Christmas and New Year's are both done for another year, January has come round again and as a result - it's time to talk all of my beauty favourites from the past year! As always, it's gonna be a two-parter type thing - with today focusing on Makeup, Nails and Tools and the next edition honing in on Bath and Body, Haircare and Skincare - and I can't wait to get started! So, without any further ado, let's get talking all of my 2019 Beauty Favourites...
Makeup:
BEST PRIMER - Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer - This primer remained my staple throughout 2019. With its thick, creamy texture, it really helps to smooth things out and create a silky base for makeup to be applied on top of. It feels really nice and hydrating on my more dry skin and not only makes my makeup look better as a finished result, it also - perhaps most importantly - helps keeps my makeup rather impeccably in place all day or night long! MENTIONED HERE.
I Heart Revolution Coconut Dream Hydrate Primer - Despite the above perhaps being my most-used face primer of the year, I just had to give a mention to this one from I Heart Revolution. Whilst the Rimmel offering does offer some hydration, this one specialises in it. Having more normal-dry skin, I only ever go for either a regular or hydrating face primer (no mattifying for me, please!) and as for the latter - this has been a new favourite of mine. A thick, creamy consistency which glides onto the skin and instantly makes it feel and look more hydrated and glowy. Great for if my skin is feeling particularly dry and dull, if I'm using a slightly less glowy foundation or if I simply want to amp up the sheen... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST FOUNDATION - Revolution Conceal and Hydrate Foundation in 'F2' - I couldn't not mention this foundation - it's been basically all I've been wearing since I tried it! I do like the original Revolution Conceal and Define Foundation but I do find I always have to pair it with a really hydrating primer (like the above from I Heart Revolution) to get it to work especially well for me so I had high hopes this glowier, more hydrating version might be a little more effortless for me. And it is! This has pretty much the same level of full coverage as the original - just with a far dewier finish. It blends out easily, sits really smoothly on the skin and lasts all day/night long. What more could you ask for? MENTIONED HERE.
L'Oreal Infallible Freshwear 24HR Foundation in 'Porcelain' - I had to give a shout-out to this awesome foundation that I discovered in 2019 too! This got so much hype online and after trying it myself - I could certainly see why. This has a slightly thinner and 'liquidy' formula that delivers more of a strong medium coverage to the skin but I love it! Perfect for if I want less coverage but still some coverage - yanno? - and the finish on this one is just lovely too. So smooth and with such a 'natural', skin-like finish that's neither overly matte or glowy. It feels so comfortable and lightweight on the skin and has such great lasting power too - it'll last you impeccably pretty much all day! MENTIONED HERE.
L'Oreal Infallible Freshwear 24HR Foundation in 'Porcelain' - I had to give a shout-out to this awesome foundation that I discovered in 2019 too! This got so much hype online and after trying it myself - I could certainly see why. This has a slightly thinner and 'liquidy' formula that delivers more of a strong medium coverage to the skin but I love it! Perfect for if I want less coverage but still some coverage - yanno? - and the finish on this one is just lovely too. So smooth and with such a 'natural', skin-like finish that's neither overly matte or glowy. It feels so comfortable and lightweight on the skin and has such great lasting power too - it'll last you impeccably pretty much all day! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CONCEALER - Revolution Conceal and Hydrate Concealer in 'C1' - This has overtaken my favourite concealer of the year - and for good reason too. This is just like my Conceal and Define - delivering such full coverage in one layer, blending out like a dream, feeling really comfortable on the skin, looking super-smooth and flawless in finish and lasts all day and night long. But, as the name suggests - it's so much more hydrating! I still love my Conceal and Define, but I think this one may be even better... MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer in 'Porcelain' - I have to give this concealer a mention though as this is my only other staple in my stash - but for different reasons! Because sometimes, I really need a solid, pot concealer. Whether it's for cleaning up my brows, eyeliner, lips - it's a go-to! I don't think they even make this anymore, but you'll bet when I finally finish this pot up, I'll be searching for another one that's very similar... MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer in 'Porcelain' - I have to give this concealer a mention though as this is my only other staple in my stash - but for different reasons! Because sometimes, I really need a solid, pot concealer. Whether it's for cleaning up my brows, eyeliner, lips - it's a go-to! I don't think they even make this anymore, but you'll bet when I finally finish this pot up, I'll be searching for another one that's very similar... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST POWDER - Collection Primed and Ready Invisible Setting Powder - This powder again remained my holy grail! This is the perfect translucent, pressed powder for me. Does the job - taking away shine, without making things look dry or cakey and keeping it that way - is truly colourless and doesn't add any extra coverage either. This is my go-to for setting my face overall... MENTIONED HERE.
Lottie London 'Ready, Set! Go' Translucent Powder - ...But when it comes to 'baking', this has been my other staple powder in my stash! Once I've set any areas of my face I want to overall, I'll typically 'bake' - apply some translucent loose powder on a damp sponge, leave to 'bake' for a minute or so before gently wiping away the excess - and this one is just awesome for exactly that. Mattifies (again, without making the skin appear dry or heavy at all), keeps things fully locked in place all day/night long, doesn't add any extra colour or coverage and perhaps most importantly with a loose powder - doesn't 'flashback' or create a white cast at all! MENTIONED HERE.
Revolution Pro Skin Finish Powders in 'Luminescent' and 'Opalescent' - I just had to to add another powder to this yearly line-up as in 2019, I found this beauty! MakeMeUpMissa raved about it, I bought it and have been in-love and using it pretty much every time I do my makeup ever since. You know the likes of the MAC Mineralize Finish Powders or Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders - which are like baked powders that aren't so much for setting and mattifying but more about adding a gorgeous glowy finish to the skin? This is like the affordable dupe of those! The former shade is slightly lighter and more pink-based, whilst the latter is a touch deeper and more golden but both work well for me and both are just stunning. Perfect for if my skin is looking particularly dull or matte that day and I just want to add some life back into it! MENTIONED HERE.
Lottie London 'Ready, Set! Go' Translucent Powder - ...But when it comes to 'baking', this has been my other staple powder in my stash! Once I've set any areas of my face I want to overall, I'll typically 'bake' - apply some translucent loose powder on a damp sponge, leave to 'bake' for a minute or so before gently wiping away the excess - and this one is just awesome for exactly that. Mattifies (again, without making the skin appear dry or heavy at all), keeps things fully locked in place all day/night long, doesn't add any extra colour or coverage and perhaps most importantly with a loose powder - doesn't 'flashback' or create a white cast at all! MENTIONED HERE.
Revolution Pro Skin Finish Powders in 'Luminescent' and 'Opalescent' - I just had to to add another powder to this yearly line-up as in 2019, I found this beauty! MakeMeUpMissa raved about it, I bought it and have been in-love and using it pretty much every time I do my makeup ever since. You know the likes of the MAC Mineralize Finish Powders or Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders - which are like baked powders that aren't so much for setting and mattifying but more about adding a gorgeous glowy finish to the skin? This is like the affordable dupe of those! The former shade is slightly lighter and more pink-based, whilst the latter is a touch deeper and more golden but both work well for me and both are just stunning. Perfect for if my skin is looking particularly dull or matte that day and I just want to add some life back into it! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BRONZER - CYO When The Sun Don't Shine Bronzing Powder in 'Fair' - Bronzer-wise, I've had a lot of favourites this year but ultimately I think I have to give it to this one from CYO as it was the one I used the most - so much so, it's nearly all gone! Fully matte, with just the right amount of pigment where it deposits enough colour but it's also controllable - perfect! CYO is now no unfortunately more (boo!) but luckily I have some other awesome bronzers in my stash so all's good... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CONTOUR - NYX Blush in 'Taupe' - This blush-that's-actually-a-great-contour-product remained my staple contour item in 2019! The perfect ashy tone that's not too grey works just ideally on my paler skin-tone, it's again perfectly pigmented in that it's rich in colour but not too much all at once and it blends out on the skin like a dream. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST HIGHLIGHTER - Obsession 'Mega Lightning' Highlighter - Highlighter is always one of the categories that I struggle the most when it comes to these yearly round-up posts because I have, use and love so many! But if I had to be honest about the ones that I reached for the most of them all - the one would certainly be up there. This highlighter is not only the perfect colour - with its icy white base and gold marbling, it combines together to make the perfect light champagne gold for my paler skin - the formula is gorgeous too. So pigmented with such little product, it deposits such an intense glow to the skin. It's not at all chunky or glittery, it just gives such a glowy sheen and though you can sheer it out if you don't want such a blinding highlight (#CantRelate), I personally love to build it up to it's full, uber-metallic potential... MENTIONED HERE.
OFRA X Nikkie Tutorials Highlighter in 'Glazed Donut' - I just had to throw another awesome glow in here and this was the other obvious choice. Ever since very luckily being gifted this highlighter for my Birthday, it has been another most-reached-for in my collection. With it being more on the pricey side, this has been my highlighter I've gravitated towards especially for special occasions, events or just if I fancy being boujee! This icy white is not too frosty or cool-toned and again, the formula and finish is a winner. So intense and pigmented, a buttery formula that glides on easily, super glowy without being chunky and glittery in anyway. I can see now why the highlighters from OFRA get such raving reviews! MENTIONED HERE.
OFRA X Nikkie Tutorials Highlighter in 'Glazed Donut' - I just had to throw another awesome glow in here and this was the other obvious choice. Ever since very luckily being gifted this highlighter for my Birthday, it has been another most-reached-for in my collection. With it being more on the pricey side, this has been my highlighter I've gravitated towards especially for special occasions, events or just if I fancy being boujee! This icy white is not too frosty or cool-toned and again, the formula and finish is a winner. So intense and pigmented, a buttery formula that glides on easily, super glowy without being chunky and glittery in anyway. I can see now why the highlighters from OFRA get such raving reviews! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BROW PRODUCT - Primark Skinny Brow Pencils in 'Tan' and 'Light Brown' - Moving onto Brows - things pretty much stayed the same in 2019! These super affordable pencils from Primark remained my go-to. These are just as good as brow pencils that come in at much higher price-points! Creamy enough to apply easily, but also slightly waxy and 'hard' enough to allow for a fully controlled, precise application and full day/night long wear! I love the darker shade for the main bulk of my brow, before switching to the lighter hue to get that slightly softer, fluffy effect towards the front! MENTIONED HERE.
L'Oreal Brow Artiste Plumper in 'Medium/Dark' - Once I've filled my brows in, I always finish them off with a tinted, fibre brow gel - and this one from L'Oreal remained my holy grail for just that in 2019! This brow gel not only sets my brow into place all day long, it also adds a slight tint of colour and with added fibres to add extra fullness and bulk to my naturally-sparse brows. Perfect! MENTIONED HERE.
L'Oreal Brow Artiste Plumper in 'Medium/Dark' - Once I've filled my brows in, I always finish them off with a tinted, fibre brow gel - and this one from L'Oreal remained my holy grail for just that in 2019! This brow gel not only sets my brow into place all day long, it also adds a slight tint of colour and with added fibres to add extra fullness and bulk to my naturally-sparse brows. Perfect! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST EYE PRIMER - P.Louise Base in 'Rumour' - Now, we come to the Eyes! And to start off with - I have to mention my favourite eye primer/base. And in 201, if I wasn't just using my normal concealer to prime my eyes, I was continuing to use my P/Louise Base! It's full coverage creates a flawless, blank canvas and this base enables a smooth, super-pigmented, easily blended eye look every single time. Mattes apply super pigmented, opaque and blend seamlessly; shimmers apply super metallic and foiled-like. It typically suggests using it 'wet' and going straight in with your shadows, but I find I can slightly set it before applying my shadows too and I find either way I get the same awesome result - which is great! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CREAM/LIQUID EYESHADOW - Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in 'Kitten Karma' - These days, I only tend to really reach for cream or liquid shadows when it comes to liquid glitters. Whether I be applying them alone, or using them as 'toppers' over my normal powder shadows - but when it comes to the former, this one from Stila remains my go-to. These liquid glitter shadows really are as good as everyone claims them to be. Unlike some liquid glitters, these can be used totally alone as both a liquid shadow and glitter, all in one. Just swipe it straight from the flat applicator, gently disperse any harsh edges with a separate flat brush, leave to set and you're good to go. There's no cracking, creasing, falldown or fading all day long! This light rose gold is super versatile and works with all variety of eye looks too, so I got quite a lot of use out of this one again in 2019... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID GLITTER - Technic The Glitz Liquid Glitter in 'Gold' - When it comes to actual liquid glitter which you have to use on top of a finished eye look, this one from Technic has been a new favourite of mine this year. Another recommendation from the lovely MakeMeUpMissa, this is an awesome liquid glitter. For this one, I simply take some on a flat brush and gently pat it over the top of my eyeshadow - usually from the inner corner, fading it out as it gets further towards the centre of my lid - leave to set for a minute or so and it's done! This warm, rich, yellowy gold is another great shade that pairs well with a variety of looks and the formula and finish, like the Stila, is difficult to fault. It also does not crease or crack off the lid in anyway, stays looking just as super sparkly and come the end of the day, there's no glitter drop-down at all... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST CREAM/LIQUID EYESHADOW - Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in 'Kitten Karma' - These days, I only tend to really reach for cream or liquid shadows when it comes to liquid glitters. Whether I be applying them alone, or using them as 'toppers' over my normal powder shadows - but when it comes to the former, this one from Stila remains my go-to. These liquid glitter shadows really are as good as everyone claims them to be. Unlike some liquid glitters, these can be used totally alone as both a liquid shadow and glitter, all in one. Just swipe it straight from the flat applicator, gently disperse any harsh edges with a separate flat brush, leave to set and you're good to go. There's no cracking, creasing, falldown or fading all day long! This light rose gold is super versatile and works with all variety of eye looks too, so I got quite a lot of use out of this one again in 2019... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID GLITTER - Technic The Glitz Liquid Glitter in 'Gold' - When it comes to actual liquid glitter which you have to use on top of a finished eye look, this one from Technic has been a new favourite of mine this year. Another recommendation from the lovely MakeMeUpMissa, this is an awesome liquid glitter. For this one, I simply take some on a flat brush and gently pat it over the top of my eyeshadow - usually from the inner corner, fading it out as it gets further towards the centre of my lid - leave to set for a minute or so and it's done! This warm, rich, yellowy gold is another great shade that pairs well with a variety of looks and the formula and finish, like the Stila, is difficult to fault. It also does not crease or crack off the lid in anyway, stays looking just as super sparkly and come the end of the day, there's no glitter drop-down at all... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST EYESHADOW PALETTE - BPerfect X Stacey Marie Carnival Palette - Onto perhaps the most challenging category to narrow down of this whole post! I've bought tried and loved so many awesome eyeshadow palettes in 2019 and honestly, I really didn't know how to pick just my top picks. In the end, I decided to go for just two - one more 'colourful' and the other more 'neutral'. This first one I knew had to be in here somewhere as it was definitely one of the stand-out palettes of the year and certainly my favourite when it came to the colourful ones! I finally got my hands on this for my Birthday and oh my, I have not been disappointed. The mattes are so intensely rich, you need the smallest amount to get intense pigment and yet, they blend out like a dream. The shimmers are super sparkly and foiled-like, even with just a dry flat brush! The colours combine together perfectly - I've done plenty of looks using this palette so far and have to yet to create one I don't love... MENTIONED HERE.
Revolution Reloaded 'Velvet Rose' Palette - For my more 'neutral' pick I had to opt for this one. I only tried it out a couple of months ago but ever since, it's been my favourite for when I want neutral, classic glam looks. Packed full of golds, champagnes and browns but with a mauve twist - it's a spot-on dupe for the infamous ABH Soft Glam Palette. Whilst I don't own that palette, if this one is anything to go by, I think we'd get along quite well. The quality is perhaps one of the best of the Reloaded Palettes - the mattes are especially pigmented and blendable and the shimmers are that little more intense, the 'wet' true gold shade especially so! To be honest, that gorgeous shade is enough reason alone to pick up this palette! MENTIONED HERE.
Revolution Reloaded 'Velvet Rose' Palette - For my more 'neutral' pick I had to opt for this one. I only tried it out a couple of months ago but ever since, it's been my favourite for when I want neutral, classic glam looks. Packed full of golds, champagnes and browns but with a mauve twist - it's a spot-on dupe for the infamous ABH Soft Glam Palette. Whilst I don't own that palette, if this one is anything to go by, I think we'd get along quite well. The quality is perhaps one of the best of the Reloaded Palettes - the mattes are especially pigmented and blendable and the shimmers are that little more intense, the 'wet' true gold shade especially so! To be honest, that gorgeous shade is enough reason alone to pick up this palette! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID LINER - NYX Epic Ink Liner - This liquid eyeliner remained my staple throughout 2019. The fine brush tip makes a precise, sharp application a breeze (great for getting though classic flicks) and it's really liquidy so glides on really smoothly too - but without ever bleeding at all! It dries down to a nice, kinda-matte-kinda glossy finish and it's super intensely black aswell - no watery grey liner to be seen here, no thank you! It stays impeccably in place without smudging or cracking off at all - all in all, I'm yet to find something that beats this! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST MASCARA - Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - This old fave was my go-to mascara this year. I tend to switch between different mascaras (whether it be brands or just different formulas) but for some reason, I kept coming back to this one from Maybelline in 2019. This gets rave review after rave review and as I've always said - it's easy to see why. It lengthens, thickens - but also fans out the lashes nicely at the same time - and it adds a tonne of volume and drama to the lashes too. It's super black and though not technically waterproof, it lasts all day on me without ever transferring or crumbling off. Winner! MENTIONED HERE.
MAC Extended Play Mascara - In terms of lower lash mascara - this one from MAC has yet to be beaten. With its super skinny, wand, it makes really getting in there on the lower lashline easy peasy and it does a great job of lengthening, but also slightly thickening the lower lashes - without ever clumping them together! Super intense and black but perhaps the thing I love about this this mascara the most is that it's on the only one I've ever used on my lower lashes that does. not. move. No smudging, transferring or crumbling off - at all! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIP BALM - NYX Bare With Me Hemp Lip Conditioner - This year I really tried a good handful of lip balms and treatments and whilst I found a lot of awesome ones, this one from NYX was perhaps my favourite of them all. This is almost like a lip gloss in both packaging and also consistency - but it actually hydrates and nourishes your lips aswell as making them super shiny and juicy-looking! I find this really does help make my lips feel and look so much more nourished and also keep them that way too - it's not just a short-term thing, yanno? Great both before going in with lip products on top (I always make sure I use this right at the start of my makeup so by the time for lips comes it's nearly all sunk in and if not, I just make sure I blot off any excess beforehand) or just throughout the day if I'm not wearing makeup or overnight! The scent isn't too strong or overpowering either, which is always a bonus... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIP SCRUB - Barry M Peppermint Lip Scrub - I've really come to appreciate a good lip scrub. Not only does it make your lips so super soft and look so 'clean' and smooth, it also really does help whatever lip product you may be applying afterwards do so that much nicer and easier! It also helps stimulate blood flow too, so great for giving your lips a slight, temporary extra plump! This one really does the job well - getting that gross, dead skin off but without being too harsh or aggravating - and the fresh, minty flavour is really nice too!
BEST LIP LINER - MUA Intense Colour Lip Liners - These super cheap lip liners from MUA just had to make it into this 2019 line-up. Yet again, MakeMeUpMissa raved about these and as always it seems - she did not steer me wrong! These are so long, you get so much product for your money and they're only £1.50 each! The shade range is pretty extensive, ranging from your classic nudes to pinks, purples, reds, browns - you name it - and I've fell in love with them so much I pretty much now own the whole collection. These lip liners have such a great formula. So super creamy, glides on easily to create that crisp, precise lip liner and with full pigmentation in one swipe. Though they are really creamy, they've also got that slight waxy resistance that gives you compete control when applying and also means they - and also whatever else you use on your lips - stay in place all day and night long! MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liners - These lip liners from Rimmel remained a staple in my stash - and for good reason too. Again, these come in a good range of shades (not as many as the MUA but still a good selection of colours) and have a great formula that's easy to apply and is super long-wearing. I think I'll always reach for these lip liners in my collection... MENTIONED HERE.
NYX Lip Liners - Finally for lip liners, I had to throw these ones from NYX into the mix as these were probably the other main brand/range I used the most in my collection in 2019! And again - it's pretty much for the exact same reasons too! Well pigmented, creamy but also slightly waxy texture, good shade range, easy to apply and with great lasting power! MENTIONED HERE.
MAC Extended Play Mascara - In terms of lower lash mascara - this one from MAC has yet to be beaten. With its super skinny, wand, it makes really getting in there on the lower lashline easy peasy and it does a great job of lengthening, but also slightly thickening the lower lashes - without ever clumping them together! Super intense and black but perhaps the thing I love about this this mascara the most is that it's on the only one I've ever used on my lower lashes that does. not. move. No smudging, transferring or crumbling off - at all! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIP BALM - NYX Bare With Me Hemp Lip Conditioner - This year I really tried a good handful of lip balms and treatments and whilst I found a lot of awesome ones, this one from NYX was perhaps my favourite of them all. This is almost like a lip gloss in both packaging and also consistency - but it actually hydrates and nourishes your lips aswell as making them super shiny and juicy-looking! I find this really does help make my lips feel and look so much more nourished and also keep them that way too - it's not just a short-term thing, yanno? Great both before going in with lip products on top (I always make sure I use this right at the start of my makeup so by the time for lips comes it's nearly all sunk in and if not, I just make sure I blot off any excess beforehand) or just throughout the day if I'm not wearing makeup or overnight! The scent isn't too strong or overpowering either, which is always a bonus... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIP SCRUB - Barry M Peppermint Lip Scrub - I've really come to appreciate a good lip scrub. Not only does it make your lips so super soft and look so 'clean' and smooth, it also really does help whatever lip product you may be applying afterwards do so that much nicer and easier! It also helps stimulate blood flow too, so great for giving your lips a slight, temporary extra plump! This one really does the job well - getting that gross, dead skin off but without being too harsh or aggravating - and the fresh, minty flavour is really nice too!
BEST LIP LINER - MUA Intense Colour Lip Liners - These super cheap lip liners from MUA just had to make it into this 2019 line-up. Yet again, MakeMeUpMissa raved about these and as always it seems - she did not steer me wrong! These are so long, you get so much product for your money and they're only £1.50 each! The shade range is pretty extensive, ranging from your classic nudes to pinks, purples, reds, browns - you name it - and I've fell in love with them so much I pretty much now own the whole collection. These lip liners have such a great formula. So super creamy, glides on easily to create that crisp, precise lip liner and with full pigmentation in one swipe. Though they are really creamy, they've also got that slight waxy resistance that gives you compete control when applying and also means they - and also whatever else you use on your lips - stay in place all day and night long! MENTIONED HERE.
Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liners - These lip liners from Rimmel remained a staple in my stash - and for good reason too. Again, these come in a good range of shades (not as many as the MUA but still a good selection of colours) and have a great formula that's easy to apply and is super long-wearing. I think I'll always reach for these lip liners in my collection... MENTIONED HERE.
NYX Lip Liners - Finally for lip liners, I had to throw these ones from NYX into the mix as these were probably the other main brand/range I used the most in my collection in 2019! And again - it's pretty much for the exact same reasons too! Well pigmented, creamy but also slightly waxy texture, good shade range, easy to apply and with great lasting power! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST LIQUID LIPSTICKS - Once again, I have a lot of favourites when it comes to liquid lipsticks. With them being one of my most-used lip formulas - I feel like I just have to give a few shout-outs here! Old favourites such as the likes of Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Wet 'n' Wild, Maybelline and Sleek remained go-to's throughout 2019 but naturally, I discovered some new holy grails too - with the Revolution Matte Lips being perhaps one of my favourite, favourite finds in terms of matte liquid lipsticks this past year
BEST LIP GLOSS - 2019 was certainly the year of lip gloss for me. I still loved and used my lipsticks and liquid lipsticks regularly but I finally came to appreciate a good glossy lip every now and again - hence why I had to add this category into the mix this time round! The I Heart Revolution Chocolate Lip Gloss in 'Salted Caramel' kicked things off, but the likes of the Fenty Lip Gloss in 'Fenty Glow' and NYX Butter Glosses definitely kept the momentum going too. All great gloss formulas that are super shiny but non-sticky or heavy feeling on the lips - instead they just feel really nice and comfortable and hydrating!
BEST LIP GLOSS - 2019 was certainly the year of lip gloss for me. I still loved and used my lipsticks and liquid lipsticks regularly but I finally came to appreciate a good glossy lip every now and again - hence why I had to add this category into the mix this time round! The I Heart Revolution Chocolate Lip Gloss in 'Salted Caramel' kicked things off, but the likes of the Fenty Lip Gloss in 'Fenty Glow' and NYX Butter Glosses definitely kept the momentum going too. All great gloss formulas that are super shiny but non-sticky or heavy feeling on the lips - instead they just feel really nice and comfortable and hydrating!
BEST NUDE LIP - MUA Satin Lipstick in 'TLC' - This nude lippie snuck its way into my favourites a couple of months ago but even still, I'd have to give it as my top nude lipstick of the year. In terms of a regular, bullet lipstick of a neutral natural - this one takes the biscuit. Just like the same shade in their (already discussed) awesome lip liner range - this is the perfect, pinky-brown not-too-light-nor-too-dark nude. Almost like my MLBB type colour! The creamy, satin formula glides onto the lips easily, with full pigment and whilst doesn't last all day, it's not too glossy and so hangs around for a decent amount of time and wears down nicely when it does start to fade. MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BOLD LIP - Revolution Powder Matte Lipstick in 'Fascination' - In terms of specific bold lips, I have a few favourites - it seems 2019 was the year of bangin' bold lip colours! This one from Revolution was another discovery a couple of months back but has since been a new go-to in my collection. Like MAC Ruby Woo - a super powdery matte red that's pretty much transfer and budge-proof, but is s little more comfortable and easy to touch up if necessary than a liquid lipstick? This like a more affordable version! Near identical formula, finish and longevity and even the colour is pretty similar too - a gorgeous, true, Hollywood red. MENTIONED HERE.
NYX Suede Matte Lipstick in 'Copenhagen' - This is another super matte bullet lipstick I tried in 2019 and I just know will be a go-to of mine when I want a colour like this one from now on. I'd heard pretty great things about these Suede Matte Lipsticks for years now and finally, the time came for me to try one out for myself when I needed a specific colour for a friend's wedding I was going to and this one stood out to me as a potential good option. And not was it indeed a great match - it's a great formula/finish too! Fully opaque colour, powdery matte finish that stays input impeccably with minimal reapplications needed and yet such a smooth-looking and comfortable-feeling finish. Shade-wise, this is the perfect purple berry that's dark, without being too intense and vampy! MENTIONED HERE.
Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in 'Prom Night' - Last, but by no means least - I tried yet another of the Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks this year and - surprise, surprise - it's quickly become another favourite! Again, the formula of these matte liquid lips do not disappoint - fully opaque, dry down to a fully matte but comfortable finish and really long-wearing aswell - and this colour is a beaut! Another item I picked out for my Birthday, I got a tonne of use and love out of this one throughout the Spring/Summer months that followed. The perfect hot, bright, blue-based, Barbie-esque pink! Like I said, this is just the sort of bold lip I love to wear throughout the warmer months and whilst I've not been reaching for it that much as we've been in the Autumn/Winter, I just know as soon as things start heating up - I'll be pulling this one back out again... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST BOLD LIP - Revolution Powder Matte Lipstick in 'Fascination' - In terms of specific bold lips, I have a few favourites - it seems 2019 was the year of bangin' bold lip colours! This one from Revolution was another discovery a couple of months back but has since been a new go-to in my collection. Like MAC Ruby Woo - a super powdery matte red that's pretty much transfer and budge-proof, but is s little more comfortable and easy to touch up if necessary than a liquid lipstick? This like a more affordable version! Near identical formula, finish and longevity and even the colour is pretty similar too - a gorgeous, true, Hollywood red. MENTIONED HERE.
NYX Suede Matte Lipstick in 'Copenhagen' - This is another super matte bullet lipstick I tried in 2019 and I just know will be a go-to of mine when I want a colour like this one from now on. I'd heard pretty great things about these Suede Matte Lipsticks for years now and finally, the time came for me to try one out for myself when I needed a specific colour for a friend's wedding I was going to and this one stood out to me as a potential good option. And not was it indeed a great match - it's a great formula/finish too! Fully opaque colour, powdery matte finish that stays input impeccably with minimal reapplications needed and yet such a smooth-looking and comfortable-feeling finish. Shade-wise, this is the perfect purple berry that's dark, without being too intense and vampy! MENTIONED HERE.
Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in 'Prom Night' - Last, but by no means least - I tried yet another of the Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks this year and - surprise, surprise - it's quickly become another favourite! Again, the formula of these matte liquid lips do not disappoint - fully opaque, dry down to a fully matte but comfortable finish and really long-wearing aswell - and this colour is a beaut! Another item I picked out for my Birthday, I got a tonne of use and love out of this one throughout the Spring/Summer months that followed. The perfect hot, bright, blue-based, Barbie-esque pink! Like I said, this is just the sort of bold lip I love to wear throughout the warmer months and whilst I've not been reaching for it that much as we've been in the Autumn/Winter, I just know as soon as things start heating up - I'll be pulling this one back out again... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST SETTING SPRAY - Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - Come on, I couldn't not mention this one, could I? This is still my favourite, holy grail, most-used - whatever you want to call it - makeup setting/fixing spray of all time. This not only beautifully melts my makeup down and gives it a lovely finish, it keeps my makeup impeccably in place and fully locked down - all day or night long! It's got a really nice, fine mist that doesn't feel aggressive or overpowering either! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST FALSE LASHES - SoSu X Primark Lashes - I just have to give this 'award' to this whole range of lashes. I think I tried a pair for the first time towards the end of 2018 and they remained a staple lash collection throughout 2019 too - shows how amazing they are, right? All super full, fluffy and faux mink-like in appearance, with super flexible band that makes for a pretty quick and easy application and paired with my favourite lash glue (see below) - they stay perfectly in place with no issues all day/night long... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST MAKEUP TOOL - Duo Lash Glue - And this is the infamous lash glue I was talking about! Oh man, this lash glue really is as great as everyone makes it out to me. It's been a go-to for a while now and it remained that way in 2019 too. Simply apply a thin layer to your lash band, leave for a few seconds to get tacky, position your lashes as so - and you're done! It dries completely clear after a few minutes so great if you make any mistakes and once your lashes are on and set down, they do. not. budge until you say so! MENTIONED HERE.
BEST FALSE LASHES - SoSu X Primark Lashes - I just have to give this 'award' to this whole range of lashes. I think I tried a pair for the first time towards the end of 2018 and they remained a staple lash collection throughout 2019 too - shows how amazing they are, right? All super full, fluffy and faux mink-like in appearance, with super flexible band that makes for a pretty quick and easy application and paired with my favourite lash glue (see below) - they stay perfectly in place with no issues all day/night long... MENTIONED HERE.
BEST MAKEUP TOOL - Duo Lash Glue - And this is the infamous lash glue I was talking about! Oh man, this lash glue really is as great as everyone makes it out to me. It's been a go-to for a while now and it remained that way in 2019 too. Simply apply a thin layer to your lash band, leave for a few seconds to get tacky, position your lashes as so - and you're done! It dries completely clear after a few minutes so great if you make any mistakes and once your lashes are on and set down, they do. not. budge until you say so! MENTIONED HERE.
Nails:
BEST NAIL POLISHES - Just as I've adopted in these past few years of yearly beauty favourites, I'm condensing the Nails section (st least, in terms of nail colours) down into just one favourite per 'season'. I try, buy and use such a vast amount of nail polishes throughout the year - whether they be new additions or old favourites - and also try different combinations of multiple polishes together too, so it's much easier to just keep things a little more simple. However, if you do fancy taking a look at pretty much every new lacquer or combination I've done in 2019 - check out my 'Polish Pick' tag here...
BEST NAIL TOOL - Essence Nail Corrector Pen - This handy clean-up tool remained a staple in my 'Nails' drawer in 2019. You know when you're painting your nails and a little gets on on the skin around them? Well, just use this and your paint job will be looking so much cleaner and neater again in no time! The fine nib makes it super easy to get right in there with such control and precision - awesome!
BEST NAIL CARE PRODUCT - Barry M So Cute-Icle! Cuticle Oil - You can't go wrong with a good cuticle oil. Whether it be before painting my nails when I'm wanting to prep, push back and trim them or over time to keep them hydrated and 'invisible' - this one from Barry M is a great one. If your nails are bare it's also really nice to gently rub onto your actual nails to keep them nice and nourished too...
BEST NAIL CARE PRODUCT - Barry M So Cute-Icle! Cuticle Oil - You can't go wrong with a good cuticle oil. Whether it be before painting my nails when I'm wanting to prep, push back and trim them or over time to keep them hydrated and 'invisible' - this one from Barry M is a great one. If your nails are bare it's also really nice to gently rub onto your actual nails to keep them nice and nourished too...
BEST BASE COAT/NAIL PRIMER - Essence 'Clean and Start' Nail Cleanser - This nail 'cleanser' remained something I reached for in 2019. After doing my Nail Tech course, a nail cleanser was something that really appealed to me - it really did make sense - so I invested in 2018 and like I said, it stayed around in 2019 too! You simply use this before painting your nails as normal and as it cleanses any oils, dirt or unwanted residue off the nail plate, supposedly whatever you apply afterwards will adhere so much better and as a result, last longer. And I honestly think it helps do that! This one from Essence was so cheap but so good.
BEST TOP COAT - Maybelline Super Stay 3D Gel Effect Plumping Top Coat - I've had a change of favourite top coat in 2019 - this one from Maybelline became my new staple! The brush on this is lovely and flat, wide and slightly curved so makes for such a quick, easy and fool-proof application and the formula adds a lovely glossy, gel-like shine and I really feel it helps seal your nail look into place and prevent chips for longer. I've nearly finished the whole bottle now - I love it that much!
BEST HAND CREAM - Soap and Glory 'Hand Food' Hand Cream - Finally for the ol' Nails - I couldn't not mention this awesome hand cream! This is a holy grail for many, it's been my favourite for years too and it's easy to see why. This is a great hand cream - so thick and intensely hydrating, but sinks into the skin in no time at all and leaves behind no greasy, uncomfortable residue at all. It helps keep both my hands and nails well-nourished and the scent is your lovely, classic Soap and Glory fragrance we all know and love...
BEST TOP COAT - Maybelline Super Stay 3D Gel Effect Plumping Top Coat - I've had a change of favourite top coat in 2019 - this one from Maybelline became my new staple! The brush on this is lovely and flat, wide and slightly curved so makes for such a quick, easy and fool-proof application and the formula adds a lovely glossy, gel-like shine and I really feel it helps seal your nail look into place and prevent chips for longer. I've nearly finished the whole bottle now - I love it that much!
BEST HAND CREAM - Soap and Glory 'Hand Food' Hand Cream - Finally for the ol' Nails - I couldn't not mention this awesome hand cream! This is a holy grail for many, it's been my favourite for years too and it's easy to see why. This is a great hand cream - so thick and intensely hydrating, but sinks into the skin in no time at all and leaves behind no greasy, uncomfortable residue at all. It helps keep both my hands and nails well-nourished and the scent is your lovely, classic Soap and Glory fragrance we all know and love...
Tools:
BEST MAKEUP BRUSHES: I thought this year, just like in 2018 - I'd simply name off some of my favourite and most-used brush brands as opposed to specific brush styles! And whilst I still love my faithful Real Techniques, these days I'm branching out. It really started a couple of years ago with the likes of Zoeva, Essence, Primark and Wet 'n' Wild - all brands I carried on reaching for and enjoying this year - and in 2019, I've continued to try new ranges too! Specifically in 2019, I found and have fell in love with the brushes from Beauty Bay. Super affordable, you can buy them both individually or in sets and in terms of quality - they're awesome! They're super soft, don't shed and get the job done impeccably. And of course, don't forget my beloved Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge!
BEST BRUSH CLEANER(S): Real Techniques Makeup Brush Deep Cleansing Gel - I found a new favourite product for deep cleansing my makeup brushes in 2019! I decided to give it a whirl way back in the January and it's become my new staple from then on. Used with my go-to tool for deep cleansing my brushes (which I'll talk about soon) and you're got yourself a winning combination! This is a really thick, clear gel that instantly lathers up when swirled into damp makeup brushes. It completely cleans any brush - taking away any dirt, colour and makeup residue - and leaving your brushes looking and feeling as good as new again. They're left feeling really soft, dry up quickly with no issues at all (no shedding of hairs and they all dry in their correct shape each time) and whilst it has a slight scent, it doesn't get left behind too much on the brushes themselves - which I personally am really pleased about. MENTIONED HERE.
Primark Blend and Cleanse Brush Cleaning Spray - ...So that's my deep cleansing makeup brush product of choice - but what about 'spot' cleaning? A.K.A. what I do with my eye brushes or any brush where I just want to quickly take all the colour and product out of the brush super quickly and without having to wait for it to dry, as it does so instantly! Well, this one from Primark entered my life in 2018 and remained my go-to throughout 2019 aswell. Simply spritz some of this onto a cotton pad, swirl the brush into it and in no time at all the brush is completely free of colour and eyeshadow/makeup. And you can basically use it again straight after! I used to buy something like this that was so much more pricey but I'm super glad I tried this one as it works just as well, but is so much more affordable too!
Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette - This was the tool I mentioned earlier when talking about the brush cleansing gel! Again from good ol Real Techniques - this is the perfect tool for deep cleansing your brushes. Much like many others I imagine, I used to simply use the palm of my hand to swirl my brushes into - leaving me with quite a wrinkly hand afterwards for a little while! So the concept of this 'palette' really made sense to me a year or so ago - and it stayed a firm part of my makeup brush cleaning routine in 2019 too! No more wet, wrinkly hands and I kinda feel it helps get deeper into the brushes too.
Shadow Switch - Lastly for this category - and this first edition of my 2019 Favourites in general - we have this other super handy solution for when I want to clean a brush, but don't want to 'actually' clean it with cleanser and water! Simply swirl your brush into this weird little sponge inside and it works to take any excess product off the brush! It doesn't take the actual colour off the brush (like the spray does) so to the eye it looks no different, but give it a swirl afterwards and you'll see nothing coming off it! Again, great especially for eye brushes where I want to clean them and be able to change colours quickly...
Primark Blend and Cleanse Brush Cleaning Spray - ...So that's my deep cleansing makeup brush product of choice - but what about 'spot' cleaning? A.K.A. what I do with my eye brushes or any brush where I just want to quickly take all the colour and product out of the brush super quickly and without having to wait for it to dry, as it does so instantly! Well, this one from Primark entered my life in 2018 and remained my go-to throughout 2019 aswell. Simply spritz some of this onto a cotton pad, swirl the brush into it and in no time at all the brush is completely free of colour and eyeshadow/makeup. And you can basically use it again straight after! I used to buy something like this that was so much more pricey but I'm super glad I tried this one as it works just as well, but is so much more affordable too!
Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette - This was the tool I mentioned earlier when talking about the brush cleansing gel! Again from good ol Real Techniques - this is the perfect tool for deep cleansing your brushes. Much like many others I imagine, I used to simply use the palm of my hand to swirl my brushes into - leaving me with quite a wrinkly hand afterwards for a little while! So the concept of this 'palette' really made sense to me a year or so ago - and it stayed a firm part of my makeup brush cleaning routine in 2019 too! No more wet, wrinkly hands and I kinda feel it helps get deeper into the brushes too.
Shadow Switch - Lastly for this category - and this first edition of my 2019 Favourites in general - we have this other super handy solution for when I want to clean a brush, but don't want to 'actually' clean it with cleanser and water! Simply swirl your brush into this weird little sponge inside and it works to take any excess product off the brush! It doesn't take the actual colour off the brush (like the spray does) so to the eye it looks no different, but give it a swirl afterwards and you'll see nothing coming off it! Again, great especially for eye brushes where I want to clean them and be able to change colours quickly...
So there we have it - the first part of my Beauty Favourites for 2019! Part 2 will be coming up soon, it'll be my next post! Don't forget to let me know what your favourites of the year have been in the comments below and I'll see you back here when I'll be guiding you through all of my favourites of 2019 from the 'Bath and Body', 'Haircare' and 'Skincare' departments...
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