Last Hurrah: Things I'd Repurchase in 2015

(Products marked * were received as PR samples. Everything else was purchased by me.)

I thought I'd crank out one more post before the end of the year. Happy new year to everyone in earlier time zones! I already did a favorites post, but I thought I'd do another brief one to showcase products - skincare and mostly makeup "basics" - that I would happily repurchase again in 2015. I broke it down into "drugstore" and "department store" beauty for convenience. I've reviewed some of these previously, and will link to those reviews where possible. Otherwise, you get a blurb - but if you're curious about something, let me know in the comments and I'll try to go more in-depth or plan a future post. The post is still long, though, and I apologize. Hopefully it's helpful!

Department Store

• Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask ($25) and Drink Up Ten-Minute Mask ($25): I love these because they're quick and easy and I do feel like they make a difference. I will often do them back to back if I have the time - Charcoal first, then pop in the shower, then Drink Up before I do my nightly skincare routine. I also like to apply Drink Up after a freezing winter run (I wash sunscreen off my face, first). They're reasonably priced and because they're speedy, I do actually use them.
• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Overnight Mask ($38): Apparently I'm the only person in the world who doesn't like the Radiance pads, but I love this mask. I'm going to do a post soon on "bedtime pampering" items which will feature this again for a more in-depth review, but I try to use this once a week or so, and the next morning, skin glows.
• Tatcha Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder* ($65, super cute mini for $15): My favorite exfoliating scrub. Gentle but I can feel a smooth tightness to skin afterward, and it's not oddly squeaky or anything like after some other scrubs. I also appreciate that it's a rice powder that completely dissolves and doesn't contain gritty plastic beads (horror!) or more chunky nut shell type particles.
• Benefit Gimme Brow (Light/Medium) ($22): The brow revelation revolution is here. It will work best if you have pretty full brows to begin with, and it is easy-breezy-spot-on. I'll just link you to Liz's review, although I use the lighter shade. The only problem is if you have brows lighter than mine (which is probably a significant portion of the population), I don't think you'll find a match - there are only two shades, which, to me, are "dark" and "darker".
• MAC Mineralize Concealer, NC20 ($21): The only problem with this one is the tube is tiny and I have gone through it super quickly. I use this to cover up spots and redness; coverage is high and opaque without sacrificing the dewy, skin-like finish that I prefer. Definitely, definitely a staple.
• MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, NW25 ($20): Opposite problem from the Mineralize Concealer - one tube will last FOREVER if you don't pump it out all at once, ha. I use this solely under eyes; I prefer an undereye concealer that doesn't budge and is warmer in tone to counteract dark purple shadows, thus the NW25 (yellow tones just make the purple areas look ashy). Also, this line runs lighter than the others, so if you want one, definitely get matched and don't just pick up your usual MAC shade.
• MAC Fix ($22): I didn't understand what the fuss was about until I picked one up. I prefer a dewy finish on my face most days - this helps. I've gone through a mini bottle and was trying to use up a different facial mist first; that's done and I will grab another of these, soon.
• Nude Skincare Advanced Renewal Serum ($78): Already reviewed. I think I prefer this to the famous EL ANR...
• Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel ($42): I've only tried the older version and am hoping it hasn't been ruined in the reformulation, because I'm almost done with my jar. This is my nightly eye gel - keeps everything hydrated and reduces morning puffiness.
• Shiseido Ibuki Eye Correcting Cream ($40): Not exactly hydrating, but not drying, either, and this layers the best under makeup. It also brightens the area and I can tell the difference between wearing this eye cream and any other.

Drugstore

• Epic Blend More Moisture Unflavored Lip Balm ($3.49): I like no fuss lip balm and this is it. No scent, no flavor, convenient twist-tube, and it actually moisturizes lips - they don't feel drier and they don't peel awkwardly. S. is also hooked. Thanks to Tracy for introducing them to me!
• Maybelline Color Elixirs ($5-8): I have five. When they go on sale, I'm picking up a few more. They're comfortable to wear, non-drying, and I love the finish and range of shades.
• Aveeno Smart Essentials Nighttime Moisture Infusion ($8-15): I've been poking around the drugstore for more skincare options, and I like this one. Simple but effective. If the daytime version didn't contain chemical SPF, I would pick it up.
• Out of Africa Body Oil ($15-20): My favorite body oil. I've finished a bottle of the vanilla scent, and this verbena scent is magically bright in the gloomy winter. It is a bit greasy, but I've pretty much stopped battling dry, itchy skin after slathering this on damp, post-shower skin daily.
• Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid SPF 50 ($8-14): All-physical (zinc oxide and titanium oxide) sunscreen that I use on my face daily - it's not greasy or heavy and layers fabulously under makeup. It can leave a bit of a white cast in the summer when I'm more tan, so I may look into something else then, but I've gone through almost two bottles of this.
• Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum ($36): Another of Tracy's recommendations! This dry-normal skinned girl needs a hydrating serum, and this is a good one! Makes my skin more...plump? Dumpling face!
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (Creamy formula, $7-13): My daily cleanser. Doesn't have as strong a smell as Cetaphil (which is what S. uses), and cleans gently without bells and whistles and fuss. I usually double cleanse daily (I use an oil first), so I just want something basic that will remove any final traces of residue.

PHEW. Finally done! Ok, that's it for me here. Final post of the year! *confetti* Hope you have a great New Year's Eve/ New Year's Day. Best wishes for 2015! Thanks for reading and commenting and being so fabulous.