Staffers Dish on Their Top Beauty Buys of the Year (So Far)

It’s that time of year again. Graduates everywhere are writing farewell and good luck in each other’s yearbooks, even though they’ll just all follow each other on Facebook for the next several decades. But hey, it’s the thought that counts. So, we at Beautylish decided to put together our own mid-yearbook of our favorite in-house product buys from 2014 so far. This yearbook is full of superlatives, from “most likely to be a cult favorite moisturizer” to “most likely to succeed as a foundation.” Here’s what our staffers have been obsessing over from our shop this year.  

For me? Anastasia’s Dipbrow Pomade, which is the one and only brow product I’ll ever use for the rest of time. Its creamy, smudge-proof, waterproof formula applies easily with any type of brow brush and keeps all my little hairs put for a super defined finish that looks like I just had my arches waxed. Below is what the rest of our staff had to stay. Luckily, none of these picks will result in those awkward class photos, but rather make you look stunning come time for that class reunion.

My favorite product buy of 2014 so far is …

“...Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre. This is my holy grail product. As a beauty writer, I test out a lot of different (and great!) moisturizers, but I always come back to this one. It’s a cult favorite for a reason—it can be used as a moisturizer, primer, and makeup remover. I layer it over my serum du jour for the perfect crazy-smooth makeup base, and use a teensy dab on a Q-tip to clean up a cat eye, erase errant mascara, or correct lip-liner mishaps.” –Sarah Campbell, contributing writer

“...rms beauty Raw Coconut Cream. It’s taken me a while to get on board the "au natural’ product craze because to me, the results were never as good as conventional skin care products—until this year, when I met rms beauty’s Raw Coconut Cream. I have yet to find a better multi-functional product. The cream is made with organic coconuts that are cold-pressed, which means that during the extraction process, the coconut’s color, scent, flavor, and benefits are retained more effectively. I use this product on my face and hands as a moisturizer, or all over as a massage oil. I’ll also mix a tiny bit with makeup for a dewy look, use it to remove heavier makeup, to deep condition my hair, remove frizz, and boost shine. Because of the cream’s anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, it also works great to spot treat blemishes, bug bites, and cuts—any puffiness, redness or itching will go away in a matter of minutes. I might not go as far to call it a miracle product, but it sure comes close.” –Terry Lee, editorial designer

“...Sugarpill Cosmetics Loose Eyeshadow in ‘Goldilux.’ I NEED TO WRITE IN ALL-CAPS about my favorite makeup item this year, because, you guys, this SHADE, “Goldilux,” is a shimmery, vibrant metallic color that’s super noticeable and makes your lids look like they’ve had a 24 carat kiss from a beautiful, solid gold angel. You can use it to line your eyes, as a shadow, or even to dust it on your cheekbones. I have never gone out wearing this product without someone stopping me and urgently asking me where I found such a good gold.” –Krista Burton, contributing writer

“...Bliss Fabulous Skin-Reviving Rubberizing Mask. This miracle mask makes my skin glow instantly. The seaweed, bilberry, and vitamin C ingredients are high in antioxidants and work well to moisturize and brighten skin which leaves my complexion looking extra healthy.” –Briana Gonzalez, studio manager

“...Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder  & Ellis Faas Skin Veil. I couldn’t decide between the two! Kevyn Aucoin’s Sculpting Powder is the product that helped me take the plunge to start contouring. Before I found it, I was uncertain what color was the appropriate shade for me, or whether something would look too orange or gray, so I didn’t leave my house with any contouring. But no matter how dark it may seem, this powder blends beautifully (even for fair skin), so I feel confident wearing it on a daily basis. My second favorite is the Ellis Faas Skin Veil. This foundation’s finish is dewy and has a light feel, as if you’re wearing nothing at all. It provides medium coverage so your tone is more even, but it doesn’t cover up any freckles. It wears well throughout the day and provides a great base for building up your makeup. It’s also great to wear with just a bit of lip gloss for a no-makeup look.” –Bec Stupak, creative director

“...Embryolisse Émulsion Hydra-Mat. With sensitive dry skin, I have needs—like a moisturizer that can soothe and hydrate my skin, but stays light, and isn’t greasy—but mattifying so it can absorb excess oil on my shiny T-zone. Well, Oui! Oui! The French sure know how to do skin care right. This sought-after brand knows how to make your skin feel like a supermodel at fashion week. The light fragrant smell is just an added bonus, making this a mattified, moisturizing luxury.” –Brett Marlow, contributing writer

“...GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment. I tried a tester of this when it came out last year, and finally took the plunge to purchase my own pot and I’m completely hooked. I use it three times a week, and get such pleasure seeing all the dirt and oil sucked from my skin after the mask has dried. Why go to a spa when you can give yourself the best facial you’ll ever have in the comfort of your home?” –Caitie Schlisserman, assistant editor  

“...Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in ‘Teal.’ I’m in awe with the way Ellis Faas thinks about makeup. When she says she wants her products to be easy, she means it. Such as this eye shadow, which also comes with a brush in one swift pen. With Creamy Eyes, I don’t have to use a separate primer or liner, and I don’t have to worry about blending colors. Because of the richness of the pigments, you can achieve three different shades and textures with repeated and varied application. For example: a deep marine, metallic teal, or warm peacock green. With each, the color is always amazing.” –Diane Wellman, senior front end engineer

“...Anastasia Brow Powder Duo. I’m completely obsessed. This one product has seriously upped my brow game like no other brow product I’ve ever used!" –Marie Lodi, contributing writer