2019 Top Shelf Goals

2018 was the year my top shelf really got an overhaul. Up until I started using Glossier products about 3 years ago, I wasn't really paying attention to what my skin actually needed and what worked for me- I would usually just purchase whatever cleanser and moisturizer was on sale at the drugstore, and would put toothpaste on stubborn pimples. Not to mention that I NEVER wore a daily SPF (le gasp). This year, I really got into trying new things and building my skincare wardrobe- experimenting with chemical exfoliation, finding my perfect daily sunscreen, even dabbling into European skincare brands. I even became a VIB at Sephora for the first time ever!

Even with all these new discoveries, I learned a lot about the dark side of social media and the pressure to purchase products you may not really want or need, simply because other "influencers" have them. My blog and Instagram account is not big enough yet to receive the PR opportunities afforded to bigger accounts- and I am learning to be ok with that! Many of the people I follow on social media are extremely grateful for their opportunities and always reassure their followers that they don't NEED ALL OF IT. I try to channel their positive energy into posting the content that I want and that I love, and not worry so much about how many likes it gets. As long as I am happy with the content and can maybe make some other people happy, that's all that really matters.

Now that we are into 2019, I've decided to set some Top Shelf Goals for myself. I know that I have mastered the art of self care (I'm a Leo, duh), so I've decided to keep some other things in mind regarding product wants, needs, and spending:

1) Use, Give Away, or Throw Away Product

I'm not gonna lie, I have a LOT of products. Many of them I haven't used in a while or no longer work for me. This year, I am going to stop hoarding products simply for the sake of hoarding products! A night cream that's still good but doesn't work for me? Give to a friend. A tube of sunscreen that's almost out? Use it up. A face mask that is starting to change weird colors? Into the bin it goes.

2) Take Note of What Works and Roll With It

Another important goal that I have is to nail down what products really work for me. What can I absolutely not live without? Definitely my favorites: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, Solution, Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, prescription Tretinoin cream, and Avene Tolerance Moisturizer. As for the rest? Just extra treats, especially the face masks.

3) Find the Hair Products that Really Work

Finding products that work for my thick, wavy hair is really a journey. I'm still on that journey to find hair products that consistently work for me. I feel like I will purchase some products and like them for a month or two, and then they eventually stop working. The only exceptions would be Batiste Dry Shampoo and my Kristen Ess Air Dry Creme. If anyone has any recommendations for softening, volumizing products that work on thick hair, let me know!

4) Realize that You Don't Need All of That

Stop being influenced so much by Instagram. Only purchase what you really need! Don't spend money that you don't have trying to keep up with people who you've never met. Be happy with what you have and use what works for you.