2012 favorites!

With the year almost over (and no, I still can't believe we're heading into 2013) I thought it would be fun to show you guys some of my favorite make up and beauty products of the year. Having tried out a lot of different brands and types of product, I think I've gotten a fairly good idea of what works for my complexion and skin type, which in case you're wondering, is fair and oily.

Here they are in all their glory:

First is the Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment which I purchased from Nail It salon (http://www.nailit.com.kw/) about a month ago. I got the full set of products including their shampoo and deep repair masque, but I think I like the oil better than the masque. The way I use it is I simply apply a few drops to my  hair while it is completely dry and styled. Since I have bleached (also known as "damaged") ends, my hair gets frizzy in that area. This oil completely smoothes my ends and makes my hair looking super healthy and shiny, without weighing it down. This product will also last me forever as a tiny bit of it goes a long way.

Then comes my beloved Batiste Dry Shampoo. This "shampoo" is a white spray which you spray onto dirty hair whenever you don't have the time to wash it. The shampoo soaks all the oils from your scalp for 5 minutes, after which you can brush your hair to get rid of the white color. Batiste have a whole range of these and a lot of different scents, as well as darker colored dry shampoos for dark haired ladies.

Then comes the Bioderma Crealine H2o Ultra-mild Non-rinse Face and Eyes Cleanser which is hands down the best make-up remover that I have tried so far. It's so good that it even manages to remove more make-up after it's been removed with a make-up wipe. Now, head over to your nearest Boots and get it. Pronto. 

Naked 2 by Urban Decay. I doubt I need to explain why I love this palette, since 98% of the human population know of it and/or use it. I also have been loving the Bourgois bronzer. It's the one that looks like a chocolate bar and has an amazing smell. Since I'm very fair skinned, this bronzer works great for me due to it not being very dark. The Maybelline 24 hour tattoos have also been a favorite of mine, especially the color "On and on bronze", which is shown below.

If you're looking for a good primer to wear underneath your founation I would suggest The Porefessional from Benefit. It leaves the skin very velvety to the touch and I have no problem with my foundation throughout the day.

Speaking of foundation, I've tried a few different ones this year, and it's a tie between the Make Up Forever HD foundation, and this Revlon Color Stay. Both have great coverage, but I feel that the Colorstay has a less oily consistency and I don't need to use powder as much.

For blush I chose this cheek and lip stain from Benefit called Benetint. I have never tried anything like it but I simply love it now, having used it for a few months. All you need is a drop of this stuff on your cheek bones, and then you simply blend it with your fingers. Very easy and super quick application.

Mascara is an easy choice, and I have two favorites. Benefit's Bad Gal Plum mascara is great for daytime (and yes, it is dark purple), while the Maybelline Great Last is amazing for thicker and darker lashes.

Lippies! I have two MAC favorites and on from Revlon, as well as a pink NYX lip gloss. MAC's Ruby Woo is a great matte red color that stays on the lips even after drinking hot coffee. Love it. 

The other MAC lipstick is Pure Zen from the Marilyn Monroe collection, and is a peachy nude in a creamsheen finish. If you're looking for a dupe, Revlon's Soft Nude is pretty similar to it.

And last is my dying Revlon's Pink Pout, also a matte color. This is great because it is perfect for the day time and every day wear, since it is a light mauve pink.

The last item on my list is a nail polish from Essie. The color is called Ballet Slippers and it is a very pale creamy pink. Unfortunately, I do not have a swatch of it, but the color you see in the bottle is basically it, after 3 coats.

I hope you all enjoyed this post, and stay tuned for more posts coming your way. xx