Best of Beauty 2018

I don't consider myself well-versed in beauty products as far as knowing trends and the newest products. As far as 2018 goes, I think this was my biggest year for beauty thus far. I say that because I found myself in the beauty aisle more often and even wandered into Sephora several times. I never really understood the concept of spending money on high dollar makeup products, but now I completely understand the appeal and worth.

When I looked back on my favorite products of 2018, several come to mind and today I want to share with you what they are and talk about why I love them so much. They are now implemented in either my skincare, makeup, or daily routines and I can't imagine my "beauty life" without them.

For me, when it comes to beauty products they can't break out my skin, they have to be affordable, and if they're high dollar -- must be long lasting and worth every cent. Nine products come to mind from the past year that do just that.

CeraVe Face Moisturizer - I searched for an affordable, good quality moisturizer for the longest time. In high school and the beginning of college I used Clean&Clear moisturizer, but in 2018 I switched to CeraVe and I love it. The scent is light and clean, which leaves me feeling refreshed. Because of this, it doesn't leave my skin feeling oily either. I've drastically noticed a difference in my skin since using it. It's fast acting and affordable as well ringing in at $12 a bottle.

Revlon Matte Balm - I'm not a lipstick gal. I've tried to get into it, but just don't love it. These however, are my favorite alternative. I was skimming through a magazine while getting a pedicure and read a what's in my bag article from Ashley Graham saying that she carries these in her bag as an alternative to lipstick. I went to the store and purchased two, one in the shade "Elusive" and the other in the shade "Striking". These are butter smooth matte lip crayons that have the feeling of a balm but leave a natural stain on your lips. It's long lasting, incredibly affordable, and comes in over a dozen shades. These babies cost only $8.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer - In 2018, my makeup routine stayed exactly the same with the addition of two products - one being bronzer. Now, I can't imagine my routine without a little touch of Amazonian Clay bronzer. This product is from Sephora and was more than I normally want to spend on makeup I'm just going to wash down the drain at the end of the night, but it's long lasting, doesn't break out my skin, and adds immense definition to my cheekbones. It blends easily with my blush and highlighter too. It rings up around $30 and I fully believe it's worth it.

Daisy by Marc Jacobs - In 2018, I purchased my first perfume. It was Daisy by Marc Jacobs because I was in search of a scent that was light and airy, but left behind a floral scent. This perfume also comes in travel bottles too, which are sold at Sephora. The full bottle is $104 but the rollerball is $27.

Essie Polish - I've always been a fan of Essie nail polish, but this year my two go to colors were "Hi Maintenance" and "Marshmallow". These two shades work 365 days a year and match trends right now, but are also too classic to ever go out of style. Each bottle ranges depending on where you buy them from, but typically they're around $9.

Last Warrior by Flower Beauty - Back in April, Flower Beauty sent me a huge box full of Lash Warrior mascara and at first I didn't think much of the mascara because I had never heard of the brand before but I was so wrong. After a little research, I found that this is actually Drew Barrymore's line and I absolutely love this mascara. It defines and lengthens lashes and makes them look fuller and healthier too. I shared this product with just about everyone, giving my friends, family, roommates, and co-workers tubes of Lash Warrior and they all love it too. You too can enjoy Lash Warrior for just $10 a tube, available at Ulta.

Benefit Gimme Brow Gel - This was the second new step to my makeup routine in 2018. I never did my eyebrows before this. Why? I couldn't tell you. Benefit's brow gel fills in your brows to make them look thicker and more defined. It doesn't help draw on your eyebrows, but it does a great job of filling in where pencil can't. It's not sticky like gel either, and the wand applicator is easy to use. You can purchase this product from Sephora for $24.

Revlon Lip Cushion - I accidentally bought this back in October, not realizing it was still in my basket when I went to Walgreens but, wow do I love this product. Again, not a fan of lipstick so I never gravitate towards any lip products. This product is my daily, go to lip product because it gives a glossy look to your lips without being tacky or sticky. My favorite shade is "Pretty Kiss" and gives a natural pink tint to my lips. It's long lasting and inexpensive too. These Lip Cushions are $7 a tube.

What was on your best of beauty list from this past year? Let me know below!