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 Comment