2016 Favorites | Top Makeup and Beauty Products I tried in 2016
Happy New Year everyone! May 2017 bring you lots of health, happiness and prosperity. I have been quite regular with my blog in 2016 despite joining a full-time job. However, my YouTube channel lied dormant for many months since I filmed a few videos but really got to edit them. One of my goals in 2017 was to make more videos so I started making vlog-style videos in the car while I am on my way to the office. (Do not worry, I make videos on the days my husband is driving). I made the first video in this way (and published it) for FabBag January 2017.
Here is my 2016 Favorites video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ5xpSjFG94
Subscribe to my YT channel: http://goo.gl/wYA3v8
Let’s get started with the list!
1. Forest Essentials Bath and Shower Oil
Forest Essentials Bath and Shower Oil: If you are looking for moisturizing body oils, this is the one for you. I tried three different ones in travel sizes namely Mashobra Honey & Vanilla, Madurai Jasmine & Mogra and Indian Rose Absolute. I ended up loving the Indian Rose Absolute a lot in terms of the scent since all of them worked well to moisturize my body.
2. SUGAR Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick
SUGAR Cosmetics Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick: This was one of the first SUGAR cosmetics product I ever tried. I received it in my December 2015 or January 2016 FabBag. The color was super winter-appropriate and suited me. It was not completely matte, more like satin-finish but still I looked great. It had a good lasting power too.
3. Votre Face Serum
Votre Face Serum: Even though I had my qualms about trying this out, the Votre Face serum turned out to be a good water-based face serum. It is quite light-weight and water-y and people with oily skin can use it. It adds a bit of moisture to the skin. It worked well for me in summer, it was too mild for winters since my dry skin needs facial oils.
4. Maybelline Colossal Kajal Super Black
Maybelline Colossal Kajal Super Black: I love kajals like any other Indian girl. And since drugstore kajals work well for me as much as, if not better than, high-end kajals, I end up trying all sorts of kajals. Maybelline Colossal kajal was quite an average kajal, but I ended up liking the super black slightly more. I feel like the deeper intensity looked really good. It would work well for all skintones especially medium and deep skintones. It has a good lasting power as well
5. SKII Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
SKII Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil: One of the super premium products, SK II facial treatment cleansing oil is great to clean the skin ad remove makeup. It did not strip off the moisture from the skin even though it thoroughly cleaned it. The price could be an issue for some people (including me) but it is totally worth it.
6. SK-II Stempower Rich Cream
SK-II Stempower Rich Cream: I am not sure if this Stempower original (SK II Stempower Rich cream) is available anymore since SK II have a variation of it listed online right now. But this face cream worked well for me in winter. I almost believe that this thing can actually bring some anti-ageing benefits.
7. Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Benefit Hoola Bronzer: One of my favorite contouring products, Benefit Hoola Bronzer works great for me. I have had it for over a year and compared with other products but it remains my favorite. It is available at Sephora in India and also online. I highly recommend it.
8. Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid
Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid: Another premium product on this list, I loved the Dr Jart+ Ceramidin liquid. It is like a serum that is meant to provide anti-ageing benefits. I tried it over the course of a few weeks and totally felt like it made my skin feel smooth and supple. Price can be an issue but this is also something that people in their mid-20’s onwards can indulge in.
9. Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Cream: I got the Dr Jart + Ceramidin Cream as a set with the liquid. Both of them worked well but I felt like the Liquid was a bit more multi-purpose since it could be used under any cream to add moisture to the skin. The skin was also good and definitely God-sent for dry skin. I loved using it. People with dry skin can use this since it might be a bit heavy for others.
10. Versace Bright Crystal
Versace Bright Crystal EdP: Finally a perfume on this list. I loved Versace Bright Crystal a lot. It is the perfect scent for daytime. I used it only for special occasions and that is why it lasted me for over a year otherwise I had a 30 ml bottle only. You must check it out.
11. The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Facial Wash
The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Facial Wash: This is my HG face wash even though I am trying out other products as well. It comes in a nice packaging (that evem Himalaya Neem Foaming Face Wash comes in now). It cleans the skin while being gentle to it. I loved using it in 2016.
12. Innisfree Berry Hydro Gel Mask
Innisfree Berry Hydro Gel Mask: I tried fewer face masksheets in 2016 than I did in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The one that stood out was the Innisfree Berry Hydro gel masksheet. It moisurizes the skin, soothes it and removes dryness. The best part is that the effect lasts for 2-3 days. It is not very expensive either and you an totally add it to your skincare routine without issues.
13. Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor: One of the best liquid lipsticks I tried in 2016, the Revlon Ultra HD Matte lipcolor was so good that I finished using it. That never happens! It is super creamy, not creamy at all, but I do not mind it. the sweet scent may be an issue for some but I loved it. it did have a good lasting power even though you do need to reapply it through the day especially after heavy meals. It is a bit pricey for a drugstore lisptick but totally worth buying.
14. L’Oreal Kajal Magique Bold
L’Oreal Paris Kajal Magique Bold: I think I had fewer expectations from this kajal since I did not like the Kajal Magique as much. However, the L’Oreal Kajal Magique Bold is a fabulous product. It is creamy, easy to apply, jet black and stays all day. It is not pricey as well. I use it on a regular basis and am about to finish my second one.
15. L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil: Luxury bath products are my favorite and I got L’Occitane Almond Shower Gel as a gift for myself last winter. It is an oil that emulsifies and lathers into a luqurious foam to bathe with. I used it in the shower and finished it over the course of a few months, using it for special occassions and weekends 😉 It is great for summer since you may not even have to apply a body moisturizer and it does not dry out your skin in winter. This is one of the bestsellers from the brand and rightly so.
16. Shiseido Spotscover Foundation
Shiseido Spotscover Foundation: Shiseido Spotscover foundation is a cream foundation that comes in a tub. Keeping the hygiene issues aside, this is a spectacular product. I do not know about other people but I use it as my concealer (under eye area specifically). The shade S101 is a perfect match for me. I get many compliments on my makeup when I use this one. If you have dark under eye circles, you must try out this product!
17. CAL Los Angeles Intense Matte Lipstick
C.A.L Los Angeles Intense Matte Lipstick: I received the CAL Los Angeles Intense Matte lipstick in my FabBag a couple of months ago I think. I love the shade and I love how it looks on me. I have the shade – Mulberry – that is unique and looks good on me. It is not as creamy to apply when you swipe it on your lips but it still goes well and settles to a semi-matte finish. It is a great drugstore find. I use it frequently and am about to finish it.
There are plenty of products that I tried and loved in 2016, and the list given comprises of the products I absolutely loved. Hope you found it helpful. Do let me know what you think of the vlog-style video since that is all I can make right now (I am loving it).
Have you tried these makeup and beauty products? What are your 2016 favorites? Share in the comments below!