Sunday, 7 January 2018

The Best of 2017

2017 has finally wrapped up and needless to say, it has been one of the most trying years. While there have been plenty of ups, there have been several downs to balance it out and I guess that is what life is maybe all about. On the makeup front, 2017 has been great as I managed to get almost everything on my list (that too on amazing sale prices). Not only that, I took an amazing course from Natasha's Salon which really changed my makeup game.

I haven't been blogging regularly due to a hectic job routine and the jam-packed wedding season but I hope to make up for it this month. Hence, kicking off the new year with a list of all the products which stole my heart last year. And frankly speaking, lists are usually the best things to read.

Primer - Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer

This year I spent a great deal in trying out new primers and the one which topped the list was this one by Urban Decay. From the formula to the finish, this primer is perfect.

Foundation - Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Fenty Beauty created waves when it was announced and their foundation quickly became one of their best selling products, greatly due to the shade range they have to offer. In my debate between this and Huda Beauty's foundation, I ended up getting the Fenty foundation and boy I am glad.

The foundation gives a flawlessly smooth complexion which looks radiant. And it lasts pretty long and doesn't feel heavy or cakey on the skin.

Concealer - NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer

Out of all the concealers, I have tried, nothing quite comes close to this concealer by NARS which so smoothly covers my dark circles and brighten up my undereye like it's nobody's business. Furthermore, once set with powder, the concealer stays put all day.  

Blush - Morphe 9N Blush Palette 

Not sure if this palette was released this year but this has been one of my fav products this year. The palette boasts a stunning variety of natural/pink shades which look beautiful against my complexion. Finding earthy/brown tones which actually show has been a bit of a feat for me, but this palette has solved that issue!

Contour - Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation in Mink

Though not a new release, the Anastasia Beverly Hill Contour stick in Mink is just the appropriate shade to contour the face with. It can add a subtle contour or can be built up for a stronger one.

Highlight - Jouer Cosmetics Powder Highlighter in Topaz

A past year has seen Jouer Cosmetics gain a lot of popularity. Though I ordered the highlighter on a whim, I have to say that it was one of the best buys of the year. The highlighter is stunning; it complements my skin tone beautifully. Along with that, the formula and finish is brilliant, it melts into the skin and gives a natural glow.

Setting Spray - Make It Last Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set

Setting sprays are part of my daily makeup routine and though I am loyal to my NYX Dewy Setting Spray, out of the new ones I tried, the Make It Last one by Milani was the only one which helped my seal my makeup and make it stay put for hours at a stretch.



Eyeshadow - Colourpop Pressed Powder Shadows

Colourpop has expanded its collection amazingly this year, with them introducing new products almost every month. The pressed shadows were one of the most coveted releases of the year and were well-worth the hype. The formula, the shade range and price tag was superb and they definitely win the 'eyeshadows of the year' award from me.

Glitter - Inglot Pigment in #22

Glitter eyes are here to stay and a heavy glittery eye look does not suit me that well. But since I love glitter eyes, this Inglot Pigment has been a game changer for me because the glitter is not over the top and the result is a subtle, sultry glitter eye look which I absolutely love. With this, you can control the amount of product you apply. Hence, a definite favourite!

Mascara - L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Touted to the be the dupe for Too Faced's much loved Better than Sex Mascara, this mascara gained a lot of hype. And I am happy to report that the hype was very much justified because this mascara gives fluttery eyelashes which take away the breath!

False Lashes - Samah M Beauty Secret Lashes

Speaking of lashes, 2017 was the year of false lashes for me because I finally got the hang of applying them (though I am far from being perfect). Hence, in my experimentation phase, I tried almost all lashes available in the market. However, the ones which won my heart were the Samah M Beauty Secret Lashes. The reason behind is that firstly the styles suited me well and secondly the band wasn't very thick which made them easy to apply.

And while we're still on the topic of eyelashes, let me just conclude by saying that the best eyelash glue EVER has to be the one by Sweet Touch London. It dries clear and makes your lashes stay put till you take them off!

(Forgot to include these in the picture - Sorry)

Lipstick - NARS Power Matte Lip Pigment/Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick

Though the formula is slightly on the drying side, the colour selection and the pigment of these liquid lipsticks are superb!

I got one of the ABH Matte Lipsticks and I love the formula. The finish is matte without drying out the lips and making them appear chapped.

Brushes - Colourpop

Colourpop introduced their brush range last year. I initially ordered them randomly to try them out and honestly speaking I was bowled over by them that I ordered more of them. The eyeliner brush is PERFECT for applying precise lines, while the blending brushes literally make blending a breeze. And given then price tag, I recommend these brushes to EVERYONE! Must.get.these.asap.guys!

Face Mask - L'Oreal Pure Clay Detox Face Mask



2017 was also the year, I made significant changes to my skincare routine and incorporated more products into it for healthy and fresh skin. L'Oreal's clay mask was the first mask I got from their newly introduced range and it was absolutely superb. Loved how the mask deep cleansed my skin and pulled out all excess dirt and impurities. It was slightly drying for my normal skin but nothing that a whole lot of moisturizer or coconut couldn't couldn't fix.

Wrapping up my favourites on that note! Will hopefully be more regular with my reviews and posts. Wish you all a happy 2018!

Love.