Lately I’ve been feeling like at 36 I’ve finally hit my stride in terms of finding my personal style as well as honing in on the brands and products that really click for me. 2019 was a year of surviving. My first full year as a mom of two, part of that spent with an unruly puppy, and a new position at work all contributed to very little time for much else. Luckily along the way I made some pretty great {19 to be exact!} purchases that made my days a little better and brighter. I thought it might be fun to round them up and share them with you today. So here we go, in no particular order, my best buys of 2019!
Lush BIG Shampoo
I’ve tried my fair share of hair care products throughout the years and let me tell you, none have left me as smitten as this shampoo. I actually found out about it through my wonderful stylist {hi, Nichole at Village Parlor!} the last time I was in by asking her for a recommendation. I love the product line they use at VP but none of their shampoos/conditioners had really done it for me over the years. The shampoo, which is made with sea salt, leaves my hair feeling ultra clean and shiny without weighing it down at all. I’ve been using it for about two months and can honestly say I’m never going back.
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
When something is really popular I typically respond one of two ways. 1. I jump in ASAP because I have to be on trend. I’m all in. 2. I rebel and the more I see it or hear about it, the less I want it. Guess which category the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings fell in to for me? They were everywhere and I wanted nothing to do with them for years. But in a moment of weakness as I was shopping for my winter wardrobe I actually found a pair {new with tags!} on eBay {because I couldn’t pay full price for something I knew I’d end up hating} and well, they made this list for a reason. I’ve probably worn them more than any other item of clothing I own at this point. They just work. You can dress them up or down and they’re the first thing I reach for when I don’t exactly want to wear pants but I also don’t want to wear anything else.
Sam Edelman Jennifer Studded Combat Boot
Ok technically I got these for Christmas in 2018 but since they’re just a few days shy of being a 2019 purchase and I’ve now worn {and loved} them for two winter seasons I’m going to make an exception. The equivalent of Spanx Faux Leather Leggings for your feet, they just go with everything. Plus they’re super comfortable and have held up perfectly, despite Michigan throwing every type of weather at them.
Olive & June Everything Box
My at-home manicures mean everything to me. Perhaps the most consistent self care I practice, I do my nails {at home, usually at my kitchen table} weekly. It’s as relaxing as it is productive, plus it saves me tons of time and money. I’ve been an Essie girl for as long as I can remember but 2019 was the year I was introduced to Olive & June. For my 36th birthday I bought myself their Everything Box which is exactly what it sounds like, everything you need for the perfect at-home manicure. My favorite O&J product has quickly become their cuticle serum with a close second being their long wearing polishes that are made from a 7-free formula and clean ingredients.
Tula Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer
I’ve used Tula products for years but had a breakthrough this year with their Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer. Since I don’t wear foundation I apply this before my concealer and other makeup to give my skin a nice, even glow. It’s so lightweight I don’t even realize I’m wearing it but the impact is undeniable. I’m already going on my third bottle so the proof is definitely in the empties.
Skinbetter sunbetter® TONE SMART SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact
Speaking of not wearing foundation, I also am not great {ok I’m terrible} at applying sunscreen on a daily basis. Luckily, the last time I was at my dermatologist she recommended a type of formula that I had never tried. It gives my skin really nice coverage and other than days when I’m not wearing any makeup at all I don’t think I’ve ever skipped a day of applying it. That fact alone gives it a highly coveted spot on my list!
Glossier Play Glitter Gelée
I like to keep my eye makeup pretty easy and consistent. Most days, regardless of where I’m going I’ll either wear a cat eye or a swipe of my favorite shadow. But when Glossier introduced their Play line I knew I had to try their Glitter Gelée. I spent a good portion of my work holiday party fielding questions on my eye makeup and was more than happy to share the secret behind my sparkle. It’s the perfect addition to add something unexpected but still extremely easy to apply. Just remember to wash it off before you go to bed, it’s not as cute in the morning. P.S. you can use this link for 10% off your first Glossier purchase!
Amazon Headbands
Definitely my most worn accessory of 2019, without question. I absolutely love the look of Lele Sadoughi and Jennifer Behr headbands but to say they’re just a bit out of my budget would be an understatement. Luckily we have Amazon, what a time to be alive! A few of my favorite affordable headbands that I’ve purchased throughout the year can be found here, here, here, and here.
essie Quick-E Drying Drops
Remember when I told you at-home manicures were my #selfcare? Well since I’m at-home with wet nails I have basically zero time for them to dry before I have to do something that will inevitably smudge them. These drops are literal miracle workers. I’ve gone through an entire bottle in just a few months and I cannot paint my nails without them. You’ll go from applying your topcoat to unloading the dishwasher in 5 minutes or less.
ERGObaby 360 Baby Carrier
I love baby wearing tiny babies. It’s honestly been one of my favorite things about becoming a mom {twice!}. For both girls I used and loved Solly Baby wraps but unfortunately those are only intended for babies up to about 6 months of age. So as we prepared for our second summer with Jojo last year I knew I needed something a bit more sturdy for my soon to be toddler. I did a little research and decided to try the ERGObaby 360 carrier and it has exceeded all of my baby/toddler wearing expectations. It’s so easy to use, baby feels very safe and secure in it, and it comes in cute patterns {I found my cute gingham one on eBay!} which is always a plus. It’s really sad to think that 2019 was probably my last year wearing a baby but we sure did have a good run!
Apple AirPods
These were the something I never knew I needed until Ken showed up while I was on a conference call while taking care of a sick kid and a puppy, tangled up in a cord. I wear them all the time to listen to music, podcasts, or just pretend I’m on a call to get a moment of silence. Just kidding {or am I?}. 😉
Lighted Makeup Mirror
I found out about this mirror from T.I.B.A.L. {if you don’t know, now you know, you’re welcome} and it did not disappoint. I was previously using a non-lighted version and the light really takes it to the next level. Plus you can charge it so my very small vanity with only a few outlets isn’t a problem. I got it for Christmas and it’s held it’s charge for at least a few weeks now. Prepare to see your pores in a whole new light.
Shark DuoClean Upright Vacuum
When our Dyson died earlier this year after about 6 years of use {didn’t vacuums used to live a lifetime?!} we turned to where we typically go in a crisis, Costco. Since we weren’t all that impressed with the lifespan or the quality of our Dyson we happily downgraded to a Shark and as you can already guess it was one of our best decisions of the year. It’s lightweight, it has a little light on the front so I can see exactly what I’m vacuuming up under a dresser or other dimly lit space, it’s super easy to use the hose, and it swivels like a dream. I’ve also heard it’s very easy to replace specific pieces and parts if you get to that point.
Madewell Pearl Hoop Earrings
The perfect combination of basic everyday hoops and pretty pearls have come together to made a baby and she’s a beauty. After seeing these on a coworker I knew I had to have them and since receiving them I’ve basically only taken them off to sleep.
Loeffler Randall Penny Knot Slides
Sometimes a gal just needs a fancy shoe, ya know? These are the perfect go with everything but not basic and oh so fun pump. They’re incredibly comfortable which only adds to their versatility. The last few warm weather vacations I’ve taken they’re literally the only fancy shoe I’ve packed {oh and they’re super pack-able}! Now I’m just stuck on which color to get next.
Botox!
2019 will forever be known as the year I got Botox. Twice! I tried it for the first time in June and by December when it had all but worn off I couldn’t wait to do it again. I was pretty ambivalent about it for the majority of my 30’s but once my forehead creases started becoming more prominent I knew it was time. I know I said this list wast in no particular order but Botox, you’re my favorite.
Free People Ottoman Slouchy Tunic
When I’m faced with the age old situation of having nothing to wear during the months of September to March {ok fine, April} this sweater is always my answer. It’s super chic and uber comfortable and I promise you look instantly put together as soon as you put it on. It’s so good I’ve even started giving it as gifts. And if you’re worried about what color I’m getting next in this sweater, don’t be – I already own it in ivory, black, and pink!
Target Joy Lab Clothes
Oh how I love to motivate myself to work out by buying new clothes. Coordinated sets, to be specific! I love the quality of the Joy Lab line from Target but I love the variety and the price even more. Everything I’ve tried runs true to size and has held up after even the most intense sweat sessions.
Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Bow Detail Dress
I spent more money on Blair Eadie’s second collection than anything else this year. In my opinion, Blair is perfection and I’ve never idolized a style muse quite like I do her. I love her aesthetic and that every day is a new opportunity for her to express herself through her clothes – because I absolutely feel the same way. Before releasing her second collection with Nordstrom she created a nod to her very popular bow blouse from her first collection with this dress. I own it in both blue and red and they both just make me so happy. I’m sure at some point I’ll find the pink {it’s long sold out but you guys know how I feel about second hand shopping} and make it a complete set, tied with a bow.
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