My last post reviewing 2021 is on my favorites things. These are items I purchased in 2021 that I absolutely love and continue to wear or use. While I have several great clothing purchases here on my list, I feel like I really scored big when it came to finding great new beauty products!
Most all these things – clothing and beauty – filled a need I had. One was a total surprise that I didn’t know I needed. Another one I threw in is neither a clothing or beauty item but something I’m using to keep me more organized, and I thought you might like it too!
These items are all loved for different reasons, so they fall into no particular order of preference. Let’s start!
Chain Pointed Toe Mule
I really wanted a pair of these pretty mules, in this color, several years ago when they first came out during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I have some holes in my closet when it comes to fall and spring transitional shoes. I love these mules and plan to wear them this spring too!
The light taupe is an all around great color choice. The price on these is great right now, but they are running low in inventory at Nordstrom. They do come in several other colors though. I did spot a few more sizes in an older style at Zappos in the black leather and a nice leopard print too.
Levi’s Classic Straight Jeans
I bought these classic straight jeans for fall and bought another pair in a different color during the holidays. I wear these jeans more than any in my closet right now! It took a little getting used to the looser fit after wearing skinny jeans for so long, but now these are all I want to put on.
I like that they are full length for winter, and they come in short sizes for us petite girls. The 14.5 inch leg opening fits over most of my shorter boots too. I think they are a good classic jean for anyone but really like these jeans for an updated silhouette if you are petite.
Brigitte Slim Pants
Shop Here for Black Pants / Green Blouse
These comfortable black pants are also a favorite purchase from last year. I don’t wear dress pants very often but needed a good pair just in case an occasion called for something more than jeans! I searched and searched before landing on these pants from Chico’s.
They fit me better than many others out there on the market. They come in all lengths and petite sizing. I would have gone with a short in my regular size, but inventory in short sizes was depleted at the time I purchased. So, I went with a petite and was very pleased with them.
CeCe Tops & Sweaters
Shop Here for Sweater (on sale – limited sizes) & Here (more sizes – full price)
Okay, this CeCe sweater may have been a purchase in 2020. However, I tried quite a few more CeCe tops and blouses last year and must say I’m smitten with this brand. Their tops and sweaters are so versatile too – great for the office and worn casually.
Shop Here for Black and White Floral Blouse (a Dressed in Faith reader favorite in 2021) – only one size left / Similar Print Here (fully stocked – cute for spring) / Blouse in Solid Black Here (limited sizes)
Calendar/Planner & ImPRESS Nails
Shop for Planner Here (I have it in this Color for 2022) / ImPRESS Nails
Okay, the planner is obviously the one thing I referred to earlier that’s neither a clothing or beauty item. I tried out this planner last year and am using it again this year for planning my content here on the blog. It’s a great planner with lots of features you won’t find in more expensive ones.
In fact, it has a enough room for me that I’m trying out something different with mine this year. I’m writing down the verses I’m reading each day in my Bible along with a few things that stand out to me from those verses. I have often made notes over the years when reading my Bible, but my organization system of these notes has been less than great lately. I’ve used a separate journal for notes before, but like that the planner is already dated for me. And, I can keep my devotional ideas together with all other blog related things in one place. It just sets the right tone for my day to have that next to my to do list!
Next, I have to mention my nails in the photo above. I’m wearing ImPRESS nails, and they are one of my favorite new things. They are a great alternative to a salon manicure when you need to have your nails done for a special occasion.
Tarte Eye Palette & Real Techniques Makeup Brushes
Shop Here for Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eye Palette / Real Techniques Eye Makeup Brushes
I have mentioned this eye palette in my last two posts on my 2021 year-end review. If I had to pick the overall top product here at Dress in Faith from 2021, the Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Eye Palette would be it. It’s a top post favorite, reader favorite, and one of my favorite purchases of the past year.
I also love this little palette too – it’s handy to throw in a bag for travel and has shades similar to the bigger palette above. The only difference is a couple of the shades in this smaller palette are shimmers, but I hardly notice any shimmer at all if you are worried about it settling into fine lines.
The brushes I use to apply this eye makeup with are Real Techniques brushes. They are also a top favorite. In fact, I think they are some of the best makeup brushes I’ve ever used!
Clinique Foundation Brush
Shop Here for Clinique Foundation Brush
While I adore the Real Techniques brushes for applying eye makeup, blush, bronzer, and powder. I never used a brush for applying my foundation and really didn’t think I would like using one for it. Well, I was wrong! I love how my foundation goes on with this Clinique brush! The Clinique foundation brush was the surprise item I didn’t know I needed. I feel like I get a really flawless finish when buffing in my makeup with this one! Plus, as much as I’ve liked using makeup sponges in the past, I feel like I can easily wash and keep this brush cleaner.
I got lucky because this brush came as a gift with a Clinique makeup purchase I made last year. It’s a more expensive brush on its own, but if you love using a foundation brush, it’s a really good one!
Neck Firming Crème / Brow Powder / Heat Protect Spray
Gold Bond Neck & Chest Firming Crème / Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo / TRESemme Leave-In Heat Protector Spray / ImPRESS Nail Set / Real Techniques Makeup Brush Set / 2022 Planner
I had to just group together the last of my favorite purchases of 2021 in the graphic above since I don’t have photos yet of these items. Plus, I added another link to some ImPRESS nails and Real Techniques makeup brushes. The planner in the print above is the one I actually have for this year.
And last but certainly not the least of my favorite things…..
The Gold Bond neck and chest firming crème pictured above really wowed me when I first used it. While I really like and recommend it, let me say that it is not a total miracle worker. Haha I’ve yet to find a skincare product that really is. However, this crème does appear to tighten or give my neck a little lift after applying it. So, I’ve been using it daily – it can’t hurt! And it is a nice inexpensive moisturizer for your chest and neck area.
Another product that I was thrilled to try is the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow powder duo. It’s become a permanent item in my makeup bag! I love the ease of application for filling in sparse parts of my eyebrows.
For some time now, I’ve been using a separate heat protector spray and Argan oil on my hair. Then, I discovered this combination heat protector and Marula oil spray by TRESemme. I love anything that saves me a little time since I wash my hair most everyday. It also has Keratin and does a great job of smoothing my hair when blow drying as well.