Friday, 11 January 2013

2012 Beauty Favourites

Beauty Makeup Favourites 2012

Unfortunately this post it a little late, I've been so busy with New Year celebrations then saying goodbye to my friends and family then moving back to university for this term and getting settled it, but I finally have a chance to Look at my favourite products of the last year.  Can you believe how fast 2012 went?!  I can't get my head around the fact that twelve months have passed in the blink of an eye! It's a little daunting that this year I turn 20, and begin my third and final year of my degree - it feels like I've only just stared university!  I've had an amazing past year, and am looking forward to an even better 2013!  Through 2012 I was able to try out a load of beauty products, and here are my favourite picks:
This has been my holy grain concealer for as long as i remember, I currently have six of them dotted around the place! Although there isnt really a wide range of colours, I use a mix of shade 1 and 2 and that seems to work for me.  It has amazing staying power, covers all inperfections easily and blends beautifully with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush.

17 Miracle Matte Pressed Powder
Another long-term love of mine, this powder keeps shine at bay longer than any other I've tried, and for under four pound, how can I complain?! I have repurchased this countless times and can't see me trying anything else anytime soon!  I apply this with the Real Techniques Powder Brush.

Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation
I've been using this religiously since last spring and I still love it.  It has just the right amount of coverage to not have to wear concealer if I'm in a rush, but I don't look caked in make-up.  Shade 51 is a pretty good winter match for me, and I used shade 52 during the summer months.  I have repurchased this twice so far, and will continue to in the future.  The repurchases don't break the bank either - only £10.99 a bottle!  I either use my Sigma F80 or Real Techniques Buffing Brush to buff this into my skin.

Benefit Hoola
This is my absolute perfect contour.  Paired with the Real Techniques Contour Brush (can you tell I like Real Techniques brushes yet?!) this helps to make my head look a little less football-shaped, and a little more human.  I apply it under my cheekbones and up to my temples during the winter when I'm a little paler, and during the summer I tend to dust it across the areas where I naturally tan - the tops of my cheeks, nose and forhead.  This has now lasted me over a year, and although I have hit pan, it stil has a bit of life in it.

MAC Pinch O' Peach
The first MAC cosmetic I ever owned and one I still use it regularly, this is the perfect day to day shade for me.  The formula is silky smooth and really easy to blend, and the colour is gorgeous, making it my favourite blusher over the last year.  I apply this to the apples of my cheeks using the Lauren Luke Flat Contour Brush.  I have to admit, the Look Beauty Make Me Blush in Flirt was a close runner up for my favourite blusher of 2012 - gorgeous!

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
This little glass pbot of black gel is without a doubt the best eyeliner I've ever used.  It can be work on your lashline and waterline, stays put all day long and is easy to apply.  Without a doubt worth the eight pounds!

Urban Decay Naked Palette
Since I had this palette last Christmas, I haven't worn a single other eyeshadow! I have used this so much that I've ended up reaching pan on a few shades.! This is a palette of twelve neutral shades with shimmer, frost and matte finishes, and I love it! I had the Naked2 for Christmas and I love it just as much already.

GOSH Long Lasting Brow Pen
Who'd have thought I'd be using what is essentially a felt tip to fill in my eyebrows?! This brow pen quickly and easily fills them in without looking too harsh, and dries slowly enough to be blended straight after application so you arent left with tip strokes.  I have the shade 001 Dark Brown, and I use it every singe day!

Blistex Medplus
This little blue pot is a serious miracle worker.  It has transformed my lips from a dry, flaky mess to a smooth and moisturised canvas for lipstick application.  It's less than £3 and one pot lasts absolutely months, I always have a few of these lying around.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains
I now have four of these little beauties (post here) and I always have one on. I love the packaging, the formula, the scent and the stain, I think they're so impressive for high street products - I just adore them!

Tangle Teaser
I bought this at the beginning of the year and haven't used a different brush since.  It quickly and easily detangles my hair, leaving it knot-free and shiny.  I love the design and how original it looks, and it's so easy to use! I'd definitely recommend it.

Batiste Dry Shampoo
Early mornings at university and placement mean that I just can't be bothered to get up even earlier to wash, dry and style my hair, so Batiste is a little life saver for me! It is cheap (under a fiver), easy to use, adds volume and smells lovely.  It does leave your hair feeling a bit weird but I can deal with that for all the benefits it has.  A staple in my haircare, and I always have a bottle or two in my room.

Real Techniques Make-up Brushes
I didn't jump on the Real Techniques bandwagon as early as lots of people, waiting a few months after they were released to purchase any, but I now own the Core Collection, Starter Set and Powder brush and I adore them! They are so soft, easily and flawlessly they apply my makeup and wash really easily.  Without a doubt my favourite brand of makeup brush, and I plan to buy more during 2013.

VO5 Miracle Concentrate
I didn't hold out much hope for a hair oil in my hair - I have generally oily hair so I just thought the situation would be made worse, but a few drops through the lengths makes my hair shiny, smooth and bouncy, and prolonged use leaves it in excellent condition.  A small bottle has lasted me a long time, and it is without a doubt worth the £5.19.

OPI Nail Envy
Another miracle worker in my eyes - although it's a little pricey (£18.65), using this as a base coat every time I paint my nails has really changed the condition of them.  They've stopped breaking at every opportunity, I no longer experience them flaking through the cooler months, they grow a lot quicker and they're much stronger in general.  Used this way means that my nails aren't stained by darker polishes either.

What are your favourite products of 2012? Do you agree with any of my choices?

2 comments:

  1. Benefit hoola is my all time favourite bronzer as well your right it gives the perfect contour! :) x

    ReplyDelete
  2. definitely agree with the dry shampoo! always a good product! x

    ReplyDelete