Standout products from 2014

I’m not letting go of these!

I’m not one for writing product reviews mostly because there are so many people out there that who do the hard work for me but there are a few products from 2014 that I’ve got a firm grip on and I’m not letting go!

2014 really saw my interest in skincare and makeup bloom. Besides a general love for makeup my interest in skincare and people talking about skincare really came about because I was having a few issues of my own and I asked myself, what was the point of spending all this money on makeup if I wasn’t taking care of my base!?! That’s when the research started. If you don’t read, watch or follow beauty bloggers you are really missing out. The volume of information out there about products is just incredible. I really dislike the fact (but understand) that you can’t always try before you buy and that is why I find with all the reviews and recommendations, it is less of a risk parting with your cash.

Along with some trusted favourites, I tried a few new things last year that exceeded expectations. As far as product reviews go, I’m not going to talk of ingredients etc but I will link the product websites so you can have a read if you fancied. There were lots of products I liked but these products were new to me and I’m not sure I could live without them (I could of course but you know what I mean).

First up is La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+], Corrective, Unclogging Care, Anti-Imperfections, Anti-Marks. That’s a mouthful. Clogged pores were the main reason I tried this a product and boy, does it work. I was suffering from seriously clogged pores and am happy to say I am no more. I bought this tube in September 2014 and have used it morning and night so you can see how little you need. Not only has it helped keep my pores unclogged but when I did have a break out (which I haven’t for some time now) I felt it really helped speed up the process. Other things that are important to me with skincare are texture and smell. This is light and absorbs well into the skin and as for the smell, there is none. The presence of a fragrance can be a deal breaker for me. This product comes in at around €16-18 (depending on where you buy it) for 40ml. Given how long it has lasted and the visible results, it is well worth the money.

Next is Bourjois Healthy Balance unifying powder, 10hrs Matte Finish & Healthy Glow. I’m usually a bit weary of powders as I don’t in any way want to look cakey but this got some great reviews for oily skin so I gave it a whirl. I have in the past used MAC Mineralize Skin Finish and for the amount I used, I felt this was rather an expensive (but great ) product. At nearly half the price, Bourjois’ powder is an absolute winner. I’m not sure about the 10hrs but it definitely keeps the shine away for most of the day. It has to be said I don’t use powder to add colour to my face but to finish off my foundation and keep that shine at bay. Not that it matters too much but I also like the packaging. It comes with a compact mirror and is a great size to pop in your bag if you wanted to touch up.

I couldn’t write a product review without including a lipstick, or two for that matter. The first is another Bourjois product, it’s their Rouge Edition Velvet, shade 02 Frambourjoise. This product also got such great reviews and I was intrigued by the liquid feel that somehow magically turns matte. At such a great price, I picked this up for around €12 and I was brave enough to try a bright pink shade. This product really is amazing! There are only 6 shades and to me they are quite similar but the staying power is what makes this product so great. It has a lovely feel on the lips and I don’t find it drying at all. For all lipsticks I use a staining technique and with this product I find I don’t need to reapply even after eating and drinking. In fact I usually find I have to remove it with makeup remover at the end of the day so, a great product all round.

The luxury lipstick I bought myself in 2014 was Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in shade Sexy Sienna. This purchase came about as I was having trouble finding a matte coral colour and this was exactly what I was after. At a whopping €30, yes €30 this is definitely a luxury item! There are a few claims to this lipstick but two that stood out for me is first the shape of bullet. They say it has a ‘Revolutionary, square, angled tip mimics the shape of a lip brush for precision application’ and I have to say I agree. They also claim, ‘Lipstick Tree & Orchid extract softens, protects and hydrates lips for younger-looking, healthy lips’. I’m not too bothered about making my lips look ‘younger’ but for a matte lipstick you can definitely feel the softening and hydration when you wear it. I know the price tag is a little scary but this is not something you are buying every day so it’s a special treat, but well worth it.

I had some great finds in 2014 that are now part of my staple collection. I look forward to trying new products in 2015 and reading all the reviews and recommendations out there.

I’d love to know if you have tried any of these products or if there are any standouts for you. Pop your comments below as I’d love to hear your thoughts.