JANUARY EMPTIES

Haven't done one of these in a while! I don't have a whole lot of skincare/makeup empties this month - didn't keep much around after new years - but have managed to collect a few things from my hair routine stash. I generally go through them fairly quickly, but always forget to include them in a post, so this is a good chance to share some of my favourite hair styling products!

Batiste Dry Shampoo for Brunette Hair
I've been using Batiste for some time now, and it's definitely my drugstore dry shampoo of choice. I actually bought this without realising there a version for dark and deep brown hair, but am loving the coloured range altogether because it doesn't leave any obvious white marks on my almost black hair. I generally go all out with dry shampoo, and don't always brush through as much as I should (especially when I'm in a rush), so this works out really well because it blends into my hair colour.
Repurchase? Yes.

Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray
I absolutely love the original Tresemmé Heat Tamer Spray, so I was very interested in this when I first saw it in store. To be honest I don't find a big difference between the two - they both protect my hair from heat styling - but I've taken a liking to the scent of this Shine Spray (smells like you've been to a salon) so I'll probably make it my new staple. I can't say much about the 'shine' part, though I'm not too fussed since I don't need the excess oil or shine.
Repurchase? Yes.

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hair Spray
I've tried and tested numerous thickening hair sprays, powders and serums, and this is one of the first that works on my hair. I have very fine limp hair, so it sits quite flat on my head, especially when in between washes (I wash my hair every other day). I have been on a search for something that would give me more 'umph' for the longest time now and this spray is the winner. I only need 3-4 pumps on the roots, a little blow dry, and it keeps my hair voluminous all day long. This isn't exactly cheap though, so do use sparingly!
Repurchase? Yes.

BEST OF BEAUTY 2013

It's that time again for another 'best of beauty' yearly round up! I've really enjoyed reading what everyone has been posting, I love that I'm getting a quick rundown of the favourite of the most favorited, ultimate number one, beauty products of 2013 in one single blog entry. I have a good few products to go through on my list, but I'll try to keep it short and precise!

Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer & Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

Hands down my favourite primer and foundation combo. Hyda Veil is a great primer all-round, but the lightness of the formula works really well with the creaminess of the Skin Base foundation, creating a smooth finish that lasts all day. Illamasqua Skin Base is medium to high coverage, but it wears surprisingly natural whilst giving a flawless finish.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation

Probably my most used foundation of 2013. I think this is the perfect everyday go-to foundation, it gives my skin that much needed boost in the morning without wearing oily during the day. I can't say that this foundation hydrates my skin, but it definitely gives the illusion that my dull skin is smooth and moisturised after application. Plus it's so affordable!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer & Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Maybelline has won me over with their concealers this year, I've almost stopped using high-end concealers altogether! Instant Age Rewind is amazing for underneath the eyes, it wears a little thicker and creamier, so it's perfect for eliminating dark circles and smoothing out the skin. Maybelling Fit Me is thinner in consistency and coverage, but is great for anywhere on the face because it blends seamlessly and doesn't look too heavy.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

I've been really digging my drugstore products for face this year, and Rimmel Stay Matte is probably one of my favourite finds for 2013. I was actually given this after my friend who bought it swore it was the worst product ever, but luckily it wears very well on my combination/dry skin (my friend has oily skin). I only apply powder on the t-zone area which do tend to get oily very quickly, but this really sets everything in place making my foundation last a lot longer.

Benefit Hooler Bronzing Powder and Rockateur Blush

I've been wearing these two babies on an almost day-to-day basis, and they pair beautifully together. I tend to be super nitpicky when it comes to bronzers because a lot of them make me look orange, but Hoola is the perfect shade to compliment my skintone. I don't think I need to talk much about Rockateur, it's pretty much universally loved by the blogging community and I can't agree more - the shade is simply gorgeous!

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Dixie

This shade looks a little intense in the swatch but it wears a soft pinky coral when blended out. The texture of Illamasqua Cream Blushers are top notch, they are super pigmented, very easy to blend out (whether using your fingers or a stippling brush) and give a lovely natural dewy finish. I've been eying a couple more of these to add to my collection in 2014!

Jump for the best of 2013 eye products!

BEST OF 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I hope 2013 will be filled with nothing but happiness and adventure for everyone, and of course, lots of new makeup! In retrospect, 2012 was quite good for me, I got to go to Japan, Hong Kong AND Thailand all in one year. Travel was definitely a big part of my 2012 resolutions, and I'm hoping to keep that ball rolling right into 2013! What are some of your new year resolutions?

So I know I'm a little behind (like always), but it's time to make a mention to those favorites of favorites, best of the best makeup products of 2012. Let's get right into it! :) 

Favorite Base & Foundation: Koh Gen Do Makeup Color Base & Aqua Foundation
Koh Gen Do didn't get on my radar till well into 2012. I only bought this base and foundation duo in October when I was in Japan, but these babies have since lived up to, and beyond, my expectations. Before KGD entered my life, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra would have taken the crown hands down, and they are both great long-wearing foundations, but KGD matches my skintone TO A TEE. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra also has a tendency to make me look ghostly in flash photography, whereas KGD wears natural on me all round. Definitely a WINNER.

Favorite Concealer: Lancome Long-Lasting Softening Concealer
I've used this concealer for quite some time now because it's absolute gold in terms of covering up those pesky dark circles. I've come across many concealers that work fine underneath the eyes, but on those days where I'm really deprived of sleep, most of them are just not enough. This Lancome concealer has yet to fail me on any occasion, and I'm praying that it won't, ever!

Favorite Finishing Powder: MAC MSF Natural
One of the things that keeps me going back to my MAC MSFN is how lightweight and natural it sits on top of my foundation. I only usually apply finishing powder on my T-zone area as oppose to my entire face, and MAC MSFN is tough against those zones - it's stays on me a good 4-5 hours before I have to blot away the oiliness, which is the longest wearing powder on me so far!

Favorite Highlighter: MAC MSF in Lightscapade
I've never been much into highlighters, I've always found it hard to get right and have had a tendency to turn myself into a shiny disco ball when applied carelessly. Lightscapade is very subtle and not at all shimmery, it gives me a natural glow and the finish is very soft - even when you tend to be a little heavy handed like me.

Favorite Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
This one was kind of a no-brainer. Tarte Exposed took the blogosphere by storm in 2012, and there's really no question to why this little blush is so still popular. It is simply THE everyday go-to, and wears nicely across many, many different skintones. You just can't go wrong with this gorgeous neutral blush!

Favorite Eyeshadow Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
I have quite a few go-to eyeshadow primers, and Too Faced Shadow Insurance has been THE ONE for me in 2012. It does all it promises - my eyeshadow does not crease, morning till night!

Favorite Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked 2
I have to admit I was skeptical when I first got Naked 2, my opinion of it was that it didn't really differ that much from the original palette. But sure enough, I've proved myself wrong again. I've since used my Naked 2 a whole lot more than the original palette, it's an essential item in my morning before work routine!