Top Ten Beauty Finds of 2014

Kara Manos - Politics of PrettyFor me, 2014 was the year of great skin. From moisturizers to hand creams to beauty masks, I was obsessed with making my skin glow from the inside out. Putting together my top ten beauty finds of 2014 was hard though because I discovered a bevy of new products that have taken up a permanent residence on my beauty vanity. See which skin, makeup and hair products made the cut!

  1. Earlier this year I discovered my favorite pink lipstick this year—Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Amelia. It’s the perfect shade of pink and it lasts for hours.
  2. The Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette was actually a Christmas gift from 2014 but I didn’t really start using it until this year. It took some practice but I love creating new looks with this palette.
  3. Prepping my pout with Aerin Rose Lip Balm is a part of my morning ritual before I leave for work. I can’t live without it.
  4. NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Himalia is my staple eyshadow I use year-round. I love layering it with MAC Paint Pots in Bare Study.
  5. Nothing makes me cringe more than extremely dry skin. My hands have never felt so nourished thanks to Library of Flowers Forget Me Not Coco Butter Hand Cream.
  6. One of the reasons I never enjoyed wearing false lashes was because they would never last a full evening and I’d always run in to fiascos. I love wearing Esqido Mink Lashes because they are so easy to apply and can be worn up to 30 times.
  7. During my search for the best drugstore mascara, I had little expectations for CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara but I’m still using it to this day. Best drugstore purchase of the year.
  8. My Glossier Priming Moisturizer has a cushiony texture, making it the perfect canvas for fresh, glowing skin. I don’t mind wearing this alone because it’s just that good.
  9. I rarely wear a specific nail color more than once but Essie in Double Breasted Jacket has easily become my favorite red polish of all time.
  10. I’m very picky about my hair products. Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner is equal parts luxe and and effective, leaving my hair feeling soft and silky.

What were your best beauty discoveries in 2014?