Mo’s 5 faves from 2009

Everyone is doing a top 10 list this time of year, so I’m bucking the trend and sharing my 5 favorite, can’t live without, must have items from the last year. These are the things I decided I will continue to buy as long as they’re available because I love them so much that they’ve become an instinctive part of my routine. Here they are, in no particular order of preference:

1)Aquolina Pink Sugar fragrance. This stuff makes me feel so happy and cozy that I rarely start a day without it, whether I’m going to work, headed out running errands, or just staying in and cleaning house. My kids are always telling me I smell delicious and my significant other tends to agree. Another perk about this fragrance is that it is available just about anywhere I go, from Sephora to Ulta to Nordstrom. I think the simple fragrances of caramel and cotton candy capture our inner child, while the more complex bergamot, musk, and fig leaves entice our mature palates. Ive always enjoyed oriental fragrances, and I think this is oriental with a dash of fun.

2) Nailtique Nail Protein. I posted about this earlier in the year and I still use it almost religiously. My job is so hard on hands and nails and this treatment is amazing for keeping my nails in tip top shape. It’s a relatively inexpensive splurge if you’re looking for a little New Year treat for yourself.

3) Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer. Yes, I think this was on my list from last year too, but I simply have not found anything I love better than this. The staying power is amazing, and the creamy formula sets to a matte finish. No matter what I try I always come back to this formula, so close to perfection that I have to wonder if it was created by humans at all, or gifted to us by some sort of cosmetics fairy.

4) Aromaleigh’s Hi-Fi Matte collection. I’m still surprised that I love these mattes so much, but the happiness and surprise they brought to me absolutely made them stand out this year. Totally blowing away everything I thought I knew about matte shadows, these smooth blendable mattes pack an amazing punch of color that has me completely hooked. Give them a try yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

5) Purely Cosmetics Diamond Perfect Finish Powder. If I had to pick a favorite from this list then this powder would certainly be it! I was hooked from day one and I never cease to be amazed by the quality of this product. It’s so light and soft and perfectly smoothing, I just can’t live without it! And it’s only gotten better since my first review, since Robyn added a tinted version to accommodate her customers with more color than me. Extremely well formulated, appearing on top 10 lists everywhere, and worth every penny!!

I hope you all have a super fun night bringing in the New Year and setting your sights on all the good things to come in the next 365 days. And when you finally roll out of bed tomorrow afternoon, be sure to share your cosmetics favorites from 2009!