Top 12 of 2012

As 2012 comes to end I thought reflecting on my top 12 products of 2012 would be fitting. This was such a hard list and I’m sure I’ve missed so many great products. Almost all of these items have been featured on this blog at some point so click on the heading if you want a more in depth review.

Wishing you a safe and happy NYE. I can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to watch Sydney’s amazing NYE fireworks in the city. If you’ve never seen it check out this youtube linked here.

Now onto the products.

Josie Maran Argon oil

Josie maran argon oilThis was a product I wasn’t at all interested. I’m always sceptical when celebrities come out with makeup/ skincare lines but this was a gem. I loved how multipurpose (face, hair, body) and lightweight this product was. My favourite use was as a facial moisturizer/ night treatment. this saved my dry winter skin and I can’t recommend it enough. This tiny bottle also lasted for months and I will be repurchasing when I’ve finished up some other oils.

Chanel Mat Lumiere foundation

Mat lumiere

This was the only repeat product from my 2011 favourites. I adore this foundation and sadly have run out. If you have oily combination skin this is ideal for you. I might not be the most lightweight but it stays put and offers medium coverage. I love the soft matte effect it gives my skin and I get so many compliments when I wear this. I can wear it all year round and a you don’t need much product. I can’t fault Chanel foundations so I’m testing out Perfection Lumiere at the moment. Review to come soon but I will always have Mat Lumiere in my collection.

Make Up Forever Duo Mat powder

MUF Duo Mat Collage 2Powders are essential for my skin type. I have to set my liquid foundations or they won’t last till lunch and I always carry powder for touch ups. I had been an avid user of MAC studio fix powder but was looking for a change and came across MUFE Duo Mat. I love it. It doesn’t cake, offers coverage as a setting powder or can be worn alone as a powder foundation, and most of all keeps an oily t-zone at bay.

Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Exposed

Tarte exposed CollageMy most used blush by far. I can see what people rave about this shade, it really is universally flattering. The packaging is great and easy to spot in your collection and the product inside is equally good. I use this blush almost daily and I still haven’t hit pan. It’s the blush I take with me on trips if I can only take one. Who knew such a neutral beige pink colour would top the list?

Clinique Lash Power mascara

clinique Lash powerThis isn’t anything to write home about when used alone but used in conjunction with any mascara and it’s perfection. All those mascaras you love but aren’t waterproof or smudge then use Lash Power. I combine this with all my mascaras. It may seem overkill to add another mascara like a top coat but I have very oily lids and no matter what almost every mascara smudges. Lash Power enables me to use any mascara I want and know I won’t have panda eyes. It’s a tubing mascara so with a little warm water it comes straight off, no drama like most waterproof mascaras. This is my favourite mascara for sure.

Bumble Bumble Sunday shampoo

BB sunday shampoo

I’m low maintenance when it comes to my hair usually getting drugstore hair products but I splurged and picked the Sunday shampoo. Amazing. My hair has never felt so clean ever. Used once a week all the gunk and product is gone and you really can’t stop touching your hair, trust me.

Korres Lip butter in Pomegranate 

Korres Lip Butter PomegranateThis hasn’t left my purse since I bought it. It’s moisturising and has great colour payoff. They have heaps of colours and if you can get over the fact they come in a pot they’re worth it. All year round staple for me.

Lush it’s Raining Men shower gel

empties 2

Sadly I’ve never done a full review on this only a mini review in an empties post. But simply put I have purchased and repurchased countless bottles of this shower gel all year. I’m pretty sure i’ll purchase more soon too. If you like honey scented products that lather well and clean your skin without stripping it, then look no further. My husband also really likes this product but not so much the name.

Essie Topless and barefoot nail polish

topless and barefoot

Whenever I didn’t know what to put on my nails I opted for this beautiful creamy pinky nude. It’s opaque and easy to apply, plus it lasts for a week. In fact I have it on right now. It’s work appropriate and date appropriate… In face I can’t think of a scenario this polish wouldn’t compliment. I wear this shade os much I’m going to need a backup because I can’t be without it.

Bioderma Creline H2O

Bioderma

Probably the best find for 2012, thank you Lisa Eldridge. The best makeup remover ever, hands down. It doesn’t irritate my skin and removes everything besides pesky waterproof mascara but I still love it. It’s not easy to find and please don’t but it in Australia, complete rip off. But that’s why we have ebay. Believe the hype people, it’s great. You need it in your life.

Caudalie Beauty Elixer

Beauty elixer

Again another product thanks to Lisa. This is now a staple in my skincare routine and I have numerous bottles. I think I’ve gone though three. I sue this as a toner, makeup refresher and skin soother. My skin loves this and I’ve had the clearest skin with minimal breakouts. I use this when traveling and when I’m hot in the summer. I love the herbal smell and can’t live without this.

Paco Rabanne Lady Million

Lady million 3Finally a fragrance. This year I’ve really stepped up my perfume collection with rollerballs and full size bottles. I’ve become obsessed and can’t wait to show my new goodies. But for the entire year my most used love has been Lady Million. It’s classic, flirty and feminine. All seasons appropriate and a perfect daily scent. This year it was my signature.

Well, if you’ve made it this far congrats. It has been a stellar year for me and my family. I’ve had so much fun blogging this year and can’t wait to continue next. I have so many drafts waiting, so get excited for that.

Happy New years everyone.