Best of Beauty 2013

2013 was an amazing year beauty-wise. I discovered so many products and brands that I know will remain in my collection for years to come, and some that I don't know how I survived with out them before. I think it is safe to say that Origins was the brand that most stood out to me over the past year and if you haven't already tried their products, go and do so right now - I promise that you will not be disappointed. 

Makeup.

This was a year of firsts for me when it came to makeup as I found myself falling for products that I thought I wouldn't even like. The Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation (review) was one of my favourite discoveries. Usually I am a matte girl, but this foundation gives an luminous glow to the skin that I found myself lusting after, the best bit about this product is the amazing coverage it gives but still with a gorgeous natural finish.  To go with my cravings for a glowing complexion, I tried out the Bourjois Java Rice Powder (review), a illuminating translucent powder that not only gives the skin a radiant look but also makes your skin looks almost airbrushed and flawless. Another first for me was cream blushes, something a matte-finish lover doesn't tend to go for, but with my quest for radiance, and the hype that surrounded them, the Chanel Le Blush Creme De Chanel (review) also won my heart. These give a bright pop of colour to any makeup look, while still looking natural and dewy. After months of wanting them, I finally purchased some of the KORRES Lip Butters (review), not usually one for lip balms, these tinted, non-sticky pots of loveliness are amazing that get used on a daily basis.

Skincare.

It's no secret that I love skincare and for me, cleansing is the most important step. The Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm (review) has changed the way I cleanse my skin every night. It removes every last trace of my makeup while still nourishing the skin, it is a little on the pricey side of things but this luxury product is worth every penny. It was unintentional that three of four of my skincare favourites were by Origins, but I really do love that brand. The Out of Trouble Mask (review) is a life saver if you have skin prone to blemishes and breakouts, it not only prevents them with continual use but also helps to get-rid of them when you have a break out. This product is probably the best discovery of 2013 and I will not be with out one in my stash, and one as a back-up. Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight (review) is a wonderful product that I would recommend to anyone who wants to put a little dose of hydration into your skin for a plump and glowing complexion. 2013 was the year that I discovered serums and my top pick from the bunch has to be the Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright (review). I mentioned before my journey to getting radiant skin and this brightening serum does the job perfectly, I noticed such a difference in the appearance of my skin form the first use and I like to use this whenever my skin is in the need for a little pick me up. 

Hair.

I have spent the past two years trying to get my hair in much healthier condition after destroying it with bleach during my 'experimental' phase. My hair care routine is now almost as complex as my skincare one, but I love each and every step! One thing that has definitely helped my hair this year is discovering dry shampoo, in particular the Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo. I used to wash, blow dry and style my hair every single day, but now I can happily go one to two days in between washes which has changed the condition of my hair to no end. Less heat is always better for hair, plus this product gives huge amounts of volume. The L'Oreal Mythic Oil is a step that I never miss out of my hair care routine. I apply this pre-blow dry to smooth over and tame any frizz. I find this really helps in whatever style I decide to have my hair, whether it be curly or straight. The Redken Extreme range are probably my favourite hair products of 2013, especially the Extreme Strength Builder Mask (review). I use this once a week alongside the shampoo to give my hair the most deep conditioning treatment for silky smooth locks, with continuous use I have found this to re-build my hairs strength that has been broken down due to heat and dying. 

Other.

One other product that has stood out to me over the past twelve months has to be the infamous Seche Vite top coat. This stuff adds a super shiny gloss effect to your nails and drys in about a minuet, which is fab for those late night nail painting sessions. 

This is just a small selection of my favourite products throughout 2013, the products that stood out to me the most, the creme de la creme if you will. Other wise we could have been here for hours. What were your favourite products from the last year?