Products come and go but there are those that swept me off my feet, wowed me in mammoth proportion, and made me repurchase numerous times this year. I’m releasing my Annual Best in Beauty few weeks early because they are worth adding to your Holiday Gift Guide or Wish List. So ladies and zillas, here are my Top 14 in 2014 (reviews are linked for your reference) *drum roll please*
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When UK-based mega makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury debuted her eponymous line in the US market, luxe-loving junkies were singing in high notes, what with the hype bloggers and vloggers created in the makeup world. I fell in love with Filmstar Bronze and Glow (sculpt/highlight kit) because it gives me the luminosity and dimension without the overkill factor. Finding a great neutral lipstick is trickier than red that’s why I was more than elated to add Kissing Fallen From The Lipstick Tree Hepburn Honey in my nude must-have stash!
If you’re a frequent visitor or reader of this blog, you may have noticed the constant peddling of Guerlain in my FOTDs and reviews. Well that tells you a lot about my obsession for this brand. Purchased and repurchased, if that ain’t love then I don’t know what is. A summer discovery, Terracota Joli Teint has been go-to foundation even to this day. It primes, fills in pores, and protects against harmful rays. I wear medium shade for summer and neutral thereafter. Love at first use, that’s how much I’m into Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Powder Foundation. It’s the best setting powder I have come across to-date, it’s never cakey and feels lightweight.
When it comes to cheek products, Hourglass hit it big time with Ambient Lighting Blush. My favorite is Mood Exposure, a lovely soft plum which compliments my medium skin tone like no other. Another summer release, Givenchy Terre Exotique gives me the proverbial sun-smooched warmth whether I’m tan or not.
I seriously got hooked on cream eyeshadows this year, particularly with Givenchy Ombre Couture Eyeshadows (reviewed here and here). They are long-lasting, easy to apply and blend, and can be used as eyeliner too. I’m big on eyebrows in case you don’t know yet. I like ’em groomed and natural-looking. I’ve tried quite a few brands here and there but hands-down Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade has the best formula. Used with an angled brush, my brows look fuller yet tamed.
I’m extremely picky when it comes to eyeliners that’s because I have sensitive eyes and wear contacts. My top pick goes to Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon (2 years in a row now). It stays on the waterline, does not budge, and most importantly, it does not irritate my eyes. Wet or dry, NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow (Himalia) is stunning enough to wear on its own. Buttery-soft with phenomenal pigmentation, you bet I’m floored!
L’Occitane Fleur D’Or & Acacia Luminoul Body Oil is the best body oil I have tried to-date. It’s ultra-hydrating sans the greasy feel with subtle floral fragrance that’s truly divine! Murad Rapid Age Spot and Lightening Serum is my answer to post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation.
I am and will forever be a 90s girl so when matte lipsticks are all the rage this year, I couldn’t be more happy! The best matte lipstick crayon which is worth all the hoarding goes to Bite Beauty no less! And the best matte formula in the history of matte-kind goes to……. Tom Ford Lip Color Matte!
What’s the best beauty product you’ve tried this year? fill me in!
‘);
Girl, I am drooling at your picks, seriously… I need to finally pull the trigger and get that CT sculpting palette.
I think you'll like it!
I feel so out of touch with the makeup world – I haven't seen any of these products before!
Same way I feel when it comes to nail products 🙂
Love this post! I haven't tried any of these but they must be good because you always look good.
Thanks Aleya!
Love your luxurious picks! Glad to see the Bite Beauty lip crayon on the list. I should've included the Hourglass on my list, but 18 items seemed like a lot so I just mentioned it at the end. So many great products this year!
Indeed. So may great products that came out this year so I was very selective which to include …
OMG, while I have some of these– I want all of them, my makeup sister! Excellent choices, and you just made my want list multiply!
oh my makeup sibling! separated at birth but destined to "reunite", thanks to makeups!!!! lol
I love your picks! It is really a shame that I still haven´t tried any Charlotte Tilbury products.
start w/ the lippy and see if you'll like it too…
The Givenchy Terre Exotique is beautiful. Great picks.
thanks Kim!
Love your picks. Although the Tillbury product didn't work so well for me. Way too shimmery for someone my age!
we're the same age 😉
Love your choices. I'm not quite ready to claim my 2014 favourites yet. It's so hard!!
few weeks more, ring in the new year Kimmi!
I want the charlotte duo ! It has been on my list.
Something to try in 2015
No joke, you've made me lust over the Tom Ford lipsticks this year!!
oh no, my bad ;–0
Totally your fault that I bought my first Guerlain lippies, and it will likely be your fault if I ever break down and buy Tory Birch or Tom Ford! Lol. You have great taste in lippies!
I must warn you though, Tom Ford lippies are ADDICTING
Great picks!!
Mahalo
So many awesome products this year! NARS totally stepped up their game
I agree, NARS launched great products this year
i am utterly OBSESSED with everything on your list. Seriously you are my high end product loving twin. LOVE, LOVE LOVE!!!!
Yes twin! I can't wait to see your best of the best list!
Your bests and my bests are so similar! <3
Yay!!! When are you posting yours?
The Dipbrow Pomade is the best ever! Tom Ford and CT are on my 2015 wishlist.
Glad you liked that dipbrow! I am enabling you real bad for TF and CT!
I need to try that NARS shadow!
I've been hooked on Tarina Tarantino Neapolitan lane blush, Colour Pop Lippie Stix, and tons of indie and UD shadows.
you enabled me w/ those lippie stix!
I have enjoyed shopping vicariously though you this year! Would love to try Charlotte Tilsbury in 2015.
haha, the feeling is mutual my friend!
Love your selections! Mood Exposure is my favourite of the Ambient blush range as well.
isn't it the most flattering of all?
The body oil and the Murad both sound amazing! I love everything you cover here. In 2015, I am going to try Tom Ford and Guerlain.
Caveat: both are very addicting!!!
What a fabulous list of faves! It was so hard to choose just a handful of products. I found so many great brands and items this year!
True, it was hard to choose the best among the best!
Ohh that tom ford lipstick <3
These are all such fabulous picks! I don't know how you do it but you keep making me want EVERYTHING.
oh no! ….. sorrynotsorry. LOL. xo
I recently got some Charlotte Tilbury finally & they're fab!
can't wait to read your thoughts on them
I always look forward to your posts because they allow me to see some fun highend products I wouldn't normally look at on my own or discover otherwise. Great selection.
Thanks Honey. Sister here has serious addiction, haha
More to go on my wishlist!
These are some gorgeous selections!