I was fortunate to try MANY wonderful products throughout the past year, so narrowing it down to just these 15 took some serious pondering! These are the things that really stood out to me - products I used for a significant portion of the year and things I see myself continuing to use for the foreseeable future. In cases where I've previously talked about a product in more detail or done a full review, I'll link that as well, in case you're looking for more info.
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash [Review]
I didn't realize how much I missed foaming cleansers until I tried Ursa Major's Fantastic Face Wash early this year. It offers the lather and clean feeling of a traditional gel/foaming cleanser, but it won't leave your face feeling dry or tight. A great option for both men and women, and it smells awesome too!
Andalou Naturals Chia + Omega Radiant Skin Polish
I've felt a little like Golidlocks trying scrub after scrub over the years, but this one checks all my boxes. With a creamy base and just the right amount of grit, it does a great job exfoliating without irritating my sometimes fussy skin. My second tube is on its last legs and I already know I'll be picking up a third very soon.
Balanced Guru Calming Masque [Review]
Not an unknown product to longtime readers, the Calming Masque remains a firm favorite on my skincare shelf. Contrary to what the name suggests, it isn't actually a product I'd recommend for ultra-sensitive skin, but I think it's fantastic for just about everyone else. This mask offers a wonderful intermediate between a detoxifying clay mask and a nourishing treatment and is packed with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like calendula, marshmallow root, and aloe vera.
Crazy Rumors Lip Balms
I have mixed feelings about some of the individual Crazy Rumors flavors - which I've talked about many times before - but what I am fully decided on is that I love their actual lip balm formula. Vegan and ultra-buttery, it does a wonderful job keeping lips healthy, plump, and protected all year round. My two favorite flavors (so far!) are the Plum & Peppermint and the Leaping Bunny Plum Apricot.
Young Living Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is my go-to essential oil for any skin woes. It has strong regenerative properties, which explains why it's included in so many anti-aging skincare formulas, but it's also astringent, making it great for acne or clogged pores. Most often, I mix a drop or two into a face mask or use it as a spot treatment on blemishes and breakouts, but I've also used it in homemade toners and body oils. It's also, of course, wonderful for a whole host of non-skin related things too! As always, I'd stress the importance of using high quality, unadulterated oils.
BODY/HAIR
The Honest Co. Conditioning Detangler [Review]
With a good conditioner, my hair isn't overly tangly, but with a subpar one, it's knot city! I tried a number of new hair products this past year and the Conditioning Detangler became a hero product when other stuff just didn't cut it. A few spritzes lets hair be combed through easily, plus it tames flyaways and doesn't leave hair greasy or weighed down.
Blissoma Scentless Stick Deodorant [Review]
I've been using another deodorant the last few weeks that's quickly added itself to my top deodorant shelf alongside this one (more on that in the new year!) but Blissoma's deodorant stick was my favorite for much of 2015. This unassuming stick has no scent of its own but still does a phenomenal job disguising odor. It does contain baking soda, but less than most formulas, and tempered with lots of skin soothing ingredients to minimize the likelihood of irritation. I haven't had any problems with it and I've heard the same from several other people who also struggle with other baking soda deodorants.
Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic Shampoo + Conditioner [Review]
I used this duo briefly a few years ago, but I fell back in love with it this year. The shampoo has a creamy consistency and lathers up into plenty of bubbles and the conditioner does a great job hydrating hair without weighing it down. Both smell minty and lovely and are also packed with tons of good-for-your-hair botanicals.
Nourish Organic Body Washes
With several great scents and a luxurious creamy formula, Nourish's body washes have been one of my favorites for years. They produce a light lather - more if you use a loofah - and won't dry out or irritate your skin.
MAKEUP
Studio 78 Off We Go Concealer [Review]
I've said time and time again that under eye concealer has been the product I've struggled most with in the green beauty realm, so finding Off We Go, a concealer specifically designed for covering up dark circles, was a joy. This highly pigmented product has a unique cream-to-powder finish that stays put and wears really well throughout the day. The color range is somewhat lacking, but if you have light to medium skin, I recommend giving it a try.
Mineral Fusion Sheer Moisture Lip Tints [Review]
The Sheer Moisture Lip Tints are pretty much my perfect everyday lip product. Under $10, sheer but buildable color + a great formula that keeps lips comfortable and hydrated. The only downside is that the lids have a tendency to pop off, so be careful when toting them around with you!
Bare Minerals Frame & Define Brow Styler [Review]
I like full brows, but I want them to look natural and not overly filled in. The lighter shade of the Frame & Define Styler is a perfect color match for my brows, so it does just that. I also like that it wears all day without budging and that it's a twist up pencil that doesn't need sharpening.
Silk Naturals Lovelace Sheer Blush
Lovelace, which is sold as a dupe for Nars Deep Throat, was probably my most worn blush of 2015. It looks a little orange in the pot, but on the cheeks, it just gives a beautiful peachy flush that goes with everything. Silk Naturals' sheer blush formula is hard to overdo and great for blush-shy beauties, but it's also very buildable if you like a little more punch to your cheek color.
Pacifica Natural Eye Pencils [Review]
These pencils are seriously awesome. They're pigmented and glide on easily, and while they can be smudged initially, they don't move around once set. My two favorites are Jet, a super dark and rich black, and Bare, a nude that's great for lining the waterline. There are only four shades currently, but I'm hoping for more colors in the new year.
What products did you love this year? Wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy 2016.
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