Matte lipsticks can be pretty stay put matte, or they can be sandpaper dry-out-your-lips matte, and this one is the former. And this color is perfection–not a stark red but still bolder than a nude or pink.
Revlon Kiss Lip Tint – I have several of these hidden in purse pockets and car consoles. A great price point, lots of pretty colors to choose from, and color that doesn’t rub off 30 minutes later.
Lollia At Last Hand Cream – I don’t know what it is about this hand cream–the intoxicating unique scent of the rice flowers or the ultra luxurious texture, but I’m obsessed. I keep a little tube tucked behind a house plant by my kitchen sink and use it when I need a little self care indulgence. Lainey knew I loved it and bought it for me for my birthday.
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyebrow Gel – I’ve tried so many eyebrow powders, gels, liners, etc. at all different price points, and this one’s my favorite. It applies with a mascara brush, and it does not rub off. I use it every day, and once when I realized I left it at home on a trip last year, I went out of my way to hit a drug store after the airport to get it because my funky fading brows can’t live without it.
W3ll People Nudist Multi Use Stick – I rub a blush brush over this chunky little stick and apply it on my cheeks–just the right amount of tint, and a nice texture.
Thrive Mascara – When a mascara player like me settles down with a brand, take notice. This sounds like a really influencer-y thing to say, but I’ve had so many people ask me what mascara I’m wearing once I started wearing Thrive. It totally extends your lashes and makes them look thick and beautiful. The only thing is, when you take it off at night, be prepared that it comes off in rubbery clumps. Totally harmless, just kind of weird.
Wander Under Eye Concealer – I think I found this when it came up in an Instagram ad, but it had all these great reviews, and I saw Oprah’s name, so I figured it had to be good. It is! Not cakey, perfect wake-up brightening. I love the dual ends too–one’s more of a highlighter.
Tarte Bronzer/Highlighter Palette – The thing I don’t love about palettes is that there are usually 8 shades when all you want is two. This is perfect–only three colors, and I use all of them. One bronze, two equally pretty highlighters for a sweet little shimmer above your cheekbones.
CLOTHING
As for wardrobe, I fell in love with a few things this year that are worth sharing.
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings – I had heard so many friends rave about them and got tired of FOMO, so I caved. And then I put them on and was like, “Oh, I get it!” They look good on everyone. Everyone. And because they’re magic Spanx, they don’t fold up in wrong places, if you know what I mean.
Girlfriend Collective – My absolute favorite workout sets. The colors are delicious, the fit is perfection, and a little bonus…they’re made from recycled water bottles. You can mix and match color sets too. I love the flattering cut of the Topanga bra and the 7/8 compressive high rise leggings. If you remember the yellow leggings dance that raised $15,000 for Ruby’s Rainbow, those were Girlfriend leggings. My cousin Tessa pays herself $5 every time she works out and saves it until she can buy another Girlfriend Collective workout set, and I’m totally following suit this year (I’ve got my eye on the Daybreak color).
Athleta Attitude Pants – I did a sponsor challenge and had to choose one item of clothing to wear 30 times this summer. I chose these pants, and never got tired of them. You can mix them with so many different things to create so many different styles, and they’re comfortable AF. The little ruching detail on the side makes them super flattering.
Nuuly – This is the one I love the most, and I’m so glad I tried it because I’m in love. It’s a clothing subscription box, but you get to choose all your items (you get 6 a month or can add additional garments for $18/each). The styles and brands are so good, and I’m so much less inclined to buy new things because I know I have new things to wear every month. It’s great for special events (I have a wedding next month and already chose a dress on Nuuly) and trips (all my cold weather items on our Chicago trip last month were in my Nuuly box, including my coat!). A lot of the things offered are things I love but wouldn’t normally splurge on (like this $375 Citizens of Humanity jumpsuit I had eyed so many times)–so much fun to “borrow” them! And if you really love something, you can buy it for a discounted retail price. Best part: You don’t have to wash anything–you just throw it back in the box and send it, prepaid shipping.
Any products you feel head-over-heels in love with in 2019? Do tell!
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