Christmas and New Year's are both over and done with, 2017 is now in full swing and I am finally getting round to gathering up the Best of Beauty (or at least, in my opinion) from 2016. I continued my 'Loves and Lusts' monthly series throughout the past year so once again, I actually found picking out my faves fairly quick and easy and conveniently - you lovely lot could probably make a bit of a drinking game out of it. But hey - if you do fancy hearing me ramble on about all of my top picks from the year that you most likely have already seen/heard me rave about somewhere over 2016 - you're in the right place. I do love these kinds of posts though - it's nice to look back on what I loved in the year and also great to look back on and see how my tastes and preferences have changed over time. Just like 2014's version (which you can read again here and here) and 2015's (which you can find here and here), today's post will be focused on my favourite makeup, nail and tools; whilst Friday's will be all about my top skincare, haircare and bodycare items from the last 12 months. Sit back and relax - and maybe get yourselves a hot drink or snack of your choosing - it's gonna be a long'un...
Makeup:
BEST PRIMER - L'Oréal Lumi Magique Primer - I finally got round to trying this primer from L'Oréal this year and you know what? I really rather love it. This gives a really nice healthy glow to the skin and adds this subtle sheen - without any chunky glitter to be seen. It helps my makeup glide on and stick around all day long and I find the moisturising formula to be a great help for my drier skin. A little really does a long way and so despite using it pretty consistency this past year, I've only just opened a new bottle! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST FOUNDATION - Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in '51' - I mean, c'mon - I just had to mention this, didn't I? This has been the one foundation I have used most regularly and faithfully throughout 2016 and I love it. I first started using this a good couple of years ago and while I've had various breaks over that time where I've tried something new, I always seem to come back to this one, again and again. This has a gorgeous medium coverage with a nice skin-like finish that's neither overly matte, nor overly dewy and just applies, sits and lasts on my skin like a dream. I find the yellow undertone to really help balance out the red undertones in my complexion and if that wasn't enough - it actually smells pretty darn good too. I just love this stuff, if you hadn't guessed already... MENTIONED HERE.
L'Oréal Lumi Cushion Foundation in '03 Vanilla' - I was debating whether to include this one in here too as in 2016, if I wasn't using and loving the above - I was obsessing over this. When this got realised sometime last year, everyone went mad for it - myself included. This was the first foundation in a 'cushion' format that I tried and I was super impressed by it. It's got a formula which can sheered out with a very light application, but equally built up aswell. It's never gonna give you a full, full coverage but it is fairly customisable and I love the glowy, radiant look it gives to my complexion - and how quick and easy it is too. MENTIONED HERE.
L'Oréal Lumi Cushion Foundation in '03 Vanilla' - I was debating whether to include this one in here too as in 2016, if I wasn't using and loving the above - I was obsessing over this. When this got realised sometime last year, everyone went mad for it - myself included. This was the first foundation in a 'cushion' format that I tried and I was super impressed by it. It's got a formula which can sheered out with a very light application, but equally built up aswell. It's never gonna give you a full, full coverage but it is fairly customisable and I love the glowy, radiant look it gives to my complexion - and how quick and easy it is too. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CONCEALER - Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 'Fair' - I probably don't need to talk about this one at all as I'm sure we all knew it would make an appearance. This has been my staple, holy-grail concealer for years and in 2016, that still didn't change. A good all-rounder that conceals everything with great coverage and a really nice finish that just sits on my skin beautifully and lasts all day. And it's under a fiver. Winner. MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer in 'Porcelain' - I have been a fan of this stuff for a while now and surprisingly didn't mention it in my 2015 Favourites so here I am, giving it a shoutout now instead. This is a staple concealer for me as while the Collection one is great for general concealing, this one from Rimmel is perfect for the couple of areas I have of slight scarring that I need a thick concealer like this one to cover up. I also like to put a tiny amount on the very darkest areas of my under-eyes and it does a fantastic job of giving some extra coverage and lift - without looking heavy, dry or cakey. ALSO MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer in 'Porcelain' - I have been a fan of this stuff for a while now and surprisingly didn't mention it in my 2015 Favourites so here I am, giving it a shoutout now instead. This is a staple concealer for me as while the Collection one is great for general concealing, this one from Rimmel is perfect for the couple of areas I have of slight scarring that I need a thick concealer like this one to cover up. I also like to put a tiny amount on the very darkest areas of my under-eyes and it does a fantastic job of giving some extra coverage and lift - without looking heavy, dry or cakey. ALSO MENTIONED HERE.
BEST POWDER - Collection Primed and Ready Invisible Setting Powder - Powder-wise, you'll know that the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder was a firm fave of mine for years - until now. 2016 was the year where I finally branched out of my comfort zone and sampled a couple of different powders - with this one from Collection becoming my new go-to. It's translucent (my personal preference when it comes to powder) and has a lovely light, finely-milled formula that sets the skin in a really light way, but still keeps things shine-free and locked down at the same time. I put this in all the areas I usually like to mattify (under the eyes, on the forehead, around the nose) and it does the job and is a complete bargain too. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BRONZER - Soap and Glory Solar Powder Bronzer - Another product that was a major love of mine last year and remains so even now at the end of 2016 is this bronzer from Soap and Glory. I used a couple of others in the year that I did really enjoy using too, but towards the end of the year I rediscovered my old fave and it's safe to say - it remains my ultimate favourite. The formula is buttery and blends like a dream and the two shades - whether used alone or swirled together - just make for the perfect bronzing shade for pale gals. Also, it's completely shimmer-free too (don't be fooled by the glitter overspray)! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CONTOUR - Collection Precision Contour Stick in 'Light' - I never used to be one for cream contouring, but during 2016 I tried out this new product from Collection and fell in love. I love how it's in stick form - making it super convenient and easy to use - and I also love how it's fairly slim too (hence the 'Precision' name). This shade is just the perfect shade for my paler skin - light, with a lovely ashy (but not too ashy) undertone to it - and I find this super easy to work with too. It's creamy, but not greasy and so has the slip required to blend it out but it still sets down and doesn't slide around or fade throughout the day. MENTIONED HERE.
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contour Kit in 'Medium/Dark' - If it's a powder contour I fancy though, I continue to come back to this one. I have been a fan of this for ages now and still I cannot find a powder contour which lives up to this one. This comes as a duo split-pan alongside a highlighter, but personally for me, it is the contour side that I'm all about. This, again, has a lovely ashy-ness to it and so works wonderfully as a contour and gives the face some shape and structure but in a fairly natural-looking way. MENTIONED HERE.
Maybelline Master Sculpt Contour Kit in 'Medium/Dark' - If it's a powder contour I fancy though, I continue to come back to this one. I have been a fan of this for ages now and still I cannot find a powder contour which lives up to this one. This comes as a duo split-pan alongside a highlighter, but personally for me, it is the contour side that I'm all about. This, again, has a lovely ashy-ness to it and so works wonderfully as a contour and gives the face some shape and structure but in a fairly natural-looking way. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST HIGHLIGHTER - Sleek Highlighting Palette in 'Solstice' - I wasn't really mad on blush this year, so instead I'm moving straight onto highlighter. You all know how mad I am about my theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer and how it's typically the one highlighter I instantly reach for, but last year I have one which may or may not just slightly have piped it to the post. I'm still just as much a fan of theBalm's offering - don't get me wrong - but for some reason, ever since discovering this one during 2016, it's been what I've been using most frequently on makeup-wearing days. This palette blew up (and I mean blew up) during last year and I instantly fell for the hype - and good job too. This palette comes with four different glow-givers - one powder, one cream and two baked - and they are all awesome. They're super-pigmented and work great on my pale skintone (how many times can I say that during this post?) and I love the convenience of having all different finishes in one compact - meaning I can grab one palette and instantly have different choices for what one I want to go for, or the option to mix and match or layer them (e.g. cream before powder). ALSO MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BROW PRODUCT - NYX Micro Brow Pencils - I have had the same brow routine for the past couple of years, so I felt like 2026 was the right time to switch things up - and it truly paid off because I am super happy with the products I'm using right now. This slim line pencil is very comparable to my Soap and Glory Archery that I'd been faithful to up until now, but I actually feel like I prefer the NYX offering. It's got the same two-sided format with a pencil on one end and a spoolie on the other - very handy - and the pencil itself has the ideal consistency. It's creamy enough to apply easily, but still fairly hard and waxy in texture so gives a good amount of control and ensures all-day longevity too. I have basically three different shades of this so far, depending on how I'm feeling filling my brows in that day, and I feel like this is going to be a favourite of mine for a long, long time... MENTIONED HERE.
L'Oréal Brow Artiste Plumper in 'Medium/Dark' - The second product I've been loving for my brows this year has been another new discovery. I have wanted to try this brow gel out for the longest of times and I'm so glad I finally did in 2016. Aswell as setting my brows into place all day long, this stuff has fibres within the formula to add extra volume aswell as a tint to add a nice dose of colour too. MENTIONED HERE.
L'Oréal Brow Artiste Plumper in 'Medium/Dark' - The second product I've been loving for my brows this year has been another new discovery. I have wanted to try this brow gel out for the longest of times and I'm so glad I finally did in 2016. Aswell as setting my brows into place all day long, this stuff has fibres within the formula to add extra volume aswell as a tint to add a nice dose of colour too. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST EYE PRIMER - Urban Decay Primer Potion - I know, I know - this one again. Does this even need a mention? This has been the only eye primer I've ever used and will probably always be the only one for me - unless I find something just as good/better/more affordable. Which still is yet to happen - so who knows, eh? This may not be the cheapest eye primer on the block, but it does the job brilliantly at stopping my oily eyelids from creasing up my eyeshadow within a few minutes and a little really does go a long way - so I actually find it to last me a good while too. I find application, blending and pigmentation of the eyeshadows that I place on top is always top notch and I find it to really prolong the wear-time of my eye looks too. No fading, no falldown - nada. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST SINGLE EYESHADOW - Rimmel Magnif'Eyes Mono Shadow in 'Millionaire' - It's not often nowadays that I reach for eye shadows that aren't inside of a palette, but one which I have been obsessing over this past year is this one from Rimmel. A pretty golden bronze, laced with fine shimmer - this is stunning on the lids. It can be sheered out for a light wash of colour or built up to a more dramatic finish and the is super buttery and easy-peasy to blend. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CREAM EYESHADOW - Maybelline Eyestudio 24 Hr Colour Tattoos Gel-Cream Eyeshadows - These little cream shadow pots continue to be my favourites. They come in a huge range of colours and finishes and are simply brilliant. They have great pigmentation and are super easy to work with, giving a few moments of movability before they set down - and stay there. They work great alone, or used as a base for other shadows to go to over the top of. And for only a fiver a pop, too! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST SINGLE EYESHADOW - Rimmel Magnif'Eyes Mono Shadow in 'Millionaire' - It's not often nowadays that I reach for eye shadows that aren't inside of a palette, but one which I have been obsessing over this past year is this one from Rimmel. A pretty golden bronze, laced with fine shimmer - this is stunning on the lids. It can be sheered out for a light wash of colour or built up to a more dramatic finish and the is super buttery and easy-peasy to blend. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CREAM EYESHADOW - Maybelline Eyestudio 24 Hr Colour Tattoos Gel-Cream Eyeshadows - These little cream shadow pots continue to be my favourites. They come in a huge range of colours and finishes and are simply brilliant. They have great pigmentation and are super easy to work with, giving a few moments of movability before they set down - and stay there. They work great alone, or used as a base for other shadows to go to over the top of. And for only a fiver a pop, too! MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick by Kate Moss in 'Rose Gold' - ...However, if I wasn't using these for a cream shadow, this stick was next up on my love list. I love rose gold, so obviously this was always gonna be a hit with me and I am so glad I discovered it. Before trying this out, I was never as much of a fan of a cream shadow in pencil form (sometimes they can just be a tad dry and difficult to work with) but this one is an exception - it applies and buffs into the lid like a dream, sets down quickly and lasts all day long. The colour is a gorgeous rose gold that look stunning alone or used as a base if you're after something copper-toned on your eyes and I love it. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST EYESHADOW PALETTE - Tanya Burr Cosmetics 'Birthday Suit' Eyeshadow Palette - Once again, a kinda obvious addition - but I just had to throw this one in here. I have been pretty obsessed with all of the Tanya Burr Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palettes that I own this past year, but this one has to take the top spot for my favourite, favourite. This is a classic eyeshadow quad that's ideal for all of us neutral lovers out there. There's a mix of shimmers and mattes - all of which of amazing quality - and allow for a lot of versatility in the looks you create. You can go super simple with a wash of pinky 'Marzipan' over the lid, smoke things up with either the light, peachy brown 'Toast' or the deep chocolate brown 'Soft Truffle' or if you wanna go all out - the stunning 'Cocoa Sugar' is the one to go for. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST KOHL EYELINER - Maybelline Master Drama Nudes Eye Pencil in 'Brownie Glitz' - I'm more of a liquid liner gal nowadays, but if I did fancy something a little more soft and smokey - this one from Maybelline was what I turned to. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID LINER - Soap and Glory Supercat Liner - Again - an obvious one which I'll try and not go on about for too long - I promise. This stuff got me back into liquid liner in 2015 and still throughout last year was the only one I reached for. The felt tip format makes application fairly quick and easy (I mean, as quick and easy as liquid liner can be), it's super black and intense and it lasts all day with no smudging, fading or flaking. The nib of the felt tip is just the right diameter, meaning you can get a super thin line, or build up to something more thick and dramatic and I find I can make one of these last pretty long before needing a repurchase. What's not to love? MENTIONED HERE.
Collection Glam Crystal Dazzling Gel Eyeliners - While I did discover these last year - and somehow failed to mention them - this year (especially during the festive/party season) I have been loving them so thought I'd finally give them a shout-out. This is my personal favourite way to rock glitter on the eyes and I actually find them to be pretty versatile in terms of usage - other than simply using them as a glitter liner. You can use them alone, over the top of a liquid liner or dabbed over the top of your eyeshadow for some extra 'oomph' and they're mess and hassle-free and stay just where you've placed them. For such an affordable price you really cannot go wrong. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID LINER - Soap and Glory Supercat Liner - Again - an obvious one which I'll try and not go on about for too long - I promise. This stuff got me back into liquid liner in 2015 and still throughout last year was the only one I reached for. The felt tip format makes application fairly quick and easy (I mean, as quick and easy as liquid liner can be), it's super black and intense and it lasts all day with no smudging, fading or flaking. The nib of the felt tip is just the right diameter, meaning you can get a super thin line, or build up to something more thick and dramatic and I find I can make one of these last pretty long before needing a repurchase. What's not to love? MENTIONED HERE.
Collection Glam Crystal Dazzling Gel Eyeliners - While I did discover these last year - and somehow failed to mention them - this year (especially during the festive/party season) I have been loving them so thought I'd finally give them a shout-out. This is my personal favourite way to rock glitter on the eyes and I actually find them to be pretty versatile in terms of usage - other than simply using them as a glitter liner. You can use them alone, over the top of a liquid liner or dabbed over the top of your eyeshadow for some extra 'oomph' and they're mess and hassle-free and stay just where you've placed them. For such an affordable price you really cannot go wrong. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST MASCARA - Bourjois Volume Reveal Mascara - I discovered a new mascara in 2016 that I fell in love with and you know what? I wasn't really expecting to. I bought into this because of the major hype that was going on and immediately saw just why everyone was going cray cray for it. It gives amazing length and volume and really thickens out the lashes, with still fanning them out nicely at the same time. The little mirror on the side of the tube actually comes in real handy for really getting into the roots of the lashes and getting the best possible effect and this is one of the few lash offerings that I find does great things from the off - without needing to dry it out first. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIP LINER - Primark Beauty Lip Liners - I wasn't as much of a big user of lip balm or lipgloss fan throughout 2016 so instead this time round I'm moving straight on into lipliner - something I definitely was a fan of in 2016. I have a lot of favourites, but one range which really impressed (and surprised) me are the ones from Primark. These are only £1 a go and are pretty darn good too. They're well pigmented, with a really nice creamy but waxy texture that glides on but allows for full control and longevity too. MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel Lip Liners - However, if I wasn't rocking one of those during the year, it was the ones from Rimmel that were catching my attention. I really couldn't pick between the two as Rimmel's offerings are an old favourite of mine and are always my top pick when it comes to proper 'drugstore' brands. Both the '1000 Kisses' and the 'Exaggerate' Lip Liners are full-on loves of mine - for pretty much the same reasons as the Primark ones. Great colours, great quality - and cheap as chips too. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIP LINER - Primark Beauty Lip Liners - I wasn't as much of a big user of lip balm or lipgloss fan throughout 2016 so instead this time round I'm moving straight on into lipliner - something I definitely was a fan of in 2016. I have a lot of favourites, but one range which really impressed (and surprised) me are the ones from Primark. These are only £1 a go and are pretty darn good too. They're well pigmented, with a really nice creamy but waxy texture that glides on but allows for full control and longevity too. MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel Lip Liners - However, if I wasn't rocking one of those during the year, it was the ones from Rimmel that were catching my attention. I really couldn't pick between the two as Rimmel's offerings are an old favourite of mine and are always my top pick when it comes to proper 'drugstore' brands. Both the '1000 Kisses' and the 'Exaggerate' Lip Liners are full-on loves of mine - for pretty much the same reasons as the Primark ones. Great colours, great quality - and cheap as chips too. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID LIPSTICKS - NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks in 'Bedtime Flirt' and 'Push Up' - Liquid lipsticks just became bigger and bigger this past year and I certainly feel like I got fully into them in 2016. The offerings from NYX were amongst my favourites, but I have to admit their Lip Lingerie's were my ultimate top pick. These are a traditional liquid lipstick formula that applies like a lipgloss and dries down quickly to a powdery matte finish - and they are all kinds of awesome. I really like the light texture of these that sits on my lips without feeling overly heavy and while they do slightly dry out my pout, they're really not the worst culprits out there in terms of liquid lippies. The actually have great longevity and if they do stars to wear down - can be easily topped up without things getting all messy and cakey. Winner. MENTIONED HERE.
Tanya Burr Cosmetics Matte Lip in 'Martha Moo' - Another mention from Tanya Burr Cosmetics - I know, I know. But I feel like of them all, this is the one which I instantly knew I just had to mention in this post as honestly, it's probably the one lip colour which I've reached for the most out of the whole year, ever since I added it to my collection in the Summer. The shade is a gorgeous one as while it has got a nude-y aspect to it, it's definitely not a nude, nude. On me personally, this comes up as a pretty nude shade, but a deeper one and with a lovely purple, mauve-y undertone. A slightly thicker formula than the above with slightly lower longevity - but it still fairs pretty well and again, doesn't dry out those lips. MENTIONED HERE.
Tanya Burr Cosmetics Matte Lip in 'Martha Moo' - Another mention from Tanya Burr Cosmetics - I know, I know. But I feel like of them all, this is the one which I instantly knew I just had to mention in this post as honestly, it's probably the one lip colour which I've reached for the most out of the whole year, ever since I added it to my collection in the Summer. The shade is a gorgeous one as while it has got a nude-y aspect to it, it's definitely not a nude, nude. On me personally, this comes up as a pretty nude shade, but a deeper one and with a lovely purple, mauve-y undertone. A slightly thicker formula than the above with slightly lower longevity - but it still fairs pretty well and again, doesn't dry out those lips. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST NUDE LIP - MAC Lipstick in 'Patisserie' - 2016 was the year when I finally ventured into MAC for the first time and made a couple of purchases and I have to say I was pretty happy with what I picked up - this lippie included. It was the lipstick from MAC which I first heard about and lusted after back in the day, so I knew I had to pick it up - and I am not disappointed. The creamy, sheer finish is flattering, easy to apply - and also easy to maintain aswell. If I wasn't rocking a matte nude lip (normally of a liquid lipstick formulation) I was reaching for a slightly glossy nude lipstick like this one (I know - complete other end of the spectrum) and I loved it. MENTIONED HERE.
Tanya Burr Cosmetics Lipstick in 'Pink Cocoa' - I feel like I have to give this one a shout-out too, as it also fits the brief I just talked about pretty much to a tee. Tanya finally brought out her own lipstick range during 2016 and of them all, this was my favourite, favourite. This is more of a brown-y, mauve nude as opposed to the pinky tones of MAC Patisserie and has a slightly more pigmented formula - but only just. It still gives your lips a 'MLBB'-typed look and has the same creamy formula that's super comfortable and moisturising. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BOLD LIP - MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in 'Reckless' - If I wasn't obsessing over the other two liquid lipstick ranges, in the last month or so of the year I was loving these liquid lippies from MUA - particularly the bright red, 'Reckless'. They are all fabulous for basically all of the same reasons as the NYX Lip Lingerie's - amazing texture, finish and longevity - but these actually come in a wider selection of shades as opposed to just exclusively-neutral ones - so if bolder colour are your kidna thang, these are the ones to go for. This shade in particular is my personal favourite - especially over the festive season that's just been and gone. MENTIONED HERE.
Tanya Burr Cosmetics Lipstick in 'Pink Cocoa' - I feel like I have to give this one a shout-out too, as it also fits the brief I just talked about pretty much to a tee. Tanya finally brought out her own lipstick range during 2016 and of them all, this was my favourite, favourite. This is more of a brown-y, mauve nude as opposed to the pinky tones of MAC Patisserie and has a slightly more pigmented formula - but only just. It still gives your lips a 'MLBB'-typed look and has the same creamy formula that's super comfortable and moisturising. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BOLD LIP - MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in 'Reckless' - If I wasn't obsessing over the other two liquid lipstick ranges, in the last month or so of the year I was loving these liquid lippies from MUA - particularly the bright red, 'Reckless'. They are all fabulous for basically all of the same reasons as the NYX Lip Lingerie's - amazing texture, finish and longevity - but these actually come in a wider selection of shades as opposed to just exclusively-neutral ones - so if bolder colour are your kidna thang, these are the ones to go for. This shade in particular is my personal favourite - especially over the festive season that's just been and gone. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST SETTING SPRAY - Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - I used to be a massive fan of this setting spray from Urban Decay, and though during 2015 I went through a phase of trying some other, more affordable ones out, during 2016 I went back to this old favourite and it's safe to say - it's love once again. This quite literally glues my makeup to my face, setting it into place for the whole day and ensuring it does. not. move. It's definitely a more 'luxury' makeup purchase, but I just feel like it cannot be beaten and a little goes a long, long way... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST FALSE LASHES - Fleur De Force X Eylure Lashes - I had to put these back in here again as throughout 2016, I remained a big fan of the lashes from the lovely Fleur of 'Fleur De Force'. I had my old favourites and also a couple of new designs which I tried out and loved and so it's safe to say - they are my most-used lashes of my whole collection. When it comes to more dramatic lashes, I have a few others from other brands/ranges that fits the bill (see below) but for more everyday, 'wearable' lashes - I will always come back to Fleur's collection. MENTIONED HERE.
Ardell Demi Wispies - Yeah, you know what I was saying when I had other lashes that I relied on when I fancied something a little more 'full-on'? These have been the ones for me this year. I wanted to give them a shout-out as I finally tried out the infamous Demi Wispies during this past year and finally saw what all the fuss was about. They are indeed very wispy and fluttery and give a very feminine look to the peepers. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST FALSE LASHES - Fleur De Force X Eylure Lashes - I had to put these back in here again as throughout 2016, I remained a big fan of the lashes from the lovely Fleur of 'Fleur De Force'. I had my old favourites and also a couple of new designs which I tried out and loved and so it's safe to say - they are my most-used lashes of my whole collection. When it comes to more dramatic lashes, I have a few others from other brands/ranges that fits the bill (see below) but for more everyday, 'wearable' lashes - I will always come back to Fleur's collection. MENTIONED HERE.
Ardell Demi Wispies - Yeah, you know what I was saying when I had other lashes that I relied on when I fancied something a little more 'full-on'? These have been the ones for me this year. I wanted to give them a shout-out as I finally tried out the infamous Demi Wispies during this past year and finally saw what all the fuss was about. They are indeed very wispy and fluttery and give a very feminine look to the peepers. MENTIONED HERE.
Nails:
BEST NAIL BRAND - Barry M - I used to be all about the nail polishes (or nail 'paints') from Barry M, until last year when my focus turned to almost-exclusively the likes of Rimmel and Maybelline. And while I remained a fan of the two for 2016 aswell, I seem to have fallen back in love with Barry M again - as you can probably tell from my 'Favourite Nail Polishes' for the year...
BEST NAIL POLISH - Much like last year, I thought I'd once again choose one polish for each season instead of simply rattling off a load of polishes I've loved in 2016 - so I can hopefully cover all bases without getting too carried away (being the nail polish addict I am). Of course, there are more that I could name, but these are just my top four. If you fancy a more in-depth look at any of these (as well as all the other polishes I loved throughout 2016), check out my 'Polish Pick' posts I did throughout the year here.
BEST NAIL PRODUCT - Maybelline Dr Rescue Quick Dry Nail Drops - These were a new entry last year and continued to be a big feature of my nail routine during 2016 (ooh, that rhymed). These are great as a last step of painting my nails to ensure things are fully set and I can get on with what I need to do afterwards without risking smudging, chipping or denting my freshly-painted beds. Two little drops on each nail, rub it in - done.
Barry M Nail Corrector Pen - This has been a continuous favourite of mine for the past two yearly favourites and still now, it is invaluable in my routine. If I make any mistakes when painting my nails and need to make the edges a little more precise and sharp - this instantly clears things up and rectifies the issue.
Barry M Nail Corrector Pen - This has been a continuous favourite of mine for the past two yearly favourites and still now, it is invaluable in my routine. If I make any mistakes when painting my nails and need to make the edges a little more precise and sharp - this instantly clears things up and rectifies the issue.
BEST NAIL CARE - Soap and Glory 'Sugar Crush' Hand Food Hand Cream - I've been a fan of this for the longest of times and it's stayed the same throughout 2016. Although, this year I have been a major fan of the same hand cream - but in the 'Sugar Crush scent. I love Hand Food and I love the 'Sugar Crush' fragrance so combined together - it's a winning combination. This is a lovely thick hand cream that gives a tonne of hydration and moisture, but doesn't leave my hands feeling tacky or sticky so I can apply it and then carry on with my day straight afterwards. MENTIONED HERE.
Maybelline Dr Rescue SOS Nail Balm - In terms of actually taking care of my cuticles and the skin around my nails, this is a great addition to my nail care department that I again, loved last year and still love now. This handy little balm is a great one for nourishing my nails aswell as the skin around them and helps keep my cuticles looking and feeling all hydrated and much more visually appealing too!
BEST BASE COAT/NAIL TREATMENT - Barry M 'Super Mani' and 'Iron Mani' Nail Treatments - For a base coat or simply a nail treatment, I have been obsessed with the Barry M Nail Care range. This obviously is primarily a range targeted at keeping your nails in good shape, but I've also been loving using them as base coats underneath my regular polish to prep my beds, give them a layer of protection and also a hit of nourishment too. I can see a noticeable difference when I use these (the 'Super Mani' one in particular) and I can foresee these becoming a regular addition to my nail care arena... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST TOP COAT - Barry M Sunset Top Coat - Finally - a top coat which I have been loving all year long. Technically, this is only supposed to be used alongside the Sunset Nail Paints, but I have been using it as a top coat over the top of every single nail polish I've applied and it's been working perfectly fine and I've been loving it. I can tell I'm getting to the end as it's starting to get all thick and gloopy (gross) but I'm pretty sure I'll be making a repurchase as soon as the time comes...
Maybelline Dr Rescue SOS Nail Balm - In terms of actually taking care of my cuticles and the skin around my nails, this is a great addition to my nail care department that I again, loved last year and still love now. This handy little balm is a great one for nourishing my nails aswell as the skin around them and helps keep my cuticles looking and feeling all hydrated and much more visually appealing too!
BEST BASE COAT/NAIL TREATMENT - Barry M 'Super Mani' and 'Iron Mani' Nail Treatments - For a base coat or simply a nail treatment, I have been obsessed with the Barry M Nail Care range. This obviously is primarily a range targeted at keeping your nails in good shape, but I've also been loving using them as base coats underneath my regular polish to prep my beds, give them a layer of protection and also a hit of nourishment too. I can see a noticeable difference when I use these (the 'Super Mani' one in particular) and I can foresee these becoming a regular addition to my nail care arena... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST TOP COAT - Barry M Sunset Top Coat - Finally - a top coat which I have been loving all year long. Technically, this is only supposed to be used alongside the Sunset Nail Paints, but I have been using it as a top coat over the top of every single nail polish I've applied and it's been working perfectly fine and I've been loving it. I can tell I'm getting to the end as it's starting to get all thick and gloopy (gross) but I'm pretty sure I'll be making a repurchase as soon as the time comes...
Tools:
BEST BRUSH BRAND: Real Techniques and Zoeva. As I've said before, I used to be all about the Real Techniques brushes, until I tried Zoeva and a couple of their filtered into my stash. I really want to try more out from Zoeva in 2017, but right now Real Techniques make up the majority of my loves as they remain my top brush brand (and I still think they always will). They. Are. Awesome. But, while my brush stash is ever-expanding and I have a lot of brushes that I love, I thought I'd talk about what I feel are my Top 10 from the past year (with another little sneaky extra that isn't a brush). So without further ado, here are a round-up of my favourite brushes of 2016...
- Real Techniques Setting Brush - great for setting smaller areas of the face - such as under-eye concealer.
- Real Techniques MultiTask Brush - great for powdering the skin!
- Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Contour Brush - my new favourite contouring brush - great for applying small amounts of product at a time and blending it out seamlessly.
- Real Techniques Blush Brush - my all-time favourite brush for bronzing up the skin.
- Real Techniques Fan Brush - great for applying highlighter both lightly or super-dramatic - and also brilliant for sweeping away shadow fallout.
- Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush - great for adding extra coverage with concealer.
- Real Techniques Detailer Brush - great for shaping my lips or eyebrows.
- Real Techniques Bold Metals Oval Shadow Brush - my news favourite 'all over the lid' brush and also great for buffing shadows out too.
- Real Techniques MultiTask Eye Brush - my new top pick for buffing colour into the crease and outer corner.
- Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer Brush - I still absolutely love this brush. A great eye multi-tasker that washes colour over the lid, buffs colour into the crease/outer corner and blends things out nicely too.
- And finally... Real Techniques Sponges! 2016 was the year when I FINALLY tried out the whole 'Beauty Blender/Makeup Sponge' thing and I am so, so glad I did as I have become a massive fan. The Miracle Complexion Sponge is now practically the only thing I use to apply and blend in my foundation nowadays, whilst the new Miniature Mini Eraser Sponges have become my new go-to's for blending in my concealer and 'baking' my under-eyes (another new thing I've tried this year).
BEST BRUSH CLEANER(S): Dr Bronner Organic Castile Liquid Soap and The Pro Hygiene Collection Antibacterial Makeup Spray - I mentioned these in last year's favourites, but they're so good I just have to give them a notable mention this time round too. I have not used any other combo of products to wash my brushes all year long. The former is fab for a deep brush cleanse, whilst the latter works brilliantly for spot-cleaning larger brushes in-between washes or any smaller brushes. Love, love, LOVE.
So there you go! I hope you all enjoyed delving into Part 1 of my 2016 Favourites and as I said at the start of this post, Part 2 will be coming up on Friday! Let me know what your favourites of the year have been in the comments below and I will see you then, as I talk through my top picks from 'Bath and Body, Haircare and Skincare' of 2016...
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