The Favorites | My Must Have Purchases of 2016

Each year, I do a year in review type post that highlights my favorite purchases from a given year… looking for a past feature? Read 2015’s Favorites Here.
I love sharing my favorites… the tried and true items that stood out to me, whether that be a great makeup tool, a top I never wanted to take off, a new pair of shoes that shined… you get the idea!

Here’s my roundup for everything I LOVED and made my favorites list for 2016:

Let’s talk all things beauty and skin first… especially since we all are trying to find the right ways to age gracefully, to help lessen fine lines and wrinkles, and to get that makeup that stays put and doesn’t fade! First up, the Mac Prime and Prep Fix–keeps my makeup lasting all day long and my skin stays hydrated = essential. The famous Kat Von D Liquid Tattoo Eyeliner… easy to apply for non-liquid lovers like myself and no need for reapplying! When it comes to lips, I’m a sucker for the Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick [in Drop Dead Red]–the hue is bright which brings color, it lasts, and I love the high-shine hues. Finally, a drugstore find that is taking over my makeup drawer is anything in the Maybelle FIT collection, specifically the Master Concealer. At under $10, its full coverage actually covers dark under eye circles and discoloration and I like it more than any other brand I’ve tried. Other skin favorites include the Beautycounter Charcoal Mask and Image Skincare Vital C Eye Recovery Gel.

Tech, Travel, and AccessoriesAnother segment that I love… anything that makes life easier! EZPacking Cubes were a big hit for me this past year and made packing much less painful and WAY more organized–you can read my post about them here. I also LOVED my Herschel Backpack that I took to Disney… compartments for everything we needed, small in size so I could carry it each day, and not hard to look at either! Santa gifted me Bose Wireless Headphones for Christmas and I’ve used them SO much… between travel to working out to while I’m working from home, they are fantastic and I am happy I finally asked for them. In terms of gadgets I always keep in my purse, this pretty floral Portable Battery Charger is always within reach… under $20 and gives me reassurance that I have battery backup when I’m out during the day or when I am travelling. Finally, a good iPhone case not only protects your possessions, BUT makes it pretty on the eyes too and ya’ll know I love a good personalized case from Pretty Smitten. From gingham to palm trees, you can never go wrong with one of Elizabeth’s custom designs.

Apparel and Fashion
Finally, let’s talk all things FASHION! 2016 was a year where a lot of us stepped out of our comfort zones, tried some new trends, made athleisure apparel a brand new “mom uniform” of sorts, and I’m excited to share some of my favorites that I loved adding to my wardrobe! First up, my newest underlayer courtesy of Victoria’s Secret Lace Bralettes… $20 and comfy but still cute. A great for pairing under Piko tops for casual looks.
I also opted to stock up on ALL the mesh workout leggings and compression pants I could find… my top favorites came from Old Navy and Target in a variety of styles and colors, yet were all very budget friendly, too. These Winter Wine Leggings and these Black Embossed Mesh Leggings were my two fav styles!
In the dress department, hands down this Black Lace Dress was the icing for me… it will serve a multitude of purposes, is great for any season, and the details make it super special! And you know I love a good maxi so this One by Pink Stitch Dress fits every spring and summer occasion… layer it up with some pretty baubles and you’re dressy for night, too. Moving onto the shoes, slip-ons stole the show in my closet and I’m pretty much obsessed… rose gold, two-tone, platform and more, you cannot go wrong with the Steve Madden Sneakers (and similar style in Black). Of course I can’t forget to talk about my favorite swimwear… Kortni Jeane. Branded for the girl who wants to look cute, age appropriate, AND still be able to play with her kiddos in the water, their line of mix and match swimwear has become my go-to swimmers and I cannot wait to add more to my collection for 2017. And last, but CERTAINLY not least… my favorite accessory = sunglasses. I’ve fallen in love with LeSpecs Sunnies and I’ve got the growing collection to prove it. Great pricepoint with fun silhouettes, colors, and lenses that stand out!