A best of list may seem like an obvious choice for kicking off 2015, but with a resolution to streamline my make-up kit, it’s good to take stock of the new products I’ve tried and the ones I’ll be taking in to the New Year. Some I’ve featured on the blog before, others may get more in depth pieces in future, but for now, here’s my favourite beauty buys of 2015.
Eyes
Benefit Roller Lash
I’m terrified of eyelash curlers. Straight up. The fear of ripping all my lashes out is real and I don’t quite trust myself with a pair of them. Thankfully Benefit’s Roller Lash mascara does all the curling for me. The ideal day mascara when you’re looking for a little lift.
Lime Crime Venus 1 Palette
However you feel about the brand, love it or loathe it, the Lime Crime Venus is one of the best eyeshadow palettes to come out. With super pigmented colours ranging from ox bloods to rusts to beautiful rose golds it’s the grungier younger siblingto Urban Decay’s Naked Palette.
Urban Decay Subversion
Subversion is still the best mascara primer I have ever tried (and believe me, I’ve tried many.) While it’s sister mascara I can give or take, Subversion is perfect under any mascara and makes it look better, last longer – and basically I think this should be in any beauty addicts kit.
Kiko Glitter Eyeliner
I went on a crazed one woman campaign to find the perfect glitter/white eyeliner for my wedding last year. I bought any glitter or coloured liner I could get my filthy little paws on and Kiko was not only one of the cheaper options, but one of my favourites. It’s not something you can really wear on your own but is gorgeous over coloured liners or black just to add a bit of sparkle.
Lush Lucid Earth Eye Powder
I only really started using this in the last few weeks but she really is dreamy. What looks like a relatively safe silver eyeshadow, when wet she takes on tones of green and blue. I love wearing it on my waterline or the inside of my eye, and have her pegged for a halo eye in the near future.
Illamasqua Brow Gel
Brows continue to be a biggy, and Illamasqua brow gel is my favourite brow product that’s come out in years. It lasts for ages and has a nice even application, it’s ideal for a super polished look.
Lips
Eos Lipbalm
Another newbie but I’m completely addicted to the EOS lipbalm. A handbag essential, this little round lipbalm has been a saviour when going from heated air con to super frosty wind.
Smashbox Always Sharp Liner Rosebud
I could have went for any of the Always Sharp liners but Rosebud is certainly the most versatile. Does what it says on the tin, this always sharp lip liner has a smoothe and even application and simple to use.
Maybelline Divine Wine Shade 975
My favourite lipstick of the year was a little Superdrug number. Without a doubt, the best dark lipstick I have ever worn. Beautiful shade, lasts a respectable amount of time and I have never seen it’s equal (getting a little flowery here but it really is that wonderful.)
Sara Hill Suede
Lipgloss isn’t for everyone but if you ened a light gloss that suits everyone, Suede needs to in your kit. It’s perfect if you don’t want anything quite as heavy as a matte lipstick and looks different on everyone. Sara Hill has been a real favourite this year for me but out of the collection, this really is a hero product.
Skin
Aesop Oil Free Facial Hydrading Serum
Where would I be without Aesop? I’d have finally transitioned in to a snake woman. I’ve never put much stock in to serums but after giving this a go I noticed a real palpable change in my skin. Absorbs supers quickly this is a delightful little skindrink which you can apply and go.
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
I’ve drank the kool-aid folks and I can never go back. Cleanse and Polish really is worth all the hype. I cannot imagine using anything else on my skin. Combining a cream cleanser with a light exfoliation, this is a beauty game changer.
Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment
I’m lucky enough that I don’t get a huge amount of spots (I was supposed to leave them behind with my teens right) but when I do this is the first thing I reach for. Think of it as the grown up version of applying toothpaste to your spots. The mix of tea tree and witch hazel has been a real spot zapper and it’s the first thing I hand to people when they are having problem skin.
Lush Don’t Look at Me Face Mask
Easily the best face mask of the year, Don’t Look at Me is this beautiful, fresh feeling cleansing mask. Don’t Look at Me is bright and exfoliating, without making your skin feel stripped once you’re done with it. Great for citrus fans with it’s real bursts of grapefruit and orange.
Face
Illamasqua Matte Veil
You’re either team Hydra Veil or Matte Veil and I fall in the latter. I have powered through this primer this year. The application was fuss free, absorbed in to my skin easily and kept my make-up lasting all day.
Smashbox Fusion Softlights in Starburst
For so long I steered clear of bronze and peach tones, thinking I sat firmly in the rose pink camp. How wrong I was. The Fusion Softlights is one of the most flattering and beautiful blush/bronzers I’ve come across, and would get points for getting me outside my comfort zone alone. There’s pleanty dupes out there but few with the even application f this beauty.
Urban Decay Make-up Setting Spray
I first came across this late 2014 and she still is a staple in my make-up kit. Any time I’ve had to built myself a new face for night out, this has what’s kept it from being on the floor within 20 minutes (or indeed 20 hours.) It may seem like an extravagance but I can’t imagine not wearing this on a night out.
Other
Eden Perfume in 470
A vegan perfume company that does dupes of some of your favourite scents? Sign me up! Eden are a Brighton based fragrance company who create some really beautiful perfumes that are pocket friendly and similair to some of the best perfumes on the market. 470 is a great copy of Tabacco Vanille, so ideal if you love the scent but not the price tag.
Essie – On a Silver Platter
A good glitter polish is a girls best friend. I use it for filling in my nails between nail appointments and On a Silver Platter is one of my faves. It’s a fine gold glitter with larger flakes of blue and purple throughout.
Liz Earle Rosemary and Rock Rose Candle
My house if full of scented candles, and Liz Earle Rosemary and Rock Rose is beautiful. It’s a gorgeous botanical scent that is perfect for winter.
What have been your beauty heros of 2015?
