My favourite beauty products of 2016 are all new discoveries. I don’t normally do an annual round up, but I was having a bit of a clear up of my beauty stash and I was reminded of some great products. If I was choosing products from previous years, this post would have been a thesis. What follows are my favourite beauty products that I discovered in 2016. These are all products that I am using, repurchasing, or that I have recommend to everyone that will listen.
Skincare
As you know I am a cleanseaholic so I am starting with my favourite skincare product. I have used many cleansers this year but the one that stood out for me (and I have a backup) is the ESPA Optimal Skin Pro Cleanser. In a nutshell, it is a balm cleanser, in a tube with a glorious gentle yet effective exfoliating effect on the skin. LOVE IT.
My other standout skincare item is the Exuviance Bionic Oxygen Facial. Flipping amazing. When I fell like my skin needs a bit of a pep, this is what I go to. It is fun to use but the effect of the skin is visible immediately and it does what none of my other masks do. Big thumbs up.
Packaging
Normally in a favourite beauty products post, you won’t find a paragraph devoted to packaging but I had to do it. Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder compacts. This was the celeb collaboration to beat and in my humble my opinion no-one did. Packaging wise there is nothing in my substantial beauty stash that even comes close. The vintage cigarette case inspiration pulled off in faux leather and gold plated metal is robust and gorgeous to look at. Swoon!
Complexion Products
2016 is the year that I fell in love with powder. Not just any powder, YSL Souffle D’Eclat in shade 4. I have used this product literally every day since I bought it. Unicorn tears, mermaid scales and rainbow dust came together in powder form. It gives a subtle brightening and highlighting effect under the eyes and prevents my foundation from ending up all over the frame of my specs. You need it.
My favourite formula of foundation is stick and Hourglass knocked Tom Ford off the top spot. The Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick proved that Hourglass understood skin tones and undertones. Launching 26 shades with no skin tone left behind was good. The fact that the foundation was outstanding was the cherry on the cake. Whether you use a beauty sponge, kabuki brush, stippling brush or traditional foundation brush, it covers every imperfection and blends like a dream.
Eye Products
The Lola eye shadow base surprised me. In a good way. It has been in constant use this year. Thinner than a MAC Paint Pot but the staying power of Urban Decay’s Primer Potion. If they were to make this in a range of colours it would be unstoppable. Super affordable and works really well on greasy lids.
It has been a great year for eye shadows and I have tried lots of formulas. Many were good but some were great. The ones that impressed me most in 2016 have been Natasha Denona and Juvias Place satin and shimmer shades and Viseart matte shades. So good!
Lip products
I purchased many purple lipsticks this year and the vast majority of them were great but I have two products that stood out for very different reasons. Dose of Colours liquid lipstick formula is hands down the best formula I have ever used. It does not dry out the lips and yet has longevity and staying power. Not the easiest to get hold of in the UK but such a good formula it is worth seeking it out.
La Maq Pro has to be my top purple lipstick pick because it is such an unassuming but brilliant lipstick. The packaging is basic but the colour and formula are top notch. The only downfall is that I had to go to IMATS to pick it up.
Fragrance.
In my fragrance journey Yves Rocher Neroli picks up where L’Occitane Neroli left off. They are not the same fragrance by any means but it gives me all the feels.
I spent a lot of time in the Miller Harris boutique in Central London this year. La Fume Alexandrie is my first oud fragrance purchase and I absolutely LOVE it. It really has opened my nose to the possibility of oud.
Home Fragrance
Rathbornes and True Grace are both candles that stood out for me this year. Not only were the fragrances exquisite but they burned beautifully and the glass ware was divine.
If you want to buy me a candle, almost any fragrance from either range is a guaranteed winner.
2016 has been a great year for products. I’m looking forward to discovering more in 2017. I’d love to hear about your favourite beauty product from this year.