The next week of your life is going to be filled with posts and selfies galore proclaiming "new year, new me!" This is the time people get daring haircuts and buy expensive cosmetic products they won't actually use in the new year, but if you want to rock 2017 and be one of those people who actually killed the selfie game, keep on reading.
Here's a little-known fact about me: I'm lazy. I want to look like a million bucks with minimal effort and minimal money so you can guarantee that this list won't put a dent in your wallet or your planner. I believe in the "invest now, spend less later" idea where if you shell out a couple bucks for something, but it lasts you a long time, it's worth it. Without further ado, here are my top (lazy) beauty recommendations for 2017.
1. A Birchbox Subscription
I know this sounds totally basic and completely against the "cheap and easy" mantra I'm preaching, but hear me out. For $10 a month, you get five product samples chosen exclusively for you. YOU get to decide what goes in your box for the month which I think is totally awesome.
2. Revlon Hot Air Styler
Want that Kate Middleton hair for half the time and half the price? If you've gotten onboard the blowout train this year but don't want to keep shelling out $45 to go to DryBar, then this is the perfect tool for you. It blow dries AND curls at the same time, cutting your primping time in half. I've used it and it takes a little time to dry thick hair but it's completely worth it in the end. (My recommendation? Go on the DryBar website, pick out which hairstyle you like best, watch the youtube video and let your hot air styler go crazy!)
3. Charcoal
No, this isn't something you bring with you to a bar if you think one of your friends might go a little too wild. If you get powdered charcoal or charcoal pills you can crack open, you're guaranteed the best pore strip of your life. Mix the charcoal with a bit of glue, brush it onto your face, wait for it to dry, and I'm pretty sure you're going to see some things come out of your pores that will make you reevaluate your life (and your skincare routine).
4. Stainiac Lip & Cheek Stain
I'm a sucker for two-in-one products and this stain is no exception. It's not too dramatic so you can keep up the "natural" trend that's been popular recently. It gives you a natural blush which stays on for as long as you need it too and it takes up less space in your bag than lipstick and a blush brush would. In my opinion, that's a win-win for everyone.
5. Eyebrow Razors
It still surprises me that more people don't use these. I feel like everyone I know is constantly making an appointment to get their brows done but with these bad boys, you save a few dollars AND your brows look just the way you want them too. Maybe it's the control freak in me but I'd much rather mess up my own eyebrows and spend $3 than have someone else do it for $20. (All kidding aside, these things are a major power move).
6. Evian Facial Mist
This simple spray gives you a dewy look without making you look sweaty. It may be an essential in your grandmother's purse but trust her, this stuff works wonders and you don't need to spend a fortune to have it.
7. LED Gel Manicure Light
While many of these are on the market for close to $80, I'd say they're well worth it. An average gel manicure by me costs $30 so after the third use, this handy dandy light has paid for itself. What's better than getting an amazing, rock solid manicure in your pajamas?
8. Bath & Body Works Body Spray
I'm pretty sure that between the two of them, my roommates own about ten of these body sprays and I can't complain. The scents are long lasting and they have an endless variety of sprays you can choose from. These were big in middle school but I'd love to see them make a come back as a more affordable alternative to some high-label, less impressive perfumes.
