Still Exhausted: Best Of Beautycon 2017 Part I
Beautycon 2017 was such an incredible event. I still can’t believe how much fun it was and how many new products and brands I discovered. In fact, it’s way too much to cover one post, so I’ve decided to do this as a three part series including a podcast, which will go live on August 21st.
So many different brands came out to the event. I was familiar with many of them and there were others that I had literally never heard of. (I don’t know EVERYTHING). I spoke with so many experts who shared their best tips and tricks with me. Here are some of my fav products from the event and insider info that I just can't keep to myself. But then again, do I ever keep anything to myself?
Smashbox
I tried Smashbox’s Always On liquid lipstick in Shockaholic (I know, shut up). The color was so bold and really stayed on. It’s perfect for those nights when you are going to drink a lot and take selfies. You will be totally covered. No need to put down your cocktail to reapply.
Kate Somerville
I finally tried their Holy Grail product, ExfoliKate and it was exactly what I was missing in my skincare routine. As many of you know, I’m all about the retinol, but it’s made my skin peel like crazy. My face has needed some serious sloughing for weeks now. (Why do you think I haven’t posted that much on Instagram?)
ExfoliKate is a physical and chemical exfoliator in one. All you have to do is rub it in for 30 seconds and leave it on for two minutes. It’s way less of a commitment than a facial mask and actually works instantly. Seriously, I don’t want to say it’s magic but close enough. Also, I’m super sensitive and it wasn’t irritating at all.
I also tried UncompliKated Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray SPF 50. We all know how important sunscreen is. Blah, blah, blah, etc. This is a dream multitasker because it sets your makeup and gives you sun protection. It also takes seconds to apply. You can use it and stop complaining about how sunscreen messes up your foundation because this spray actually enhances your face.
Laneige
Laneige is a K-Beauty brand that is currently available from Sephora’s website and will be available at retail locations in the upcoming weeks. They are owned by fancy pants cosmetics company Amore Pacific. The brand has been around since 1994, which was way before K-Beauty was a thing, so you know it’s got to be good.
They gave me a sample of their Water Sleeping Mask, which I almost don’t want to use because the packaging is too pretty. Apparently, they also have a Lip Sleeping Mask and I’m kind of dying to try it. My. Lips. Are. So. Dry. Too many matte lipsticks.
Morphe
I first discovered this brand in Ali’s bathroom (not even a joke) and I am now obsessed. Morphe makes the most gorgeous eyeshadow palettes I’ve ever seen. They have multiple textures including shimmery and matte in one palette, which is not the norm for most palettes. The entire line is very affordable, but also lux, which we all know never happens.
Morphe gifted me an entire kit and I can’t wait to try everything. Trust me when I tell you to keep this brand on your radar and when they are everywhere like rompers at a BBQ, you can take credit for knowing about Morphe before it was a thing.
Carol’s Daughter
I was under the wrong impression about this brand. I thought their products were only for black skin and hair. BIG MISTAKE! As someone with painfully dry, curly hair, I regret not investigating Carol’s Daughter earlier.
At the event, I was able to try their Almond Cookie Shea Soufflé. It has the nicest creamy texture and smells like heaven. But I was hankering to try their hair products, so I actually went to the drugstore and picked up the Almond Milk Ultra Nourishing Hair Mask. It made my hair so soft and smelled amazing.
Usually, quality hair products don’t smell good. Why is that? Can someone please explain why the shampoo from the 99 Cents Store smells like Heaven and $99 shampoo smells like car exhaust combined with rotting fruit? But seriously, this hair mask smells like sugared almonds from a candy store. I really want to try the entire Carol’s Daughter line.
Croc
Not the shoes. Also, ew. Croc flat irons are awesome. They gifted me their Plug Iron, which has a detachable cord. I love the idea of a detachable cord because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve melted my hair tool cords. (My fault!) Although the Croc is small, it’s mighty and heats up to 410°. I used it at home and I actually prefer it to my larger flat iron. That being said, I really want to try their Infrared flat iron.
Stay tuned for the podcast and Part II next week!
