Usually I'm an out with the old, in with the new kinda guy, but occasionally I find a product/person/Trader Joe's snack worth holding on to; worth recommending, even! Without further ado, here's the best bits of 2014 according to your's truly.
Cleanser
2014, the year of the oil cleanse. Yes, yes, I know the OCM (oil cleansing method) has been around forEVER, but brands didn't and in 2014 they finally realised that perhaps their eccentric aunt with the penchant for shopping bags and olive oil on ALL OF THE THINGS was, well, maybe onto something. DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil has long been a favorite, and for good reason. It's basic, yet gentle and incredibly effective. Clinique's Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm is my go-to for a facial message and is endorsed by the one and only Caroline Hirons. For a more traditional cleanse, I adore Kate Somerville's Detox Daily Cleanser. Though aimed at blemish-prone skin, Detox Daily is a solid cleanser for all but the most dry and sensitive.
Toner
Toner is important, people! Seriously, nine times out of ten when someone comes to me for advice and they've got the "I've tried it all" pin, toner is what they're missing. Toners have such wonderful benefits and have come sooooooo far. Peter Thomas Roth's Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads are wonderful for congested, stressed skin, though are perhaps a bit much for sensitive skin. Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner is wonderful and a true HG product (if you're adverse to fragrance, just avoid Clarins all together).
Serum
Many still aren't sold on serum, which is a pity because right now the technology in those buggers is extraordinary and they're only getting better. What an exciting time to be alive! Unlike my east Asian brothers and sisters, I haven't the time/patience/dedication for a multi-serum routine, so I need my serums to really be jacks of all trades. Clarins Double Serum relaunched in 2013 and has been massively successful, despite a very vocal backlash regarding one of the star ingredients, Paraffinum Liquidum, aka mineral oil. I've no issues with mineral oil in skincare, and Clarins newest reformulation of Double Serum is, in my opinion, one of the best catchall serums on the market. I also love Kate Somerville's Total Vitamin Serum, but as it has since been discontinued, I apologize for dangling that in front of your face.
Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts
Monday, January 5, 2015
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
2014 Beauty Favorites: Part II - Makeup
In part two of my 2014 beauty favorites (part one here), I'll focus specifically on makeup favorites.
Primer
Primer and I were not fast friends - I've only recently stumbled across one I can take seriously; Smashbox's Hydrating Primer is, in my book, one of the better primers on the market and one I consistently recommend to clients with ALL skin types, not just dry skin. The formula is lightweight, oil-free, and definitely adds something to the overall makeup look. I'm still not entirely sold on primers, but this guy is definitely a diamond in the rough.
Foundation
I love foundation, I cannot lie. Being my most loved makeup product, it is also the category I most heavily scrutinize. For a foundation to impress me, it has to be the real deal - coverage, longevity, true-to-skin shades, and general kickass-ness. (Just a quick aside, I have oily skin prone to breakouts if I'm not kind to it, NW 15-20). My favorite foundation for my skin (I'll explain) is Trish McEvoy's Even Skin Liquid Foundation. This stuff gives me life. It's a thin, watery formulation à la Chanel's Vitalumière Aqua, with a sheer to medium buildable coverage that never looks overdone - seriously, I think you could use the entire bottle and still not look like a drag queen (no tea no shade). That said, the shade range leaves a lot to be desired, though if you're a rich old white woman (McEvoy's target audience) you should be able to find match. If you're unable to find a shade match in Even Skin, I will never not recommend NARS Sheer Glow and Sheer Matte foundations. Don't let the name mislead you, there's nothing particularly sheer about either formulation, nor is Sheer Glow particularly glowy or Sheer Matte particularly matte. Questionable naming aside, both formulas provide long lasting coverage and the shade range is off the chain.
Primer
Primer and I were not fast friends - I've only recently stumbled across one I can take seriously; Smashbox's Hydrating Primer is, in my book, one of the better primers on the market and one I consistently recommend to clients with ALL skin types, not just dry skin. The formula is lightweight, oil-free, and definitely adds something to the overall makeup look. I'm still not entirely sold on primers, but this guy is definitely a diamond in the rough.
Foundation
I love foundation, I cannot lie. Being my most loved makeup product, it is also the category I most heavily scrutinize. For a foundation to impress me, it has to be the real deal - coverage, longevity, true-to-skin shades, and general kickass-ness. (Just a quick aside, I have oily skin prone to breakouts if I'm not kind to it, NW 15-20). My favorite foundation for my skin (I'll explain) is Trish McEvoy's Even Skin Liquid Foundation. This stuff gives me life. It's a thin, watery formulation à la Chanel's Vitalumière Aqua, with a sheer to medium buildable coverage that never looks overdone - seriously, I think you could use the entire bottle and still not look like a drag queen (no tea no shade). That said, the shade range leaves a lot to be desired, though if you're a rich old white woman (McEvoy's target audience) you should be able to find match. If you're unable to find a shade match in Even Skin, I will never not recommend NARS Sheer Glow and Sheer Matte foundations. Don't let the name mislead you, there's nothing particularly sheer about either formulation, nor is Sheer Glow particularly glowy or Sheer Matte particularly matte. Questionable naming aside, both formulas provide long lasting coverage and the shade range is off the chain.
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