January Favorites

January has been a really great month. It started with ringing in the new year at the wedding of two friends from law school, and included the amazingly fun wedding of one of my friends from high school. In between all of the traveling and celebrating, I kept my beauty routine pretty simple and just focused on keeping my skin hydrated. Nonetheless, I wouldn't be doing my job as a beauty blogger without trying some new products and sharing them with you guys.1. MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack $16.  I have very mixed feelings about this eyeliner, but I'm including this because I used it very frequently last month.  Also, when worn correctly, this is a great product because it lasts all day and is a very dark black.  However, it took me some time to figure out the best brush and technique to get my eyeliner just right.  When I was in Target a few weeks ago looking for something that wasn't makeup (isn't that how it always goes?), I decided to buy the e.l.f. angled eyeliner brush mentioned below.  The shape looked interesting and it was only $3 so I figured I didn't have much to lose.  The brush made it much easier to control the application, so I became much happier with this eyeliner.  I also settled on a new technique.  Instead of dipping the brush into the jar, I dab a little liner on a tissue, and use the liner as needed.  This way I can keep the lid of the jar closed to keep the eyeliner from drying out.  Once I got the right brush and perfected my technique, I became much happier with this eyeliner.  The jar has a generous amount of product, so as long as it doesn't dry out, this will last for years.  Bottom line: when used correctly, this is a great eyeliner but it definitely takes some practice.2. Forever 21 pencil sharpener $2.  Forever 21 has the cutest makeup bags and accessories and this pencil sharpener is cute and functional.  It has two holes - one for regular sized pencils and one for larger ones (like the NARS shadow sticks).  And, it works well.3. Kevyn Aucoin The Lipgloss in Peonine $30.  Kevyn Aucoin is an underrated line in my humble opinion.  I have enjoyed every product that I've tried and this lipgloss is really great.  It's a really pretty, sparkly pink gloss that is neutral enough for me to wear to work.  I like that this lipgloss lasts long, but it's not super sticky (MAC lipglass, I'm looking at you).  The doe foot applicator makes it easy to keep things neat, and I like that there's no discernible smell or taste.  Next time you're at Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom, check out this brand!4. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Clear $4. You could spend $20 for a brow gel from one of many cosmetic brands, or you could just buy clear mascara next time you're at the drugstore.  This works just as well as any brow gel that I've tried.  It keeps your brows in place and doesn't flake at all.  This is a staple in my makeup routine.5. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita $20.  This has been a cult favorite for a while now, so of course when I saw it at Sephora a while ago, I had to check it out of myself.  Matte liquid lipsticks are popping up all over (I loved the cream lip stain by Sephora, mentioned here), but this formula can tend towards the drying side.  Happily, Kat Von D's version was really comfortable and long lasting.  This is described as a "dusty rose" and this is pretty accurate.  On my pigmented lips, this is a nice neutral color that I've been wearing to work a lot lately.  It defines my lips but is simple and, since this is long lasting, I don't have to worry about touch-ups.  Bottom line: this is a cult favorite for a reason, so if you're looking for a brown/pink matte lip color, this is definitely worth a try.Swatches of Peonine and Lolita6. e.l.f. angled eyeliner brush $3.  As mentioned, this little brush is great for applying eyeliner.  If you have trouble applying eye shadow with a traditional angled brush, try something like this brush.  It helps apply liner very close to the lashline, plus it's super affordable.7. The Five-Minute Journal $23.  I saw this on one of my friend's Instagram feeds, and was immediately intrigued.  When I checked out the website and learned about the research behind this simple journal, I knew I had to have one.  The idea is simple: by thinking positive thoughts at the beginning and end of your day, you will train yourself to be happier.  The questions are simple and there are some great quotes thrown in as well.  If you've always like the idea of journaling but couldn't quite commit, this is the journal for you.What were your favorites last month?Shop the post below:[xyz-ihs snippet="january-favorites"]