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Friday, 4 January 2019

2018 Favourites Part One: Makeup, Nails and Tools




Christmas and New Year's are both over for another year, January is here and so - what better time to start my Yearly Beauty Favourites? I do this little two-part-series every single year on Dainty Ditsy and so, of course, I just couldn't miss out on 2018's Edition! I love doing my monthly round-up throughout the year (which you can find here), but I equally enjoy picking out 'the best of the best' from those posts and compiling everything I've really, really loved over the past 12 months - and here that is! As usual, I'm going to split things up into two parts - today I'll be focusing on 'Makeup', 'Nails' and 'Tools'; whilst my next post will be all about 'Bath and Body', 'Haircare' and 'Skincare'! And maybe if you fancy a trip down Dainty Ditsy memory lane, you can also check out all of my previous Yearly Favourites round-up's here. So, I think that's all I needed to say before getting into it so, without any further ado - let's get started with all of my beauty favourites from 2018...

Makeup:

BEST PRIMER - Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer - Ahh, an old favourite primer that I've come back to in 2018. With its moisturiser-like texture, this just feels so hydrating on my dry skin and really smooths things out nicely too - making any makeup that I layer on top apply so nicely and last so well too. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST FOUNDATION Revolution Conceal and Define Foundation in 'F2' - It's no secret that this is now one of, if not my favourite foundation - so I guess it's no big shock that it's won top place in my favourites this year. Since trying and loving the matching concealer that came out first (though, more on that next), when a foundation from the same range came out I had a sneaky suspicion that I'd love it as much - and I was right. This gives such a full coverage on the skin, but it's buildable - meaning you can sheer or layer it up as you like, depending on the level of coverage you want. I find only two doe-foots full are enough to give me a nice full coverage finish and it blends out like a dream in no time at all. It's got a demi-matte finish, so it's matte, but not too matte - which works perfectly on my drier skin type - and once on and set into place, it doesn't move until you say so. Yay! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CONCEALER - Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer in 'C1' - Again, another product that was a sure shoo-in for this post had to be this concealer - from the same range as the foundation mentioned above! As I said, I first tried this way back at the very start of 2018 when it first launched - and it's been my new go-to ever since. A super full coverage concealer that only requires with only a small amount of product, blends out like a dream, looks flawless once set or baked into place and lasts all day long. What more could you want? MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer in 'Porcelain' - However, we all know the other concealer that has been a favourite of mine for years and even now to this day, remains a staple in my routine. Although the concealer from Revolution is my go-to for 'regular' concealing, sometimes it may still not be enough. If I have a pesky blemish or something that just won't cover - I bring this bad boy out. A thick, cream texture that's even easier and quicker to build and layer up and gives even more coverage (as if the Conceal and Define didn't give enough already)! And, it also doubles up on a more regular basis as the product I use to carve out my brows and clean up any mistakes! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST POWDER - Collection Primed and Ready Invisible Setting Powder - In terms of pressed translucent powders, this has been a exclusive favourite of mine for years - and it definitely stayed that way throughout 2018. This sets my makeup in place, takes any shine (but without making the skin look too matte or dry) and is so finely-milled that it never makes things look cakey and feels really lightweight on the skin too! MENTIONED HERE.
Lottie London 'Ready, Set! Go' Translucent Powder - Then, when it comes to loose translucent powders - it just has to go to this one from Lottie London. A new favourite that I found in 2018 and have been loving ever since. This is an awesome loose powder for 'baking' - which is always what I like to use them for. It's really finely-milled, 'bakes' the under-eyes (and anywhere else I like to bake) easily and effectively and is completely colourless too. It also never, ever creates any flashback in photos either - winner! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BRONZER - CYO When The Sun Don't Shine Bronzing Powder in 'Fair' - I actually tried out quite a few new (and old) bronzers in 2018 and so honestly, I could easily name a few favourites, but if I had to pick the one which I perhaps love most and have used the most of this year - it would have to be this one. At only £4, it really is cheap as chips - but it's so, so good! The perfect shade and undertone for my fairer complexion and with such a creamy, buttery texture that blends into the skin like a dream. It's pigmented enough to show up quickly, but not too much so that it deposits too much at once, so it's pretty easy to work with and also, if that wasn't enough - it also smells pretty yummy too... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CONTOUR - NYX Blush in 'Taupe' - Ahh, I think we all knew this one would be in here somewhere. The only contour product I've really ever used consistently for years and that definitely hasn't changed in 2018. This is the perfect shade and undertone for me. Ashy, but not too ashy and deep, but not too deep! The powder formula is also really nice too - nice and creamy, pigmented, blends out well and lasts all day/night long! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST HIGHLIGHTER - Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in 'Molten Rose Gold' - Honestly, I haven't had one, main favourite highlighter from 2018 as I've been trying, using and loving so many, but I suppose if I had to give a shout-out to just one, it'd perhaps have to be this one. A gorgeous rose gold colour (as the name suggests) in such an intense, yet also very flattering finish. Whilst this highlighter really is so blinding, it's not at all glittery or chunky in any way. It just gives such a smooth, sheen-ey glow to the skin and the light, rosey colour/tone of this is ideal for my paler skin-tone too! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BROW PRODUCT - Primark Skinny Brow Pencils in 'Tan' and 'Light Brown' - I know I only really started using these pencils in the last month or so, but I love them that much already that I think I just have to give them a mention. Already, they've replaced my usual brow pencil - so I feel like that's a sign of a good product, you know? These pencils are just £2 each (yep, that's right, two pounds!) but they're so good! The texture of the pencils themselves is just creamy enough to easily apply, but waxy enough to give complete control and also ensure your brows don't move and the colours are spot-on too. I always like to use a lighter colour in the front ('Tan') and a deeper shade towards the arch and tail ('Light Brown') and what with these pencils being so affordable, it certainly doesn't break the bank... MENTIONED HERE.
L'Oreal Brow Artiste Plumper in 'Medium/Dark' - Of course, though, I had to give a mention to the other product I use everyday on my brows - a brow gel - and this year, I've gone back to this old favourite from L'Oreal. I got back into this in 2018 and it's been my go-to ever since! Not only does it completely lock my brows into place, it also adds a tint of colour and the added fibers within the formula give my naturally-very-sparse brows some extra help in the fullness department! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST EYE PRIMER - P.Louise Base in 'Rumour' - Shocker - I actually found a new favourite eye primer/base this year! I never thought I'd find something that replaced my holy grail Urban Decay Primer Potion, but in 2018 I did and I love it. I picked this up after hearing so many good things online and let me tell you, I have not been disappointed. It's quite different from the Primer Potion in that it's more of a full coverage concealer-like consistency that gives a complete blank canvas for your eye makeup, but I really find it to work so well. You actually apply this in quite a light layer, using patting motions and leave it totally un-set and tough it might scare you at first, it actually works like a dream. Shadows apply so rich and pigmented, blend so easily and last on the eyes without fading or creasing all day/night long! What more could you want? MENTIONED HERE.
BEST  CREAM/LIQUID EYESHADOW - Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in 'Kitten Karma' - I am so glad the Beauty Bay Black Friday Sale finally gave me the opportunity to try one if these liquid glitter shadows from Stila out as at last I can kinda see what all the hype and fuss is about. I'm placing this in this category as opposed to 'liquid glitter' as honestly, this is so opaque both in terms of the amount of glitter and the strength of the base behind it that I can fully wear it alone as a stand-alone liquid shadow and I love it so far. Yes, I only discovered it towards the end of the year, but I already know it's a new favourite of mine. The gorgeous warm, champagne rose gold colour is just gorgeous too. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID GLITTER - Barry M Glitter Bomb Glitter Eyeshadows - As for 'liquid glitter' - which, on a side note, has really become a new makeup love of mine in 2018 - these ones from Barry M have definitely been one major favourite of mine. Basically glitter flecks, but housed in a clear or tinted base - ready to swipe straight onto the lids, leave to dry for a minute or so and you're good to go for the rest of the day or night. As I said, the glitter and base with these aren't as strong as the Stila ones, so you would definitely want to use these more as 'toppers' rather than on their own, but layered over the top of your finished eye look, they just add so much gorgeous sparkle! They last all day without creasing or flaking off too. MENTIONED HERE.
Lottie London Eye Foils Eyeshadow Toppers - I couldn't not give these a cheeky mention too. As I said, 2018 has definitely been the year of 'liquid glitter' and these have certainly been one range to reinforce that for me. These are more 'shimmer' than 'glitter' so give the lids more of a sheen-ey veil of sparkle as opposed to the more intense glitter of the Barry M ones, but I really like how the differ from each other. Again, these are definitely eye 'toppers' which you'd want to apply over a finished look to add that super-pretty, shimmery effect and oh boy do they work well. Again, once dried down they do not budge, crumble off or crease up on the lids all day/night long and stay looking just as sparkly as they do when first applied. I love how the range of these includes some beautiful duo-chrome shades which look totally different depending on what base shades you apply underneath and I also love how though the shimmer is so fine, it's so reflective and eye-catching too. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST EYESHADOW PALETTE - Soph x Makeup Revolution Extra Spice Eyeshadow Palette - This time last year I was featuring Soph's first collaboration eyeshadow palettes in my 2017 Favourites and 12 months later, here I am giving a shout-out to her second - 'Extra Spice'. Released in 2018, this quickly became my most used and loved eyeshadow palette of the year. I still adore the original, but I feel like I may just love this one a little bit more. The shades are gorgeous - a mix of warms, cools, neutrals and pops of colour - and the formula is awesome too. Creamy, super-pigmented, easy to blend and last impeccably on the eyes all day long. There's such a variety of shades too that the amount of different looks you can create using this are virtually endless! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID LINER - NYX Epic Ink Liner - A favourite of mine last year that remained my go-to throughout all of 2018 - this is my holy grail liquid liner. The brush tip makes for a relatively quick and easy application and clean and precise finish, it's super pitch-black and fully opaque and the formula, once dried, doesn't ever move, smudge or transfer. I also love the slightly glossy, but still matte finish it has too. All in all, this helps me create pretty sharp and even feline flicks/wings! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST MASCARA - Revolution 'The Mascara Revolution' Mascara - I tried quite a lot of new mascaras over the course of 2018 and I loved a lot of them too, but if I had to pick just one that perhaps stood out that little bit more above the rest - I think it'd have to be this one. Finally Revolution released a mascara and it's actually really rather good too! The big, hourglass-shaped brush helps really pack of the length, volume and thickness; whilst the natural bristles help to fan your lashes out and ensure things don't get too clumpy at the same time. The formula, whilst not waterproof, doesn't move or smudge once on the lashes and the colour really is intensely black, black. What's not to love? MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIP LINER - Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liners - These will always have to get a mention in a post like this really, as they're probably one of my most-used lip liner ranges. From 'Tiramisu' - one of my favourite nudes, to 'Spice', a deeper, red-brown and even 'Red Dynamite', one of my go-to classic reds - to name but a few! All gorgeous shades, with a well-pigmented, creamy (but also slightly waxy) formula and super long-lasting power aswell. And, they're super cheap too! MENTIONED HERE.
NYX Slim Lip Pencils - However, another range I really got into in 2018 (having started using a shade or two towards the end of 2018) is this collection from NYX. Another super-affordable, but also super good quality range. They have virtually every and any colour you could ask for and in terms of all of the ones I've picked up so far - they're pretty damn good, in my opinion. Again, really creamy texture, but also with that slight waxy feel that gives you complete control and also means they (and whatever lip product you're pairing them with) will definitely last that little bit longer and stay in place on the lips too. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID LIPSTICKS - I have so, so many favourites for this one that I feel like I have to give a few shout-out's in this category.  In terms of old favourites, the ones from Barry M, Maybelline, Sleek and Rimmel (to name but a few) are still go-to's of mine; but I've also discovered a couple of new ranges in 2018 that I already love. The Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipsticks are so lightweight, opaque and long-lasting, whilst the Wet 'N Wild Liquid Catsuit Liquid Lipsticks are just as awesome, but really affordable too!
BEST NUDE LIP - MAC Matte Lipstick in 'Velvet Teddy' - As you can probably imagine, I've had so, so many nude lip favourites over the course of 2018, but if I had to pick a favourite, favourite - I think I'd go for this one! I'd wanted to try this lipstick from MAC for years, ever since it really started to get popular online and finally, when in London earlier in the Summer with birthday money in hand, I decided it was time to try it out for myself. And I am so glad I did, cause I love it. This is my perfect kind of 'MLBB'-type colour. Basically, this is super-close to my natural lip colour, just a little more of a deeper, rosey-brown. As always with the mattes from MAC, it's so matte, but still not at all drying on the lips and it actually lasts pretty well throughout the day, considering it's still a traditional bullet lipstick formula! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BOLD LIP - Wet 'N' Wild Liquid Catsuit Liquid Lipstick in 'Missy and Fierce' - Again, there's been a lot of bolder/deeper/brighter colours over this past year that I've thoroughly enjoyed wearing, but I think I'd have to opt for this one if I had to choose a favourite of them all. Actually, I think any of the colours from this range that I've tried this year could easily come in at top place as ever since picking them up towards the end of the year, I knew they'd become go-to's of mine. But, I think the true, classic red of the collection just beats the rest to first place. This is a gorgeous red lip, with such a gorgeous formula - and I love it so much that I actually wore it on Christmas and Boxing Day this year as my festive red lip! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST SETTING SPRAY - Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - I mean, does this one even need a proper explanation? My ultimate, go-to, holy grail - all of that kinda stuff - setting spray. Yes, it is a little more pricey, but oh boy, does it do the job well. A few (or maybe, a lot) spritzes of this over your finished makeup look, quickly fanned dry and you're good to go. Not only does it help take away any powdery-finish and just make your skin look a little more like 'skin' again, it really does fully lock down your makeup look - all. day. or. night. long. Seriously, your makeup basically looks as it was first applied come when its time to take it all off. If you're yet to give this a go and you're in the market for an awesome makeup setting spray - try it, now! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST FALSE LASHES - SoSu By Suzanne Jackson 'Dubai' Lashes - Last, but certainly by no means least - Lashes! And I have most definitely discovered a new favourite pair/style this year. Yes, it was only during December that I did so - but I already know they're worthy of being a favourite of mine. Super long, full, voluminous, dramatic lashes - but still so fluttery and wispy at the same time. They's actually very easy to apply and combined with another fave of mine - which I actually mention below - they stay in place all day/night long... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST MAKEUP TOOL - Duo Lash Glue - That other fave of mine? Definitely this lash glue. You perhaps wouldn't think you could have a favourite lash glue, but actually, this is the best one I've come across - and for that, I feel it deserves a mention! Yes, it does smell a little 'off', but the formula is awesome. Apply onto your lashes, leave to 'set' for a minute or so as normal and you'll most likely find that this glue makes for a pretty quick and easy application.
CYO 'Night Feed' Overnight Lip Primer and Barry M Peppermint Lip Scrub - Two new lip care products which I've been using this year and loving. The former really deeply nourishes my lips, while the latter really scrubs them well and removes any excess dead skin or just general texture nicely. Both affordable and both great prep steps for before I apply my lip products!

Nails:

BEST NAIL POLISHES - Just like before in years past, though I could easily rattle off a tonne of nail polish favourites from 2018, I've decided instead to simply name a favourite from each season in an *attempt* to condense things down! However, if you want to know even more favourite lacquers (and lacquer combinations) of the year, you can always check out any of my 'Polish Pick' posts here...

BEST NAIL TOOL Essence Nail Corrector Pen - This is still my go-to for cleaning up any mistakes I may make when I paint my nails and giving the finished look a much more clean, crisp finish again!
BEST NAIL CARE PRODUCT - Barry M So Cute-Icle! Cuticle Oil - Another must-do step in my nail care routine is a cuticle oil. This stuff keeps my cuticle and nail bed area nicely hydrated and makes pushing them back and removing any excess easy too! Plus, it smells pretty delicious aswell...
BEST BASE COAT/NAIL PRIMER - Essence 'Clean and Start' Nail Cleanser - Something I first started using a couple of years back after having something similar in my Nail Tech Course Kit and really seeing the benefit of using one in your routine - this nail cleanser from Essence! I really feel this stuff helps your nail colour to last longer, possibly even more so than a 'traditional' base coat. It dehydrates the nail surface, eliminating any oils or residue that could interfere with your nail polish adhering and staying on the nails, hence making it last much better. And I'd definitely say it does that!
BEST TOP COAT - Barry M Sunset Top Coat - I always tend to use the top coats from Barry M to seal things into place, but this year, I came back to a different top coat from them and I've been obsessed with it ever since. Not only does it indeed lock your nail look down and help it last much longer, it also adds such a high-shine glossy finish too. But, I guess what really sets this apart from others I've tried is that it fully dries on the nails in a matter of seconds. You don't have to stress about smudging or denting your finished nails after applying this as it really does leave them with that 'hard', solid finish that you get with a professional gel manicure. It's a miracle!
BEST HAND CREAM - Soap and Glory 'Hand Food' Hand Cream - A cult classic that is still my number one favourite. Yep, this one! I still have yet to find a hand cream that really beats this one to the top spot. It's thick (but not too thick), really intensely hydrates and nourishes my hands but it also sinks in pretty quickly and doesn't leave my hands with that awful sticky, greasy feeling for ages either. Plus, it smells pretty lovely too!

Tools:

BEST MAKEUP BRUSHES: Nowadays, though a lot of my brushes are still from Real Techniques, there's definitely a few other brands that have equally made the cut too - possibly even more so in 2018. Whether it be Zoeva, Essence, Wet 'N' Wild or random super-cheap unbranded brushes I found on Amazon - it's safe to say that nowadays, my brush stash is pretty varied! And so, because of that, this year I've decided not to name any specific favourites because I have so, so many! However, if you would like to know a little more about some newbies that came into my collection over the past year, you'll likely find them here!

BEST BRUSH CLEANER(S)Dr Bronner Organic Castile Liquid Soap - Unfortunately not pictured in this post as I recently used up my current bottle! This is still my favourite for 'properly' cleaning my brushes - namely, my face brushes. Taking a small amount in my brush cleansing palette (more on that in a bit) and using some warm water, this really easily and effectively removes all makeup, grime and just general dirt (yum) from my brushes in no time at all!
Primark Blend and Cleanse Brush Cleaning Spray - ...However, when it comes to 'spot cleaning' my brushes - this time, namely my eye brushes - my favourite has actually changed in 2018! I know, I know. I never thought it'd happen myself either, but I decided to give something new a go when I was in need of a replacement - and I'm pretty glad I did. This stuff is so, so cheap - but so good too! Simply spritz a little on a round cotton pad, swirl your dirty eyeshadow brush around in it, leave to dry for a minute or so and your brush is all totally clean and dry and ready to use again! MENTIONED HERE.
Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette - As I said before, when 'deep cleansing; my brushes, this is my go-to tool for giving a helping hand. Rather than using the palm of my hand as I used to, instead I simply slip this over the top and not only do I feel like it cleans my brushes even more deeply and effectively, it also saves my poor hand from getting all wrinkly too! I'd definitely suggest you invest in one of these if you haven't already - it will quite literally change your makeup brush cleaning game...
Shadow Switch - If I don't have time to spot clean my eye brush and need to just get rid of any excess pigment there and then, my solution is always this beauty. Does it properly clean your brush? No. But, does it eliminate any remaining colour from your brush so you can change what shade you're using on it? Yes! A good, quick stop-gap before I can spot-clean my brushes...

So there we have it! I hope you all enjoyed taking a look at my first section of beauty favourites from 2018 and like I said at the start of this post, Part 2 will be coming up on Monday - my next post! Definitely let me know what your favourites of the year have been in the comments below and I'll see you in my next post, when I'll be guiding you through all of my favourites from the 'Bath and Body', 'Haircare' and 'Skincare'  categories...

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