If you've ever come across an old selfie that you look banging in and thought, "I wish I remembered what makeup I was wearing' then I'd definitely recommend compiling a blogger-esque journal, as I absolutely relish the fact that I can flick through the description boxes of my monthly favourites videos and be reminded of products that stood out from the crowd.
With that said, here are the products that stood out from the crowd for me in 2018: the best of the bunch, the leaders of the pack and the ones I'll be glad I wrote a blog post about for my forgetful but still beauty-obsessed future self. And for you of course, dear reader!
This product will revolutionise the way you moisturise (fantastic word play there, if I do say so myself) and has become a staple in my routine that I'll repurchase again and again. You apply this on wet skin after showering which takes all of sixty seconds, and the result is beautifully soft and nourished skin without any of the faff. If you're one of those people who can't stand moisturising their whole body, you absolutely need this in your life.
2. Institut Esthederm Intensive Hyaluronic Serum
The best thing to reach for when you skin reaches crisis point with dryness, and I'm not being hyperbolic - this is marketed as a 'crisis' product for acute dehydration that you apply as a targeted treatment rather than every day. I find it one of the most reliable go-to's in my bathroom cabinet as it simply does the job, working to immediately relieve my skin and leave it incredibly smooth with a lovely bounce that only comes from deep hydration!
3. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Glossier in general has been a firm new favourite of mine in 2018 and if there's one thing I recommend to all of my friends, it's their conditioning face wash. In my eyes it's the perfect morning or night cleanser and is completely no-frills and no-fuss, but still manages to feel luxurious with its soft creamy gel formula and rosewater scent. The cleaning agent is the same used in contact lens solution, so you can imagine how non-irritating and gentle it is!
4. Benefit BADgal Bang! Mascara
Whilst I also fell in love with the uber-natural look of Glossier Lash Slick this year, nothing could beat Benefit's gravity-defying drop as the effect it has on my lashes is pretty out of this world. It lengthens them like crazy, builds huge volume and is the blackest mascara I've ever used, all whilst never clumping and giving a fanned-out effect that's quick to achieve.
5. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
I well and truly slept on this, for no reason other than I wasn't sure what it actually does, and having made the purchase in 2018, I can safely say that it does the most. A complexion booster that illuminates skin (as though from within) and blurs imperfections, it gives the most incredible glow that you can tailor, e.g. tap along cheekbones for a subtle sheen or apply all over for a megawatt glisten. Never in my life have I had more "what foundation do you use?" or "what's on your skin?" comments!
6. Glossier Boy Brow
In a world of Instagram makeup where phrases like "next, clean up your brow with concealer" are thrown about leaving me utterly baffled, Boy Brow made me fall in love with super natural, brushed up brows. I use the shade 'Blond' and love the Hadid-esque finish it gives, adding a hint of colour and definition and allowing you to get that effortless fluffy look with a hold that's strong but soft.
7. bareMinerals GEN NUDE Patent Lip Lacquer
Gloss made a comeback in a big way in 2018, and the clear winner for me was this ultra-shiny little gem from bareMinerals that's actually a liquid lipstick! You're guaranteed to find your perfect nude - mine is 'Dahling' or 'Everything' - and the formulation is just so gorgeous: creamy, moisturising, insanely pigmented and a delicious vanilla scent.
8. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise
A couple of years ago I bought the shade 'Jean' from this cream eyeshadow range but found it really dry, as though the pot had been opened and left to sit for ages. I decided to give them another go with 'Marie Antoinette' and was so pleasantly surprised - 'Jean' must've been a dud! - as it had such a hydrating formula, glided onto my lids with ease and blended out like a dream. It's my new foolproof golden bronze eye in one step, and stays put all day.
9. Essie Nail Colour
Whilst I do love Essie polishes, 2018 was all about the shade 'Ballet Slippers'. A lifelong favourite of The Queen, no less, and loved by manicurists, bloggers and stylists alike - it's the most classic pale pink shade that flatters, enhances and goes with every single outfit you could possibly think of. It'll probably be my polish of choice on my wedding day - although I'd be tempted by the Alessandra Steinherr x DryBy collection, have I been thinking about this too much? - and I adore the way it makes my hands look clean and pretty.
10. Glossier Cloud Paint
Being a chronically ill person whose complexion often looks as tired and grey as I feel on the inside, I flipping love blush. Cloud Paint has a soft gel-cream formula that, like many of Glossier's products, is customisable depending on how much you apply and where you apply it. They blend seamlessly into the skin and give a beautiful youthful pop, making you look all perky and pretty. You can get creative by mixing shades, and my favourite duo is Beam with Dusk for a flattering peachy nude.
Do we share any of the same beauty discoveries of 2018, or do you have any recommendations for me as we head into 2019? I'd love to know!
Photos by Megan Duffield Photography
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