My beauty champions of 2014 – top 10 discoveries that have a permanent place in my home

It’s been a year of discoveries, changing perceptions, and re-evaluating expectations from beauty products and brands. I’ve sifted through the claims and reviews to come to my own conclusions, and then trialled and tested until satisfied. And along the way I’ve realised I am pretty disloyal, save for a few brands which I have used for years. And I’m reclaiming my skin sensitivity!

Curiously, no lip balms or hand creams have made it on to the list. Maybe one will in 2015.

So, my beauty champions of 2014:

1. Pai skincare’s camellia & rose hydrating cleanser

The perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. I’ve been using this one periodically this winter, when skin needed a hydrating boost. I would use it all the time if it was a bit cheaper.

2. Mary Kay oil free eye make up remover

Takes off eye make up in one swipe, no rubbing or scrubbing. It’s the only one that takes off waterproof make up properly. I even use it to take off lipstick. You need to know a Mary Kay consultant to buy these, as they are not available in shops. Head over to their website or get in touch with me and I will pass on the details of my consultant (my sister 🙂 )

3. Daniel Sandler sculpt and slim

This is great for nights out when only a smokey eye will do. Then this beauty comes in to its own, helping create a bit of drama on cheeks. I’ve finally bought the right brush to apply this properly (Real techniques finishing/setting brush). Seems to suit most skin tones too.

4. Real Techniques brushes

I’ve got 4 in my set now. So cheap and so good. They wash well, they remain soft, the hairs don’t fall out, and they do exactly what they need to. The main reason I love them is that they remain soft. I’ve found the more expensive ones don’t always stay soft after washing.

5. 3 custom colour clarifying pencil

What a find! I’ve given one of these to my Mum and she loves it too. I use it almost every day. It just seems to finish my eyes – creating a bit of brightness to them. I’m all for playing with light to create illusions (of being awake 🙂 ).

6. Naturally thinking’s orange floral water

A great conditioner for skin. It’s hydrating and has the most divine smell. Enough said.

7. Kate Moss lasting finish matte lipstick from Rimmel

I’m not one for high street make up, but this lipstick is fantastic. It stays on, doesn’t bleed, is just the right colour and the matte is sophisticated and properly matte. I need to take a look at the other colours in the range to see if I like any more of them.

8. NARS pro-prime instant line & pore perfector

Wow, what a find. If you are looking to create a smooth surface / canvas for make up, then this is a must for your make up bag. I use this whenever I want skin to look perfect. I love the stuff.

9. móa green balm

This teeny, tiny pot has saved my cuticles this winter. No more dryness there. I haven’t used it for anything else, but I will be sure to get a big pot soon.

10. Aurelia probiotic skincare’s revitalise & glow serum

I love serums and this one has got to be one of the best I have ever used. My skin looked amazing after just one use. And knowing that it is organic and kind to sensitive skin is a big plus for me. I’ll be buying this as soon as I’ve used up my Oskia one.

And finally, I am pleased to say that only one of these was a sample that was sent to me for testing (Aurelia probiotic). And one was a product included in a goodie bag for attending a talk, a ticket for which I had bought (Pai skincare). Everything else I discovered for myself 🙂

Thanks for reading and supporting me in 2014. Without you, I wouldn’t have a reason to write and share.