New Year, New Favorites.

Hello City Girls! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? It’s time for some new, fresh content and I wanted to share with you my latest favorites for beauty, style, and home.

For my beauty cabinet:

First Aid Beauty face cleanser — For the first time ever, my sensitive/ oily skin has been really really dry. This creamy cleanser takes off all of my makeup, eyes included, without leaving my skin feeling tight afterward or causing breakouts. It’s a bit of a splurge at $18, but the tiniest pea size amount cleans my entire face (HD foundation too!). 

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask — After a long week at work, my skin was looking tired under the unsightly lights of the office bathroom. I decided my skin needed a pick-me-up in a major way. This mask is totally black — something my husband is still getting used to — and when it is fully dried, you make a few funny faces, and you can begin to peel it off. It removed the layer of dead skin cells without drying my face. I will warn you, it feels a little like pulling a BandAid off, but after one try you’ll see why I keep going back for more.

Fresh Sugar Rose lip butter — They call it butter for a reason. This gorgeous petal tint is creamy, hydrating, and perfect for every day. Amazing.

For my home:

Anthropologie small plates — I’ve been in an endless circle of using too-big plates for breakfast, which results in a full sink before dinner even starts. These plates are the perfect size for small meals, cookies, pie, and I love the splash of color in the kitchen.

Design Sponge by Grace Bonney — Everyone gets a little sick of looking at the same things in their home day in and day out. This book is a huge source of inspiration, ideas, and attainable DIYs. Santa always knows what I want!

For my closet:

Nine West Sosie booties — Finally! I’ve found the booties of my dreams. I wear these with everything— from tucked-in jeans, to maxi dresses, to pencil skirts. They are the perfect balance of buttery leather, comfort, and classic style.

Caravelle by Bulova rosegold watch — The lovely team at Bulova sent me this absolutely gorgeous watch back in September, just in time for my birthday. I finally got the links adjusted to fit me and I haven’t taken it off. This watch is perfect for every day, but looks sophisticated enough to wear to the office.

New [to me] Beauty Favorites.

NARS Velvet Gloss lip pencil in New Lover— True story: last week I was running late to an event in Times Square and I was literally applying this while crossing the street and dodging tourists (I know). I didn’t get to see the finished result until a few hours later, and I was pleasantly surprised by its the sheer rosy glow that survived a no-mirror-application and cocktails!

Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation— I’ve been faithfully using HD foundation for a few years now, but after reading so many glowing reviews I had to try this. The lovely ladies at Sephora gave me a tester to see how it worked with my skin, and after one week I was back to buy the bottle. The silky formula allows your skin to look like skin, with a less drying finish. The coverage is sheer, but it builds easily to cover blemishes or dark spots. I found that I like the look of the foundation better when applied with a foundation brush.

Avon Ideal Luminous Blush in Earthen Rose— Some days, pink blush is just not the look I want, but my skin still needs some healthy warmth. This amazing blush gives skin that glow reminiscent of summer, without sparkles or sheen. Anyone with a fair to medium skin tone, looking for a matte bronzer— look no futher!  Plus, you really can’t beat this price tag of $8.

OCC Lip Tar in Strumpet— I have been hunting everywhere for these lip tars and finally Sephora carries them in-store and online. They are rich pigments (vegan + cruelty free) that require the tiniest drop to cover the lips in matte, fast-drying color. Word to the wise— you’ll need a mirror and lip brush to apply it.

L’Oreal Voluminous mascara in Carbon Black— I’m not a faithful to any one mascara, so I am constantly trying out new ones to find the be-all-end-all that’s under $9. This super-black formula glides in with the thick brush to coat and curl my otherwise stubbornly straight lashes. Best part? It didn’t flake or leave my lashes feeling like they were sprayed with Elnett, instead they were super soft and fluttery.

What are your new favorites for Fall?

Disclosure: Avon sent me an editorial sample, free of obligation. All opinions expressed are my own.