2014 Beauty Favourites

Year 2014 marked the first time I stepped outside my Chanel Rouge Double Intensite (reviewed here) comfort zone and tried out other lipsticks. Some were good, some not so good. It was also the year I moved from brighter eyeshadows to neutrals and began paying attention to skin care. I discovered my Holy Grail concealer, eye primer, serum and face mask. Not all of my 2014 favourites are products that launched in 2014; some of them came out a year or two ago.

Read all about my favourite beauty products for 2014.

Eyeshadow Palettes

Too Faced Chocolate Bar (Read my review here)

Packaged like a bar of chocolate, this palette contains neutral-ish eyeshadows that smell of chocolate, making my mornings delightful. What's not to love? Too Faced now has a sequel to this palette, titled "Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar". Want, will buy. 

IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Vol 1 Matte Transforming Palette (Read my review here)

This is a matte eyeshadow fan's delight. I love the ginormous variety of neutrals in here, especially the slate- and sunny-tones. I am looking forward to buying the new Celebration palette.

Lorac Pro 2 (Read my review here)

The sequel to Lorac Pro (reviewed here), this palette contains an equal mix of mattes and shimmers, and plum-, olive- and navy-tones. Now that is versatility. And, did I mention insane pigmentation?

theBalm Balmsai Palette (Read my review here)

With neutral and jewel tones, eyebrow powders, eyeliners and stencils for shaping the brows, preventing fallout and perfecting the winged look, this is the perfect palette for travelling.

Lipsticks

Lorac Pro Matte in Mauve and Pink Taupe (Read my review here)

These amazing, lightweight, highly pigmented and matte retractable lip crayons come in the perfect shades ever, and I reach for Mauve or Pink Taupe almost every day. Mauve is the best dusty rose ever. If I had to choose just one lipstick to wear for the rest of my life, it would be Lorac Pro Matte in Mauve.

Rouge d'Armani in 502 Pink (Read my review here)

I had my doubts about Rouge d'Armani, but the staying power of this creamy bullet lipstick is impressive, not to mention the beautiful, wearable shade.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Matte Lipstick in N*dist (Read my review here)

The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Mattes and Rimmel Provocalips (reviewed here) are the best liquid lipsticks that launched in 2014. I would pick both as finds of 2014, but Bourjois does not need the glossy balm on top, and therefore wins by a whisker. Beautiful formula, and the price will not break the bank. Buy yours here.

Eye Primer

Kat von D High Voltage Eye Primer (Read my review here)

This functions as a primer as well as a concealer. It holds on to eyeshadow all day, preventing creasing, and covers imperfections nicely - what's not to like? Will repurchase forever.

Concealer

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye (Read my review here)

The darkest of dark circles, the worst post-acne hyperpigmentation, all disappear with this concealer. I have not reached for Time Balm, Boi-ing, Touche Eclat or any of the concealers I used before, ever since I began using Bye Bye Under Eye.

Skincare

Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate (Read my review here)

Finally, a serum that does not break me out, that does not leave my skin oily, that refines pores and makes my face appear much smoother. I do keep trying new things I find in beauty boxes, but nothing compares to Advanced Genefique. On my third bottle and counting.

GlamGlow Bright Mud Eye Treatment

If you have a special occasion coming up, using one of these packs about 15 minutes before getting ready will make a huge difference to your eye area. I will review the packs in detail soon - have repurchased already! Buy yours here.

GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment (Read my early review here)

The rumours ARE true. This is the best face mask I have used (all those Memebox masks/packs don't hold a candle to it). I have repurchased this, but my only gripe is that the cost makes me want to save using the mask for incredibly special occasions. If you have combination or oily, tired or puffy skin, or just want glowing skin 10 minutes before an event, you will LOVE GlamGlow. Buy yours here. 

Bath and body

EleVease Shower Step (Reviewed here)

Thanks to this handy step which exists in the corner of my shower, shaving, buffing, exfoliating and moisturising my feet and legs is a breeze now, even on those days when my back sulks. Can't live without it.  In case you are sick of balancing yourself on one foot in the shower, get the Shower Step here - they ship worldwide.

Miscellaneous

I did not find any new mascara that wowed me more than Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes did, or a foundation I loved better than Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Compact. As for brushes and applicators, nothing I tried in 2014 came close to my favourite Beautyblender. I did find the only lip crayon I love - Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Radiant Rose, reviewed here.
What products did you love in 2014? Do we have any favourites in common? Tell me in the comments below!

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