This post is kindly sponsored by Cult Beauty - a website I've shopped at a lot this year!
Today I wanted to talk beauty favourites. Not my new-in favs or even the products I've been loving for the past month, my favourites for the entire year!
As we reach the end of the year I always like to assess what I've loved, so that I can A) make a point of discovering even more from that brand in the new year to come, and B) so I can share with you what I really do rate and recommend. So I'm doing just that, sharing my top 15 favourite products but with the help of Cult Beauty to coincide with their Cult Product of 2017 campaign, where you have the chance to win a £100 Cult Beauty voucher every day (the things I would snap up!) via Instagram when you share your own favourite product of the year with #CultProductOfTheYear.
Anyway, I have a feeling this is going to be a long one so let's get into it!
BASE CULT BEAUTY FAVOURITES
Charlotte Tilbury Foundation
For the past year, this foundation has been the one I've reached for the most - I'm on my 3rd bottle and I've even got my sister obsessed with it! It was the first product I ever tried from Charlotte Tilbury back in late 2016 and it really did spark a love affair with the brand. For me this is everything I want and need in a foundation, it melts over the skin giving a flawless application with ease, it's full coverage but never cakey, it's buildable and it blurs, oh does it blur! When a foundation calls itself 'magic' it better live up to it and this sure as does - basically think flawless skin in a bottle! If you are wanting to try a new foundation in 2018 give this one a go, especially if you are in your late 20's+. Side note: You may be seeing a lot of Charlotte Tilbury products in this post... I'm a girl obsessed!
Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher
More Charlotte Tilbury, so soon? Yes! When it comes to concealer I'm a brighter is better believer, with light-reflecting concealer pens working really well for me to lift my complexion and make me look instantly more awake and youthful. However, I often found these kinds of concealer although ticking the brightening box didn't offer much in the way of coverage. That was until I gave The Retouched a go. As the name suggests it's more than a simple light reflecting concealer in that it retouches the areas of the face that just look a bit 'meh'. I apply this under my eyes, down my nose, even on my smile lines (it does something, trust me) and then some more wherever I feel I need it. Much like the Magic Foundation formula this blends over the skin with ease and feels like part of the skin and not like makeup at all. I'm so glad I discovered this concealer in 2017.
Becca Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector
Towards the end of the year I discovered this stunning highlighter and it was instant love. Okay, the limited edition packaging may have helped but as a fan of highlighting this ticked all the boxes for me. Although I'd tried quite a few products from Becca I hadn't tried their pressed Shimmering Skin Perfectors and always knew 'Champagne Pop' would be my first choice. Of course, the tone of this product and it's amazing light reflecting properties is what makes it and I can confirm it's one stunning highlighter that really is a pop of champagne on the cheekbones and will flatter all skin tones. However what sealed the deal for me and made this trump all other highlighters in my collection, I have a lot FYI, was the ridiculously smooth and finely milled powder, I mean it even feels different under the finger! I will definitely be adding more shades of this highlighter to my collection in 2018.
Benefit GALifornia
Next up, a blusher I picked up from one of my favourite beauty brands this summer. Actually, I remember this being quite an impulse purchase as I have just picked up a Benefit cheek palette so I really didn't need anymore, but I simply couldn't help myself as it seems a blusher fit for the summer months. And it certainly way! It instantly became my go-to blush as with its coral-pink tones it instantly added life back into my cheeks and looked perfectly flattering. I should also point out that if you've been hesitant to buy this blusher due to its golden tones then fear not, it's simply a gold spray that is gone with your first application. Although this may not be a blusher I reach for in winter it will certainly be getting a lot of use in spring/summer for years to come. Oh, and did I mention it's scented? Pink grapefruit and vanilla!
ON THE EYES CULT BEAUTY FAVOURITES
Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows
A fairly new favourite here that I decided I had to include as if I'd have tried this product sooner I knew the shade I own would have been used A LOT! Basically, I've been blown away by this product! Of course, if you're a beauty lover then you either own at least one of these or you've marvelled at swatches. But if you haven't then let me tell you about them! Described by Stila as taking the 'lip lacquer' phenomenon and modifying it for eyes this eyeshadow game changer is like nothing we have seen before. Think an insanely amount of different sized glitter packed into a liquid formula that feels weightless and non-irritating or even pulling on the lids. And it doesn't stop there, there's no fallout or flaking or even fading... these simply stay perfect once dry and give the most sparkle you can imagine! The shade range is also pretty damn perfect, as you can see I own both Kitten Karma (one of the most loved shades) and Rose Gold Retro which are universally flattering and oh so stunning. Side note: If you are thinking that these do look full on for an everyday look then you would be right. Well that's is you sweep the doe foot applicator over the lids giving opaque colour payoff. But for a more dispersed look, these can be used over powder or liquid eyeshadow as an almost eyeshadow topper by dabbing the liquid eyeshadow on with your fingertips. A truly standout new launch for 2017!
Becca Apres Ski Glow Collection Eye Lights Palette
Another amazing eyeshadow discovery in the past month has been this absolutely stunning Becca palette for Christmas 2017. Taking BECCA’s iconic Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed and adapting it especially for lids, this limited edition palette really is a beauty treat full of gorgeous wearable shades for both day and night. The palette features seven shades (Pearl, Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Opal, and Topaz plus two new festive hues) in satin matte and metallic shimmer finishes with that lighter than light finely milled texture Becca are known for. There really is so much to love about this palette. From the perfectly done packaging with large mirror to the stunning shade range and the fact that some of the shades can double up as highlighters. If you love shimmering neutral tones then this may become your dream palette - I know it's become mine!
NYX Slide-on Pencils
If you're a regular reader around here then you will have seen me mention these eyeliners before because they have been one of my most favourite discoveries of 2017. I love NYX products in general but this range of Slide-on Pencils has made me love them even more because the quality is just excellent. The range consists of both matte and metallic finish creamy kohl eyeliners but it's the metallic shades that I instantly more drawn to and the stars of the show I think. As you can see from my above swatches these are rich and pigmented shades that do not budge when on and are basically a steal for only £5.50 each!
ON THE LIPS CULT BEAUTY FAVOURITES
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillowtalk
When deciding to include a lip category I instantly knew Charlotte Tilbury would feature heavily here. Charlotte does a lot of things perfectly but nothing more so than lip products. This specific lip liner was one of my first buys, along with the above mentioned Magic Foundation, as it had already reached cult status and I was pretty certain I'd love it. Before then I'd dabbled with lipliners but I wouldn't use one every time I applied makeup, I didn't really see a need. That was until the Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk came into my life. Along with being a very good base for all lipsticks giving them extended wear time, this really is as the name suggests, a lip cheat. The pretty universal shade matches the natural colour of the lips perfectly so much so that you are able to go beyond the lip line to create the appearance of fuller lips without it looking unnatural in the slightest. This will always be a staple in my makeup bag and I know I will buy it for as long as Charlotte Tilbury continues to make it!
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Amazing Grace
Although this is all about my cult favourites of the year this section may just have to be my favourite range of products because I love all Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks equally and can't get enough of them! I may only have a modest collection of 3 shades right now - Amazing Grace, Penelope Pink and Electric Pop which have allowed me to try out all three finishes Charlotte Tilbury has to offer and are enough for me to declare love. What I enjoy most about these premium lipsticks are that they last on the lips without being drying or in the least bit uncomfortable. I also think that all the shades are spot on! I can see 2018 being the year I really extended my CT lip collection and I'm already looking forward to it. Next on my to buy list has to be Pillow Talk!
NIOD Lip Bio-Lipid Concentrate
On my hunt for lip plumping products this year, I came across this interesting find from NIOD. I love NIOD for skincare so I decided to give it a go. I have to say I didn't expect it to be as potent as it was but it sure is effective, which is something you don't often get with topical lip plumping products. In fact I just applied a drop to my lips as I type this to remind myself of the feeling and visible results and I'm currently experiencing the intense tingle that even feels like it's in the bottom of my nose - so it really is a marmite product as if you don't like anything with a tingle you will hate this. However, I can endure the 5-minute intense tingle sensation and redness, which does die down, for the results which are noticeably larger and plumper lips that last a good few hours... it really is impressive! I don't use this every time I apply makeup, just for evenings really, so it's well worth the money and a product I'd recommend to anyone with ageing or thin lips that finally wants to discover a product that works.
SKINCARE CULT BEAUTY FAVOURITES
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
Onto skincare now with my favourite premium cleansing product of 2017. Until I discovered this product through a deluxe sample earlier this year I found cleansing a necessary but boring process with the products I was using to remove makeup effectively but doing nothing more and definitely not feeling like a treat for my skin. Then I remember my first use of Emma Hardie's Moringa Cleansing Balm (always a sign of a good product), a cleanser I solely wanted to try because I love the scent of moringa, and I was blown away at how wonderful it made my skin feel after using it and how it easily it melted away makeup. This cleanser continues to please me with its results always leaving me with super soft, happy skin that benefits from a good dose of hydration. If you're someone that doesn't wear much makeup then I'd skip this but if like me you opt for long-wearing makeup and a daily sunscreen then this cleansing balm is the best product for the task of removing it all with ease at the end of each day.
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser
Another cleansing favourite is Sunday Riley's Ceramic Slip Cleanser which I've been religious using for the past year as my A.M face wash and my 2nd cleanse in the evening. With a gentle blend of French green clay and Moroccan rhassoul clay, along with other skin-benefiting ingredients, this is a cleanser perfect for oily/combination skins, making it ideal for my own skin type, although anyone with normal skin will also enjoy using it. Before using this liquid cleanser I hadn't found anything that would balance out oil production or help clean my pores, especially in a non-stripping way, so when I came across this I was more than thrilled. It is probably more than I would like to spend on a 1st cleanse but my skin loves it and I don't think I could stray from it now!
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream
Back to Charlotte Tilbury with another cult favourite of the year. Enter Charlotte's Magic Cream, a cream which is designed to sit under makeup beautifully and basically brings the skin to life. Absorbing beautifully and instantly transforms dull skin especially in the cold months this really is an instant turnaround moisturiser as described. It's also a cream that makes you enjoy using the foundations that didn't work or sit well on the skin, as along with a ton of gorgeous ingredients it contains silicones that make all base products apply a dream. As for the price point, it is certainly a luxury item, however, if you have dry, ageing or dull skin (it's the latter for me) then you be blown away by how well this cream works and how much your skin will love it! I didn't want to love this as much as I do but I now fully understand the reason for the cult status of Magic Cream.
Sunday Riley Good Genes
2017 really has been the year of discovering a new way of exfoliating my skin through AHA's. I've dabbled in both Glycolic acid and Lactic acid and while my skin likes both the results with lactic acid are always more noticeable. Having used The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% and enjoyed the results I wanted to up the ante with something stronger so to Sunday Riley to try out Good Genes as it contains a much larger amount of Lactic Acid! If you know about lactic acid then you will know while it's a powerful ingredient it's gentle on the skin so other than a mild tingle on my first ever application there wasn't any redness or discomfort in sight. As for what it does, this all-in-one treatment brightens, plumps, exfoliates and also improves hyperpigmentation. Unlike other lactic acid-based products I instantly loved the serum texture being light and non-sticky and absorbing into the skin quickly (but not the smell, oh god not the smell - you need to put that to one side with this product) making me want to use it. Results are dramatic in that it feels like your skin can been resurfaced on waking, just so so smooth with small visible bumps gone. For the past 6 months, it's been my mission to go foundation free more often and this product is certainly helping me on that quest. A high price point item but for serious skincare lovers, especially those that like lactic acid as an exfoliator, this is a must try.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Lastly, it would feel wrong not to include at least one item from The Ordinary, right? Cult Beauty stocks The Ordinary so whenever I'm picking up some new beauty bits I always add something from them to my cart to try out, so this past year I've tried a lot from this amazingly well price skincare brand! However, the star of the show for both me and many others is the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution; a toner-like liquid that exfoliates the skin without causing irritation. This performs just as well as other higher priced AHA tones which is why I've been so impressed with it and will continue to use it and save myself quite a bit of money. Love, love, love!
#CultProductOfTheYear
Deciding on my own Cult Product of the Year wasn't easy... I mean I have 15 favourites here that I can't get enough of! That being said I feel the title should go to Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation! Not only has it's been a product I've consistently loved throughout the year, working with all seasons, I have found my holy grail foundation which is something to celebrate!
If you want to share your own favourite product of the year to be in with a chance of winning £100 to spend on Cult Beauty then make sure to post a picture to Instagram with the above hashtag. Giveaway closes 11/12/2017.
Did you make it to the end? If so, let me know in the comments!
I really hope you've enjoyed discovering my own cult products of the year and have found a few things to add to your own 'to buy' list.
Fee xo.
