As 2019 has come to an end there has been so many stand out products when it comes to all things beauty. I have tired and tested so many throughout the year and have narrowed some of my favourites across the endless steps in my skincare routine and some stand out faves with makeup. Although I do have some holy grail products that I tend to stick to there are quite a few new ones that I'm sure I will be repurchasing time and time again.
Cleansers
2019 has been tough on my skin and I have gone back and forth with cleansers I have loved for years (Liquid Clinique Facial Soap) but also introducing a couple of new products (like the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel) that have worked wonders on my skin.
Toners
I have also stuck to the Clinique Clarifying Lotion for so many years but ventured out and already onto a second bottle of the Ole Henriksen GlowO2 Dark Spot Toner which 1. smells incredible and 2. definitely helped with any stubborn spots and texture.
Serums
I think this year I learnt the real hero of my skincare routine was serums and I went through quite a few. I have used so many bottles of Lancome Genifique Advanced serum (although not on my list for 2019) it has defiantely been in my routine throughout the year mixed in with a few new ones! The Drunk Elephant TLC was a game changer to the texture of my skin, the Dermalogica AGE Bright helped keep any blemishes at bay. A more recent find, the Glow Recipe Pineapple C Bright Serum, smells like ripe pineapple and keeps skin hydrated and bright.
Moisturisers
Found a little bougie Tatcha Water Cream and fell in love with the lightweight texture and similarily went back to an tried and true fave, the Clinique Moisture Surge ( a real doupe for the Water Cream!) Went through yet another jar of the Ole Henriksen C Rush Brightening Gel Cream because I can't get enough of the smell! Also tired and tested the Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly with both the Fatigue and Uneven Texture & Pores cartridges and loved the results.
Oils
One of my favourite parts of the skincare routine and I have had some new oils into the mix. Fell in love with the Go-To Skincare Face Hero (much like everyone else who tries it) and also tried a Vitamin A 0.5% by Alpha H which I swear has helped my congestion.
Eye Creams
Eye creams are always tough to figure out, do I need it? Or is it even doing anything!? But I swear by these top 4 products. I consistently struggle with dry under eyes and dermatitis and each one of these has helped keep me hydrated without stinging or irritation.
Sunscreen/SPF
So glad that sunscreen is back in the spotlight as the last step in your skincare application. I have been a huge fan of the Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 50 but 2019 I also tried some newbies. New in the game and definitely made it into my top 4 very quickly, Ultra Violette Screen Queen - a really light weight liquid formula that smells like a bouquet of roses! Definitely beats that awful SPF scent we all know too well.
Exfoliate
2019 has been a bit of a struggle with uneven texture and I introduced exfoliants into my routine a few times a week. The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is such a fine powder and once combined with water creates a light exfoliant and leaves your skin feeling really calm and not as if a layer of skin has been removed! also the Go-To Skincare Exfoliating Swipeys (a couple of times a week) work wonders with the added bonus of AHAs.
Mists
These mists are something I incorporate into my skincare routine and also just throughout the day to give my skin a little refresh. The Clinique Moisture Surge has always been my go to but this year Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra Fine Mist has to be a stand out - you only have to smell it to know why!
Hair/Styling
Found some real winners with hair products, from Moroccan Oil smoothing Blow Dry serum and Heat Protectant spray to Hydro Texturising Mist from Shu Uemura have worked wonders. The real hero and savior to my hair (and everyone I have recommended this to) is the Kerastase 8Hr Magic Night Serum. Put it in your hair at night and you will wake up with the softest and smooth hair.
Lip Balms
For those who know me know I will try every single lip balm out there! These top 4 are my absolute favourites. The Clinque Moisture Surge is ultra hydrating, Nars After Glow is super smooth and glossy, Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, a thicker consistency but really nourishing and subtle shine. Lastly a new favourite and almost edible the Sol De Janerio Brazilian Kiss Lip Butter - a addictive burnt sugar scent that will keep you coming back for more!
Body
Having some good smelling shower gels to make shower time that much more fun. These have been my favourites that I have repurchased time and time again. The Frank Body Original Scrub has been one that, yes does make a little mess, but completely worth it. Also The Kiehl's Body Butter was my savior throughout the cooler months.
Hands
Became a hand cream addict this year (after my hands have become dry and battered from the gym) and the thicker the better! Byredo Gypsy Water and Go-To Super Handy creams have lived in my handbag throughout the year whilst the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream has been the last thing I do every night before bed.
Foundation/Tinted Moisturiser
Found a couple new foundations to change up my usual Clinique Even Better and Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue routines. To change things up I found the Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Long Lasting foundation, exactly what it says, it feels like skin just better! Also the Clinique Even Better Refresh which also has hyaluronic acid so your skin is hydrated whilst wearing foundation (even better!)
Other Makeup Favourites
Last but not least a few makeup favourites that have been stand outs. From bougie Hourglass Caution mascara to $20 Mecca Max Wink Ink mascara - worlds apart in price but both amazing! Fell in love with the Mecca Cosmetica Hydra Cheek Tint and Illuminating Balm Duo, a cream formula that gives the skin a healthy glow. The Marc Jacobs Accomplice Concealer was a real game changer, so light weight but with enough coverage that doesn't feel dry or cakey. A cult fave lipstick by Charlotte Tilbury turned Pillow Talk into a Eye Shadow Palette and Nars did it again with another amazing versatile palette of matte, shimmer and glitter finishes. Lastly the Clinique Even Better Pop Lip Colour Foundation that uses Shade-Match Science from your foundation shade to match 3 perfect lip shades to compliment your skin tone - in Naked, Casual and Glam. Get matched you will definitely find your ultimate nude!
