My absolute BEAUTY favourites of 2016

2016 was the year my obsession (actually I’d like to call it PASSION:)) for makeup really became full-blown.  My curiosity got the better of me and I wanted all the collections and every single piece that was released.

In general, I normally research and read sufficient reviews prior to committing to a purchase.  Therefore, I have many favourites this year, many I would happily use day in day out.  Although I have been known to purchase items based on pretty packaging.  It’s shallow I know and I totally blame Instagram for it.  Well I have to blame someone haha:)

In this post, I’m going to attempt and narrow down a few “ride or die” or “life-changing” items that I came across in 2016.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Modern Renaissance palette:

I’m not gonna lie, when I saw the promo’s of this palette I was not drawn to it at all.  Berry and red shades? Surely they would make me look ill or beaten up?!  It went out of stock before I could think twice.  Then I saw an Instagram post from Beautybay notifying that they had some supply in stock and I ordered the palette with haste.  But now it’s one of the 2 palettes that reside permanently on my vanity table.  The shadows are pigmented, extremely blend-able and much more versatile than I thought.  So my advice is to grab it if it resurfaces (if it has been on your wish-list of course).

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Master Palette by Mario:

Darn I didn’t need another eyeshadow palette but of course I gave in after seeing this baby over and over gain on Instagram.  This palette was not stocked in the UK but I was lucky enough to do a swap with a friend in the US.  But this palette is life! All shades are pigmented, super easy to blend and long-lasting.  On the day I do not know what look I want to adopt, I would pull this baby out.  This palette along with the Modern Renaissance live permanently on my vanity table the last few months.

JAPONESQUE Color Correcting Crayons*:

I thought colour correcting was just another new hype and unnecessary additional step to my makeup routine.  But boy these little crayons changed my mind and life:)  These convenient crayons can brighten dark shadows, correct redness and correct hyperpigmentation, very efficiently. They blend out well with a soft powder finish (great for my oily skin).  Use them under your concealers and foundations and you will be amazed.

BARDOU Booster Bow*:

A brilliant one step brow gel that draws and sets your brow.  The gel blends with your existing brows giving you a natural appearance and the effect is very long-lasting.  A few strokes, brush it out with the brow groomer provided and you’re good to go.

RODIAL Instaglam Compact Deluxe Contouring Powder*:

This is a perfect cool, true grey undertone sculpting powder which enhances and defines my features naturally.  This overtook my favourite Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium.  I love using the powder on its own or to set my cream contour products.

JOUER Long-Wear Lip Creme Liquid Lipsticks:

2016 was the year of liquid lipsticks. I tried numerous offerings from lots of brands and Jouer really impressed me with their formula.  Jouer liquid lipsticks (reviewed here) are the most comfortable, long-lasting and light weight liquid lipsticks that I have tried.  They have an array of shades which would suit all skin tones.

MAC Liptensity Lipsticks:

Mac hasn’t really impressed me much until the release of this range.  Love this formula! These lipsticks provide intense pigmentation with a satin finish that makes my lips appear a little fuller.  They are long-lasting and feel very moisturising on my dry and cracked lips. I desire all the shades from this range.

TOM FORD Liquid Eyeliner in Deeper:

This is no ordinary liner!  It’s a brilliant double-ended liquid eyeliner with a calligraphy brush at one end and a thicker felt-tip on the other.  The calligraphy brush is truly amazing.  This Tom Ford Eyeliner has converted me to a liquid eyeliner girl for life.  You can achieve a very thin and precise lines with hardly any pressure at all.  It doesn’t skip or drag during application.  This is one pricey liner but I have heard that it lasts a long time so hopefully it’s worth every penny.

Bring on 2017! I look forward to experiencing new releases this year. Cosmetic companies are trying to outshine themselves so we should expect more innovative, easy to use, gentle and long-lasting products.

Spot any of your favourites here? Let me know what you favourites were in 2016.

Hope your year has started well.

Much love always,

Sandyxo

Disclaimer: *PR sample. My opinions expressed here are honest and unbiased.