2012 Favourites: Skincare

Origins Night-a-Mins Moisturizer - After trying the blogger favourite 'Make A Difference' cream I was left utterly disappointed after finding it didn't do anything  special to my skin other than clog my pores and honestly felt as though it smelt of stale cigarettes, unlike the fruity scent other bloggers had described. This however, is everything I wanted the other one to be and more. I love the orange scent and I love how much it brightens my skin, it's the first moisturizer I've seen a real difference with. This was just a freebie from an Origins order (a generous sample, they are always good for them!) but I would definitely buy this once it runs out.

Origins Eye Doctor - I cannot rave about this eye cream enough. I never thought of all things I would be so in love with this kind of product but it honestly works wonders for dry, sensitive eye areas whilst slightly brightening my undereyes too. I've written a full review of this before here if that's something you're interested in :)

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel - I've said it once and i'll say it again, any product that Adrienne recommends, I instantly seem to fall in love with. This is hands down the best cleanser I've ever tried and I must have tried around 20! It's a product I use and instantly feel it makes a difference which I haven't been able to say about any other cleanser (I'm picky that if I spend money, I want it to do something amazing). Not only does it feel so luxurous starting as a gel, then once massaged an oil and then a milk when it touches water it leaves my skin so soft, smooth and radiant.

Origins Clear Improvement Mask - This has been a lifesaver for my skin since it became slightly oilier over the last couple of months. I don't have a bad word to say about it as it makes my skin soft, less oily and clears out my pores wonderfully.

Caudelie SOS Serum - I've already mentioned this product in my skincare routine, I just find this works great for my very dehydrated and sometimes dry forehead at keeping it hydrated for hours. I put it on in the evening and wake up with much more hydrated skin which makes make up application so much easier. I don't think I'd ever be without this now!

So after another rambley post, this concludes my 2012 favourites! I think my next post will be some empties as I've gotten through loads. Hope you're all well, let me know what your favourites last year were! x

2012 Favourites: Lips

Revlon Colourburst Lipgloss (One shown in 'Pink Ice') - This is cheating a bit but this lipgloss is a representation of all this range, this one being my favourite. I was never a lipgloss girl until I tried Revlon's as they apply beautifully and don't feel sticky or uncomfortable on the lips. They are also so pigmented, far more than any high end lipgloss I've tried and I love the packaging. Definitely one worth trying before you write off lipgloss entirely!

Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose - This again is my favourite shade of the range but all these lip butters are incredible. They are what I wear if I'm going for a simple look or my lips are extremely dry and I find these work better at moisturizing my lips than any other I've tried, including Blistex and Vaseline. This one in particular comes out a natural deepish pinky red and I honestly wouldn't be without these.

MAC Lipstick in Plumful - First off, I apologize for all the MAC in this 'top 5'! I'd be lying if I said they weren't my favourite lipsticks. This one is particular I got about 9 months ago as I much prefer deeper shades on me. It actually comes out lighter than it looks in the bullet, more of a berry shade which I love. I also really enjoy the lustre formula, it's one of my favourites along with the finishes of the next two

MAC Girl About Town - This is my go to lipstick for a night out (as you can probably tell by how much it's melted, oops!) that I find works so well at making a statement without looking ridiculously overdone. It comes out a fuchsia pink with blueish undertones and I am yet to see this on someone and it not suit them.

MAC Charmed I'm Sure (LE) -  Sorry to include something LE but I couldn't not speak about this lipstick. It has fast become one of my all time favourite MAC shades and my favourite red shade ever. I think because it leans slightly pink it's just so flattering, I have problems wearing really blue toned reds as they just look too much on me for some reason but this is a perfect neutral red that I'd recommend anyone snatching up if you have a chance! The only colour that's meant to be slightly similar is Ruby Woo, which I may try if I ever use this up!

What's your favourite MAC lipstick or lip product of the year?

2012 Favourites: Nails

Barry M Berry Ice Cream - You probably can't tell because I've shaken up the bottle so much, but this is one of my most used nail varnishes. It's one of the only ones I've ever used up completely and repurchased (something that needs to happen again soon!). It's a beautiful light, bright lavender with a hint of greyish undertones in my opinion and a colour that I find goes with pretty much anything.

Jessica Brilliance Top Coat - I NEVER hear anyone speak about this top coat but it's been my favourite forever. It leaves such a beautiful shiney finish and allows my nail varnish to last so much longer, I've never felt the need to try any other top coat because I don't feel like anything could work as well as this.

OPI Nail Envy - A blogger favourite this product definitely deserves all the hype it gets. First of all, it's lasted me for ages despite using it most weeks as a treatment before painting my nails. It's just done wonders to my nails and I really notice when I haven't used this for a while how much weaker my nails become and how prone they are to breaking. 

Topshop Celestial - I've already done a full review of this here but this is literally the most perfect nail varnish I've ever come across. It stands out beautifully and I just find myself reaching for it so much because when I have it on I literally cannot stop staring at my nails (does anyone else do this?!). Definitely an all time favourite and one I will purchase over and over, the formula is also great!

Barry M Pink Flamingo - Another polish from my favourite nail polish brand! This is my favourite pink to wear, I just find it's so flattering and pretty and I love that it leans slightly coral. It's really a stunning pink if you want something that goes with anything you wear

& if you'd like to see my Barry M polish collection with swatches of both the polishes mentioned, please go here :)

2012 Favourites: Face

Clarins Instant Smooth Primer - This favourite is a slight cheat as I've actually only had it a couple of weeks but I'm already in love with it! It's hands down the best primer I've tried, makes my skin look flawless even before foundation and keeps my makeup looking perfect all day

Origins Plantscription Concealer - I was a bit wary of purchasing this product as it was my first venture into Origins makeup line but since I love so much of their skincare, I thought I would buy it on a whim. After using this for a few months, I can completely confirm that this is worth it's price tag. I only use concealer under my eyes and it does a perfect job of hiding dark circles, not creasing and not looking cakey under the eye. I'd highly recommend!

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation - I have to say, it's only now that I'm going through testing a load of different foundation as since this came out, I haven't really used anything else up until about 2 weeks ago. It adds such a beautiful radiance to the skin and looks very natural which is what I look for in an everyday foundation. The only downside I find and the only reason I'm trying different foundations now is the fact I can't wear it on a night out (spf ghostface anyone?) and that it isn't always as long wearing as I'd like. Other than that, it is an incredible product I've loved this year

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Medium' - This product is always a favourite of mine that I've loved for years - it helps my makeup to last far longer without looking cakey or too overdone on my skin. One I will repurchase over and over.

MAC Blush in 'Coygirl' - If you've read my blog for a while you'll know how much I adore this shade. I find it works beautifully on my pale complexion to add the right amount of flushed colour. I won't say too much as I've already spoken about it here in my favourite blushes and in my MAC favourites post

I apologize for the length of this post, as you can probably tell this is one of my favourite categories of products! What are your favourite face products of the year? :)

2012 Favourites: Body, Hair & Fragrance

Soap and Glory Scrub Em and Leave Em - I've done a full in depth review of this scrub here so all I'll say is that it works wonders on any rough skin I have and smells incredible, I will always repurchase this over and over

Armani Code & Paco Rabanne Lady Million - This are my favourite perfumes as mentioned in my perfume collection, both smell amazing and I find I always receive compliments on my scent when I wear either of these, I will never be without them

Toni & Guy Cleanse Shampoo (Detox) - I discovered this product later in the year but it's become a staple in my haircare routine. It's similar to the Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo and the Phyto offering, but for a huge fraction of the price. It has a far nicer scent in my opinion (aka, not overly herbal!) and does a great job of deep cleaning any product build up on my scalp

Moroccan Oil - I'll be honest here, this stuff is pretty expensive but honestly, I don't mind paying extra for something that works this well. It leaves my hair softer than any other product and although I do really like the v05 hair oil, nothing beats this one for me

Soap & Glory Clean Girls Body Wash - Like the body scrub, this product is also scented with the 'mist you madly' fragrance which I'm absolutely in love with. On top of the smell, this shower gel also moisturizes my skin beautifully and leaves it so soft after use

Have you tried any of these products and loved them?

2012 Favourites: Tools

Could not for the life of me get good lighting today, I apologize!

Sigma Large Powder F30 Brush - This is the brush I use to apply my powder and sometimes bronzer all over. The three brushes I talk about in this post are the ones I really couldn't be without as I literally take them everywhere! It apply powder really quickly and flawlessly and it's so soft without shredding.

MAC 187 Brush - This is my Blush brush of choice. I've used this brush for a while after receiving it in a set from the Glitter & Ice collection and haven't put it down since. Other brushes just don't apply my blush as perfectly as this does, it's not so dense it applies too much at once but really helps me to apply colour sheerly and build it up.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - Despite the majority of people favouring the Buffing brush to apply foundation, I really love the precision and finish this brush offers. I find it gives me a flawless finish it gives as well as the density of it and all the RT brushes are so easy to clean which is an added bonus!

Real Techniques Setting Brush - This brush is amazing for applying concealer under the eyes and setting it with powder. It's the perfect size and so soft it doesn't drag or pull the skin under my eyes when applying product. A total must have

Bourjois Tweezers - Although a lot of people favour Tweezerman's offering, I find these do an amazing job for a fraction of the price. I'll always repurchase these as they've lasted me ages and aren't too expensive

Tweezerman Eyelash Curlers - Something I do own from Tweezerman are their eyelash curlers. After owing them from other brands such as No7, I decided the affordable ones weren't quite cutting it but wasn't quite ready to splash out on Shu Uemura ones so these are a great alternative. They work brilliantly and are now a staple in my collection

I'll be doing these posts every couple of days for the start of January and I'm planning on making it an 7 post series so hope you enjoy! x

2012 Favourites: Eyes

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara - I cannot say enough good things about this! It gives my long, straight lashes the perfect amount of volume and definition and doesn't smudge at all. The only mascara that's ever come close to this is the Benefit They're Real but at £7.99 this is incredible and even better. Definitely my HG!

Elf Eyebrow Gel - I bloody love this stuff, works a dream on taming my eyebrows and keeping them set all day and best of all it's only £1.50! I would never be without this and always have a backup cos no other eyebrow product works this well however much they cost

MAC Espresso - I've spoken about this in more length here but this is my favourite product to use to fill in my brows. It's the perfect matte dark brown and has lasted me for almost two years (I've only just hit pan) and probably will all this year too

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly - I love Painterly mainly for just evening out the skintone on my eyelids up to the brow. It creates the perfect base for eyeshadow and helps it to last a lot longer on my lids and I don't think I'd ever be without it

MAC Eyeshadows in All That Glitters and Sable - As you may have seen from my MAC Favourites, All That Glitters is my all time favourite eyeshadow for the daytime. It really compliments my green eyes and is subtle but so beautiful, I have yet to see this shade not look good on someone! Sable is my favourite autumn/winter shade as it's a plummy brown colour which looks just stunning in the colder months

Hope you all had a wonderful NYE :)