2024: A Year in Review - My Ultimate Fails and Faves!

I had high hopes for Dieux's new Baptism Cleanser, especially with the buzz surrounding its launch. The jelly-like texture seemed promising, and I appreciated the availability of both scented and unscented versions. However, this cleanser proved too harsh for my dry, sensitive skin. It left my face feeling tight, stripped, and generally unhappy. While it might be a good fit for those with normal to oily skin, it's a definite no-go for fellow dry-skinned folks.

Alpyn Beauty's Instant Bright Eye cream, formulated with peptides and niacinamide, sounded like a dream come true. Sadly, the reality was far from dreamy. The pink tint clashed horribly with my naturally pink under-eye area, exacerbating any redness and making me look perpetually tired. I recently discovered a fantastic interactive color wheel tool (which I highly recommend for understanding color correction in both makeup and fashion) and realized this pink tint would be much more effective at neutralizing greenish tones. Beyond the color mismatch, the formula itself was also a letdown. It felt clumpy and prone to drying out, further contributing to my under-eye woes.

My second Alpyn Beauty disappointment came in the form of their Juneberry Collagen Cream Cleanser. I was particularly excited to try this during the colder months, hoping it would replace my usual balm-and-cleanser routine. The initial texture was luxurious and creamy, exactly what I crave in a winter cleanser. However, after just two uses, my skin started to burn. I suspect the eucalyptus oil, a known irritant for sensitive skin, was the culprit. What a frustrating experience!

I typically love Allies of Skin products, but their new clear, chemical sunscreen was a major miss. It's incredibly greasy and never truly sets on my skin. To achieve adequate sun protection, you need to apply a generous amount, which only intensifies the greasiness. This sunscreen left me feeling perpetually slick and uncomfortable, a far cry from the "invisible" finish it promised.

City Lips Night Oil has become a staple in my routine, both day and night. I apply it over my lip line to smooth out any creases and wrinkles, and I also use it directly on my lips overnight for intense hydration. This oil has been a game-changer for my perpetually dry lips, keeping them soft, smooth, and comfortable.

The Outset Glossy Lip Balm is another lip product I've fallen head over heels for. Its unique formula, featuring lactic acid (used here for its moisturizing properties), Maxi-Lip (a collagen-stimulating ingredient), and Hyalurosate (a botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid), delivers exceptional hydration and a beautiful glossy finish. This balm has been a lifesaver during the dry winter months, keeping my lips plump and protected.

The Tatcha Kisu Lip Tints were a major disappointment. The colors appeared muted and muddy on my lips, failing to deliver the vibrant, flattering look I was hoping for. These tints simply didn't live up to the Tatcha name.

I was drawn to The Body Stone solid moisturizer for its eco-friendly concept and beautiful bamboo packaging. However, the product itself fell short. It failed to melt into my skin after showering, instead sitting on top and feeling greasy. A disappointing experience, despite the sustainable appeal.

I was initially excited about Pursonic Castor Oil, given its promising ingredients and description. However, the texture was too thin and runny for my liking. I prefer a thicker, gooier castor oil, like my holy grail from Queen of the Thrones. The Pursonic oil didn't absorb well and left my skin feeling greasy. I've since reverted back to Queen of the Thrones and removed all links to the Pursonic oil from my previous recommendations. This experience reinforced the lesson that even with identical ingredients, formulas can vary drastically.

One Skin OS-01 Peptide Topical Supplement is undeniably expensive, but it delivers impressive results. While it's a splurge, the noticeable improvements in my skin texture and tone make it a worthwhile investment for me. I'll link my before-and-after video below so you can see the difference for yourself. I also have a discount code if you're interested in trying it out.

Dermelect Polish Removing Pads are a revelation. They're incredibly nourishing and moisturizing, a rare find in the world of nail polish removers. These pads are perfect for travel and make a thoughtful gift (I've already snagged a box for my mom's Christmas stocking!).

You guys recommended Nailtiques Formula 2 Plus, and I'm so grateful you did! This formula has transformed my perpetually peeling and splitting nails. For the first time in my adult life, my nails were actually growing long and strong (until a car seat installation incident tragically cut them short). This product has been a game-changer, especially as I navigate the joys of menopause.

With my nails finally in good shape, I've been experimenting with bolder colors. Essie's Expressie Quick-Dry polish in a rich brown shade has been a fun addition to my routine. The only downside is its tendency to chip, limiting my wear time to about two days.

Jones Road Miracle Balm was a major letdown. It felt heavy and greasy on my skin, reminiscent of Vaseline. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't make it work, no matter how sparingly I applied it.

Thrive Causemetics Shadow Sticks also fell short of my expectations. The colors appeared flat and settled into my fine lines, making them more pronounced. Not the look I was going for!

The Summer Fridays Lip Balm Quad Set was a huge disappointment. The balms had an unpleasant scent and weren't particularly moisturizing. They definitely didn't live up to the hype.

More Jones Road fails: their Cool Gloss was too runny and had an overpowering peppermint flavor, their Lippie Stick had a strange pencil scent, and their lip pencil (yes, lip pencil, not eye pencil!) also suffered from the same peculiar aroma. A disappointing trifecta.

Tower 28 Concealer, while popular, wasn't a good fit for my minimalist makeup preferences. Its medium-to-full coverage and matte finish felt too heavy and emphasized my fine lines.

Finally, a makeup win! Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara is fantastic. Its creamy formula, similar to my beloved Benefit's They're Real! primer, delivers a natural, clump-free look with minimal fallout. If it came in brown, it might just dethrone my Benefit's mascara altogether.

Quince cashmere sweaters are incredibly soft, cozy, and perfect for layering. They're warm yet breathable and thin enough to fit comfortably under a fitted coat.

I found a fantastic raincoat on Amazon from the brand LOMON. It's affordable, lightweight, and features a liner for extra warmth. The generous pockets are a definite bonus.

Inside my coat pocket, you'll find another favorite: the Davek umbrella. While it's a splurge, it comes with a lifetime warranty and a discount on a replacement if you lose it. I'm tired of flimsy umbrellas breaking on me, so I'm happy to invest in quality.

Two other household favorites are the Bomba gripper slippers and their no-show hipster panties. The slippers provide excellent grip on our hardwood floors, and the panties are comfortable, seamless, and invisible under leggings or jeans.

I'm currently engrossed in "Echo in the Bone" by Diana Gabaldon on Audible. She's the author of the Outlander series, which I also enjoy (both the books and the TV show).

My family and I are hooked on the TV show "Silo." This dystopian end-of-the-world series has us on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting each new episode of season two.

That concludes my fails and faves of 2024! I hope you found some helpful recommendations amidst my ramblings. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!