I was tagged by Tara* of Keeping Up With Me to write a post about my favourite 11 products of 2011. Initially I thought, “easy-peasy”… but as a began to attempt to whittle my favourites down, I realised what a difficult task this would be. 2011 has brought me so many awesome products, so much new knowledge and so many new favourites. I did, however, soldier on and with delight, I bring you my top 11 products of 2011.
A lot of these are relatively new finds. I think it’s because I started blogging this year, I’ve suddenly been surrounded by all these wonderfully knowledgeable people with fantastic tips on products to try, and many of the products listed below have been recommended to me by friends.
HAIR PRODUCTS:
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I took the plunge and balayaged my hair this year. The change was refreshing, but the ends of my hair were a bit fried afterwards. I’ve been using Moroccan Oil religiously, so when I discovered they made an Extra Volume shampoo and conditioner, I was thrilled. You need very little of each product to get big results. The shampoo leaves your hair beautifully clean and the conditioner was finally able to bring some life and shine back into the ends of my hair. The combination gives bounce, volume and most importantly that beautiful healthy shine.
The David Babaii for Wildaid Bohemian Beach Spray is a “can’t live without” product for me. For those days when you really wish your hair was looking awesome, but it isn’t. Spritz a little on the ends, scrunch and fluff. The result is supermodel-esque beach hair that smells like honey.
SKIN PRODUCTS:
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I’ve never had fabulous skin. I get the occasional breakout, blackhead and lots of blocked pores. I switched to using organic products on my skin about six months ago and the difference has been incredible. No more breakouts, no more dryness. My skin is plumper, dewier and much smoother. Planet Eve Certified Organics is the heart of my skincare routine. But the main product I absolutely adore is the Daily Face Moisturiser. It absorbs immediately into my skin, making it feel so quenched and soft. And the anti-aging ingredients aren’t doing me any harm either.
Trilogy Rosehip Oil was recommended to me recently and I cannot speak highly enough of it. It really is liquid gold. It has almost completely gotten rid of some old acne scars, smoothed out some fine lines around my eyes, softened dark circles and generally improved the tone and texture. It’s also beginning to assist with fading some sun damage on my cheeks. It is so cheap, you simply can’t afford to go without it.
FOUNDATIONS:
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I’m a foundation junkie. That’s why I’m including two. Estée Lauder Double Wear is my holy grail foundation. I work long hours. Double Wear means I never have to worry about my makeup. I put it on at 5:30 in the morning and it’s still perfect at 8pm and beyond. It’s lasted me fifteen hours and longer without a single touch up.
Australis Paparazzi Perfect is my night-time, party foundation. The light reflecting minerals mean it matches my skin/body perfectly no matter if I’ve had a brand new tan, if I’m a little pale or even if I’m halfway between the two. I never have to worry about people photographing me, because my skin always looks flawless, dewy and perfect.
EYE PRODUCTS:
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I LOVE eye makeup. I adore it. I used to use two mascaras, one on top of the other until I discovered Australis Killer Curves Mascara. It curls, it lengthens, it volumises and it doesn’t clump or stick your lashes together. You can put on two or even three coats and still no clumps. Round of applause from me.
Napoleon Perdis China Doll Gel Eyeliner (in Equinox – black) is a relatively new find. I’ve been a devotee of the kohl pencil for years, but I always ended up with panda eyes or fall out no matter which brand I used. This baby is black as can be, sets and doesn’t budge and can be used on your inner and outer lids with perfect results. Using a really fine angled brush means you can get a much finer line and you have much more control than with a pencil. I can see and long and happy relationship in the future.
LIP PRODUCTS:
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I’ve never been much of a lipstick wearer until recently. I used to be happy with a slick of gloss or tinted lip balm, but my lipstick adventures of late have convinced me I’ve definitely been missing out. Lipstick is no longer drying, boring, dark or messy. My two favourites from 2011 are Face of Australia Lip Quench in Lychee Crush – because it’s so deliciously moisturising, packs an SPF 30+ punch and is the perfect combination of pink and nude. My other favourite is Inglot Slimline Gel Lipstick in #40 because the beautiful bright coral really lights up my face, it’s absolutely packed with pigment and leaves your lips feeling soft, smooth and plump. It also lasts beautifully.
What are your favourites from 2011? Did you make any wonderful beauty discoveries? Please let me know! I’m always on the lookout for new products. Leave your comments, stop by the new Lashes & Lattes facebook page or tweet me.
* Tara tagged all her readers, and I’m subsequently tagging all of you Image may be NSFW.
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Here’s to a wonderful, blessed and beautiful 2012!
Rosemary xox
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