Makeup Items I Really Enjoyed in 2016

It's time for all the "best/worst of 2016" lists, and here are the makeup items that I really enjoyed in 2016. In looking back over the year, a few things stand out. First of all, I'm saturated with product. That didn't stop me from purchasing new items, but I am slowing down. I want to set some goals for 2017 on using up products I already have and just be a more mindful/conscious consumer. But for now, let's see the products that stood out in a positive way for me in 2016! In no particular order, and links are to full reviews.....

1.  Gwen Stefani Blush Palette by Urban Decay

From the pretty packaging to the shades perfect for us fair skinned girls, this just works for me. On the downside it's limited edition, but on the plus side this was not one of those items that sold out in a nano second. I've hit major pan on Lo-Fi and will probably add it to a 2017 Project Pan.

2. Pop of Passion Lip Oil Balms by bareMinerals

I love glossy lip tints and the bareMinerals Pop of Passion Lip Oil Balms ($16) give me sheer color and moisturized lips, so I'm a fan. Plumberry Passion is the most pigmented and vibrant of the four deluxe samples I've collected, but the sheer watermelon Rose Passion is my favorite.

Plumberry Passion, Nude Passion, Rose Passion, Pink Passion

3. My Parisian Pastels by Lancome ($59)

Another limited edition item, these shimmer cubes can be used as shadow, blush or highlighter and were probably my favorite of the spring items I purchased in 2016. Yes, they were expensive and I know now that The Body Shop has a similar product called Shimmer Cubes ($22 for 4), but I'm still happy with these. Lancome's products are over priced IMO, which is why I always wait for a good GWP to help sweeten the pot.

4. Precious Petals Megaglo Highlighting Powder by Wet 'n Wild ($4)

Wet 'n Wild hit it out of the park this year when it came to drugstore highlighters. Sadly, the two I picked up were both limited edition and hard to come by for most, as there were usually just a few per display. I happened to luck upon Precious Petals before the display was picked over, and I'm quite happy that I did. This is flat out gorgeous!

The formula is great and the color is a somewhat unique (to my collection at least) pink champagne. Here's hoping Wet 'n Wild brings this one back so more people can experience it's goodness.

4. When Pencil Met Gel by Julep ($16)

Julep has a seriously good gel pencil formula. They match up to any I've tried, and I'm an eye pencil junkie, so I've tried a lot. While I like the formula in general, my favorite of the ones I've tried thus far is Gilded Gold Shimmer (middle below). It's stunning.

5. Le Crayon Khol in Black Coffee by Lancome ($26)

Bottom: Blackened Coffee

While by no means new, this is the year that I fell in love with Black Coffee by Lancome. I actually got one of these in 2012 but threw it out when it looked like mold was growing on the tip. I received another this year, and it has become a staple for me. I use it on my water line as well as my upper/lower lash lines, and it's blackened brown color is just lovely. Glad I was able to give it a second try.

6. Megaglo Holly Gold-head Highlighting Gold Bar by Wet 'n Wild ($4)

Holly Gold-head Highlighting Gold Bar was part of Wet 'n Wild's limited edition holiday collection, and again I was lucky enough to happen upon the display at my local Rite Aid before all 4 of them were gone. I guess it's a good thing that Rite Aid is on my way home and I stop there several times a week, at least when it comes to picking up limited edition drugstore highlighters :-)

8. Custom Magnetic Palettes by Tarte ($17)

Mmmm, I have 3 of these limited edition Tarte palettes now. They are the same size (although a different shape) as the large Z palette, but less expensive and sturdier in design. Plus, I love the Gold Digger design that Tarte briefly offered during the holidays. It reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Gustav Klimt.

9. Murumura Butter Bronzer in Light by Physician's Formula ($14.99)

This has been the year of the bronzer for me, in that I've finally found several that work well for me (Lo-Fi by Urban Decay and Light Golden Bronze by Julep are my other go to's). The Butter Bronzer comes in two shades and I have the lighter version. It's warm without going ruddy and I like how natural it looks on the skin.  

10. Bronzer Brush by Julep

Julep also has some good brushes, and their tulip shaped bronzer brush has become a favorite of mine. I like the weighted handle and how soft/fluffy yet precise the brush is. I've had no issues with the brush shedding and it has held up well after multiple washings.

I've got plenty of other items that have achieved holy grail status for me that I've had in past year's favorites, but these were the newer standouts for me. I'd love to hear about your favorites as well!