10 Beauty Products that I loved in 2014 and will be using in 2015

It was another good year for me as far as keeping my beauty purchases to a minimum, especially makeup. Most of my purchases were skincare, hair care and bath and body items. I’ve been making a conscious effort to minimize my makeup stash by not really buying unless I need it and giving away what I don’t use, but with new products coming in daily my stash is still ridiculous. It will probably continue to grow as I do plan to keep up with the latest products at least a little more this year in order to review for you guys. With such a huge stash I tend to love products for a little while then toss them to the side when the next best thing comes along, but here are some of the products that I really loved last year and plan to continue using this year.

1. L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer

This is the best inexpensive concealer on the market and it holds its weight against more expensive brands. It’s my go to for spot concealing and highlighting. A little goes a long way, it’s easy to apply and blend, and plays nicely with a variety of foundations from liquid to powder.

2. Sleek MakeUp Eyebrow Stylist

As much as I love my cream and gel brow correctors, this is what I grab when I’m short on time (which is a lot these days.) It perfectly defines my brows with a few quick swipes, blends well and stays put all day. The connected spoolie brush makes the entire process quick and seamless.

3. Eyeko Me & My Shadow Waterproof Shadow Liner

Most work days I don’t wear eyeshadow as I just don’t have the time in the morning. I’d rather get a few minutes extra sleep. This shadow stick helps me to get a quick and polished eye look without the need to apply powder eyeshadow, and it’s so easy to use. I dab a little primer on my eyes then apply the charcoal shade all over my lid, blending with the included brush and my fingers. It takes less than a minute and keeps my oily lids in check all day long.

4. Benefit They’re Real Mascara

This is one of the best mascaras that I’ve tried, period. The brush is perfect for my sparse lashes and it coats every single one giving me the look of fuller, longer lashes. I tried a sample and fell in love but plan to get a full size after I finish up the other open mascaras in my arsenal.

5. Laura Mercier Radiance Bronze Primer

All brown girls should own this primer. It gives us this glowing from within look and makes foundation look more natural, and it can even be worn alone. I love it especially in the Summer months as it makes my skin look sun-kissed as if I was laying on the beach all day. It’s the truth!

6. Duo Brush On Eyelash Adhesive

After all of these years I still have a hard time applying strip lashes. Although my lashes are short, they have a strong natural curl and sometimes it’s hard to get the strip in the right place without getting excess glue all over my natural lashes. Individuals no problem, but with strip lashes I usually end up with glue all over the place and an attitude. This glue makes it easy to get the perfect amount on the strip and it goes on blue and turns clear as it dries, letting me know when to actually apply the lash to avoid getting the too wet glue everywhere. Makes applying lashes so much easier.

7. Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask

This is my go to when my skin is acting out. The charcoal draws out blackheads and those pesky clogged pores while the black sugar exfoliates dry patches and dead skin. I love the warming action as it’s applied and when I remove it my face looks brand new. It’s cheap, not loaded with crap and it works. A winner in my book.

8. SheaMoisture Lavender & Wild Orchid Sea Salt Soak

A must have for those days when my limbs are feeling like putty from a good workout, or I’m just feeling worn out. I put a generous amount in my bath along with the matching bubble bath, light a candle, close my eyes and just soak. I sometimes fall asleep as it’s that relaxing and when I get out all is well in my world again. No more pain but a lot of gain.

9. African Royale BRX Braid Spray

I wore braids a lot last year and this is the only braid spray I’ll use. It keeps my hair moisturized and soft and keeps the itch at bay. I’m currently still in braids and may find myself in a lot of protective styles this year as I’m thinking about trying to transition to natural (once again) so this may be my best friend all year long.

10. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Purification Masque

I had been suffering from a dry, tight, itchy scalp more than usual last year and this helped tremendously. It removes impurities from the scalp to stop the itch and moisturizes well to combat the tightness and dryness instantly. It’s been a life saver for me and will remain a staple in my hair arsenal for as long as it continues to work.

Have you tried any of these products?

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