So another year's over and with it came a whole host of beauty products. Compiling this post hasn't been easy; who knew it'd be so hard to select 11 of your favourite products?
But without further ado, here's my top picks - in no particular order, you understand (that would be doubly hard). A big thank you to the lovely
Emma for tagging me - and don't forget to pop over to her blog to see her recommendations, too.
1.
La Roche Posay's Effaclar K Daily Renewal Fluid
You only need to look at how empty this tube appears to be to know how well-used it is. I've literally been squeezing every last blob out of this to ensure its £13 price tag was well worth it. I do use this every day, after all. But let me tell you, I'd easily pay double for this.
This product has popped up on a raft of blogs, with each and every one raving about its ability to reduce the size of blemishes and provide a smooth, fresh base for make-up. I don't use this before I put my slap on, but I can certainly vouch for the claim about blemishes. My skin has never been clearer and any dry patches have all but vanished. Result!
2.
Eve Taylor Purifying Face Wash
I've tried many cleansers in my 27 years but none I've liked as much as this one by little-known skin care brand Eve Taylor. I stumbled across the brand after having an Eve Taylor facial in 2011. I later bought the purifying face wash and haven't felt the need to try anything else since. It's gentle, removes make-up easily and doesn't break me out.
The only downside is it's quite hard to come by.
3.
Clarisonic Face Cleansing Brush
After hankering after one of these for some weeks, I was lucky enough to be sent one by Clarisonic's PR firm totally by chance. It's since become a staple in my skin care routine, though I do try to use it just three or four times a week. Perfect for getting a really deep clean and not too harsh on the skin, this is a pricey product but well worth the investment if you're a skin care fanatic like me.
Read my
initial reactions on the much sought after product.
4.
Boots' No 7 Quick Cover Concealer
This has been a permanent fixture in my make-up bag for around 5 years. I love it that much that I don't even bother trying out other concealers; I believe I've already found the best. It provides enough coverage (for me anyway) that I skip foundation altogether and use this in the place of it. Controversial, I know, but I much prefer a stick foundation over a liquid one any day - and this provides a much better base than any I've tried. It costs around £8 now, but keep an eye out for those £5 off No 7 vouchers and you can grab it for a mere 3 quid.
5.
Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner
Since becoming an
Aussie Angel a couple of years ago, I've been lucky enough to be kept in shampoo and conditioner. I'm not just saying this because I feel I have to, but few products make my hair softer than this little beauty.
Also worth a look: Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle and John Frieda's Brilliantly Brunette
6.
LUSH Big Shampoo
This is an absolute hair care hero of mine; I always use it when I want to ensure my do is looking its very best. I've used it before job interviews and for evenings out and it's always given me great results.
It's not cheap (more than £10 for a shampoo is pretty pricey in my book) but a large pot of this salty shampoo goes a long, long way. It lathers up a dream, too.
7.
17 Falsifeye Mascara
This little beauty by 17 has replaced Maybelline's Volum' Express in my affections. I even no longer scour ebay for Covergirl's Lashblast (a US product) as this does the trick for a fraction of the cost. Want to know why? Read
my review and let me know what you think, too.
8.
No 7 Eyebrow Pencil
Now I'm not saying this pencil is a miracle product or anything. I mean, I can't even remember its full product name, (does anyone else hate it when make-up gets old and the writing wears off the container?) but I couldn't not include this in my top products run down.
I regularly visit a local beauty salon for HD brows (really, you have to try this!) but it's not always so convenient for me to make an appointment. This results in very straggly overgrown eyebrows and me picking up the nearest pair of tweezers and 'going at em'. A good eyebrow pencil has been a God send when it comes to filling in dodgy brows - and this one is my pencil of choice.
9.
Sleek Blusher in Pixie Pink
I never veer too far from coral and very subtle pink coloured blushes so I'm surprised I even like, let alone love, this almost hot pink blush from Sleek. Use this with a light hand and you get a really lovely glow-y 'flushed cheeks' look. A more recent favourite of mine.
Also worth a look: MAC's 'Fleurpower' (a bright coral/pink) and 'Dainty' (a light, shimmery coral)
10.
MAC Barcelona Red Lipstick
Being very pale skinned with jet black hair, I seem able to carry off both loud lipstick shades, as well as subtle, daytime colours. This muted red by MAC lies somewhere in between; ideal for day (dabbed on the lips under a light gloss) or worn straight from the bullet in the evening (paired with barely there blush and lots of mascara. It's also well worth a look if you're not keen on the idea of a full on red lippie.
11.
LUSH Ocean Salt
For me, there's few things more satisfying than giving your face a good scrub! I'm partial to a good exfoliating treatment and this little lovely by LUSH is one of my favourites. It's tangy and refreshing (containing sea salt, lime and coconut) and really smooths the skin. Ideal before make-up application!
Also worth a look: Burt's Bees Exfoliating Scrub
What are your favourite products of 2011? And are there any in my list you love just as much I do?
FTC Disclaimer: These products have been bought with my own money at some point during 2011. I'm using stock images as I don't currently own many of them, aside from the Clarisonic (which I do own but is now much to grubby to photograph!). The Aussie Miracle Moist shampoo was sent to be as a lovely perk of being an Aussie Angel. As always, all views are 100% honest and my own.
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