The Best of 2018 - Skincare and Makeup
I managed to be reasonably restrained this year with new purchases, focusing instead on what I already had in my stash and using items up before buying new ones.
But 2018 still managed to be a year for new discoveries - in particular, I found myself veering into the 'Natural & Clean Beauty' lane. I've been really enjoying, and seeing the benefit of clean, simple, natural and organic ingredients; reduced wasteful packaging; buying from British indie skincare brands and an altogether more sensory self-care experience.
Here are my favourites from 2018:
SKINCARE
First Cleanse
A.Florence Skincare - Balm to Milk Cleanser
RRP £13.00 35ml
This was very tricky to pick one favourite as I love all of my cleansing balms (I'd always choose a balm over an oil or a cream cleanser). But the A.Florence balm to milk cleanser was my favourite discovery of the year. With a beautiful sherbet scent, this balm cleanser is suitable for use on the eyes and is a real treat to use as well as getting a mucky job done properly!
Last year's choice was: Banila Clean it Zero
RRP £13.00 35ml
This was very tricky to pick one favourite as I love all of my cleansing balms (I'd always choose a balm over an oil or a cream cleanser). But the A.Florence balm to milk cleanser was my favourite discovery of the year. With a beautiful sherbet scent, this balm cleanser is suitable for use on the eyes and is a real treat to use as well as getting a mucky job done properly!
Last year's choice was: Banila Clean it Zero
Second Cleanse
Espa - Optimal Skin ProCleanser
RRP £32.00 100ml
There hasn't been a single second cleanser that I've repurchased this year (due to the large amount I still have yet to use up in my stash) but if there was one I'd love to buy again (I'm currently out of this) it would be the Espa Optimal Skin ProCleanser. I love the creaminess and the tiny micro Jojoba spheres which very gently exfoliate before melting. You can also use this as a leave-on mask before washing off.
Honourable mention goes to Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser (£9.00 for 236ml) which is a no-frills but solidly dependent second cleanser.
Last year's choice was: Rodial Stem Cell Super Food Cleanser
RRP £32.00 100ml
There hasn't been a single second cleanser that I've repurchased this year (due to the large amount I still have yet to use up in my stash) but if there was one I'd love to buy again (I'm currently out of this) it would be the Espa Optimal Skin ProCleanser. I love the creaminess and the tiny micro Jojoba spheres which very gently exfoliate before melting. You can also use this as a leave-on mask before washing off.
Honourable mention goes to Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser (£9.00 for 236ml) which is a no-frills but solidly dependent second cleanser.
Last year's choice was: Rodial Stem Cell Super Food Cleanser
Acid Toner
Superdrug Naturally Radiant
Usual RRP £5.95 100ml
(but is often on sale at £2.95)
I've tried Pixi Glow Tonic, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner and Alpha-H Toner but it's actually this budget, high-street version from Superdrug that I prefer. In second place is Bravura London Revitalising Ginseng Toner.
Last years choice: Pixi Glow Tonic
Superdrug Naturally Radiant
Usual RRP £5.95 100ml
(but is often on sale at £2.95)
I've tried Pixi Glow Tonic, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner and Alpha-H Toner but it's actually this budget, high-street version from Superdrug that I prefer. In second place is Bravura London Revitalising Ginseng Toner.
Last years choice: Pixi Glow Tonic
Everyday Toner
Bodyshop Toners
RRP £8.00 - £9.50
For the second year running I'm choosing the entire range of The Bodyshop toners. The Chinese Gingseng & Rice and the Vitamin E toners are brilliant as hydrating toners and the Seaweed toner is my go-to for a basic but effective clarifying toner. I use this not only as regular, daily toners but also sometimes for a morning cleanser.
Last year's choice: The Bodyshop Toners
Bodyshop Toners
RRP £8.00 - £9.50
For the second year running I'm choosing the entire range of The Bodyshop toners. The Chinese Gingseng & Rice and the Vitamin E toners are brilliant as hydrating toners and the Seaweed toner is my go-to for a basic but effective clarifying toner. I use this not only as regular, daily toners but also sometimes for a morning cleanser.
Last year's choice: The Bodyshop Toners
Eye Makeup Remover
Superdrug B Micellar Water
RRP £2.19 400ml (Offer price)
I picked this up earlier this year because the huge 400ml size was on offer for under £3.00. It quickly replaced my previous favourite (Garnier) as I found it to be really gentle on my eyes but still able to remove the heaviest of eye makeup.
Last year's choice: Garnier Micellar Water
Superdrug B Micellar Water
RRP £2.19 400ml (Offer price)
I picked this up earlier this year because the huge 400ml size was on offer for under £3.00. It quickly replaced my previous favourite (Garnier) as I found it to be really gentle on my eyes but still able to remove the heaviest of eye makeup.
Last year's choice: Garnier Micellar Water
Eye Care
La Roche-Posay - Redermic R for Eyes
RRP £25.50
I usually find that I reach a plateau with most eye creams and that they often stop showing any results after two weeks of use so I was having to rotate my eye creams every fortnight. However, I bought the La Roche Posay Redermic R for Eyes in the summer and it consistently showed improvement to the fine lines around my eyes - even after the usual two week plateau. I have found that any hydration to my eye contour is what I need the most, so I will also use eye serums - particularly in the mornings.
Last year's choice: The Ordinary Agireline
La Roche-Posay - Redermic R for Eyes
RRP £25.50
I usually find that I reach a plateau with most eye creams and that they often stop showing any results after two weeks of use so I was having to rotate my eye creams every fortnight. However, I bought the La Roche Posay Redermic R for Eyes in the summer and it consistently showed improvement to the fine lines around my eyes - even after the usual two week plateau. I have found that any hydration to my eye contour is what I need the most, so I will also use eye serums - particularly in the mornings.
Last year's choice: The Ordinary Agireline
Lotions/Essences/Mists
Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief
RRP £30 200ml
I've had the pleasure to try out several hydrating lotions this year and they're all pretty great. But the Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief has been my absolute favourite.
I have been almost 'keeping this for best' as I only have a 100ml sized bottle and I really don't want it to run out!
Last year's choice: Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner
RRP £30 200ml
I've had the pleasure to try out several hydrating lotions this year and they're all pretty great. But the Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief has been my absolute favourite.
I have been almost 'keeping this for best' as I only have a 100ml sized bottle and I really don't want it to run out!
Last year's choice: Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner
Exfoliation
Bravura London Lactic Acid Peel
RRP £9.59 30ml
2018 was the first year that I delved into the seemingly-scary world of acid exfoliation!
I know (for me personally anyway) that the idea of an at-home acid peel can be pretty intimidating. But you know what? It's not as terrifying as you'd imagine!
My first attempt was with The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (the infamous blood red peel) and although this was quite potent, I really didn't feel that it did anything for me. The Bravura Lactic Acid 10% Peel is mild in comparison, however, the results are far more obvious and instant - lovely bright skin and as smooth as a pebble.
Last year's choice: Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (but this still remains a solid favourite).
Bravura London Lactic Acid Peel
RRP £9.59 30ml
2018 was the first year that I delved into the seemingly-scary world of acid exfoliation!
I know (for me personally anyway) that the idea of an at-home acid peel can be pretty intimidating. But you know what? It's not as terrifying as you'd imagine!
My first attempt was with The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (the infamous blood red peel) and although this was quite potent, I really didn't feel that it did anything for me. The Bravura Lactic Acid 10% Peel is mild in comparison, however, the results are far more obvious and instant - lovely bright skin and as smooth as a pebble.
Last year's choice: Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (but this still remains a solid favourite).
Serum
Bielenda/Dr Medica - Capillaries Serum
RRP £4.99 30ml
Super-affordable and actually works! Since noticing that some broken capillaries were appearing on my nose, cheeks and chin, this serum is great for instantly calming any redness and although it can't remove broken capillaries, it does seem to have at least stopped them in their tracks.
Whilst this serum is the most regularly used in my routine and is quite utilitarian, honourable mention has to go to the Nudge Boutique Saffron Glow Facial Serum. I've only been using it for a few weeks but it's another 'Instant Love' product.
Last year's choice: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Bielenda/Dr Medica - Capillaries Serum
RRP £4.99 30ml
Super-affordable and actually works! Since noticing that some broken capillaries were appearing on my nose, cheeks and chin, this serum is great for instantly calming any redness and although it can't remove broken capillaries, it does seem to have at least stopped them in their tracks.
Whilst this serum is the most regularly used in my routine and is quite utilitarian, honourable mention has to go to the Nudge Boutique Saffron Glow Facial Serum. I've only been using it for a few weeks but it's another 'Instant Love' product.
Last year's choice: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Treatment
ValJean Labs - Restore Serim (Niacinamide & Zinc)
This is another tricky one to call. What's it going to be? Retinol? Vitamin C?
I think I'm going to have to go with my favourite ingredient - Niacinamide. I love how it instantly brightens my skin, giving me a lovely, natural, healthy glow. This particular bottle from ValJean Labs was picked up in T.K Maxx, but when this is finished up I'm going to try out the Garden of Wisdom Niacinamide Serum (£9.00 for 30ml).
Last year's choice: The Ordinary Niacinamide & Zinc
ValJean Labs - Restore Serim (Niacinamide & Zinc)
This is another tricky one to call. What's it going to be? Retinol? Vitamin C?
I think I'm going to have to go with my favourite ingredient - Niacinamide. I love how it instantly brightens my skin, giving me a lovely, natural, healthy glow. This particular bottle from ValJean Labs was picked up in T.K Maxx, but when this is finished up I'm going to try out the Garden of Wisdom Niacinamide Serum (£9.00 for 30ml).
Last year's choice: The Ordinary Niacinamide & Zinc
Face Mask
Darphin - Vetiver Aromatic Care Stress Relief Detox Oil Mask
RRP £45.00 50ml
It's a tie this year between two - the Darphin and Oskia Renaisaance Mask - but I'm currently out of the Oskia. This mask is a seriously luxe pampering mask - the longer you leave it on, the better, to let all the fabulous ingredients really work their magic.
Last year's choice: Oskia Renaissance Mask
Darphin - Vetiver Aromatic Care Stress Relief Detox Oil Mask
RRP £45.00 50ml
It's a tie this year between two - the Darphin and Oskia Renaisaance Mask - but I'm currently out of the Oskia. This mask is a seriously luxe pampering mask - the longer you leave it on, the better, to let all the fabulous ingredients really work their magic.
Last year's choice: Oskia Renaissance Mask
Sleeping Mask
Temple Spa - Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream
RRP £40.00 50ml
This is such a beautiful and luxuriant night cream/sleep mask. I use it after a layer of oil and my skin wakes up fully nourished and hydrated and feeling smooth and happy.
Last year's choice: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Temple Spa - Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream
RRP £40.00 50ml
This is such a beautiful and luxuriant night cream/sleep mask. I use it after a layer of oil and my skin wakes up fully nourished and hydrated and feeling smooth and happy.
Last year's choice: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Facial Oil
Lime & Lilac - Light Facial Oil
RRP £52.00 30ml
Out of all the categories, I think it's facial oils that have been my most beloved skincare product this year and my inventory has more than doubled over the year! I've loved every single facial oil that I own, but the Lime & Lilac oil is my favourite. It was absolute love at first use with this oil. It's a beautiful, light and dry facial oil. Quick to absorb, smells beautiful, has some outstanding natural ingredients and ticks all the boxes with what I look for in good skincare - firming, anti-aging, leaves my skin soft and smooth and gives me great glow! I can use it in both my morning and evening routines and it layers perfectly with the rest of my routine. Full review to follow in the new year.
Last year's choice: Jane Scrivner Rose Gold
RRP £52.00 30ml
Out of all the categories, I think it's facial oils that have been my most beloved skincare product this year and my inventory has more than doubled over the year! I've loved every single facial oil that I own, but the Lime & Lilac oil is my favourite. It was absolute love at first use with this oil. It's a beautiful, light and dry facial oil. Quick to absorb, smells beautiful, has some outstanding natural ingredients and ticks all the boxes with what I look for in good skincare - firming, anti-aging, leaves my skin soft and smooth and gives me great glow! I can use it in both my morning and evening routines and it layers perfectly with the rest of my routine. Full review to follow in the new year.
Last year's choice: Jane Scrivner Rose Gold
Moisturiser
Omorovicza Balancing Moisturiser
RRP £85
Very tricky to call it this year as I spent most of the year using up deluxe sized samples of moisturisers that came in Beauty Subscription boxes!
I'm still favouring the light, watery type moisturisers for the day as I need them to be light enough to wear under SPF but still powerful enough to moisturise. So my choice is the Omorovicza Balancing Moisturiser, which I got a generous 30ml deluxe sample of in a Look Fantastic Beauty Box. Beautiful scent, light yet moisturising - this is a real luxury. And sadly one that I wouldn't be able to repurchase due to it's high price.
Last year's choice: TonyMoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream
Omorovicza Balancing Moisturiser
RRP £85
Very tricky to call it this year as I spent most of the year using up deluxe sized samples of moisturisers that came in Beauty Subscription boxes!
I'm still favouring the light, watery type moisturisers for the day as I need them to be light enough to wear under SPF but still powerful enough to moisturise. So my choice is the Omorovicza Balancing Moisturiser, which I got a generous 30ml deluxe sample of in a Look Fantastic Beauty Box. Beautiful scent, light yet moisturising - this is a real luxury. And sadly one that I wouldn't be able to repurchase due to it's high price.
Last year's choice: TonyMoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream
SPF
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++
RRP approx. £9.00
The easiest SPF to wear daily - it's lightweight, doesn't leave a white caste, is non-oily and also works as a great primer. Pretty much the only SPF that I've ever worn, although I am looking for something that's easier to buy in the UK. Not sure that anything can live up to the greatness of this though!
Last year's choice: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++
RRP approx. £9.00
The easiest SPF to wear daily - it's lightweight, doesn't leave a white caste, is non-oily and also works as a great primer. Pretty much the only SPF that I've ever worn, although I am looking for something that's easier to buy in the UK. Not sure that anything can live up to the greatness of this though!
Last year's choice: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++
Beauty Subscription Box
Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box
RRP £21.00 monthly plus P+P
Without fail, every single month, the Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box has been consistently fantastic! This is such a self-care and self-love treat every month. I've really found some new favourites in skincare and body care and so many new Indie skincare brands. I'd say that it was down to this box that my interest in natural and clean beauty came to the fore this year. It's the only box that I currently subscribe to as none of the others come anywhere close to delivering the joy that this one does.
RRP £21.00 monthly plus P+P
Without fail, every single month, the Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box has been consistently fantastic! This is such a self-care and self-love treat every month. I've really found some new favourites in skincare and body care and so many new Indie skincare brands. I'd say that it was down to this box that my interest in natural and clean beauty came to the fore this year. It's the only box that I currently subscribe to as none of the others come anywhere close to delivering the joy that this one does.
Last year's choice: QVC Tili Box - (Try it Love it)
MAKEUP
Foundation
It Cosmetics -Your Skin But Better CC+ SPF 50+ cream
RRP £30.00
This is my favourite of all my current stash of foundations/BB and CC Creams. It gives a natural-looking moderate coverage but somehow manages to make my skin look healthy and glowing and as if I'm not actually wearing any foundation. However, honourable mention has to go to Annabelle Minerals Powder Foundation, which I've only just started using. It gives the same results as the It Cosmetics CC Cream, but in powder form - which I've never tried before, but has really blown me away with how well it performs.
Last year's choice: The Ordinary Colours Coverage Foundation with 15SPF
RRP £30.00
This is my favourite of all my current stash of foundations/BB and CC Creams. It gives a natural-looking moderate coverage but somehow manages to make my skin look healthy and glowing and as if I'm not actually wearing any foundation. However, honourable mention has to go to Annabelle Minerals Powder Foundation, which I've only just started using. It gives the same results as the It Cosmetics CC Cream, but in powder form - which I've never tried before, but has really blown me away with how well it performs.
Last year's choice: The Ordinary Colours Coverage Foundation with 15SPF
Concealer
Maybelline - Age Rewind
RRP £8.99
I didn't pick up any new concealers this year as I was busy working through what I already owned. I think the introduction of the E.L.F Under Eye Primer has really helped with all of my under eye concealers - so that product deserves the award of 'Most Helpful Product Of The Year!'.
The Maybelline Age Rewind is a good solid under eye concealer that doesn't cake or exaggerate fine lines under my eyes.
Last year's choice: Not picked last year!
Maybelline - Age Rewind
RRP £8.99
I didn't pick up any new concealers this year as I was busy working through what I already owned. I think the introduction of the E.L.F Under Eye Primer has really helped with all of my under eye concealers - so that product deserves the award of 'Most Helpful Product Of The Year!'.
The Maybelline Age Rewind is a good solid under eye concealer that doesn't cake or exaggerate fine lines under my eyes.
Last year's choice: Not picked last year!
Blush
Kiko Blushers -RRP from £5.99 +
Nars Orgasm- RRP £24.00
Joint first place because I really couldn't decide between my current Kiko Blushers and Nars Orgasm.
Although I find Kiko a bit pricey for a high street brand, I can't deny that they make a cracking good blush! As for the Nars Orgasm blush - it's such a beautiful, eminently wearable shade which will forever be a staple in my makeup bag.
Last year's choice: Nars Orgasm
Kiko Blushers -RRP from £5.99 +
Nars Orgasm- RRP £24.00
Joint first place because I really couldn't decide between my current Kiko Blushers and Nars Orgasm.
Although I find Kiko a bit pricey for a high street brand, I can't deny that they make a cracking good blush! As for the Nars Orgasm blush - it's such a beautiful, eminently wearable shade which will forever be a staple in my makeup bag.
Last year's choice: Nars Orgasm
Highlighter
Lumene - Instant Luminizer
RRP £22.50
Although I usually prefer powder highlighters, the Lumene Instant Illuminizer is so incredibly silky, it applies so beautifully. Gives a natural but radiant healthy glowing highlight.
Last year's choice: Iconic London Strobe Stick
Lumene - Instant Luminizer
RRP £22.50
Although I usually prefer powder highlighters, the Lumene Instant Illuminizer is so incredibly silky, it applies so beautifully. Gives a natural but radiant healthy glowing highlight.
Last year's choice: Iconic London Strobe Stick
Contour
Makeup Revolution - Contour Palette
RRP
Such a great value palette. I spent most of the year using up the Illamasqua Gel Sculpt Contour but after finishing that and returning to this one, I realised that I much prefer a powder contour.
Last year's choice: Makeup Revolution Contour Palette
Eye Shadow
Urban Decay - Beached
RRP £28.00
This was the only eye shadow palette release this year that had me rushing out to buy it straight away. The coppers/golds and blue metallic shades are everything I dream about in a palette.
Last year's choice: I Heart Makeup - Rose Gold Chocolate Eye Shadow Palette
Mascara
Hourglass - Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
RRP £25.00
After a shaky start and figuring out some clogging issues, this mascara has definitely become my favourite of the year. It's lengthening powers are phenomenal, it's a beautiful deep pure black and it doesn't flake or smudge.
Last year's choice: L'Oreal Paradise Mascara
Hourglass - Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
RRP £25.00
After a shaky start and figuring out some clogging issues, this mascara has definitely become my favourite of the year. It's lengthening powers are phenomenal, it's a beautiful deep pure black and it doesn't flake or smudge.
Last year's choice: L'Oreal Paradise Mascara
Lipstick
Last year's choice: INC.redible Foiling Around Metallic Lip Paint
Bagsy - Wow Lips in 'Ready to Wear'
RRP £12.00
This is one of the products I chose to finish up for my 20/20 Vision Project but because I've been using it a lot, I've been reminded how much I like it. Longevity isn't great, but it's so easy to apply (and re-apply) and is a great colour that I can overlook that. Fabulous packaging too!
Last year's choice: INC.redible Foiling Around Metallic Lip Paint
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