Ah, it's that time again, time to talk about the best products and brands this year. I seem to spend the whole year trying beauty products and learning about new brands so it only makes sense that I write a yearly round up post. I always write monthly round up posts, so why not do a yearly round up about the things that really smashed it this year too? The things/brands which aren't just monthly favourites, but the ones which have impressed me ALL year. I think it's important to reflect and think about which brands have really stood out this year (all year), which brands are worth the fuss, the money and which brands have just got it oh-so-right, continually, or, which products I simply haven't put down all year. I can't wait to talk to you today about these...
Top Skin Product Of 2014: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - I actually think this product featured on 2013's best products (so it's a two-time award winner!), I swear by this product, if you've read my blog for a while you'll know that this is a key skincare item and I simply cannot live without it. I go through about 2 bottles a year, so it does last too, making the price point quite good - it's £32 online here. It's fully natural too, so it wont make you break out. I put two drops on my skin every single night and always wake up feeling like my skin looks much better - it really does repair my skin overnight. I included this in my easy, good skincare post here too if you want to find out more, and I did a full review too here.
Best Body Products Of 2014: The Body Shop Coconut Range - This is a tough one, it's 100% between The Body Shop and Nip + Fab and then Bomb Cosmetics when it comes to bathing. I personally don't think you can go wrong with The Body Shop when it comes to body butters and exfoliators which is why they're number one for me. I absolutely adore their coconut range (available online here). I always leave the bathroom smelling and feeling incredible. Nip + Fab is also my favourite when it comes to their body circulation range (online here).
Top Mascara Of 2014: Volume 1 Second Mascara by Bourjois - This brand actually deserves more recognition than just 'the best mascara'. It's worth mentioning their amazing lip ranges that they've brought out this year, I reviewed their rouge edition velvet lipsticks and their 12 hour lipsticks - both of which impressed me so much. I've used Bourjois mascaras all year and then this little baby found it's way into my life, it makes my lashes look so long and I just cannot get enough of it. I adore Bourjois, such a fun, affordable, great brand.
Best Blusher Of 2014: The Body Shop All In One Blush in Macaroon - Of course this was going to feature, it hasn't left my make up bag since the day it arrived in my life. This little blush may look little, but it's mighty and its totally transformed my make up look, it makes me look fresh, bright and alive. I love the colour and think it compliments my skin tone so well.
The Best Vitamins: I have been taking this throughout the whole of 2014 and it's a lifesaver. Evening Primrose oil was recommended to me by the doctor, he said its fully natural and works to regulate hormones, I think it makes my hair, nails strong and it helps keep my skin clear too.
The Best Relaxing Product Of 2014: Sanctuary Spa Comforting Night Butter - This is a toss between Sanctuary Spa's Comforting Night Butter and ThisWork's Sleep Spray, both are amazing products which will totally ensure you have the best nights sleep. I will continue to use these throughout January to make sure I get my 8 hours.
Best Haircare Product of 2014: SuperFoodLX Cosmeceuticals - It had to be this didn't it? If you've been reading my blog all year you'll know how much I have adored this product. SuperFoodLX Advanced Hair Nutrient Complex is a hair saviour; it's natural, organic and I sleep in it all the time, I wake up with smooth happy hair. My hair looks smooth, fresh and healthier after using it.
The Best Primer of 2014: Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse - This is between Shu Uemura's UV Under Base Mousse (£19.00 here) and Benefit's The Porefessional. I did a full review of Benefit's Porefessional and I truly do love it, it's run out and I'm so sad, I really need to buy a new one because life is pretty difficult without it! It makes my skin look flawless and moisturises it too as it goes on as such a nice, slick, smooth balm. Shu Uemura's primer comes out as a mousse and again, gives such a flawlesss finish - I have run out of this too! These are both such holy grail products for me.
Best Shampoo/Conditioner Brand: Bumble & Bumble - I think this has to go to Bumble and Bumble. I love everything this brand and just cannot get enough of all their ranges. Second place is Macadamia for amazing hair care but Bumble wins because their brand is imaginative, more affordable and everything smells amazing.
Best Eye Shadow Brand: Urban Decay - Is there really any contest? Urban Decay win 100% when it comes to eye shadows, every single time. Whilst I've adored Cargo, Charlotte Tilbury and TooFaced this year, I think everyone can agree that UD produce top quality shadows. They also produced some pretty epic lipglosses this year too! I love their Naked Basics palette, it's absolutely everything anyone needs to do smoky eyes.
Best Face Mask: S5 Vitality Mask - This was another really difficult one because I've been loving Una Brennan's Rose Mask for the past few years and the Aromatherapy Associates rose mask. S5's Vitality Mask is one I go back to time and time again, I totally trust it, it never breaks me out, it's full of top ingredients and I see results after a few minutes. S5 is one of my favourite skincare brands ever.
Best Beauty Brand of 2014: Charlotte Tilbury - There's two brands this year which took the crown, in second place, is Charlotte Tilbury. I absolutely adore her full collection. Make sure you read my full Charlotte Tilbury make up collection review to find out more about why it's such an amazing, beautiful brand. I also had my birthday make up done by a Charlotte Tilbury make up artist and fell in love with the look. I basically want every single item in my make up bag to be from CT. CT has changed the beauty world this year and taken it by storm, I can't explain how perfect every single product she brings out is. You can shop it all online here (and trust me, you'll want it all).
Best Make Up Brand of 2014: Burberry - My other favourite brand of 2014, is Burberry. This beautiful brand took the crown. If you read my blog often, you must all know just how much I absolutely adore Burberry make up by now. I used their whole Christmas range on my Christmas make up tutorial video and I loved the finished result. I honestly just think that Burberry make up is so well made, such high quality and the packaging is always truly amazing. Their lipsticks are always amazing and I'm pretty hooked to their foundation. Thank you Burberry for being the best. You can shop their beauty range online here.
Favourite Accessory of 2014: Daniel Wellington Watch - Obviously, when it comes to accessories I am team LVNDR (affordable beautiful pieces), but, when it comes to watches, I haven't taken my Daniel Wellington off all year, which is why I think it's only right that Daniel Wellington wins the best watch award/best arm candy award. Their designs are slick, modern and stylish, not to mention, easy to wear. Up until the end of this month you can get 15% off your orders with code: holidayemtalks here - so what are you waiting for? invest in the best piece of arm candy this year (and next - I predict the DW love isn't going to end in 2014!)
Best Fashion Brand Of 2014: Missguided - I feel like Missguided is extremely deserving of this award, Missguided is such a nice site, easy to shop, great affordable items, beautiful pieces (every time I log on I check out their new in section and die inside with the beautifulness). I feel like Missguided came onto the scene and totally blew us all away this year with it's styles and amazing prices - I also think the quality is great too. Second place? Motel - I adore all their styles and have bought so many Motel pieces this year! 3rd? ASOS - because you just cannot beat them, the destination for well, everything!
Phew - so there we have it. My favourite items of 2014. What are your favourite items this year/brands? Have you used any of the above? Do you like the sound of any of it?
Lots of love, Em x
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