Best Beauty Products of 2017

Since I wrote about my top 10 beauty products of 2016 last year, I decided to keep the party going with my favorite products of 2017.

I was like, "hmmm, I've barely tried enough stuff this year to even make a list of favorites" but then I started writing and realized, oh right - I'm kind of a product junkie. Even during a year where I felt like I'd tried nothing new, I still had 10 favorites. Oops.

Mostly, I've been trying to work through my stash and stay with what's working so I haven't been branching out quite as much with new products, but here are the absolute best new-to-me products of the past year: 

Primark Silicone Brush Cleaning Mitt

What was I doing before this came into my life? Wasting time and getting water-wrinkled hands probably. I wear this on two fingers and scrub my soapy makeup brushes against it when I do my washing. It gets them squeaky clean in literal seconds, plus it has those tiny nubs to get in deep on my smaller brushes. I’m never going back!

Garnier Micellar Water (Waterproof)

This stuff is invaluable to me! I use it to rinse my face in the morning, remove my toughest waterproof mascara, quickly fix smudges, take off liquid lipsticks and, let's face it, lazily wash my face at night when I just don't have a full wash in me. Super gentle, very cleansing and the price is right.

ELF Shape & Stay Brow Pencil

This slick, waxy pencil glides easily over brows to lay them in any position, and layers well over or under my regular NYX brow pencil. I find it easy to comb through, as well. It’ll be gummy at first, but it dries to a flexible finish will long-lasting hold.

L'oreal Lash Paradise Mascara

Love a dry formula mascara? Look no further! This mascara gives tons of fluffy volume via the bulky, hourglass-shaped wand, and it holds a curl decently well for a non-waterproof formula, which is rare for me.

Wet n Wild Liquid Catsuit

I’ve kinda said it all about these guys, but for a matte liquid lip this is one of the most comfortable and affordable you’ll find. The shades are beautiful and Rebel Rose has become a constant go-to for me.

Nivea Mint & Minerals Lip Care

I’m a total lip balm addict and tester, and this is one of the best I’ve ever found for deep moisturizing and soothing of dry lips. It’s soft, but not too soft; minty, but not too minty. I use it all day, but also love to really slather it on before bed. Best of all, it comes in a 2-pack for like $3.50.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat

2017 was the year I finally realized I can wear a gel top coat without a gel polish. I pair this with any polish for a manicure that shines brightly and lasts the better part of a week. No special equipment or light curing needed.

China Glaze Nail Polish in That's Shore Bright

I don’t buy a ton of nail polish anymore because I own a lot of it, but I couldn’t ignore this bright purple when I saw it at Sally's Beauty Supply. I’m a big fan of the formula already so this gorgeous color was a must have.

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Dry Shampoo

I’m a dry shampoo speed dater; every time I run out, I grab a new brand or formula just hoping my perfect match is out there. This might be the one! I don’t really get the beach texture aspect, but I honestly don’t care because it leaves my hair clean for days and smells like toasted coconut. Plus, there’s no flakiness or weird build up. I’ll definitely be grabbing this again when I run out!

Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter in Butterfly Beach

A gift from my sister, this highlighter came into my cheeks’ lives at just the right time. The buttery soft formula feels almost like cream, and the metallic sheen gives a deep champagne tone that also doubles as a shimmery blush or eyeshadow.

That SHEEN!

Have you tried any of these products? What were your best beauty products of the year? What's your go-to dry shampoo?