Beauty Favourites of 2013.....

So here we are, into 2014 already, and another year older! But on a brighter note, I have lots planned for my blog, and loads of new posts for the coming months. But first I thought I would take a look back at what made my list of favourite beauty products in 2013. This wasn't difficult for me (even though there were lots to choose from!) as most of these are stand-out products that I only discovered and started using in 2013, but will no doubt continue to be favourites throughout 2014.

Skincare/Body

Another Clinique product (I know, another one). Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus. Far superior to the original Dramatically Different in my opinion, my skin feels moist and I no longer get the little dry patches that I sometimes used to get with the old formula. This is perfect for slightly dry skin types.
Sanctuary Body Scrub is an old favourite that I hadn't bought for a couple of years (why oh why!). This is one of the best body scrubs around, and I have tried quite a few! It isn't at all oily like some scrubs can be and polishes the skin, leaving it oh so smooth. Love it!
Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Lotion has become a firm favourite in 2013. I have tried quite a few of the Dove products - hair care, body lotion, body wash and hand cream, and not one of them ever disappoints. This lotion sinks wonderfully into the skin, and I absolutely adore the smell. It always reminds me of when my son was born in May 2013, as that's when I started using it, so i'm guessing this will be a constant favourite for me.

Hair

I'm absolutely loving the new John Freida Luxurios Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. I've used this for the past couple of months and it gives my hair a nice amount of volume (as promised) and makes your hair smooth and soft and not at all greasy. I will definitely carry on into 2014 with this one. After feeling as if my hair had dramatically thinned after having my son in May (damn you hormones!) I felt I needed something to give my hair a bit of a lift. This is fabulous in my opinion. I am also trying the All-Day Hold Hairspray from the same range, and this also seems fantastic for giving your hair some volume without making it sticky.

Nails

This category was an easy one, in 2013 after reading countless blog posts about it, decided to try the Seche Vite Top Coat. This is by far the best top coat ever! Quite a bold statement, but its most rcertainly true. It makes your nail polish last longer, giving a high-shine glossy finish and it dries super quick! What more could you ask for.
I'm a little bit of a nail polish addict, and I admit I do have a HUGE collection of polishes. Essie have quickly become my go-to brand. Great quality, doesn't chip easily and an enormous colour range. My two current favourites are Cute As A Button (a vibrant, bright coral shade) and Geranium (a bright pillar box red).

Face/Make-Up

I've already blogged about this one, but I just can't rate it highly enough, the YSL Touche Éclat Foundation (I use the shade B50). You can read a full blog post on this if your intetsted, but I just love love LOVE this foundation. It makes my skin look just how I want it to - glowy, but covering imperfections at the same time. My skin will never be perfect, but this certainly helps!
I'm a massive fan of Benefit products, especially their box powders. My favourite in 2013 was definitely Benefit Bella Bamba Blusher. Its a gorgeous pale pink shade with a nice hint of shimmer to it. It lasts all day on the cheeks, and the product itself, although quite pricey for a blusher, seems to last for ages. I use it most days and its still going strong. I just love the packaging of Benefit products and all the quirky names!

Eyes

I have used the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette constantly during 2013, after receiving it as a gift last Christmas. The shades are gorgeous, if you like a neutral/bronze look. The quality of the shadows is second to none (better than Mac in my opinion) and you can create so many different looks with it. The brush you get with the palet is also great and really useful. I have just received the Naked 3 Palette for Christmas, and I am in love with it already!!
I truly believe that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great mascara. I've started to use Maybelline The Falsies Mascara. It really ticks all the boxes, it lengthens and coats the lashes without clumping and does give your lashes that 'false' effect. A great budget buy!

Lips

Ah, lip glosses.....one of my all time favourite things! I remember my husband looking in my handbag for something a while back, and counting 15 lip glosses in there. There's nothing wrong with that, is there.....?? I have tried so many lovely lip glosses this year, but my 2013 favourites would have to be Stila Lip Glaze in the shade Grapefruit, and Tom Ford Lip Gloss in Sugar Pink. Both pale pink shades, which I always tend to go for. The Stila glaze is a lovely every day lip gloss, while at the opposite end of the spectrum, the Tom Ford beauty is gorgeous for a special occasion/ night out. I tend to save mine for this, mainly due to the crazy price! But this was a birthday gift from my husband, so I can't complain too much!
A rather brilliant new discovery in 2013 was a lip conditioner from a brand called Malin and Goetz. My husband brought this back from abroad for me, and as I always suffer from dry lips in the Winter, was eager to give it a try. It didn't disappoint, it softens the lips so well, and gives a lovely gloss look to the lips. I've always loved Carmex, but this beats it hands down for keeping your lips softer for longer.

So there we have it, my favourite beauty buys of 2013. Hopefully I haven't bored you all to death! I would love to know what your favourite products were from the past year, and if there is anything i'm missing out on and should be trying.....Here's wishing you all a great 2014!!!