Friday Favorites #180: New Beauty Finds

Hello everyone! Happy Friday! How are you settling into the new year? Starting your goals and resolutions? Getting your life back in order? We have all our Christmas decorations taken down and things feel like a clean slate. We are also experiencing a thaw, which is much needed. Yesterday, we got 50 degrees and sunshine! Such a treat!

I will be sharing how I plan to jumpstart the new year, but first, I wanted to kick things off with my favorite things in the beauty department as I link up with Erika and Andrea for this edition of Friday Favorites of 2026.

I wear a lot of makeup every day for work and over the years I have learned a thing or two about makeup and beauty. A few years ago, I had a makeup consultation with a local makeup artist to learn more about makeup, beauty products, and application tips. I really loved the products I was using and the regime I had been following, but was looking for a change.

At the end of this year, I decided to go to Ulta Beauty for a makeup refresher and learn about new products and application techniques. I know this may not be for everyone, but I really learned a lot and walked away with new tips and tricks. It was fairly affordable and I had the sweetest girl who really took her time and was very knowledgeable. She gave me different ideas and products to try and I ended up purchasing some of them that work for me and my skin and profession. After following this routine for the past few months, I wanted to share some of the new products I am loving for this beauty edition of Friday Favorites!

Fresh look after the makeup session.

Toner- I have never used toner on my face, but now I am a fan. Clinique has been working great for me and I love how it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and prepped before I put my makeup on. I wash my face twice a day and use different products every day, but I have really been loving finishing things off with a toner when I prep my face for makeup.

Eye Brow Pencil and Pen- I have light eyebrows, so they have always been tricky for me. I have tried a variety of products through the years, but these eye brow pens and pencils have really been doing me wonders. I like that you have more control over how light or dark you want your brows. I also have learned it’s best to take your time and not rush when it comes to filling in your brows.

Foundation and Concealer- For years, I used powder foundation, then I switched to liquid which I found gave me better coverage. I always got Best Skin Ever from Sephora. Last year, they changed their colors and numbers. The products I had been using were too dark for my skin tone. I started using Nars, liquid foundation and concealer. I really have been loving the color, the coverage, and how long-lasting it is. I may go back to Best Skin Ever, but right now, I am a NARS girl.

Eye Shadow- Back to my lighter skin tone and hair, I was never the best at eye shadow. I would often use colors that were too dark or didn’t blend well. I picked up on some new techniques and have been taking my time when doing my eye shadow and I have noticed a change in how my makeup looks. I also got a new eye shadow palette with cooler and lighter tones which has been a huge help too. My eyes pop now instead of making them look small. This is the pallette I have been using.

Blush- When it comes to blush, I always have used a powder, but I was recently introduced to a cream blush and wow-what a game changer. I really have been loving the pigment and how easy it goes on and how you can blend it with your foundation and your bronzer. You only need a dab of blush and it goes a long way. Another unexpected win!

Bronzer-The same goes for bronzer, I have always been a powder bronzer gal, but I started using a cream bronzer and noticed a change in the coverage and the ability to blend. I have been using Two-Faced cream bronzer. I really like how well the blush and bronzer can be mixed and worked together. I have learned that blending is key.

These are some of the top new products I have been trying and loving, all from Ulta Beauty! This post is not sponsored, I’m just sharing products that I genuinely enjoy and use every day. I still use the same primer, mascara, eye liner, and lipsticks as before, but wanted to share the new products I am enjoying. I also don’t do this heavy makeup every day, only for work days. It’s been a few months, but I really love the changes I have made. If you are interested in my beauty posts, let me know! I learned a lot and would love to share more with you.  I hope you found this post to be informative and helpful.

My attempt at my makeup for work.

It’s a new year! Let’s make it a great one! 

All dolled up!