Sit back, relax and grab a cuppa (or a glass of water if you are odd like me and don’t like hot drinks!) as it is time for that glorious part of the year, 2012 favourites. We are firmly in the land of 2013 now and 2012 will quickly become a distant memory but, before it does, let’s celebrate the products, potions and magic that helped us in 2012 to look slightly more normal on a day to day basis! First up:
Makeup
Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Lush Nectarine | Origins Plantscription Foundation with SPF 15 in 03 Light Warm* | ByTerry Touch-Expert Advance Concealer in 2 Nude | Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 02 Apricot Shimmer | Liz Earle Natural Glow Bronzer* | Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy
FYI all the above product names link to the blog post I did reviewing each item (however sadly Tarte doesn’t have one – shocking I know!)
Makeup is my one true love as no doubt I have said many a time. This year I haven’t made that many new discoveries when it comes to cosmetics, but the above picks have become staple items in my everyday makeup routine. 2012 marks the year I first tried a Laura Mercier Blusher, got my first Real Techniques Brush and snapped up the divine Tarte Tipsy in New York. Real Techniques are my staple brushes now and I used them for foundation, powder, blusher, bronzer, concealer, eyemakeup, you name it, I use it! These brushes have been paired with my favourite two blushers of the year and also the Liz Earle Bronzer which is one of the best everyday bronzers – slightly lighter then Nars Laguna so looks a lot less drastic when you are just off to work. The Origins Plantscription Foundation is my fav foundation at the moment and my best find this year. I love it and it gives the perfect about of matte/dewy finish to the skin whilst providing great coverage. The ByTerry Concealer is an under-eye haven and much lighter and more natural then the Bobbi Brown Corrector. Finished off with the Clarins Lip Perfector that has perfected my lips many a day in 2012 these items create a glowing look perfect for any day.
Skincare
Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator* | REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask* | Caudalie Beauty Elixir | Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair*
I have experimented a lot more with skincare this year and invested more time in using masks which has made the world of difference to my skin. I have also tried out some new skincare brands that have become staple everyday products. REN are a brand I first tried out in 2012 and I love their cleansers and masks. It’s hard for me to pick one favourite as I love everything that I have tried from the brand, but this Glycolactic Mask made the pick as it really brightens my skin and leaves great results in the morning. Caudalie are another brand I first tried this year and although at first the Beauty Elixir sat slightly unloved I recently have been going through bottle after bottle as it has been a saviour at helping my skin when it is broken out or red. Liz Earle have been another staple brand and their Gentle Face Exfoliator get’s used every Friday to clean away the week of work! I also think their Daily Eye Repair is the best eye cream I have used as when applied in the morning it really brightens the under-eye area.
Haircare
Batiste Lace | Percy & Reed No Oil Oil* | Philip Kingsley Mazimizer | Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
2012 I marked as the year of my hair – and boy was it! I went from long brown hair to shortish blonde hair all within a year! I went on and on about going blonde and I am so glad I took the plunge =) It is the first time I ever had a big hair change and I am loving the colour! Not only did I change the colour and style, the products that have been gracing my tresses have had a switch up this past year. The only non-surpise is Batiste as it’s always a favourite! However, this year launched the can Lace which doesn’t leave my hair with any of those dreaded white patches. Next up is Percy & Reed which initially started off on the wrong foot (don’t talk to me about their dry shampoo!) but things quickly change after I tried their Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner and even more so after using their No Oil Oil. This is my go to hair oil that I use for styling, on damp hair or even to calm down a few frizzy areas. It doesn’t weigh my hair down at all and even gives it a bit of bounce. Next is the Philip Kingsley Maximiser which I never want to be without! I was doubtful whether this product actually worked so didn’t use it once and my hair was flatter then a pancake. This really adds lift and oomph to the roots and throughout to prevent dreaded flat hair. The final brand I tried and loved in 2012 is Bumble and Bumble and their Surf Spray has to be the winner for me. It prevents my hair from being so poker straight and adds a bit of hold back into my hair once it has been washed.
Hands
Nuxe Reve de Meil Hand and Nail Cream | Essie Lilacism
To round off this years favourites are a few hand bits. Before this year I hated (with a passion) hand cream. I would refuse to go anywhere near the stuff and was determined that all of them would leave my hands greasy. That was until Nuxe graced my life. I have tried out a fair few skincare items from Nuxe this year but this hand cream is by far the standout product to me. It really nourishes my skin whilst being instantly absorbed, so no chance for greasy hand! Finally is Essie’s Lilacism. No favourites post would be complete without an Essie polish as they are hands down my favourite nail polish brand. With their diffusion line opening in Boots and Superdrug this year it just made them even more available which pretty much resulting in me doubling my stash! Lilacism is my favourite Essie colour of them all and I went through a period of having this on my hands and toes constantly for about a month. I love the shade and the formula is a dream to apply.
So there you have it! My stand out picks for 2012. It has been a great year beauty wise and what’s seems to have been launch after launch with new products left right and centre! Am excited to see what will be gracing our beauty counters in 2013 =)
*pr samples
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