How the hell? That’s it, that’s the tweet. With every single brain cell of mine, I cannot comprehend how 2019 is almost over. Without going into details, it has indeed been a YEAR. However, I am so thankful for the people who have joined me on this AtLeastElyse blogging journey thus far! That being said, let’s discuss my top beauty favorites of the year. I’m talking everything from skincare to makeup and even perfume. Now, to prevent us from being here for five hours, I’m only going to talk about the products I discovered in 2019. Not all of these items were necessarily released this year, but they were new to me for whatever reason. So grab a snack and settle in for my 2019 beauty favorites!

Skincare:

Tony Moly I’m Nourishing Honey Sheet Mask: 2 for $6 

Tony Moly is notorious for their cute sheet masks that come in a million different varieties. I’ve tried a decent amount of them and thought that the I’m Aloe Moisturizing one was my all time fave, until I tried the I’m Nourishing Honey Mask. There’s something about this one that basically drenches your face in hydration. My skin feels so smooth, plump, and moisturized after thirty minutes on my face. Yes, I leave all of my Tony Moly masks on for ten minutes more than recommended. I’m telling you, it makes a difference! Anyway, this has been a total game-changer for me this year. 

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Face Mask: $7.99 @ Target

Drum roll pleaseeeeee. This is my favorite face mask of the year and possibly. . . ever. I have the world’s most stubborn pores. They look like literal craters on my skin and are almost always clogged. Enter this joyous mask. Who knew that one tablespoon of this powder and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar would mix to make literal magic? I let the mask harden on my face for twenty minutes and then rinse with water. The results? Brand. New. Skin. Yep, you heard that right. My face feels smooth like glass and my pores, well they’re still there, but they feel like the gunk has been extracted. 

Thayer’s Rose Petal or Lavender Toner: $10.95

Who would I be if I didn’t shout out my trusty toner of 2019? Actually, the only toner I’ve ever tried. I loved this product so much, I never strayed away from it once. After I’ve cleansed, it feels so calming and hydrating on the face. I made it my mission to try all the scents and achieved that by the end of this past summer. I can easily conclude that Rose Petal and Lavender are my two favorites, since they have a less intense smell compared to Cucumber and Coconut Water. You honestly can’t go wrong with any choice though, because they all work the same!

Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Oil: $12.99

This is such an underrated product. Like I really can’t believe there are no other beauty gurus raving about this oil. First of all, it’s reasonably priced. Oils can be dumb expensive, especially if they’re from a luxury skincare brand. However, Acure is a drugstore brand sold at Ulta which means it’s already on the cheaper side AND Ulta’s coupons work on it! Besides the price, this oil feels, dare I say, seriously soothing? The copywriter who named this product really nailed it. I apply this oil on my skin after toning at night. Although, there was a period of time where I was using this on my face morning and evening. (I didn’t have any problems using it twice a day as opposed to only once.) The blue tansy and rose make my skin hydrated, calm, and ridiculously soft. I’d recommend this to literally anyone, but specifically those with trouble skin. 

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum: $6.80

This serum has only been in my life for a short period of time, but it has dramatically improved my skincare routine. I use this serum in the morning after toner and before moisturizer. The dropper is a bit messy, but I make it work. I also only need the tiniest bit for my entire face. Besides how hydrating this product is, it almost instantly absorbs into my skin. That means I don’t need to wait five years before applying moisturizer on top. For a busy gal like myself, saving time anywhere is a huge bonus. Can’t wait to keep using this serum in 2020. 

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Aftersun Lotion: $8.99 @ Walgreens

This is a product I never expected to love as much as I do. First of all, this is definitely a seasonal item, since it’s been sitting on my shelf once summer ended. However, if you ever have a stubborn sunburn, you NEED this aftersun lotion. I made the mistake of assuming that putting regular, scented lotion, on sunburn would be just as good as any specialized lotion. I’d say top ten biggest mistakes of my life. I quite literally wanted to tear my flesh off it burned so much. Anyway, this product does the exact opposite of irritate. It feels so soothing and hydrating, especially on skin that has that never-ending warm sensation sunburn causes. It also smells like the perfect tropical vacation. A truly life-saving (and skin-saving) product.

Primers:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer: $42

If you’ve kept up with any of my blog posts this year, you’ve heard me relentlessly profess my love for this primer. I’m halfway through my second bottle and it always seems to go so quickly. That’s probably because I’d drench my entire body in this if it wasn’t $42 a pop. If you couldn’t tell already, I have desert skin. Hydrating primers are my best friend and this one feels like I’m injecting water into my face. It creates the perfect base for additional primers and of course, makeup. 

Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer: $52 (full size)

I finished this primer months ago and yet I still talk about it as if it’s part of my everyday makeup routine. This product truly deserves all the hype it gets. It smooths out the skin like nothing I’ve ever tried before. After applying it, my skin would look honestly like, well, a blank canvas. It also didn’t take much product to achieve the desired results. Although, I admit that I would sometimes go a little overboard. Can you really blame me though? It just felt so nice when applied to my face. My only qualm with the product is the near ridiculous price tag. However, as much as I hate to admit it, I do think it’s worth the money, especially if you have severely textured and uneven skin. 

Elf Poreless Putty Primer: $8

This primer pretty much broke the internet when people realized it was a significantly cheaper dupe for the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer. While it is a very similar product, I stand by the fact that the Tatcha one is slightly better. However, when you’re ballin’ on a budget (hi, me) this is a great option. You just have to work with it a little bit more. It does a good job at smoothing out the skin and makeup applies nicely over top. If you apply too much though, your other products will instantly look cakey. There’s a thin margin of error, but once you learn that less is more, I highly recommend!

Face Products:

Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer in Shady Biz: $30 (full size)

I feel like everybody went bananas when Rihanna (Fenty Beauty) released bronzers. Maybe it’s because bronzer doesn’t excite me the way eyeshadow does, but I didn’t feel like I needed to jump on the bandwagon and get my hands on one. However, this mini size came in the Sephora Sunkissed Glow Favorites Set I purchased in the summer. My initial thoughts changed instantly. This bronzer has such a beautiful, warm tone to it and I used it every. single. day. when I had a tan. Unfortunately, this bronzer is too orange for me to wear when I’m my typical pale self, but just you wait until the weather gets warmer again. 

BECCA x Khloe Kardashian & Malika Haqq Bronze, Blush, & Glow Palette: $44

If I’m not mistaken, this was one of my first makeup purchases in 2019. Clearly it stood the test of time. It’s so hard to find face palettes where every shade in it is wearable. Enter this beauty. Even when I’m at my palest, I can wear every shade. Gotta remember to go in with a light hand though, because each formula contains so much pigmentation. However, if you know that beforehand, you should be fine. My absolute favorite shade from this palette is the blush Fabulosity. It’s the most delicious reddish-pink that adds such a beautiful and luminous flush to the cheeks. Of course, the other blush, bronzer, and highlighter are also stunning. 

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Vanilla Quartz: $38 (full size)

Talk about a product I never thought would make my yearly favorites list. I tried a BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector a few years back and absolutely hated the formula. It emphasized every ounce of texture on my skin. Like literally EVERY bump. It also felt extremely dry in the pan and on my face. So bizarre, because I had heard great things about the line up until that point. Fast forward to 2019 and Vanilla Quartz came in that Sephora Sunkissed Glow Favorites Set that I can’t seem to shut up about. It was instant love. The formula was so different than what I remembered. That, or the other one was just a complete dud. Either way, this one is creamy, looks flawless on the skin, and has such a unique color. It’s a yellow-ish white gold, that looks absolutely stunning on the cheekbones. Just swatching it literally gives me the chills. 

Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter in Lunch Money: $8

Colourpop Super Shock Highlighters are not new to me in 2019, but this shade is. I actually stumbled upon it by accident too. I bought the Deux of a Kind Set (discontinued) which contained the highlighters Might Be (also discontinued to my knowledge) and Lunch Money. At the time, I was on the hunt for a Salted Caramel eyeshadow dupe. Ya know, the best shimmery bronze shade in the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette and possibly ever? I thought Might Be quite literally might be a good match, so I got the set. Turns out the shade is too dark and moves on my eyes since it’s more slippery than a Super Shock Eyeshadow. However, I didn’t return the set because I had already fallen in love with Lunch Money. It’s a beautiful white gold shade that really packs a punch on the cheekbones. Even though the formula doesn’t work on the eyes, it is an absolute dream to apply on the face. It’s super creamy, yet lasts all day. Clearly gold highlighters were a trend for me this year.

Eye Products:

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Stick in Champagne Diamonds: $27

WHAT an eyeshadow this is. First of all, it is the most beautiful champagne shade scattered with silver glitter. How Charlotte and her team managed to make such a gorgeous color with a cream to powder formula is straight up sorcery. And the fact that it comes in crayon form? I mean c’mon. Application couldn’t be any easier. This is truly the perfect eyeshadow for everyday use or a full glam look. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills x Carli Bybel Palette: $45

I bought this palette pretty late in the year, yet it was an instant favorite. The eyeshadows excite me every time I open the lid. Between the buttery mattes, stunning shimmers, and intense foiled shades this palette has something for everybody. You can create a really simple eye look or one that’s multi-dimensional. As a sucker for anything shiny, I’m a huge fan of the almost pressed glitter formula of the foiled shades. They’re so pigmented you don’t even need a glitter glue! All around an 11/10 palette. 

Stila Shimmer and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Kitten: $24 (full size)

I probably would have never tried the glitter-less versions of Stila’s liquid eyeshadows if it weren’t for a holiday set I bought at the very end of last year. However, I’m so very happy I did! This light pink eyeshadow is drop dead gorgeous. It’s so reflective it actually looks wet on the eyes. Like the Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Stick, you can play this up or down depending on your mood. Fun fact: I’m pretty sure I wore this liquid shadow for a month straight at one point. 

Huda Beauty New Nude Palette: $65

This palette is like the full glam version of Urban Decay Naked 3. If you’re into pink and purple tones, I cannot recommend enough. What really makes this palette unique are the various formulas throughout. You have your standard mattes and shimmers, but also two pressed glitters and four unique textured shades that are super reflective on the eyes. I used this palette obsessively in the earlier months of 2019, but also reached for it continuously throughout the year. For this reason, it easily makes my favorites list. 

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Ladybird: $6

This Super Shock Shadow is great for so many different reasons. First, the color is everything. It’s a white champagne shade with just a pinch of brown in the base. However, when you apply this to your eyes, the base is pretty much indistinguishable. For this reason, Ladybird makes such a great eyeshadow topper as that final step in your full glam look. For an everyday version, you can apply the tiniest bit over a neutral shadow to add a little kick. Or, you can use this shade as a regular eyeshadow for an intense, micro-glittery look. So versatile, so fun, such a favorite.

Tarte Gifted Mascara: $23

I’m not a big fan of high end mascaras because I can’t quantify spending a lot of money on them. I feel like most of the time, drugstore versions are just as good, if not better quality. However, I may have to repurchase this Tarte one once I run out. It is my absolute favorite first layer mascara. The way it separates lashes while also giving length and volume is just (chef’s kiss*) perfection. My L’oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara applies over top beautifully and the results are the most dramatic yet real lashes to ever exist. You can quote me on that. 

Lip Products:

Colourpop Just a Tint Lip Crayon in City of Stars: $7

This was my go to lip for half of the summer. First of all, it comes in a crayon form so application is a literal breeze. Just swipe across the lips and you have the most hydrating, peachy color. The guava scent is definitely unique to this range and I hope Colourpop continues it because it’s so pleasant. The only complaint I have about this product is how easy the cap slides off. It’s not one of those lippies you can just throw in your purse. Been there, regretted it. The cap fell off and a decent amount of product was found squished around. Colourpop, please fix the caps because this is an outstanding lip tint. 

Sephora Collection Lip Gel in 01 Perfect Nude: $12

This is my lip product of the year and it doesn’t even come close. If you’re a nude gloss person, you 100% need this in your life. First of all, I had never heard of a lip gel, but it’s a formula that should be adapted by more brands. It glides across the lips, has such an intense shine (if you apply a lot), and feels ridiculously comfortable. I also really like the applicator on this gloss and the sweet, vanilla scent. Did I mention this is only $12? You can’t lose. In 2020 I’m definitely trying another shade from this range. 

Sugar Rush Lip Sip Vegan Lip Oil in Fresh Pressed: $15

This is the first lip oil I ever tried and now I’m hooked. In addition to the Colourpop Lip Tint, this is another perfect summer product. It instantly makes lips look like a juicy dream without any of the lip plumping bullshit. Fresh Pressed is a nude color, which I prefer since it goes with literally any look. However, I do have the berry shade (Dragon Fruit) that’s nice every once in a while. The creamsicle flavoring really takes this lip oil to the next “I need it” level. Wow, look at that, I just talked myself into putting some on as we speak. 

Smashbox Always on Liquid Lipstick in Stepping Out: $24 (full size)

I would die for this color. I don’t know how Smashbox managed to create the perfect brown shade, but mega props to them. It’s a warm-toned brown, but not warm to the point where it looks almost orange. Because of its versatility, it goes with so many looks. Pair it with full glam or wear it as a statement on its own. Either way, it’s something I reach for quite often now. A big part of that also has to do with how comfortable the formula is. The consistency feels as if it’s whipped and fluffy. It truly is like wearing a pillow on your lips. 

Hair Products:

Amika Polished Perfection 2.0 Straightening Brush: $120

Oh, baby. I’ve only had this product for a little over a month and it has changed my life. Straightening my hair no longer takes me over an hour. It’s so simple to use and gives me the exact results I want. You can get a perfectly sleek look or a more voluminous, but still straight style, depending on how small or large you section your hair. Read my Amika Smooth Operator Set Review for a more in depth demonstration of how great this product is!

Kitsch Satin Scarf Scrunchies: $12

I have to shout out the very first beauty guru I watched on YouTube for this recommendation. Leighannsays talked about these adorable bows in her One Stop Shop Holiday Gift Guide Ulta Beauty 2019 video. I knew I needed them ASAP despite my initial thought that I wouldn’t be able to rock them. Fast forward to now and I wear them every chance I get. They’re perfect to tie a more dressed up look together, but can also be paired with jeans and a top. Plus, the set I chose adds a nice little pop of color to an outfit. If you’re looking for neutrals, they also sell a black and grey version. 

Perfume:

Coach Floral Eau De Parfum: $60 (1 oz)

This perfume was another one of the first beauty purchases I made in 2019. I wore the hell out of it throughout the year (half of the bottle is gone), but primarily within the first six months. I still really love the sweet, floral scent and will probably pick it up again when spring rolls around. Notes: top – pineapple sorbet, middle – tea rose, base – creamy woods. 

Chloe Nomade Eau De Parfum: $75 (1 oz)

Oof. You read that right. That’s my exact reaction when I smell this perfume. But not “oof” in like a bad way. Think of it as “oof, that’s the best thing I’ve ever put up to my nose” way. I kid you not, this has to be in the top ten perfumes I’ve ever tried category. It’s bold, sexy, and says, “I’m the boss.” I could probably think of a million more adjectives to describe it, but seriously just go out and try it. I don’t think you’ll regret it. Notes: top – freesia, middle – mirabelle, base – oak moss. 

YOWZA. We’ve finally made it to the end. Have you caught your breath yet? I know I haven’t. Did we share any favorite products or did any of my faves catch your eye? Leave me a comment down below!

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