With the year almost out and my blog soon to reach its first birthday, it seemed fitting that I should do a round-up of my top beauty discoveries of the past 12 months.
Honing down the list to just 10 was a struggle. I've been introduced to some truly fabulous brands and products this year. Some of these were new for 2014, others were discoveries rather than launches - products and brands that already existed but which had previously fallen below my radar.
Looking down at the list there's a lot skincare, but also bodycare and make-up. One glaring ommission is home devices! 2014 seemed short on these. Perhaps 2015 will be different? What's grabbed you this year? A particular new make-up launch, a skincare product that has delivered above and beyond, or something else entirely?
My Top 10 Discoveries (by order of post):
Spotner Hands and Body
My mum still raves about this skin lightening product that she tested back in Spring. It’s got a relatively low profile, which is a shame as it gets rated highly in user reviews – it’s a Beauty Bible award winner too! My mum now buys this on an ongoing basis and continues to be delighted with the results. Post
here.
Sisley Eye Contour Mask
A super mask to rehydrate and smooth away signs of fatigue. I use it twice weekly and leave on overnight. This was a new discovery for me this year. I’ve previously shied away from Sisley because of price but this mask ml for ml actually works out cheaper than a lot of other premium brands. Reviewed
here.
Shiffa
This Dubai-based luxury natural skincare brand rose to greater prominence this year, when its products became available nationwide for the first time via Space NK online – they were previously only available at selected beauty halls. Shiffa skincare is exquisite and you’d be hard pushed to find a brand formulating products with more glorious aromas . Shiffa posts
here and
here.
Espa 24-Hour Replenshing Moisturiser
My favourite Espa product and my favourite moisturiser right now, discovered this year. Gorgeously rich and a most heavenly spa fragrance. Read my review
here.
Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel and Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream
While it’s difficult to know how well the anti-oxidant benefits of green tea transer to a topical cream, one thing is for sure – these two Ginvera green tea skincare products are exceptional. Marvel Gel is the most gentle manual exfoliator I have ever used. The BB Cream meanwhile blends to all skin tones, has 30SPF, and contains skin loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ginseng and angelica. Delighted Ginvera's UK distributors Janiro got in touch to introduce me to this brand. Reviewed
here.
BackBliss
A super invention that once appeared on BBC's Dragons' Den. This natty tool enables you to apply sunscreen (or any cream or oil for that matter) to the tricky to reach middle part of your back. It means I no longer have to nag hubby to do it for me. Result! I took my BackBliss on summer hols this year and found it invaluable - obviously! Reviewed
here.
Realine Beauty
Hand on heart these little strips of plastic have done more to smooth out my forehead wrinkles than any topical formula! I've since converted several friends and family members to the wonders of the Realine Beauty patches. An awesome 2014 product launch. Reviewed
here
Synergie
This Australian skincare brand brought its medical grade formulas to our shores this summer. The products are potent but pricey – high quality ingredients don’t come cheap. I’ve had real tangible results with the Synergie serums. Check out my reviews
here,
here , and
here.
Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe
The best self-tanner I have ever used, period! It’s formulated especially for olive skin tones (hardly any are) and contains some fabulous skincare ingredients – Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Green Tea and more. Delivers a very natural and even tan. A newly launched formula this year, reviewed
here.
Magnifibres Brush-On False Lashes
If all you want for Christmas is longer eyelashes (and you hate wearing falses), make sure you put Magnifibres on your Santa list. These tiny white fibres applied between two coats of mascara will lengthen lashes by up to 5mm. They look natural and don’t flake. Wonderful. Reviewed
here.
