To end 2020 on a positive note, I wanted to take the time to share my top ten most used and loved beauty products of the past year. These are the best of the best and the products I can without a doubt recommend to you. If you are also interested in my skincare favorites, click here.
L’Oréal True Match Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer in ‘Light’ and ‘Medium’: I have mentioned this on my blog many times before, including in my 2019 favorites, and I am still obsessed with it because it is so versatile and makes such a big difference. You can wear this underneath or mixed in with foundation, on top of foundation as a liquid highlighter, or on bare skin for added glow. On me, the ‘Light’ shade is much more of a rosy highlighter, while the ‘Medium’ shade more closely matches my skin tone for a lit-from-within glow. I want to try the ‘Deep’ shade next to enhance my tan.
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation in ‘Vanuata’: Also featured in my 2018 favorites, this foundation is my number one recommendation for a highend, full coverage option. It makes all my redness, dark spots, and blemishes disappear, but it does not look or feel cakey. Even though it is not matte, it is not as dewy as some of my other foundations, but because of that it looks flawless until I am ready to take it off. This also has a great shade range.
Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder in ‘Translucent Extra Coverage’: This is the first loose powder I have ever used, so although I have nothing to compare it to, I have enjoyed using this, which is saying a lot consider I typically despite setting powders. This keeps my makeup in place all day and night. It is dry skin friendly, but it also prevents my t-zone from becoming oily. My favorite way to use this is to ‘reverse contour,’ so I apply a thin layer under my cheekbones — you can also apply this along the edge of your eyeliner or eyeshadow — to make my contour look cleaner and sharper.
Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer in ’25I Soft Iridescent Cinnamon’: This unique gel-powder formula provides sheer but very buildable color and glow, and I love how it wears with minimal makeup looks. The best part about this bronzer is that it is impossible to mess up: unlike other formulas, it never looks muddy or overdone, and it blends effortlessly. This product is so underrated.
Milani Baked Blush in ‘Petal Primavera’: This blush is a cult favorite, which explains why it was in my 2014 favorites. With a buttery smooth formula, this feels like a luxury product but has a drugstore price tag. I love to look glowy, but I do not visible chunks of shimmer in my blush, so this finish — along with the warm, wearable pink shade — is perfect for everyday looks. Even if you do not like blush, I promise you will like this one!
Natasha Denona Mini Retro Palette: I did not play with eyeshadow very much this past year, and this was one of the few eyeshadow products I purchased, but it brings me so much joy! Although it features my favorite rosy neutrals, it also has two olive green shades that make my hazel eyes pop. The quality of these shadows is just as amazing as everyone says, and for me, this little palette has been so worth the price!
MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil in ‘Whirl’: I used to think lip liner was completely unnecessary, but it honestly makes such a big difference — especially if you wear nudes /all the time like I do; it makes my lips look bigger, fuller, and more defined. I love this formula because it is insanely long lasting but not drying. Because it is slightly less creamy, I don’t need to sharpen it as frequently, so one liner lasts me forever. ‘Whirl’ is a beautiful neutral mauve color, and I definitely want to invest in more shades in 2021.
MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in ‘Honeylove’: This has been my most worn and loved lipstick of 2020 — even when I was wearing it under my mask. When it comes to lips, MAC really can’t go wrong; it has somehow found a way to make matte feel creamy, and what more could a girl ask for? This is the perfect warm nude for fair to tan skin tones, and it complements virtually any makeup look.
Milani Color Statement Lip Liner in ‘Spice’: If you’re looking for an affordable lip liner that is just as high quality, this one is amazing. It is more creamy than the MAC one, so although it is more moisturizing, it is slightly less long lasting and I need to sharpen this more often. ‘Spice’ is a lovely warm rosy shade, ideal for everyday wear.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss in ‘Amber’ and ‘Ice’: As you can tell, I became extra obsessed with lip products this past year, and even though every shade in my collection may look the same, I have no regrets. This is such a great alternative to the amazing Fenti Beauty Gloss Bombs. They are moisturizing, plumping, and opaque, adding the perfect amount of shine to complete any look. ‘Amber’ is a medium, warm coral-nude that is more opaque, while ‘Ice’ is a light, cool-toned milky-pink that is more sheer.
Please comment your makeup favorites of the year below, so that we can all have the opportunity to try new products. I hope you have a wonderful day and an even more wonderful new year. Thank you so much for supporting my blog and me this past year — it means the absolute world.
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March of 2018 will mark the third anniversary of Makeup By Makena and after nearly three years of beauty blogging, I have learned so many priceless lessons, some of which I would be honored to share with you today…
Makeup By Makena 