12/12/2013

The Best in Beauty

It's that time of the year again, favourites time but not as you know it. I took some time out last week to go through my makeup bag and think about what products have stood out, earning themselves a place in the holy grail/daily staples category. As it is 2013 I tried to choose thirteen standout products and this streamlined edit have all been well-loved this year. 


Real Techniques Brushes. This time a year ago I was the girl going "What is with these colourful brushes? What is a buffing brush?", yes really.. Now at least half of the brushes I own and use are from Real Techniques. They're incredibly soft, just like luxury brushes and blend product like a dream. They're also multi-use as well and can often be used for more than one product or texture. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, limited edition. While this has only been in my possession for just over a month or so it is being used an awful lot and will no doubt continue to be a favourite next year. This trio of powders add a soft-focus effect to the complexion which helps to dull down and blur any imperfections. The highlighting and bronzing powders are both quite subtle, you won't notice an obvious orange tinge or disco ball sheen to your face. All in all this is a stunning palette. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. A transparent setting powder that helps to set makeup in place and eliminate any unwanted shine. The powder itself is quite fine so you aren't left looking chalky or caked in powder. While this may not be the most long-lasting it is fairly compact so you can add it to your handbag easily enough for touch-ups. 

Diptyque Philosykos Eau De Toilette. This fig, fresh scent is what I reach for when I'm not wearing a floral perfume. There's something about this scent that just feels sophisticated and classy without being overpowering like Chanel No. 5 for instance. 

Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara.* They're Real combines all the qualities in a mascara that we love and throws in a dose of longevity for good measure. The plastic wand makes it easier to separate your lashes without creating clumps or spidery lashes. Is this the best mascara ever? No, but it is worth trying out at least once. 






Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. I've never seen a concealer cause so much hype and send counters worldwide out of shades as much as this Nars offering. Once finally being able to get my shade, Vanilla, it was easy to see why it is so popular. Its creamy, air-whipped texture means it does not leave obvious creases around blemishes and imperfections. Once set with powder it is incredibly long-wearing as well. 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. Like the powders above, this primer adds a soft focus effect to your skin and leaves you with a velvety-soft base for the rest of your makeup. In terms of priming properties this is heavy-duty stuff. Your makeup will last for hours, the proof is in the Bioderma soaked cotton pads. Yes it is pricy but you barely need to use any per application so it will last you well. I own the travel sized one and have barely made a dent in it. 

Mac All That Glitters Eyeshadow. This neutral shadow was easily my most-worn eyeshadow all year, note the dents. It has a subtle sparkle to it which I love. It is perfect for daytime and if you want to wear it more dramatically just add a silver/white glitter and some liquid liner. 

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. Yes, it's not a makeup item #sorrynotsorry. If you're like me and find it hard dozing off at night then you need this. Spritzing this onto your pillows and sheets come bedtime will leave you relaxed and calm. Lavender is powerful stuff, that's all there is to it. 

Tarte 'Lights Camera Flashes' Mascara. A friend bought this mascara back for me from her travels and I'm so pleased she did because it is fantastic! The unique wand means that you can get in close to the root of the lashes. Using this leaves you with fluttery, full lashes. It's incredibly smudge proof too so be prepared to have a heavy duty makeup remover on hand at the end of the night. 

Mac Lipstick, all of the shades.** There seems to have been an influx of Mac lipsticks joining my collection this year. I've tried quite a few from the drugstore brands too and none of them have won me over entirely. They have pigmentation yes but they can certainly be drying. Anyway, back to Mac..I love the colours and lasting power of their lipsticks. Formulas like the Satin and Cremesheen ones are less drying than your typical lipstick. In saying that Mattes like Lady Danger or Relentlessly Red feel comfortable on the lips, especially with a touch of lipgloss over the top.  

Benefit Coralista Blush. Benefit are known for their boxed blushes and of the two I own, this one is my favourite. Coralista is a more wearable version of Nars' Orgasm. It is more peachy and doesn't have the glitter throughout. It can be quite shimmery though so a light hand is best with this one. 

Nars Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. If your eyeshadow creases ridiculously fast then a primer or cream shadow base is a must-have. This Nars primer is creamy, there is no odd texture and your eyeshadow will definitely stick around for longer. 

*PR Sample

**Well not all because let's be honest I won't be rocking Cyber or Saint Germain any time soon. 

6 comments:

  1. I'm the same with real techniques brushes, I don't think I could live without them! Great post x

    cassandramyee.blogspot.com

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  2. Love the Diptyque perfume, and the Ambient Lighting Powder looks soooo nice, it's been on my wish list for ages! x

    www.totalmodisch.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. The lighting powders are so nice! Well worth the investment x

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  3. Incredibly tempted to pick up the pillow spray. I have a great deal of trouble getting to sleep and if it really works - in my shopping cart it goes. x

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    1. Definitely give the pillow spray a go. I find the scent incredibly calming & relaxing to spritz before bedtime. x

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