Best of Beauty 2016

I considered breaking this down into each individual category (much like the Ride or Die tag does) but decided at the last minute to just list my favourite products from this past year. 2016 was the year that I really delved into the world of makeup and beauty products. Sure, I dabbled in the past, but this is the first year that I've developed a full-fledged obsession with it. While I plan to cut back on my beauty spending in 2017, I hope to actually do more beauty-related posts here on the blog. Becoming a member of the Canadian Beauty Bloggers group has been one of my favourite experiences this year and I've met some incredible people through the group so I want to continue building those relationships in 2017. Anyway, here are my favourite beauty products of the past year.

Anastasia Beverly Hill Modern Renaissance Palette | After missing out on the palette during the summer, I refused to let it slip through my hands again (thankfully it's now a permanent item). Jordan picked this up for me during the VIB Sale but I didn't get my hands on it until Christmas and yes, it still made the list because it's just that good! The formula is incredibly soft, buttery and pigmented and blends with little to no effort. Just trust me on this one - it's amazing.

Lorac Mega Pro 2 Palette | Before the Modern Renaissance palette came into my life, this was my go-to. I won this in a blog giveaway early this year and I've been using it frequently since then. Again, the shadows and super soft and pigmented, plus there's a great variety of colors and finishes. Lorac is really difficult to obtain in Canada or else I would have definitely picked up the newer Mega Pro 3 palette as well. My review of the palette is here.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil in "S50" | All of the eyeliners in this collection are amazing (you can read my review here) but my favourite everyday eye pencil is "S50", which is described as a "satiny taupe".

Essence Forbidden Volume Mascara | I picked this up at the drugstore for $4.99 after a recommendation from Samantha and it actually turned into my favourite mascara this year. Not only is it affordable, but it lengthens and volumizes my lashes with no irritation, flaking or smudging.

L'Oreal Brow Stylist Definer in "Blonde" | 2016 was definitely the year for brows and this ended up being a product that I repurchased as I enjoyed it that much. Affordable, accessible, easy to use, and a great color match for my brows.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick | I don't even have a favourite color in this liquid lipstick - it just happens to be my favourite formula of matte liquid lipstick that I've tried. I have 7-8 colors in my collection and I keep buying more because I love the comfortable, non-drying formula.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in "Lovecraft" | This was my go-to matte lipstick in a tube. The color is a universally flattering mauve-y pink shade and is cult favourite for a reason.

Marc Jacobs Le Creme Lipstick in "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" | I received a mini version of this in my birthday gift from Sephora but it is definitely going to be a repurchase for me. The color is a gorgeous medium pink but the wear time and comfort of this lipstick is my favourite. It seems to stain the lips so the color lasts forever and is one of my favourites to wear at work.

ColourPop Lippie Stix in "Lumiere" | I love the ColourPop Lippie Stix in general but this is the perfect every day color that I found myself reaching for over and over again this year. If you haven't figured it out already, neutral mauvey pinks are my go-to in lip colors!

ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip | While I can't say I reached for one particular color of this product, I do love the formula so I felt that I had to include it on the list. It's pigmented, comfortable and long lasting, plus insanely affordable!

YSL Volupté Shine Oil-In-Stick Lipstick in 49 | This is another product that I only received at Christmas but it made the list regardless. Naturally, anything YSL is going to be super luxurious and this is no exception. I love the splash of color it provides and while the moisturizing effect doesn't last, the stain of color does. These are quite expensive but I would love to add a couple more colors to my collection!

Maison Jacynthe Blush in "Juliette" | I raved about this blush here and it remains my favourite blush this year. It's a gorgeous light peachy pink shade that blended beautifully and lasts all day.

Wet Brush | After years of my hair stylist suggesting I try a wet brush, I finally tried one this year and it has changed my life, honestly. I've since recommended this to everyone I know who has tangly, difficult hair. Now I can easily brush through my wet hair with minimal knots or pain. I have a travel size version and two full-size versions so that I am never without one!

Milkshake Silver Shine Shampoo | Another recommendation by my amazing hair stylist! After dying my hair a silvery-grey color, he gave me a bottle of this to try and I will never go back to any other purple shampoo. This smells amazing, lathers well, and is the most pigmented of any purple shampoo I've tried. If I leave it on for 4-5 minutes, it actually turns my hair a light purple shade.

MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser | This is another product that I reviewed on the blog (see this post) and fell in love with. It's a gentle exfoliating sugar and cream cleanser and I am sad that my tube is nearly empty! I will have to repurchase this in the new year for sure.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water & Makeup Remover | I use this in the waterproof version and I've already repurchased it twice. This does an excellent job at removing my makeup without irritating my skin. It is so gentle, even around my eyes. Not only that but it's affordable as well, which is always a bonus in my opinion!

YSL Black Opium | I discovered my new signature scent this year, in the form of this perfume. It's sweet, spicy and sultry all at once, and the one scent that I've been wearing consistently this year.

Beauty Blender | For years I swore by the Real Techniques version of the Beauty Blender because I refused to pay $30 for the original, however, after Jordan gifted me one this year, I've been converted. I use this every single day to blend out my foundation and concealer, therefore it would be wrong not to include it in this list!

What are your favourite beauty products of 2016? I'd love to hear from you!