My Current Holy Grail Beauty Products

~ stashy

Happy New Year! ❤

This post idea came up last year when I posted my yearly favourite discoveries.  I did discover some gems in 2017 but I thought it would be more useful for me to list out all my Holy Grail (HG) items instead.

I’m going to force myself to just name ONE item for each category.  I feel like embarking on this project is like choosing a favourite child. I love you all equally! ❤

There are 3 key considerations for me in determining whether something is HG material, these are products that I either:
• Use daily, or
• Own a back-up, or
• Repurchased repeatedly

Caveats:
1) This list is a snapshot in time – these are the items that I find to be the best for me at this moment. That’s not to say I won’t discover new things that will replace any of these items one day in the future (case in point, it happened with my eyelash curler last year!)
2) I will only list items that aren’t discontinued or limited edition – this list would be quite different if I listed those, then I’d name this post Holy Grail of All Time!

SKINCARE

None of these should come as a surprise to anyone who has read this blog for any length of time.  I don’t tend to switch up my skincare too much since I have sensitive skin and don’t want to risk skin reactions. I do have separate skincare for daytime versus nighttime so I will list both.

Oil cleanser (night): MUJI Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil (shown here and here)

Foaming cleanser (morning): Shiseido Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam (shown here and here and here)

Eye makeup remover: Bourjois Express Eye Make-Up Remover (shown here and here)

Micellar water: Sukin Micellar Cleansing Water (shown here and here and here)

Toner: The Face Shop Chia Seed Moisturizing Toner (shown here and here)

Eye cream: Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream* (nighttime, shown here and here) and Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye (daytime, shown here and here)

Face cream: Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream (nighttime, shown here and here) and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ (shown here and here)

Face sunscreen: Allie UV Mineral Moist NEO SPF 50+ PA++++ (review here)

Facial Oil: Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil (shown here and here)

Serum: NeoStrata Hydra-Infusion 24Hr Hydrating Serum (shown here and here)

Face Mist: MUJI Sensitive Skin High Moisture Toning Water (shown here and here)

Mask: Etude House 0.2 Therapy Air Mask (shown here and here)

Exfoliator (physical): Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Exfoliator (chemical): Paula’s Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA (shown here and here)

Blemish treatment: Paula’s Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide (shown here)

Facial Treatment: Paula’s Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster (shown here and here)

Setting Spray: Avon Makeup Setting Spray (shown here and here)

Lip treatment: CO Bigelow Supreme 2X Lip Shine in Vanillamint* (nighttime, shown here) and Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick (daytime, shown here)

BODY CARE


Soap: L’Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap in Milk (shown here)

Shower gel: Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel

Body moisturizer: Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Buttercream (shown here and here)

Deodorant: Lavanila Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Coconut (shown here and here)

Hand cream: Consonant Skincare Intensive Therapy Organic Hand Cream (shown here and here)

Foot cream: Aveda Foot Relief Moisturizing Creme

FRAGRANCE

I always intended to dedicate a post to my perfume collection but I’m no expert on scents, I just know what my nose likes (but in my mind that phantom post would be a hilarious exercise of me attempting to describe scents). Here are perfumes that stand out to me that I bring out for each season:

Spring: Kiehl’s Coriander
Summer: Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut
Fall: Chloe EDT
Winter: Prada Candy

HAIR CARE


Shampoo: Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo (shown here and here)

Conditioner: Herbal Essences Smooth Collection Conditioner (shown here and here)

Hair Treatment: Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak (shown here and here)

Hair Spray: TRESemmé TRES Two Ultra Fine Mist Hair Spray (shown here)

Dry Shampoo: COLAB Extreme Volume in Rio (shown here)

Hair Styling: Curl Keeper Original* (shown here and here and here)

MAKEUP

This is the most challenging category to name my HG because cosmetics companies just love to discontinue my favourite things! I think about half of my responses would be different if I was able to list limited edition or discontinued items. 😛

Base / Concealer:

Eye Shadow Primer: Prestige Cosmetics Primed and Ready Eye Primer (shown here)

Primer: Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer (shown here)

Under Eye Corrector: Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector (review here)

Foundation: MAC Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation (shown here and here)

Under Eye Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer (shown here and here and here)

Face Concealer: KATE Stick Concealer (shown here and here)

Powder: Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder (shown here)

Colour Makeup:

Eye Shadow Palette: CoverGirl TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette in Roses (review here)

Eye Shadow Single (Powder): MAC Eye Shadow in Satin Taupe (shown here and here and here and here)

Eye Shadow Single (Cream): MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork (shown here)

Mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast Volume* (shown here and here)

Mascara Primer: Etude House Dr. Mascara Fixer* (shown here and here and here)

Pencil Eyeliner: Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in #48 Ro(Cocoa) (shown here and here)

Liquid Eyeliner: Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Deep Brown (shown here and here)

Brow Product: Shu Uemura Hard Pencil in Seal Brown* (shown here and here and here)

Blush: Illamasqua Naked Rose (shown here and here)

Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal (shown here and here)

Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons in 03 Brunettes

Contour: NYX Powder Blush in Taupe (shown here)

Lipstick: MAC Amplified Lipstick in Cosmo (shown here and here)

Lip Gloss:  Lancôme Juicy Shaker in Berry in Love (shown here and here)

Lip Liner: Annabelle Lip Liner in Demure

TOOLS

Makeup tools is another passion of mine but I haven’t devoted enough posts to them!  There are so many brushes I love but here’s the showcase of my absolute favourites:

Cotton: MUJI Cut Cotton White (shown here)

Tweezers: Slice Slanted Soft-Touch Tweezers (shown here)

Lash Curler: Surratt Relevée Lash Curler* (review here)

Lash Comb: Sephora Collection Lift Off Lash Comb (it’s identical to the Shishida Seishindo one I showed here, and more accessible)

Lash Guard: random eBay one (shown here)

Eye Shadow Brush:
• Lay down: Shu Uemura Natural Brush 10 (shown here and here and here)
• Blending: MAC 217 Blending Brush (shown here and here)
• Crease: Smashbox Crease Brush #10 (shown here and here)
• Smudge: Illamasqua Smoulder Brush

Eye Liner Brush: MAC 209 Eye Liner Brush

Spoolie: Anna Sui Eye-brow Brush 1 (shown here and here)

Brow Brush: MAC 266SH Small Angle Brush (shown here)

Blush Brush: Shu Uemura Natural Brush 20

Foundation Brush: MAC Masterclass Oval 6 Brush (shown here and here)

Concealer Brush: Real Techniques Accent Brush (from Starter Set)

Powder Brush: Shiseido The Makeup Powder Brush #1

Bronzer Brush: Face Secrets Bronzer Brush

Contour Brush: Anna Sui Face Brush (shown here and here)

Highlighter Brush: Trish McEvoy #62 Fan Brush

Blending sponge: H&M Precision Makeup Sponge (shown here and here and here)

Blotting paper: Mary Kay Beauty Blotters Oil-Absorbing Tissues (shown here and here)

Brush cleaner: Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge* (shown here and here)

NAILS


Top coat: Poshé Topcoat* (review here)

Base coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat* (shown here)

Remover: Beauty Secrets Acetone Nourishing Nail Polish Remover (shown here)

General: Essie as a brand overall

Specific Top 10 Shades: this part is so difficult since many of my favourites are either limited edition or discontinued!


• Essie Mademoiselle
• Essie Marshmallow
• Deborah Lippmann Fashion (shown here)
• Essie Jelly Apple
• Essie Gel Couture Pinned Up (shown here)
• Butter London Knees Up
• Paul & Joe Figue 04 (shown here and here)
• Essie Maximillian Strasse-Her (shown here)
• Sinful Colors Prosecco (shown here)
• OPI DS Classic

The cheater in me would like to mention CoverGirl Being Blonde (shown here), Becca Toasted Marshmallow (shown here), China Glaze Fast Track (shown here), Deborah Lippmann Waking Up In Vegas (shown here) and Illamasqua Facet (shown here and here) which are all discontinued. 😛

* You may have noticed I indicated some products with an asterisk.  These are products that, if discontinued or reformulated, I would seriously consider starting a riot and / or an online petition. o_O


There you have it – the crème de la crème, in my opinion!  ❤ As you can imagine, narrowing down this list took quite a while! Some items were apparent, but with many of them, I felt an internal struggle, “ugh, which one is truly my favourite, I can’t chose just ONE!” 😳 I didn’t delve into why I chose something but provided some relevant links where I talk more in-depth about the items. If you want more details on any of the products, please let me know.

Have you have tried any of these items?  What are your HG beauty products?  If you have an annual beauty favourites list posted, please link them in the comments! 😀

96 thoughts on “My Current Holy Grail Beauty Products”

  3. Whoa! So many great items! I love the Shiseido facial cleanser, I had a little sample of it and it’s fantastic! I also love the MUJI Cotton wipes (thanks to you).

    I just read your thoughts on the Sephora baked foundation powder and I might have to give it a try. I love MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish powder but if this similar in formula it might make sense to try out when it goes on sale.

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    1. The Sephora and MAC powders are interchangeable for me. I almost listed both but didn’t want to cheat. 😛 Definitely try the Sephora when they have their sale next time! A big deciding factor for me when things are so similar is if one product is less expensive than the other… case in point with the MUJI vs Shiseido cotton – it gutted me not to list the Shiseido but why not save some money? 🙂

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  5. I love reading about HG products! I just posted one about my favorite foundations for the year!

    My favorite new discovery has to be Colourpop Lippie Stix. I know they’re old news, but I love all the wearable colors! And you can’t beat the price!

    Happy New Year!
    xo Lauren

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    1. I haven’t tried any of ColourPop’s lip products so they’re new to ME! 😉 I’ve only tried eye makeup from ColourPop. It’s not easy to get ColourPop here in Canada but Sephora just recently started carrying the brand so I’ll be dabbling more.

      Happy New Year to you too! 😀

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  6. Awesome posts! I think favourites posts are my favourites to read because you get so many good product suggestions from them. I’ve been thinking of doing an HG products post for so long, but like you said, it’s quite difficult and quite a huge undertaking.

    I need that Illamasqua primer in my life, but somehow I manage to keep accumulating primers faster than I can use them, and can’t justify buying it. But I want jelly primer!

    The Shiseido cleansing foam is also my HG, but I’m starting to wonder if it’s not right for my skin – I’ve heard that foaming cleansers are drying. I’ve always taken care of my skin but am really trying to hone in on my skincare issues this year, and it’s a frustrating process!

    Do you still get the CO Bigelow lip balm from BBW? I feel like I haven’t seen them in a while.

    The Marc Jacobs eyeliners are on my list of products to try this year!

    Hey, your Surratt brush is missing from this post! Too early to be called an HG brush?

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    1. Haha, so funny you mentioned the Surratt blush brush! I’m drafting a review of it. Spoiler, it is not HG! There are several reasons but it boils down to the fact that I have so many blush brushes and they all do different things – I chose the Shu Uemura blush brush simply because it’s more all-purpose. 🙂

      In general, yes, foaming cleansers are more drying than say, a cream cleanser. But I hate cream cleansers! 😛 I’d say of all the foaming cleansers, the Shiseido one is the most moisturizing for me. Maybe switch to something more gentle like Spectro gel or Cetaphil cleanser to see if your skin is happier?

      Yup I still get the CO Bigelow lip balm from BBW but their stock is spotty. They’re often sold out so I have to stalk it… 😉

      I’ve love to read your HG list! 😀 I much prefer getting recommendations from peers – I’ve found so many gems that way!

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      1. Aww, it’s too bad the Surratt brush is not HG, but I can totally see where you’re coming from by choosing one that is more multi-purpose and different from all of the other ones.

        I agree, I also hate cream cleansers! The Shiseido one just feels like it cleanses the face very well, it’s just too bad it might be drying out my skin…sigh. Lately I’ve been thinking of getting Cetaphil, but I didn’t think of Spectro gel, thanks for the recommendation!

        Dang it, I don’t have the same willpower as you when it comes to stalking products!

        Agreed, getting recommendations from peers is the best way to find new products!

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    1. Happy New Year! ❤ I always go back to the Maybelline concealer no matter what other ones I end up trying. I do like the Nars one but it doesn't out perform the drugstore one!

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    1. I found the Shu Uemura one too rounded for my eye shape, but if you find that shape to work well for you, maybe stick with it. I’ve found that most people fall into 2 camp: curved or more straight. The Surratt one is more straight. You can always test it out at Sephora.

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  11. Happy new year hun! It seems we are similar – I struggle with describing scents too! I honestly wonder sometimes how people can be so descriptive when describing perfume scents etc, like where do they get this knowledge from? I just know what smells good to me and some basics like if it smells sweet or spicy really, definitely something to work on this year. On that note, I love the CHLOE EDT but I’ve actually never owned it, next time I buy a perfume it may have to be that one. I can’t believe I’ve not used any of the items on your list other than soap and glorys sugar crush, if they’re your holy grails I think I’ll have to try some. That Becca highlighter looks too pretty! x

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    1. Whenever I read reviews on scents, all the terminology they use is so foreign to me (“sillage”, “throw”) but I do like reading up on top / middle / base notes. I guess we just follow our nose to see what we like! Every time I wear the Chloe perfume, I get compliments! It works so well with my body chemistry.
      Yes, I highly recommend the Becca highlighter – it is so smooth and glowy!

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  13. You should be congratulated for naming one thing for each, you did SO WELL! I love that I have some of your picks and can use them and enjoy them too! Your nail polish picks are the bomb! Prada Candy and Chloe EDT aren’t fragrances I’ve heard of (embarrassed face) but they sound lovely, if I see them I will test for sure!

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    1. Thank you! I think everyone who is a self-professed beauty junkie should go through this exercise to name their HG under each product category! It’s really helpful!
      I wrestled the most with my nail polish picks… initially I toyed with the idea of just naming ONE nail polish but my brain exploded at the thought. Top 10 is reasonable, right? 😉
      Definitely have a sniff at those perfumes the next time you’re at the department store. Try to get samples too, since I find perfumes perform so differently depending on your body chemistry. Case in point, I loved how Chanel Mademoiselle smelled on everyone, but when I tried it, it smells terrible on me!

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      1. I would consider doing this but there’s so many brands and products I’ve never tried I’m not sure it would be justified 😕
        Top 10 for nail polish is reasonable!
        I don’t smell perfume on other people often, if I spray it and I like it that’s what seals the deal lol!

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  14. So many products I need to try! I’m looking for a new eye cream and will probably try out that Kiehl’s one. I can’t use anything with Retinol in it (makes my skin dry out, flake, and peel – such a great look for the eye area!) so it looks like a safe choice. I’m not going to go on about everything I want to try, but it’s a good 75% of your skincare choices. I’m still searching for the perfect foaming cleanser, scrub, sunscreen, etc.

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    1. I probably should have listed out my skin type so people can see if what I like might be suitable for their skin type. I have combination dehydrated skin, with oilier chin and nose, and dry / normal cheeks. My skin is more sensitive to abrasive products but tolerate chemical exfoliants – I do have sensitivities to things like minty and citrus oils. I haven’t dabbled too much into retinols but I’ve had no issues with the mild ones I’ve tried. I hope you’ll like the Kiehl’s eye cream!

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      1. I don’t think you need to caution about your skin type with every post; it is up to the reader to research the product more before giving it a go :] Your profile, though, has confirmed that you tend to use gentler products, which is exactly what I’m looking for.

        This is totally unrelated to this post, but I just saw that Essie released a new collection, Desert Mirage, and it has a couple colors in it that are shimmery that you might be interested in. I have my eye on Blue-tiful Horizon :]

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        1. Re: Essie Desert Mirage collection. I’m way ahead of you but purely by accident! 😉 I was shopping post-holiday sales at my local drugstore and found a little basket of seemingly random Essie polishes discounted to $6 each (that’s cheap for us, usually it’s $13 each here) so I had a look and LO AND BEHOLD, they were the Desert Mirage collection. I had not even heard of that collection but as I stood there googling the shade names, I realized I’d hit a jackpot. I picked up 3 from the collection including Blue-tiful Horizon!!! 😀 Thanks so much for letting me know – you’re right, those shifty shimmering shades are right up my alley! ❤

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          1. Awesome, I’m so glad you’ve found it already! I had a similar experience – was at the drugstore beauty section of Fred Meyer (every time I do my grocery shopping there I check for nail polish) and they NEVER have new collections out on time. The Essie winter collection finally showed up and I saw the desert display next to it. I thought it was some old collection I had missed until I looked it up. I would be super excited to find Essies for $6 too! They have been getting excluded from sales and a lot coupons here recently 😐

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            1. I forbidden from browsing the beauty section when we grocery shop! 😆 Sometimes I will purposely lose him so I can have a quick glance!

              Essie prices have been up and down around here. For a while they were hovering $10 a bottle but jumped up to $13. I thought the acquisition by L’Oreal was supposed to make them more accessible!

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  15. Now I’m regretting not getting the Berry In Love Juicy Shaker – I saw a bunch of them half price like certain shades we’re being discontinued, I was really drawn to Berry in Love but I just didn’t know how the colour was going to pay off.
    Midnight Recovery is still my favourite eye cream too – although I think I could get away with using it in the day – I still prefer creamy avocado one for day and that one for night. Ben is even using it now as he’s had really dark circles and he’s hooked, it’s taking us collectively ages to get through that tube though!
    I still want to try and get my hands on that Poshe top coat, I’ve had it on my list since you first mentioned it.
    I really love that Anna Sui Contour brush which I won from you, the one problem I have with it is it keeps falling apart, I’ve reglued the handle on many times and it keeps coming loose within a week, I’ve never known a brush so stubborn – did I just get a weird one?
    Helpless Whilst Drying

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    1. Oh man! Sorry to hear about the Anna Sui brush handle falling apart on you! I haven’t had that issue. My question to you is: how are you washing / drying your brushes? And also, what kind of glue are you using? I always dry my brushes vertically so water doesn’t sit in the ferrules, and any brush that come loose (it happens, not a huge deal in my books), I like to use a jewellery making glue called E6000.

      I hope they’re not discontinuing Berry in Love! It’s such a pretty colour and perfect to give my lips a bit of stain. Knowing me, they probably did discontinue it… 😦

      I use the Midnight Recovery eye as my daytime eye cream! It’s not emollient enough for nighttime for me. It wears perfectly under concealer too – I just love it! Yes, a tube lasts ages.

      I really should get a kick back from Poshe… I’ve turned so many of my friends onto their top coat! 😛

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      1. I’ve just been using a superglue very sparingly – I wash them gently with water and a soap of some kind, I’m always careful not to get anything but the bristles and the ferrule wet and then I try them laying down flat on a towel – near a radiator that’s on (but not on it!), so it should be okay – I’m wondering whether the acrylic handle glue and metal combo isn’t working together and I need to try something else!

        I happened to go into a department store today and looked at the Lancome ones, they didn’t have Berry in Love in the permanent section! and none left in the sale, it might have been they didn’t carry all the colours in that store so I hope it’s not gone for you!

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        1. I’ve had my Anna Sui brushes for years and years and none of them have separated! If you got a dud, yeah, might be time to try something else. I’m still suggesting trying a different glue. I find superglue / crazyglue to be “brittle” and don’t work well on smooth surfaces.

          Now you got me curious if Berry in Love is discontinued here – I shall check over the weekend!

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  16. There’s so many things on this list that I’d love to try! I’ve never heard of that micellar water before, and that Kiehl’s eye cream was recently recommended to me from someone as well.
    I’ve debated trying that Lavanilla deodorant before but haven’t picked it up yet.

    I love seeing that you have some illamasqua on here, I had an eyeliner from the brand once that I absolutely loved, I was sad when I finished it.

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    1. That Sukin micellar water isn’t too easy to find but I stocked up when I saw them at Winners. It is also sold at Rexall and online at Well.ca

      The Lavanilla deodorant is one of the best finds – I was stressed out about switching from antiperspirants to deodorants since I’m quite a sweaty beast. 😛 The Lavanilla works well for me! Sephora does sell smaller travel size of it so you can try before committing.

      You know, I didn’t realize how many Illamasqua products I named as my HGs. Makes me even sadder that they exited the North American market! I need to plan a vacation around where Illamasqua has a counter so I can stock up… 😉

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      1. Ooo I’ll check well.ca thanks!

        I have the same problem haha. I’ll have to pick up that travel size! I didn’t realize that Illamasqua used to be sold in North America at all haha

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  21. This was such a detailed list! I admit I don’t do skincare as much as I SHOULD (some days it’s just literally water and soap at night in the shower — my eczema has been popping back up too and I kick myself every morning for being so lazy lol) and I feel like most of my HG items have been the same since 2009! I seriously need to switch it up! Especially considering how much makeup I have/buy it’s a shame I don’t fall in love with more products!

    I’m definitely going to try and change that in 2018, I love my HG items but it’s not like I’m cheating on them by trying new products… right?!?

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    1. No, you’re not cheating on your HG! I’m like that too – I know I love something but I want to try the next new thing out of curiosity. And it has sometimes resulted in new HGs! I say it’s good to not get complacent. 😉

      Hope you get your skincare to the point where your eczema is under control! I know it can be difficult to get the right combination of products. Good luck!

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    1. I typically only switch one product at a time for skincare so I can really pinpoint what that product does. Hence why I am terrible at posting new reviews of skincare since I need to thoroughly test it one by one before giving my opinion. 😛

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      1. It’s why I keep my skincare stash to a minimum and will only start using something new if I run out of a product completely. Reviews usually don’t go up until I have nearly used up the product.

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    1. I’m not as much into lip products as eye makeup but those are good ones for someone like me! I don’t hear Annabelle lip liners talked about much but they’re such high quality and so well priced!

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  26. Pingback: Trash Stash: November to December 2017 | stash matters

  29. I meant to comment days ago… sorry!

    Anyhoo, I’m happy to see you still love the Herbal Essences conditioner. Don’t forget to stock up if you still can.

    And I think starting a riot or a petition wouldn’t be the most unreasonable thing to do if a favourite product were to be discontinued!

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    1. I was just at the drugstore that sells the the Herbal Essences to check if they still had them – and yup, they’re in their permanent spot on the shelf. They weren’t on sale though. I will for sure stock up more!

      I think in this world of online petitions – it could gain some ground! 😉

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  30. A really exciting list. 🙂 I really want to try the NYX blushers out and even though I now have two counters near me, neither sell the blush line in the squarish packaging with the diamond repeat pattern – only the round packaging ones? (They are still probably good but meh, maybe this is a calling from the heavens above cos they know I love blush too much, haha XD).

    I purchased the Etude House Mascara Fixer! So it’s more of a mascara primer or it can be used as both? I am curious but can’t wait to open new stuff soon. 😀

    I was eyeing up MAC Cosmo a few months ago actually – I think their Amplified formula is my favourite from their lipstick line!

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    1. Oh I should have found a more recent photo of the NYX blush – they have repackaged them like this now:

      They don’t have the diamond patterns on them any more.

      I use the Etude House Mascara Fixer as a primer / base rather than a topper. You know… I’ve never actually tried it as a topper! I watched a YT video that recommended it as base. Now I read the description and it says it can be BOTH: After using an eyelash curler, apply under and over mascara to fix the curl and to waterproof. 💡 Now I’m going to try it tomorrow!

      I agree, the Amplified lipstick has the best formula – comfortable to wear and lots of pigmentation!

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      1. Ohh in that case, they do have it! My bad. I was going mad because I couldn’t find the exact type of packaging and I couldn’t understand why. 😂😳I will have to hold off for now though because I’m saving for when I haul in HK.

        That’s interesting. Can’t wait to test it out!

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        2. I tested out Etude House Mascara Fixer today as a mascara topper and it worked wonderfully! So I essentially encased my mascara in that today since I used it as a base too. Not a smudge in sight and my curl was EPIC! 😀 Thanks for even asking that question!

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    1. Kiehl’s and Clinique are such classic brands with staple products – I can’t imagine anyone not finding at least something they like from them! And Happy New Year – it’s so nice to see you back! 😀

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  32. I am bookmarking this post so I can reference it in all my future shopping expeditions. This is epic and amazing! I love it!
    I also love how this gives such a clear snapshot of your overall makeup preferences. Definitely kind of cool!
    Ok, I have to go add a bunch of things to my various online shopping carts now lol

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    1. I never thought of it as a snapshot of my overall preferences but yes, I suppose it does! I just love taupe and rosey shades – they’re classic and easy to wear. 🙂
      Let me know what you do decide to try out!

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  33. This was so much fun to read! Soap & Glory caught my eye recently because they always have cute displays and adorable packaging in Walgreens… I’ve never tried it before though! I might have to try their body creams soon 🙂

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  34. What a great list! I took down a bunch of products to try including the Sukin Micellar Water, the Neostrata serum (I love their glycolic line!), the CoverGirl Roses palette (how do I not have this yet?), etc. Great idea for a post!

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    1. Not a lot of people talk about Neostrata but their products are effective and not too pricey (I wait for sales, of course!). And yessss, if they repackaged the CG Roses palette and slapped on a $40 price tag, it would totally be justified (PS those eye shadows are made in Canada!)
      I’ve love to read your HG list! 🙂

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  37. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, Clarins lotus oil and L’Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap in Milk are my HG too!!! (same criteria as you) *LOL* I must have bought more than 10 lotus oil over there year.

    I haven’t tried Allie UV Mineral Moist NEO SPF 50+ PA++++ before~~~I need to check this out.

    Herbal Essences rose has such great fragrance! 😀 I love them just for the smell.

    Want to tell you something scary… I wear Chloe too. I have the perfume and the solid.

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    1. A lot of those products have stood the test of time! I think that people often get distracted by the *NEW* and “improved” that they are blinded by marketing.

      It IS scary how similar we are… or maybe that our preferences are quite common? 😉

      If you have time, I’d love to read a HG list from you! (I recall your most bought skincare post – what about the rest of beauty stuffs?)

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      1. O golly, I missed this comment. So sorry~~

        Yes, it is very scary~~ you know, the first time when I read your profile with the curly hair + freckle + foundation shade description… I was already like… OMG. After a reading a few more of your reviews it was… this girl is my doppelganger.

        What’s the difference between HG, favourite and most purchased? I’m so confused with the beauty terms. wahaha, okok, I’ll be right back with my HG list. We already have 8 of the same items by the way *LOL* I will adjust some of mine so that it doesn’t look like I copied yours wahahahah

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