top: forever 21 (small) – jeans: gap (24 regular) – necklace: amazon (under $10!)
Happy New Year! For some strange reason I’m already writing “2020” like it’s no big deal. Hoping that’s a sign this is going to be a great year 🙂 I tried quite a bit of new products during 2019… products that I will 100% be using all the time during the next 10 years. They are too good not to share! Especially as we continue to live our best and busiest teacher lives and each day we get a little bit older…
I turned 29 this year… NEXT YEAR IS 30. I use to think 30 was so old… I still feel a solid 13 years old on the inside… but I’m trying to take better care of my outs. I’m so excited to share these products with you… THEY ROCK! BEST PURCHASES OF 2019… COMING IN HOT BELOW! 🙂
BeautyBio : link here
I’ve never used a product or beauty tool where within days I saw results. I’ve had a microneedling tool on my birthday and Christmas lists for the past two years– it was worth ever second of the wait… even though I can’t imagine how awesome my skin would feel and look if I started sooner. It’s kind of pricey but can be easily justified.
I use the regeneration tool every night after handwashing my makeup off with cliques rinse off then cleansing with my PMD. I spend 1 minute on every thing but my under eye, then switch to the under eye attachment for 30 seconds. The microneedles gently “puncture” your skin creating new collagen and aiding in skin restoration. This tool creates the optimal face canvas for using your favorite beauty products… and that’s what makes this tool so awesome! It really allows for all your favorite creams and serums to do their work, letting them seep right into their target areas. I’m also obsessed with all the beauty bio skin products and will be purchasing more in the future!
PMD Clean Facial Cleansing Device : link here
When it hit me that I was turning 29, I decided I needed to invest in taking care of my skin. In years past, I’ve used the Clarisonic facial cleanser and liked it but didn’t love it. I read a ton of reviews and decided on PMD’s clean facial cleansing device… and I made the right choice. I’M OBSESSED. It removes SO MUCH DEAD SKIN and leaves my fast feeling refreshed and smooth. There are 4 different settings (my favorite are the 2nd and 4th). After I remove my makeup, I put the cleanser (or exfoliator) on my face, run the brush under water, and then use for about 45 seconds. IT ROCKS.
Cigarette Jeans : link here
I’ve posted these flattering gems multiple times on instagram and can’t stop wearing them in real life. I’ve worn them at least 3 days a week since buying them a few months ago, ha! And ordered a few more colors… The best part about these jeans is the stretch. They have a very slight stretch that makes them comfortable, but doesn’t impact the overall look and style of the jeans. I also love how they hit the ankle– not as tight as skinny jeans and not as flared/far away as straight jeans– they are the perfect middle ground. In pants and jeans, I switch between petite and regular… for the cigarette jeans, I’ve ordered regular and they fit my 5’2 height perfectly!
Neck Cream: link here
I’m back on the “anti-aging” train again… Moisturizing my neck has been a process overlooked in my life for… well all of it. It wasn’t until I started noticing neck signs of aging on a few reunion shows during the summer that I started examining my own. After reading too many reviews and searching blogs/websites, I committed to trying Paula’s Choice! Besides being ecstatic about the retinol body treatment, I love how lightweight the lotion feels. I have a really sensitive neck and I don’t even notice I have it on. I haven’t been using it enough to notice a difference, but I’m feeling really hopeful and look forward to putting it on every other night 🙂
Ipad PaperLike Protector: link here
… If you have an Ipad Pro the paperlike Ipad screen protector has CHANGED MY DRAWING LIFE. O M G. It legitimately feels like you’re writing on paper instead of your ipad. The texture is a little grainy and it took me a little bit of time to get use to it, but I don’t even notice it now. It’s improved my drawing and handwriting SOOOO MUCH. I didn’t realize how slidey and greasy my screen was before… as long as I have an Ipad pro, I will have a paperlike screen protector on it.
Electrolyte Drops: link here
Shout out to my neighbor bestie for introducing me to these electrolyte drops! Adding 4-5 drops once a day to my water has made such a difference in my hydration levels… which i’ve noticed effect my eye puffiness and cravings. I try really hard to drink at least 60 ounces of water a day but as teachers, we know how hard that can be. The drops taste like I’ve squeezed a fresh slice of lemon in my water. I highly recommend for all teachers! My body has felt much more balanced and energetic since focusing on my hydration and using these drops.
Contouring Brush Set: link here
My every day makeup routine consists of a very, very light contour… if you can even call it that… but one thing is for sure: best makeup brushes EVER! I honestly don’t even know if I have the vocabulary to describe make up brushes… other than I love the way my makeup looks, they are super soft, don’t shed, easy to clean, and have helped me improve my makeup applying abilities, lol. Click here for my go to bronzer and here for my favorite blush!
Jean Hangers: link here
There’s a reason I haven’t posted my master closet upstairs… It’s in process and a total disaster. Not necessary with close, but I’m having a hard time finding good ways to organize it without investing in a solid closet system… which is in my near future. These pant and jean hangers have been game changing in my closet. My pants/jeans use to look like a mixture of tornado aftermath and Christmas ornaments falling off the tree. Plus, the heavy weight from over jamming my jeans was constantly breaking my hangers. I organized my jeans by type and pants by color… and they are super easy to pull and put away!
Sherpa Black Vest: link here
I will be wearing this vest over and over and over for a very long time! I shared it on my Cyber Monday/Black Friday haul post. It’s so easy to throw on over any outfit–casual or fancy. I love the slim fit and the quality of the sherpa. So far I’ve worn it with a flannel, turtleneck, sweatshirt, and a long-sleeved t-shirt dress. It’s one of those items that won’t go out of style and can be worn countless times. Such a good investment… but with the price point, it’s not much of an investment at all!
Total Temptation Eyebrow Pencil: link here
BEST.EYEBROW.PENCIL.EVER. I’ve never received compliments on my eye brows until I started filling them in with maybelline’s total temptation stick. The texture is smooth and glides right on your eye brow. The way the tip is designed allows any level of eyebrow applier to create straight and smooth lines on any part of your eyebrow. I love after i’ve applied the color and I start to brush my eyebrows– the brush magically evens out the fill of your eyebrow. I don’t get how it works, but it’s incredible. It’s the only drugstore make up I use and because of it… I’m tempted to try other maybelinne products. The color also blends perfectly!
What were some of your favorite purchases of 2019? Share them with me in the comments 🙂
HAPPY SHOPPING!
with kindness | ashley