Beauty and books are the two things I religiously review here so it was easy to put them in their own category for 'best of 2017'.

This post is all about my ultimate favorites of the year... the items I couldn't live without and just loved to the moon and back.



These are the items that made 2017 a standout year, the items that I used the most, the items I talked about the most and the ones I just couldn't get enough of!



1. Kate Spade Olive Drive Bridgette: When I saw this item in late summer, I knew it was a bag that had to be mine. I can say that this was my favorite purchase of the year, my favorite handbag of the year for sure. I bought it off Ebay because $400 was just a little too much for me and the leather on the 'older' version is pebbled but I love it all the same. It's a bag that can be an everyday bag or a work bag; it's chic, roomy, and very comfortable. It's the ultimate bag for any gal!



2. Evil Queen Candles: These candles (and essential oils) took over my life in 2017. I loved them at the end of 2016 but this was the year I had them for every season. These are the candles that I burned in the Spring & Summer and really made me a 'candle' person all year round. I love that they're a small company, that they're handmade candles, and how sassy the brand is. Also, Ida Sofia (the owner) is the sweetest person ever. She really cares about her customers and even sent me my favorite essential oil (free of charge) after my bag got stolen.



3. Louis Vuitton Cosmetics Pouch: This was the year of the pre-loved items and my favorite was by far my Louis Vuitton Cosmetics Pouch in the multi-color noir. The exact color is no longer available from LV but you can find it on the pre-loved market. However, I really loved this pouch. It's high quality (obvi) and held everything I could ever need. It made me so happy to use it and have it displayed in my room, it was just such a good purchase!

4. Weight Watchers: This isn't a tangible object but this was the highlight of the 2nd half of the year for me. I've lost 23 pounds (the holidays are kicking my butt) on Weight Watchers and I truly never thought that was possible. It has changed my life and really made me happier than I ever have been. I am so proud of myself that 2017 was the year I finally decided to take control of my body and Weight Watchers helped me do that.

What were your favorite products of 2017?
xoxo
B

When thinking about what categories I wanted to include for Best of 2017, beauty was a no-brainer... I mean, I do classify myself as a beauty blogger most of the time.

This was the year that I back peddled on a lot of beauty purchases and really didn't spend as much as I usually do. I was grateful for that because I was spending way too much on makeup... when I work for a makeup company.

My collection is starting to overwhelm me and I need to declutter some of my items but that I'll save for 2018. For now, I'm ready to talk about my favorite beauty items of 2017. I say beauty and not makeup because some of them are skincare and tools.

Some of these items I've mentioned this year and some I have not so let's get into it.



1. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: I think this was my favorite item of the year... I think it was everyone's favorite item of the year. It's such a creamy, full coverage concealer that just looks so good. I've gone through three tubes of this concealer and it is truly a miracle worker. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it.

2. Kylie Cosmetics Twenty Lip Kit: I don't know if I've ever loved a lipstick more than I love the Kylie Twenty Lip Kit (I know it's sold out but it's still my favorite and who knows if she'll restock!) . I already loved Kylie lipsticks and my love took a backseat this year but this lipstick saved the day. I have barely worn another liquid lipstick for months. It's the perfect mauve/plum shade without being overpowering. The formula is the same as other Kylie's but it's the color that really is queen.

3. Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette: When I saw this palette on Instagram, I knew that it was going to be a major hit. I knew I needed it and I immediately bought it the moment it was available. I've only ever had the Naked3 palette and I loved it to death so I knew I'd love this one too. It was probably my favorite palette of the year with all the warm and toasty colors. It is stunning and the formula is bomb dot com!

4. Laura Geller Quench-n-Tint: This was released in April of this year and it kind of took Laura Geller by storm. I mean, I know a lot of our customers like it because I run the social accounts and hear it constantly. It is such an amazing hydrating, tinted moisturizer that has the highest concentration of water of any foundation on the market. It blends out beautifully and is perfect for no makeup days. I wore this a lot over the summer and it layers with other foundations perfectly, if you want to use it as a primer or layer a powder foundation on top. Please try it, you won't regret it!

5. Laura Geller LashBOSS Mascara: Another Laura Geller product that was a favorite and one that I've gone through many tubes of (probably 4-5 to be exact). LashBOSS mascara is a triple benefit mascara that has a dual-sided wand and really makes your lashes pop. I don't think I'll ever buy or use another mascara-- I've tried to go back to other favorites or even try new ones and nothing compares.

6. Emjoi Pedi: I didn't know how much I needed this product until it arrived on my doorstep. It's a little gross but it has changed my feet and has really made all the difference. I used it a lot in the summer and need to get back on it to get rid of the dead, dry skin in the wintertime. If you're in the market for a callus/dry skin remover for feet, buy this one.

7. Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk: I just finished this after having it for months on end and I miss it dearly. It's already in my Sephora cart and I'm ready to order another. It's the perfect everyday cleanser while also acts as a great makeup remover. It's gentle enough to use on sensitive skin but also works really well at cleaning and removing everything on your face. It's not as pricey as you'd think, just under $30 and it lasts for a while. I haven't loved a face wash like this in a very long time.

8. PUR Skin Perfecting Foundation Brush: I don't apply my foundation with a brush but when/if I do, it's this brush. It's similar to the Artis brushes without that ridiculous price tag and works just as beautifully. I use this mostly with stick foundations and I've never loved a brush the way I love this one. Try it, you won't regret it.


What did you love this year? Give me suggestions in the comments for some new favorites in 2018!
xoxo
B