TLC's Stars of 2013: Makeup

Time for the final installment of my Stars of 2013 Trilogy. I've already done Skincare and Haircare... Now onto the Makeup! I'm not gonna lie, 2013 wasn't a spectacular year for me in terms of buying makeup. I didn't go crazy buying lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes like I did in 2012. In fact, I didn't even WEAR as much lipstick and eyeshadow in general compared to previous years. There are a few clear Stars for the year though. Here's a selection of my favourites...

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation - Santa Fe

2013 was definitely the year I set out to find my Holy Grail Foundation. In fact, I found a couple. My drugstore choice (seriously, I will never purchase another drugstore foundation ever again) was definitely Bourjois Healthy Mix, but my ultimate favourite high end foundation product for the year has to be Sheer Glow. I had high expectations for it from the start and it certainly lived up to the hype. Due to the price, I've always kept it reserved for more special occasions than everyday wear but I love the texture, the finish and how it feels on my skin. WINNER!!

DHC Perfect Pro Liquid Eyeliner* in Black - dhcuk.co.uk

Last year was definitely a year of Holy Grail product finds for me. This one found ME! You'll notice that I haven't included any eyeshadow products in this year's favourites and that is because I've mainly opted for bold liner, lashings of mascara and a neutral lip. This liner is seriously the easiest to control, picks up a TON of product (gives a good coat on both eyes without having to double dip), really well pigmented and produces a clean black line. I will NEVER be without this product again. Ever! DHC were a new brand discovery for me in 2013 but I've been seriously impressed with their products. 

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Cover-Up in Honey

This one was another event discovery, and one that I have since repurchased TWICE! I use it in a multitude of ways. It's fantastic on its own in the summer when you don't want a heavy liquid foundation on your skin (works really well with a BB cream too) while, in the Winter, a dusting over my regular foundation helps to set my makeup and keep it in place. It is also a good one to take in your bag on a night out for quick bathroom touch ups. Just a great all rounder. (This photo was taken when it was all new and shiny - the one I have now has hit pan and definitely not ready for its close up haha)

Rodial Glamstick in Thrill* - rodial.co.uk

I didn't go mad for bold lippy at all in 2013. There were a couple of exceptions, including MAC Rebel at Christmas, but I generally opted for neutrals and nudes. This particular lipstick has been my best friend during the colder months especially as it has amazing moisturising properties, almost like a lip butter. Of course, because it's Rodial it's really nourishing to the lips. The colour is neutral, but noticeable. Sadly, it's a little out of my price range and I'm not sure I'll be able to repurchase it any time soon but I've really loved it as a product. 

Benefit Dallas Boxed Powder

I'm not exaggerating when I say that I can't remember the last time I used a blush that WASN'T this one. I have worn this blush religiously ever since Autumn came knocking. It's my favourite of all the Benefit boxed powders (the runner up being Coralista in the Summer months). It's just a perfect, rustic shade that also adds a contoured effect with zero effort. I keep saying this but it is soooo underrated compared to other Benefit blushes and I don't feel it gets enough attention. I urge anyone to give it a go. It's such a versatile shade. 

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara* in Black
I've tried a few new mascaras this year but this is the one that I have stuck with. I am a huge fan of a lengthening mascara and it was love at first use with this one. I've never actually tried twisting it down and using the volumising wand. I don't really need thicker lashes. This post could so easily have turned into a Bourjois Appreciation Society Newsletter as I have thoroughly adored almost everything they have brought out this year. I can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves for 2014!

So that wraps up my Stars of 2013. It's taken the best part of a month to get them all out there but I really hope you've enjoyed having a peep at the stuff I loved the most last year. If you missed either of the other two editions of this series you can find my Skincare picks Here and my Haircare favourites Here. Time to work on finding some new favourites for 2014, although I won't be letting go of this little lot any time soon either.

What makeup products did you love last year?? Any brands in particular stand out for you?? Did you notice yourself favouring a particular makeup look like I did??

NEW: La Roche-Posay Relaunch Effaclar Duo(+)

I'm here to bring you some rather exciting breaking skincare news today beauty seekers!! Last week I spent an evening at IceTank Studios with the lovely ladies from La Roche-Posay to find out a bit about their latest project. You may already be familiar with their Effaclar Duo, launched in 2009 to treat oily, blemish prone skin. What you may not be aware of is that they've given it a 2014 makeover. This is Effaclar Duo with a PLUS!

The original Effaclar Duo was designed as a daily treatment to target blemishes, blocked pores and even acne. What's new about Effaclar Duo(+) is the addition of Procerad. Acne and blemishes can leave your skin marked for life. On fairer skins this may appear as red blotchiness and on darker skins, which are more predisposed to hyperpigmentation, it manifests as brown marks. This new Procerad formula has been tested on over 7,500 subjects of all skin tones. I'm familiar with this myself. I have combination skin and, although I'm not prone to breakouts, when I get a blemish it's usually a MONSTER and always leaves it's mark. My main skin bugbear, however, is blocked pores which sometimes descend into full-blown blackheads (not a good look). 

So what does it do??

From 24hrs: Imperfections are less visibly red

From 8 Days: Severe imperfections have disappeared

From 4 Weeks: Pores are unclogged, skin texture is refined and oily areas appear regulated.

First Impressions...

This product is not designed just as a quick fix, but one to be used daily and over time. I couldn't give you a full review so soon even if I wanted to. Those with problem skin could probably testify better as to it's immediate effects on blemishes. I've been using this in the morning under my moisturiser and BOY does it mattify! Not just that but it keeps my shiny T-Zone at bay for most of the day. A dream come true under makeup. I'm also impressed with how smooth my skin feels when I've used this product (Effaclar Duo+ also offers 24hr hydration). The formula is not sticky, absorbs really quickly and feels really soothing on the skin. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the more long term effects will be. I have high hopes for my pores and I'll definitely be keeping you posted! 

Effaclar Duo(+) - £15.50 for 40ml

Available in larger Boots stores as well as boots.com and laroche-posay.co.uk

Do you suffer from problem skin?? Did you love the original Effaclar Duo?? What are your La Roche-Posay product recommendations??