Jan Beauty Roundup

In preparation for doing my own makeup for our wedding (It’s abroad in Italy in case ya missed it) I am trying out a TON of beauty products each month. Basically, I’m going in and trying a few different products and that way before I get married hopefully I’ll have a better idea of what works best and will help be achieve the look I’m going for. To save you as much trial and error as I’ll be doing, I’m sharing my favorite products and what I think works each month. Today, I’m sharing my January Beauty Roundup featuring the products above that I’ve been using over the past month. There have been some I’ve tried and wasn’t a huge fan of, so for now, I’m keeping these roundups for the ones I’ve loved.

I’ll admit it, I got in a beauty rut. I have not owned true foundation in probably a decade. I don’t know the last time I bought concealer. Recently, I’ve been interested in trying more and more new products whether it be face wash or masks, serums, or makeup. It’s definitely fun to switch it up! Especially when you find something that really works. I have that “oh my gosh where have you been?” moment when I find something that just makes me look better day to day.

I’ll break down these products for you one at a time. Let’s start with the one I’ve been using for awhile now.

Benefit Watt’s Up! Highlighter: I discovered this gem a few years ago when I first got in to highlighting and contouring. I got it right before a friend’s wedding and once I put it on that day, all my friends were asking me to put it on them because ‘I was glowing.’ I’ve played around with a few other highlighters, but keep coming back to this one. I’m open to others to try in combination with this, but for now, this one is my go-to.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Inner Rim Liner: This stuff is basically a few extra hours of sleep for your eyes. It instantly makes you look more awake, makes your eyes look brighter, and even makes them look bigger. This nude color is perfect for the water line, because it’s subtle. If an inner rim liner is too white, I think it can look too stage like or unnatural.

Laura Mercier Candleglow Foundation: Being such a newbie to foundation I think I’ll have to try several to find just the perfect one (especially for my wedding day), but I must say I love this one for everyday. It’s super light, but gives a nice coverage. It’s easy to layer depending on how much coverage you’re needing that day. Props to the sweet woman who pointed me in the direction of this foundation after I told her I hadn’t worn it in so long. She kinda nailed it.

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner & Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush:  My eyeliner obsessed bestie has worn this for years and her eyeliner is always #goals, so I’m not sure what took me so long to try it. I was having major fail moments with my eyeliners in the past. I used a liquid one for awhile that looked f-awesome when I put it on but then an hour or two later it’s like it melted off my face. This one stays all day, even through sweating. I’ll touch up the very inner corner or the slight wing I do on the outside after work before going out, but otherwise it all stays in place.

NARS lipstick in Docle Vita: This is the perfect natural pink shade. It looks good no matter what color you’re wearing or what you’re doing. The lipstick itself is moisturizing and stays on fairly well.

NARS lipgloss in Chihuahua: If you’re looking for a glossy look then this is perfect to put on over the lipstick above.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray: This stuff is the bomb. You lightly spray it over your makeup when you’re finished putting it all on, and as the name says, it helps it stay on all night. I notice the biggest difference with my face makeup– foundation, bronzer, highlighter, and blush. I honestly still might need to touch it up at night if I put makeup on at 6AM for work, but it helps it last throughout the day. It’s also super refreshing to put on and just makes me feel ready.

Andd there you have it for January. If you try any of these out or have been using them already, I’d love to know what you think! If you have any other recommendations of any favorite products that you love, then please share. I’m open to trying any and all things to get this beauty routine down before the big day (and just for being fabulous in life in general). Also, if you have any favorite beauty vloggers or videos online that have been helpful, send those my way, too.

Hope you all have a beautiful weekend! XO