Currently Craving: Top 10 Purchases of 2018

I know that I'm 2+ weeks late with December's/the final Currently Craving of 2018, but for good reason - it's all of my favorite and top purchases from 2018 and these are SO good you guys! It took some time to narrow it down to my top 10, but these are my most used/worn/loved things I bought last year and are all 100% items I'd recommend to you all! Best part is everything is still in stock! From clothing to beauty buys to useful must haves, you'll love these!
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1. Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Serum

I started using this right after the summer ended, AKA when my tan began to fade. I figured I'd like it since there's never been a Drunk Elephant product I didn't like and sure enough, it's one of my favorite and most-used beauty products! I use it every single day and it's basically a very natural, liquid bronzer. I mix one pump with my moisturizer (I use this Clinique Moisture Surge moisturizer - I talk about it a ton! ;) and it gives my skin a really pretty and natural glowy tan. It's not too dark that it doesn't match my skin and looks SO natural. A little bit goes a long way and you can customize how dark you look by adding more or less of the serum. It also gives your skin a really dewy/glowy look which I love and strive for! I've been wearing it every day in place of a bronzer and since I don't really wear that much face makeup, sometimes this is all I need. It's affordable and like I mentioned, will last a long time, so it's worth every penny! Highly recommend.

2. Desktop USB Fan

This is one of the most - if not THE most - useful item I bought in 2018! It plugs directly into your computer (the cord has a USB end) and is perfect to keep on your desk especially in the summer. You can also plug it into an adapter box and use it anywhere else! I take mine into the bathroom when I'm getting ready/overheated too hah! It's under $20 and so great to have.

3. Waffle Knit Monogrammed Cosmetic Bag

One of my favorite purchases of 2018 and apparently it was one of yours, too! I'm not at all surprised because it's SUCH an awesome cosmetic bag. I use it every single time I travel and even just when I'm on the go and/or to keep my everyday makeup products in. It's a decently large size, and you can fit even more in it than you'd think just by looking at it. You can choose your monogram color and font and it'd be a great gift to just about anyone, including yourself!

RELATED: In-Flight Beauty Bag Must Haves

4. CeraVe

Last winter, I shared the top products to use to combat dry, winter skin. They all have helped, but last winter especially my hands/skin were SO dry - to the point that my hands had cracks, cuts and burned any time I walked outside! I had no idea why, other than the fact that it had been a really cold winter, but when this winter began I knew I had to find something that would prevent that from happening again because it was miserable. I'd sleep with Aquaphor and gloves to help, and it was a mess. I feel like I've tried just about everything out there that's natural, fragrance free and meant to help dry skin... And then I picked up a jar of CeraVe while aimlessly walking through Target (lol) one day and ever since, my hands and skin have been SO SOFT. No dryness, no cracks, no cuts, no redness. It's literally been my miracle product. Since I realized how much it worked for me, I've begun to use other products of theirs including the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, Skin Renewing Oil Gel Moisturizer and Hydrating Cleanser Bar. Miracles!!! I love this brand *so* much and could not recommend giving these products a try enough. They're seriously awesome and the best part is they're fragrance free and the lotions don't make your hands/face feel or look oily.

5. Nike Free RN Running Sneakers

Another buy that I've been raving about since I first bought them in July! I got them in the purple/lavender shade during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and I've worn them nonstop. I got them in black when they were on sale on Black Friday and now I've been having to fight the urge to buy them in every single other color they come in! Lol! They're THE most comfortable sneakers ever - I wear them all day and with casual outfits, athleisure, to run/workout in - you name it! They run pretty TTS, but I could of sized down a half size to an 8.5 (my normal is a 9!).

6. Old Navy Straight Ankle Jeans

You guys know how much I love my Old Navy jeans! I always believe it's worth spending more for quality pieces, but Old Navy has the best selection of jeans that are sooo affordable and seriously the best quality. They last forever, wash really well and fit like a glove. Oh, and they're SO comfortable. This pair of lightly distressed straight/crop jeans has been my favorite I've bought all of 2018 and they're still available! You can dress them up with a pair of heels or booties as well as daily wear and it's a perfect medium wash - not too light, not too dark. Best part is they're on sale right now for $19!! I just bought a second pair - that's how much I wear them! ;) You will love these and if you're looking for a few new pairs of jeans, highly recommend checking out the ones Old Navy has.

7. Facial Jade Roller

I know that these have become so popular over the past few months, but it is 100% worth your while to get one! I use mine twice a day (sometimes more if I need it!) and it's been a game changer for my skincare routines. I use it when I first wake up after applying my favorite Origins GinZing Gel Moisturizer and it helps to de-puff and seriously wakes me up. At night, I apply either the Tarte Maracuja Oil or the Drunk Elephant Marula Oil and then rub it in using the jade roller. Aside from feeling really freaking good on your skin, it's also great for circulation, lymphatic drainage, puffiness, relieving tension (this is big for me because I clench my jaw while I sleep and get headaches from it!) and applying serums/oils/moisturizers.

You can even stick it in the fridge 15-30 minutes before using it for an extra cooling affect. OBSESSED. Sometimes if I need a little pick-me-up during the day I'll use it just to help refresh my face! I've tried two and this one is my favorite!

8. Sigma SigMagic Makeup Brush Brush Cleaner

Simply pop this onto the side of your sink and clean your brushes in an instant! It's the best brush cleaner I've used and has Sigma's brush shampoo inside, so once you press your makeup brush onto the tool, the shampoo cleanses it. I try to clean my makeup brushes weekly, but let's be honest, that rarely happens... Although I will say, this makes it a much easier and quicker process. I don't wear that much makeup so I don't always have a lot of brushes to clean, but I do use a kabuki brush regularly and this concealer brush a lot!

9. Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment

I've only been using this for a few months, but it's one of those things that you'll get use out of year round - in the winter because it's cold/your hair gets drier and in the summer due to spending time in the sun! You apply a little bit at your scalp after washing your hair and it acts as a leave-in treatment. It's made with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B3 - both of which are proven to help hydrate, relieve and balance out dryness. It smells so good and makes a huge difference in your hair and how your scalp looks and feels year round!

10. Jackery Portable Charger

I feel like I try out a lot of portable chargers... Lol! This is one of my top favorites and it's been a life saver. I keep it in my bag whenever I go out, when I travel, and sometimes just around the house! It's great for your phone and even your iPad so it makes traveling with even easier. There's so many different portable chargers out there and not always easy to find one that works really well and on a long-term basis, but this is it!


XOXO -A