2014 Favourites

It feels like a few weeks ago that I was writing up my 2013 Favourites. I was only a little blogging baby back then and I cannot believe how many incredible things have happened since then. I can honestly say starting this blog is one of the best decisions of my life.

Today I have a few of my favourite products from 2014 to share with you. I've actually retaken the photos for this post three times because I just couldn't whittle it down to a small enough amount to make this post readable! I think I got it right this time though.

For makeup, there's been a lot of new releases I've really enjoyed but there's definitely a few stand out products in my collection that I've used consistently throughout the year.

Maybelline The Falsies Volumn' Express Waterproof Mascara:
This is my Holy Grail mascara. I don't throw that term around a lot so when I use it, I really mean it. This was actually in my 2013 Favourites (not this tube...) and I mentioned that I'd probably be writing about it at the end of 2014 and here I am. This mascara is just amazing for volume, length, separation and holding a curl. Just get it if you were considering it!

W7 Absolute Lashes Mascara:
I've been loving this mascara so much, you can tell by looking at it that it's being marketed as a dupe for Benefit's They're Real Mascara. I have to say, the brush is the exact same and the formula is very similar - very wet at first but then dries slightly over time. I personally don't like They're Real and for under €10, this will do me nicely.

Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Dark:
This has made doing my brows so easy. It's just a tiny little mascara for your eyebrows that contains fibres and pigment to shape and fill. Now, it is quite pricey at €19 so I might have a little look for a cheaper version but I would honestly buy it again if I couldn't find a dupe.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation in W3:
I have such a hard time finding a foundation that isn't pink toned because my skin is iridescent green and yellow. Now, the shade W3 is still quite pink for me but with powder and a bit of bronzer on top, it seems to match my skin tone quite well. I will continue my search for the perfect foundation but while I'm at it, this will work just fine.

Soap&Glory One Heck of a Blot:
I've mentioned this before quite a few times but it's honestly my favourite setting powder. It's lightweight with little-to-no colour payoff, it doesn't cake and it's great for setting concealer.

The Pro Hygiene Collection Brush Cleaner:
I did a ful review of this waaaay back here if you'd like to read it. This brush cleaner is amazing for spot cleaning and disinfecting your brushes. It dries within a couple of minutes so you can go straight back in if you're doing eyeshadow and you need a clean blending brush or if you went a little ham on the blush and you need to get it off the brush before it does any more damage. I have extremely sensitive skin and I've never had an issue with using my brushes after using this.

Barry M Nail Paints:
Barry M is my obsession when it comes to nail polish. They have an amazing range of colours that can only be created by them. They stay on for at least 4 days and even longer with a their topcoat.

This year has been a roller coaster for my skin as I magically developed eczema that spread until I was so disgusted by my face, I wouldn't look in the mirror. Thankfully, it's gone and I've only been left with minimal scaring but a lot of really helpful products!

Ziaja SenSitiVe Soothing Day Cream:
I love this day cream because it's so lightweight but very moisturising. It contains SPF 20 and has no mineral oil, silicones or perfume. It's perfect for my sensitive and reactive skin.

Ziaja SenSitiVe Firming Night Cream:
This is another very lightweight moisturiser that still manages to really hydrate your skin. I love the combo of these two creams because they haven't flared up any eczema or given me any sort of reaction.

La Roche Posay Effeclar Purifying Foaming Gel:
I'm obsessed with this face wash. It's so gentle but still really cleanses the skin. This is meant for oily skin which I don't really have but it's not harsh at all so I'm happy to keep using it. I will continue to repurchase this until they can cure eczema and it doesn't matter what products I use on my face!

Avene Eau Thermal:
This spray is a lifesaver. Between calming my skin when I'm having a reaction to cooling me down in the summer, I can't get enough of this. I seriously give this and the Vichy Eau Thermal credit for clearing up my eczema (how many times can I say eczema? eczema). This is another product I will continue to repurchase.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm:
This stuff saved my lips from a life of bleeding, cracking and burning. The weather really takes a toll on my lips so using this over the colder months has made it possible to wear even the most dryng, matte lip products without a flake in sight. I love this so much and it will also be on the repurchase list!

The Wet Brush:
I know this isn't skin care but I'll include it here anyway.
I'm a Tangle Teezer girl and I hadn't used a hairbrush for a good 9 months when I was sent this. I wasn't expecting much, I mean it's a hairbrush. I have to say, I've been pleasantly surprised. The bristles are so flexible that there's no pulling or tugging when brushing out my three day, unwashed, bun knotted mess of frizz. I don't think I'll ever prefer this over a Tangle Teezer but it's a very close second and I will continue to use it, especially during heat styling and on wet hair.You can purchase The Wet Brush from Sally stores nationwide or online at sallyexpress.com. You can also check out The Wet Brush website here.

And that's all! Well done if you're still with me.
Please let me know if you'd like full posts on any of the things I mentioned as I'd be happy to write them.

I hope you all had a great 2014 but lets make 2015 even better.

Normal posting schedule will resume next week.

Thanks for reading! :) ♥

Some of these items were sent to me for review but all opinions are my own as always!