The Best Beauty Products I Tried in 2019

Top Beauty Picks of 2019 | Best Beauty Products of 2019 by popular DC life and style blogger, Alicia Tenise: image of a woman wearing a leopard print robe and applying an Olay beauty product.

Shop the Best Beauty Products of 2019 Post:
 
Phew — apologies for the radio silence here, friends! I’ve been battling a cold for the last week, and it seems like it just wants to linger a bit longer. I’m hoping it clears up soon because I’m off to Mexico on Sunday!

I feel like 2019 was the year where I really got Into a solid skincare routine. I’ve tried dozens of products over the years, but I feel like I’m finally in a good place, and my skin is looking better than ever! Hair-wise, only a handful of products knocked my socks off last year (the Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots and the Carol’s Daughter’s products worked wonders for me!), but I’m sharing one more pick that I think should be on your list. And lastly, there are a few new makeup products that should be on your radar. Without further ado, here are the best beauty products of 2019!
 

Full disclaimer: some of these products were PR gifts (if you see ℅ next to any product, that means it was gifted!) I was in no way obligated to write about any of these products, but I loved them and wanted to share my honest opinion.

Best Beauty Products of 2019:

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ℅
I got to meet the Elemis team at the rewardStyle conference this past spring, and they created a custom skincare routine for me based on my needs. One of the products they recommended that I incorporate into my skincare routine was their Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, and you guys: I am hooked.

I like to use this cleansing balm at night: it does a fantastic job at dissolving any excess makeup that my makeup wipes might not have caught, and grime that’s accumulated on my skin throughout the day. It’s great for a deep cleanse right before bed. I tried another cleanser after I ran out of this balm, but it wasn’t up to par. This is something that I want to have in my beauty cabinet at all times!

 
 

NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
I was getting my makeup done for a black-tie gala last year at Bluemercury, and the makeup artist used the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation on me. Once she finished my makeup, and I looked at myself in the mirror, I knew that this foundation was going to be a gamechanger.

I have combination skin, so my T-Zone is pretty oily while my cheeks are a bit drier. If you have oily skin, I’d use a mattifying or oil-free primer with this foundation. I also apply this foundation thinly and with a beauty blender to avoid a cakey look. Other than that, I loved how this foundation provides full-coverage and gives me a beautiful, natural glow.

 
 

MOROCCANOIL® Dry Shampoo Dark Tones ℅
You guys: this product has been an absolute lifesaver for me.

For starters, I love that this dry shampoo is offered for two different tones of hair: light and dark. It sprays on a bit light, but blends into my hair a lot easier than the typical dry shampoo.

In addition to using this dry shampoo in-between washes, I also used it on my wigs to give them a bit more life and volume. It works wonder on any texture of hair, whether I use it on my sleek straight wig or my natural 4c hair.  I picked up the mini size of this to keep in my travel bag, but I also have the full-size at home since I use it so often.

 
 

Urban Decay On The Run Mini Eyeshadow Palette ℅
You guys: I love a good Urban Decay palette, and their new On The Run Mini Eyeshadow Palette did not disappoint.

I was sent two palettes in a PR mailer this past fall: the G-Train and the Highway Queen. I’m getting a lot of use out of the G-Train palette: it’s great if you either want to create a simple daytime look or a striking look for the evening. Plus, it’s perfect for traveling: the size is perfect and has all of the eyeshadow colors you’d need on the go. This is a palette I won’t travel home without!

 
 

Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 ℅
Last year, I raved about Dermalogica’s Oil Free Matte Sunscreen. While I still love using that moisturizer in super humid climates, this year, I was introduced to Dermalogica’s brand new Prisma Protect SPF 30, and I was blown away at the technology of this product!

What makes this product so unique? This product is a light-activated moisturizer, and it protects against the full spectrum of modern life – including UV rays, pollution, free radical damage, and dehydration.

Since the Prisma Protect also shields your skin against the effects of blue light, it’s a moisturizer I love to wear if I’m working from home as well!

 
 

Dr. Jart+ Focuspot™ Micro Tip Patches
I’m going to be candid: since my skincare routine has improved so much this year, I don’t get breakouts super often. Big thanks to my friends at Elemis and Dermalogica for helping me create a routine that works best for me!

Even though I rarely get breakouts, they always seem to happen at the most inconvenient time. Right before a big photoshoot, a trip, a big activation…you know the drill. If I end up getting a breakout, I’ll use one of the Dr. Jart+ Focuspot™ Micro Tip Patches ASAP, and it will practically get rid of any blemish almost overnight. This is a product that I love to keep both at home and in my travel bag!

 
 

Olay Eyes Retinol24 Night Eye Cream ℅
I know I did a sponsored campaign with Olay for this product, but you guys…their new Retinol24 line is the real deal. And bonus? It’s super affordable and accessible! 

I took this entire line with me to Spain last fall and one product that I noticed packed a real punch? The Retinol24 Night Eye Cream. My eyes look pretty rough after red-eye flights, so I used this on the first night I got to Spain and woke up looking refreshed and recharged. It works wonders if you’re traveling, or if you just don’t get a good night of sleep. You can read my full review of this product here.

 

What are the best beauty products of 2019 you tried?

Top photo by Tom McGovern

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Alicia Tenise
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.