My Favourite Beauty Product Discoveries of 2012
MAKEUP
Favourite Foundation
Jemma Kidd Nourishing Skin Tint (Porcelain)
I didn't realise for years I was actually allergic to my previous foundation (L'Oreal True Match) and thought my skin just broke out because makeup in general did not agree with it. Sadly I had to give it up even though the line (USA version) has the most amazing consistency and colour match range. This was the first new foundation I tried and it was an instant favourite. Technically this is a "skin tint" but it is a lot heavier than that and more like a light coverage foundation. Having pale skin I usually have a problem colour matching, with even the lightest shades looking orange on my complexion. However this foundation in "Porcelain" was a perfect skin tone match, with super light coverage that didn't break me out no matter how long I wore it. It also lasted all day without going patchy. Sadly however soon after "discovering" this foundation the Jemma Kidd line went into recession so after my supplies run out it's back to the hunt. Hopefully I'll be able to find a good duplicate for 2013.
Favourite Concealer
Jemma Kidd Concealer- Fair
I bought this to match the Jemma kidd Foundation. It match my skin perfectly, gave medium coverage and made a good under eye concealer. Sadly being part of the Jemma Kidd line it to was discontinued. They are still available for sale on a few sites so I'll be able to stock up for 2013. This is one of my favourite concealers at the moment, but concealers are easy to come by so I'm sure I'll find something else.
Favourite Eyebrow Makeup
Before this year I didn't experiment to much with doing my eyebrows, just using the same type of eyebrow brush (No 7) although this worked fine I came across two products in 2012 that I really loved to give my eyebrows a more defined shape:
Gosh Eyebrow Pen
This was the first eyebrow pen I had used. I purchased it after reading a great review by ESSIEBUTTON, and was not disappointed in the results. It allows perfect precision in colouring in brows. This is definitely a product I'll be using in 2013.
E.L.F Eyebrow Kit
Another product recommended by ESSIEBUTTON and another 2012 makeup love. This great little compact is really cheap and gives amazing results. One side is a wax the other a powder. I like using both. The little brush included work great but I also like to use my Sigma Flat Brush. I would love to try the HD Brow kit but for the time been I'm perfectly happy to use this cheaper alternative.
Favourite Lipstick
Revlon Lipstick "Black Cherry"
Although I don't think Revlon make the best quality lipsticks ( they take a few coats to get true colour and need to be reapplied frequently) I do think they make great colour ranges. I ventured outside my usual standard reds and pinks and purchased "Black Cherry", a very dark plum lipstick. I was a bit unsure of the colour when I first saw it but really liked how it looked on me and it became one of my favourite lipsticks of 2012. I'd like to find a similar coloured lipstick in a better quality brand, but this is fine for day to day use.
Favourite Mascara
Soap & Glory "Thick & Fast" Mascara
I wouldn't have even considered a mascara by Soap and Glory but received one free with a magazine and was really surprised at how good it was. It has a chunky brush that allows the product to apply easily and leaves lashes full. I have a bit of a backlog of mascaras at the moment but I would definitely reconsider repurchasing this one as I loved it so much.
Favourite Blusher
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blusher- Natural beauty
I've always read good things about Tarte products so when I was in the US I picked up a blusher in the shade "Natural Beauty" at Sephora. It is such a pretty colour, applies easily and lasts all day. This will be my favourite blusher for a long time to come.
Favourite Makeup Base
RMK Makeup Base
This product was a beauty box discovery. I had never before heard of RMK but was really impressed with the brand. This is a great smoothing makeup base that is suitable for oily skin. I really notice a difference when I'm wearing this under foundation. I plan to purchase a few more RMK products in 2013.
Skincare
Favourite Cleanser
CEBRA Foaming Facial Wash Gel
I received a free full size bottle of this cleanser from the Cebra website. It's amazing at clearing break outs and for helping oily skin. I was really surprised at how good the brand was and have made more effort to try more organic products after the success of using this. Will be picking another bottle up for 2013 for when my skin needs a little extra help.
Favourite Makeup Remover
Origins Clean Energy Cleansing Oil
A great cheaper alternative to the Shu Umera cleansing oil. This is slightly thicker but does an equally good job at removing stubborn makeup. It smells amazing too. This will be my makeup remover of choice for 2013 too.
Favourite Face Mask
Origins Drink Up Face Mask
I think this might be my favourite product of 2013. It is practically sleep in a bottle. Apply a generous layer at night time and wake up with plump glowing skin the next day. It smells divine and sinks beautifully into the skin. A must have product for anybody.
Favourite Moisturiser
Origins Brighter By Nature Moisturiser
Another great origins product. This moisturiser has a high SPF which is great for summer/ vacations and really improves the overall condition of the skin. Next summer I'll be restocking on this product to help protect and improve my skin tone.
Favourite Skin Treatment
Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate Rollerball
I had a few skin treatment favourites this year but facial oil was my top treatment that I discovered in 2012. I loved both the Clarin's Lotus Oil & the Liz Earle Superskin and it was difficult to choose which I preferred. I had more overall experience with the superskin though so it is my year favourite as I can contest over time it really improves skin condition. After use it leaves skin super soft and supple. I noticed that my skin became less oily and in Winter I had no dry patches. Even my fine lines were noticeably reduced. The small rollerball packaging makes it easy to use and travel with. This is now a staple on my bathroom shelf.
Full Review HERE
Favourite Facial Mist
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
2012 saw the start of my Caudalie addiction including the lovely Beauty Elixir, a favourite ingest celebrities and beauty bloggers alike. It is marketed as a serum/ facial mist and has a lovely semi strong minty type fragrance. I'm not sure if I'd consider it a serum but I do like to spray it over my face to refresh tiered skin on journeys or to revive/ set my makeup (help it look less powdery)
Favourite Perfume
Nighttime Scent
Dita Von Teese "Femme Totale"
I wouldn't buy a celebrity fragrance for anyone other than Dita. I bought this without even smelling it, something I'd never normally do, because I new I'd love it. A lovely sophisticated scent that lasts all day and comes in a beautifully designed bottle. I'll be repurchasing more of this in 2013.
Daytime Scent
L'Occitane Rose 4 Reines Roll-On Eau de Toilette
Lovely strong rose scent perfume perfect for day time. Comes in both a bottle and this handy handbag sized roll on glass vile, perfect for travelling. This has been my handbag staple for months and one of my favourite scents of 2012.
Haircare
Favourite Shampoo
Clynol Speciality Clear Purifying Shampoo
Clynol is an amazing salon haircare brand that makes great products. My new favourite is the clarifying shampoo that's suitable for coloured hair and leaves hair squeaky clean. I like to detox my hair with this every week and a half to get rid of product build up. Will be using more of this in 2013.
Favourite Styling Product
Moroccanoil Treatment
I finally had the chance to try this cult fave product in 2012. It is not really a treatment but is an excellent hair styling product, one of the best styling products I have ever used. A small amount leaves hair looking glossy and groomed. I love the smell too. Have already stocked up on two bottles for 2013.
Favourite Hair Tool
Tangle Teezer
I actually avoided getting one of these for months as I thought they were all hype, I mean really how great can a brush be? But during a crazy shopping spree where I bought pretty ,much every recommended beauty product I picked one up ( a purple one) and was so pleased I did. I have ridiculously tangled, messy curly hair and brushing it out especially after washing is a nightmare. Using this brush really helps to do it easily and means I don't rip an excessive amount of hair out whilst doing it. It's also really easy to clean. Now I can't live without it and am always try to bully people into buying one.
Tools
Sigma F84 - Angled Kabuki Brush
I threw away all my makeup brushes at the beginning of 2012 so I could invest in new and better brushes. Out of those that I purchased I had a few loves but the Sigma F84 hands down was my favourite. This to me is a total wonder brush. It applies my foundation flawlessly in minutes and helps to stipple any concealer I use too. I plan to buy a second of these brushes and also look for a smaller version in the sigma line for more precision makeup. I'd advise everybody to try this brush out.
HD Brows Precision Tweezers
I received these free in Glossy Box and I think it was the best thing I received out of all the products in all the boxes I subscribed to in 2012. Ordinarily I would think spending £20 in tweezers was crazy and I wouldn't have bought them, but after trying them and realizing how much better they are than standard tweezers I'd say they were definitely worth investing the money in. I think I'd cry if I lost them. This was one of the best beauty things I used in 2012.
Body Care
Favourite Handcream
Tesco Pomegranate & Rosehip Handcream
Super cheap (under £2) and really effective at keeping hands soft. Smells amazing, I love pomegranate scents in general but this has to be one of my favourites. It also comes in a body cream/ lotion that's also divine One of my favourite hand creams that I got to try in 2012.
Favourite Foot Lotion
Soap & Glory Heel Genius
Another great product by Soap & Glory. This is a must have for Winter months especially. It makes feet so soft and really helps with heeling cracked heels. I love this product
Favourite Body Scrub
Botanics Sugar Scrub
Loved this body scrub. It was both exfoliating and moisturising, leaving skin very soft after use. Very good value for money, lasts for months. Unfortunately this product was discontinued so sadly won't be able to use it in 2013.
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