2016 brought about so many products and trends. There were some really great ones, like liquid matte lipstick, and some odd ones, like magnetic masks.  It’s so crazy to think that the year is almost over and with a new year brings about new beauty products and trends.

Although there were a tons of items that had hype and were sold out at Sephora, I rounded up my top four items you absolutely needed to get this past year, and if you didn’t, something to put on your wishlist for next year.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed

These Becca highlights gained major traction in 2016 with the release of the Jaclyn Hill collab, Champagne Pop (although they were quite popular before she launched that best-selling highlight). If you haven’t picked up a Becca highlight this year, well, there’s still six days to nab one.  With six different finishes in the regular line, as well as limited edition shades, there’s a highlight for any skin tone.

I got the Champagne Pop highlighter set last Hanukkah but my first full size of their Skin Perfector was actually the limited edition holiday shade for this year, Rose Quartz. This gorgeous highlight comes in a rose gold-accented casing and features a rose gold pink finish to cheeks. The coverage is sheer, it feels ultra soft and creamy, and gives you the most luminous finish.  Long story short, you need one.

BITE Beauty Multisticks

These BITE Beauty Multisticks launched earlier this year and took the makeup community by storm. Is it a lipstick? It’s a blush? Is it a makeup primer?  Well, it’s actually all three.

Available in 18 shades for C$28 a piece, these Multisticks apply like a cream but finish to a powder. The silicone-free formula creates a soft finish that’s breathable, blendable and buildable.  I’ve used these for cheeks, lips and eyes, and love how versatile they are. There’s a variety of different shades to suit any skin tone and look.

NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

2015 was the year of the contour kit, so therefore if you didn’t have one in your collection for 2016, you’re so behind in the times. The contour kit is now a makeup collection staple, everyone needs one. It doesn’t even matter if you have no clue to use it, buy it first then figure it out later.

I have a variety of different contour kits in my collection (you can never have enough!), but the one I use the most is the NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette. Retailing for an amazing C$27, not only is this an amazing value, but you get an amazing product as well. This set includes eight customizable highlighting and contouring shades. When you’ve used up a pan, you can buy individual pro singles to refill it.

Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kits

Finally, perhaps the most popular beauty product of 2016, you needed a Kylie Lip Kit.

I put off buying one of these for awhile, mostly for two reasons. Early on there was so much hype that they were all but impossible to buy since they sold out so fast.  Second, the shipping to Canada was $14.99 USD (basically C$20).  A friend and I split an order so I got my hands on Koko K and I have to say, these are worth the hype and the money for shipping.

The difference between the Kylie ones and any other ones I’ve tried is that these do not budge.  Once they’re on, they are not going anywhere. I have lip injections, so making my lips bigger isn’t really something I need more of, but there is something about these particular matte liquid lipsticks that make your lips look so much larger. I loved Koko K so much that I had to nab her birthday collection to try some of the other shades. Although they are all great, Koko K is still my all-time fave and definitely the one shade you need to have in your collection if you love baby pinks like me.

Since there were so many beauty products this year, it was hard narrowing it down. These four were the highlights from my year, but I would love to know what you were digging for 2016.

What were your fave products from 2016?

Please note, some of the products mentioned were sent by PR. All opinions are my own. 

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