My first product will have to be Urban Decay's Naked Palette. Twelve amazing colours - perfect for the neutral everyday look as well as colours perfect for smokey eye looks. These eyeshadows are extremely pigmented and not at all chalky. I must admit that that Sidecar has a lot of fall out and is pretty chunky compared to the others. Naked and Buck are the only matte eyeshadows so they're perfect for filling in brows. You would be surprised that Buck can be used for people with dark brown/black hair - you should go for a colour that's lighter than your actual eyebrow hair colour. My favourite colours from this palette would have to be Sin, Sidecar and Toasted - they're beautiful. Even though it is considered pretty pricey (I think they now retail for £35), I think it's well worth the money. If you are a beginner or just want the one palette, this is the one to get. I know there are quite a few dupes on the market - MUA (Makeup Academy) from Superdrug have one called Heaven and Earth and costs only £4. I would still happily pay that much more for this palette, the quality is amazing and you get a mini primer potion which seriously makes your eyeshadow last all day and night long without creasing. If I am travelling anywhere, I just bring this palette with me, it has the colours that I need, whether it be just a day out with friends, or a night out at a bar slash club. It's also the only eyeshadow palette I'm planning to bring to my trip to China.
My next standout of the year would have to be the ELF Studio Powder Brush. Although I don't actually use this to apply powder, it'z amazing for liquid foundation. I use this brush to either stipple or buff my foundation in and gives the perfect finish. It also has super soft hair and doesn't shed at all! And the best part of it, it's only £3.50. It's perfect for people who don't have the money to spend on more expensive makeup brushes such as Sigma or MAC, and it doesn't mean you have to accept poorer quality. I have a few MAC and Bare Essentials brushes and I find that the ELF and MAC are very similar in it's softness (Bare Essentials brushes shed and is very coarse). I also got this when they were having their 50% off sale so I only paid £1.75! It's an amazing brush and I would happily pay the full price of just £3.50.
The next product is not really makeup, but it's considered as one of my holy grail products. Cure Natural Aqua gel is an exfoliator but isn't gritty like most exfoliators. It's a gel that takes off the layer of dead skin, and it most definitely works. You take a few pumps of product and apply to DRY clean skin and you massage it in gently and you will find that it takes off a layer of dead skin. You will be able to literally feel the dead skin coming off which sounds gross and slightly daunting, but I can assure you that you won't be walking around with no skin on your face! It only takes off dead skin so no need to worry about it taking off much and damaging slash scarring your skin. This is an amazing product for people who have dry skin and find that when applying foundation slash powder onto your face leaves you will dry flaky patches. I was never ever able to wear liquid foundation because of this problem and now I am able to thanks to this genius product!
I got this from a site called beautycarousel.com and it costs around £22. The shipping is pretty expensive unless you spend around £45, and then you can get free shipping ^^ If you want to try out the product without spending £22 on a whole bottle, you can also get a free sample on this site, but you will have to pay for the shipping charges. This is what I did before I went ahead and purchased it - shipping cost around £2 and I would highly recommend it to people who have found that they have the same problem. I've made 2 orders to beautycarousel and have "purchased" the free samples (if it's free, why not?)
My next standout product is the No. 7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick in 70 Sassy. I absolutely LOVE this lipstick! It doesn't highlight the dry areas of my lips when they are chapped. I love the dark berry colour and wears off nicely - I cannot stand lipsticks that leave a white residue or don't wear off on the outside so you look really cheap and tacky like when you use a darker lipliner and don't blend it into your lipstick. It has a bit of glitter in it but it is quite subtle. It's my favourite lipstick colour and lipstick type in general. I've tried many lipsticks from different brands and within No. 7, but I just really like their Sheer Temptation collection. It's a real shame they don't have much of a colour range ><
My final favourite makeup product of 2011 is Laguna by NARS. I love this bronzer and have been using it every time I wear makeup since I've gotten it. Interestingly though, I do not like Orgasm or Albatross (the blush and highlighter in this trio). I am extremely disappointed with how chunky and glittery Orgasm is and I cannot stand how yellow Albatross is >< Although Laguna is not matte, it has a subtle shimmer that isn't obnoxious like Orgasm is. I can use Laguna to contour and bronze, as well as just using it alone. I cant remember how much this cost, I think it was around £40 which was one hell of a splurge. I would never repurchase Orgasm or Albatross but would most probably repurchase Laguna on its own, I might also try out Casino. I think they cost £22.50 on its own, but I could be wrong.
A quick mention (with no picture) - I loved Soap & Glory Righteous Body Lotion this year. It smells incredible and I find it more hydrating and moisturising than The Body Shop Body Butters but I am not sure if I prefer the lotion or body butter version which is why I'm not including it properly into this blog. Although I've used them both, I am still undecided, but I would recommend trying out either because they both smell the same - the body butter is much thicker and more suitable for those with dryer skin!
Anyways, I am looking forward to seeing what makeup products I discover this year and hope you guys find your holy grail products too.
Until next time..
- Diem xo
