Following on from my Beauty Misses of 2015 post, I’m back with the second part – Beauty Hits! I found a lot to love in 2015 but these are my absolutely favourite products; the type that I love so much that I gush about them to all my friends. Most of these are on the higher end but there are a few drugstore ones there too – I didn’t really discriminate on price but full disclosure is I tend to buy more high end makeup nowadays which accounts for the slant towards more luxury products. I also think it’s generally more important to review more expensive products as there is more at stake!
So, without further ado, here are my favourite beauty items from the past year:
SK-II Skincare
You knew this was coming right? I’ve talked about this line of skincare a fair amount on my channel and my love for it is not waning at all. Yes, it’s hideously expensive and I’m now spending more on my skincare than I ever have before but it’s also totally worth it. Breakouts and blemishes are pretty much a thing of the past and it is solely down to this line. If you’re suffering from problematic skin even though you’re way past your teen years, then I would encourage you to give this a go. Magical stuff.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pencil in Pillow Talk and Filmstar Bronze and Glow
These two have also been mentioned in my videos and for good reason. First up, the lip liner which I absolutely love – and this is coming from a girl who isn’t generally all that fussed about liners. It’s creamy but doesn’t smudge; is pigmented but doesn’t look over done and is subtle but makes a big difference. I’ve just purchased my second lip liner from the range so will report back whether they are all as good as this one.
Apparently the Filmstar Bronze and Glow is a best seller of makeup products in general (not just from the CT line) – and for good reason. I’ve never gotten on board with the whole ‘bronzer as contour powder’ thing and this set is a welcome respite from orangey brown streaks on your face. Yes, it’s called a bronzer but this is really so much better than a bronzer. It doesn’t come cheap but the product is as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside. A perfect milky brown contour shade (ideal for fairer skin tones) and a warm, glowy highlight. Love.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat
I know that SecheVite is the one people always talk about but I’ve never had much luck with it. I mean, it’s fine but I’ve always found it to be a bit gloopy upon opening (and then proceeds to only get gloopier with time). For the price, I think it’s overrated so I was delighted to find this which does the same job, only better for cheaper! It really does dry your polish super quick and is MUCH more affordable. It’s pretty much the only top coat I use now.
Dior Diorific Vernis Nail Polishes
These are pretty. Like, really really pretty. I only bought two colours (State of Gold and Gris-Or) but find them absolutely lovely, both separate and together. Happily, they didn’t put all the money into the packaging only to skimp on the formula – these polishes are hard-wearing and go on like a dream. I have no idea what the difference is between this line and the regular Dior nail polish line but I am already itching to try out different shades from this fancy version.
Chanel Angled Powder Brush no. 2
This is a pricey brush and I know full well that more expensive = doesn’t always lead to better when it comes to brushes. This, however is wonderful. Beautifully made, it genuinely (and excuse the Harry Potter geek moment here) reminds me of a Nimbus 2000. All sleek links and perfect bristles. It makes contouring a breeze and is now one of my favourite brushes to reach for.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
This product has single handedly turned me into a gloss lover. Non sticky with the perfect amount of gloss, it does what it says on tube, plumping your lips (albeit in a fairly subtle way) and generally making them look better. I can’t tell the difference between the shades but no matter – I just layer this over any lipstick to make it look immediately better.
Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Cologne
I gushed about this fragrance when I first bought it and not much has changed since then, expect I perhaps love it even more – if that’s possible! The perfect amount of sweetness for me (for reference, I find Thierry Mugler’s Angel totally overbearing), it’s so perfectly dainty, feminine and floral whilst somehow smelling utterly modern too. I have worn this pretty much every day since I got it and I can’t see this changing. If you haven’t had a sniff yet, I high recommend you do so at the next opportunity!
Big Sexy Hair Hairspray
For years, I thought that Elnett was the best hairspray out there, such is the power of L’Oreal marketing. I’m not sure what convinced me to give Big Sexy Hair hairspray a try but oh boy, am I glad I did. If you suffer from chronically flat hair like me, then this is the product for you. This stuff is like volumising super glue for your hair – which may not sound like the most flattering description but is pretty accurate. When I want my hair to not budge, then this is what I reach for. Perfect for adding volume to blowouts or adding structure to up-dos, I absolutely love this hairspray. It also smells a lot nicer than Elnett which is an added bonus.
And that wraps up my 2015 Beauty Hits and Misses! I hope you enjoyed this little mini series. Let me know if you discovered any must have products last year – I’m always keen to hear about new wonder products!
Thank you so much for reading and don’t forget to keep a look out for my giveaway that should be up on either Sunday or Monday!
Thanks for sharing Amie, I wasn't sure about the nail polish but will try it now. Happy 2016
First time reading your blog as directed from your giveaway video on YouTube, this is great – followed!
Multiple entry
Hi Amie, congrats on hitting 10k+ subscribers on YT! Please don't forget the hair post, but only if you have time. In case you need this info for the giveaway, I'm rosecolouredglasses on Bloglovin. Thanks!
Followed the blog, congrats on 10k!!
Gorgeous goodies!!! Have you ever tried the SK II cream for anti ageing? All ages. Xxxx
Hi Amie. I tried SK-II's essence and facial lotion and love them. Have you tried any other essences that are more affordable? Have you by any chance tried any Korean skin care products? I'm very intrigued by all the steps that are used for cleaning and purifying the skin.
Hi! I'm afraid I haven't, no. Hoping to travel to Korea soon though so maybe then! 🙂
Congrats on the 10k! And I'm sure you will be hitting bigger numbers in the near future! I always look forward to your videos on YT. Always full of sound advice especially when it comes to luxury goods. question for the Q&A: if you can only have one which would you pick, a pair or Louboutins or Valentino Rockstud? Thank you so much in advance! Have entered for the giveaway in IG as well (elaineum8). Best of luck to everyone who entered!
Going to answer this one here in case I forget when it comes round to the Q&A: Rockstuds! Much more comfy and equally as chic! 🙂
You have become my go to for info on what you like and don't like. I feel like we have super similiar interests from skincare, makeup and fashion!! Love that I have gotten on your blog foo. Thank you.
Hi Amie!! Wishing you many, more successes!! Congratulations on reaching 10K subbies!! Please enter me in the contest; I already entered Youtube.
Hi Amie!!!! Congrats on the 10,000 followers! You deserve it! I'd love to be entered into the giveaway.
I've just explored your blog a little bit and I'm so glad you did the giveaway just so I was made aware of how great your blog is! I also just followed you on Bloglovin'. xo
Great review of faves! Thanks so much for sharing. Congrats on over 11k subs! Following you on Bloglovin too. Hugs, Kristina
Great review of faves! Thanks so much for sharing. Congrats on over 11k subs! Following you on Bloglovin too. Hugs, Kristina
I use the Big Hair products all the time! Good Choice!
First off this is a very helpful blog post. I found it from your giveaway video on YouTube. I enetered and I followed your blog
I absolutely adore my Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede candles, such a gorgeous scent! I am dying to get my hands on the perfume too! Have you tried layering them? I hear it goes well with Pomegrate noir. I have entered your very generous and luxurious giveaway and as always I am absolutely loving your videos, keep it up! Lots of love, Isabella xx
Hi Amie!! Congratulations on your 10k followers! I love your videos, along with your blogposts, which are always filled with very helpful tips and advice! I have subscribed to your YouTube channel and have also followed you on Bloglovin' 🙂 I'd love to be entered into the giveaway. Love, Bernie
Kia Ora, Amie. I just love the Dior packaging. It is so beautiful. Thanks for a great blog.
The Facial Treatment Clear Lotion made it into my 2015 favourites as well. Never have I come across such an amazing toner! I'm still not sure about the Facial Treatment Essence though, I've gone through several bottles but I'm just not sure it makes a difference on me. That being said, the cleanser will come home with me the next time I order SK-II!
Hi Amie, thanks for the giveaway! My question for your blog would be "what do you use for hair products?". Odd question but it's something I'm always more keen to learn about. Thanks again!
Hi Amie, just dropping by to enter your giveaway here as well 🙂 Peony and Blush Suede is my favourite Jo Malone scent too! I got a sample tester version and it was instant love – might have to splurge on the full-size soon.