2016 was a good year in the beauty industry, and it was the year I really got into my makeup and made this blog and my Facebook page, which was the best decision I have ever made. I tried out so much products throughout the year but these next few have been my absolute favourites and I cannot live without them now. Most of the products are very affordable and wont make a hole in your pocket.
M a k e u p
SoSu Contour Palette
• I was so iffy about purchasing this product for a while because honestly I really did not want to pay €30 for a palette I didn't no if I would like/love/hate, especially contour palettes! It's so hard to find one that does and has everything.
After reading all the reviews and seeing so many people in love with it I had to get it and try it out for myself and I was honestly shocked and blown away with how amazing it is!!!!!
There are 4 cream shades
concealer,
cream contour,
foundation shade,
highlighter.
And there's 2 powders
a setting powder
contour powder.
I use this pretty much every time I do my makeup, I completely fell in love with it, the cream shades are so buttery and really easy to blend out. The powder shades are so soft and blend out like a dream, I was afraid in case the contour powder would look dirty on the skin because most contour powders In a palette do but this one is so natural on the skin.
Overall this palette gets a 10/10 from me, totally worth every penny! and I will be repurchasing when I run out which will be very soon.
Sleek Solstice Highlight Palette
If you don't have this palette then stop everything right now and go get it!
This is the best affordable highlighting palette ever...
Sleek has 4 highlighting palettes but this one is definitely the best! I could not find this anywhere for ages and I finally got my hands on it and my god it did not disappoint.
There is 1 cream shade
The cream shade is a more champagne dark golden colour (top left) .
and 3 powder shades
The first powder shade (bottom left) is quiet yellow in colour but very more like a light white colour when applied to the face.
The next powder shade (top right) is a ilac colour and looks more pink when applied to the skin.
And lastly (bottom right) is a very golden highlight.
Out of all the sleek palettes this one is by far the best! the pigmentation in this palette is just wow! its definitely a highlighting palette you need in your collection.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer
I have been using this concealer since march last year and my opinion on it has not changed one bit.
I did a Review previously about this concealer so I wont say to much other than its my Holy Grail! That is all
Inglot Duraline
When I first got into makeup I had no idea what this even was. So I never seen the point to it.
Obviously after watching so many tutorials and following lots of the Inglot girls I figured it out and once I used it I new It was going to be a must have product for me.
Uses
soften gel liners and brow gels.
turn any powder into a full coverage liquid.
bring out the intensity of pure pigments.
clean up any makeup mistakes e.g. brows.
It has multiple uses of it and is definitely needed for any makeup artist or in any makeup kit or for a anyone who is obsessed with makeup.
I use this for everything and I cannot tell you how I ever lived without it and I never will.
Catrice Cosmetics Highlighting Eyeshadow
These amazing beautiful eye shadows came along in the middle of 2016, I seen NikkiTutorials on YouTube talk about one on her Snapchat and when she swatched it I nearly died !!!! It was unbelievably pigmented and I needed to have at least one .
I got the one in 030 1001 golden nights because it was a golden champagne colour and there are just no words for it. I was so surprised that this was from Catrice because it is so pigmented and very noticeable on the skin.
I use this for the inner corners of the eyes and it really brings out my eyes, I cannot do my makeup without this now because it never looks right without it.
You can use this anywhere you apply highlighter like on the cheekbones or the brow bone and it looks so good!
I think this was only around €4 or less ( correct me if I'm wrong)
MAC Prolong Wear Foundation
My everything ! This foundation is my holy grail.
Iv been using this a good while now and I just cant part with it at all. I ran out of this a couple months ago and I tried so many different foundations within that time space and nothing impressed me the way the MAC prolong wear does.
I went from using this for events and nights out, to wearing it everytime I put on makeup.
It isn't a matte finish nor a dewy finish, it is between both at a more satin finish.
I find it works so well for oily skin, my skin is very oily and I find foundation helps me control it as it is such a long wearing foundation and after I set my whole face with powder.
Definitely a medium to full coverage, buildable without looking cakey and blends out so easily.
if your looking for a very long wearing foundation this is definitely worth purchasing, it is expensive with the price being €36.50 but it is worth every cent in my opinion.
NYX Butter Gloss
I love most Nyx products, I think there stuff are amazing ! and don't even get me started on the price, its so affordable. T
hese Lip-glosses are done so well because they're named after deserts and they smell just like them too! Delicious , and there one of my favourites product that NYX do.
My favourite one is in BLG13 fortune cookie. Its a very light nude pink shade but it is so pigmented for a lipgloss. It applies so easily because its so creamy and melts into the lips.
I have mine with me everywhere I go because I know it looks so good on I don't need to go anywhere to apply it either.
Boots now stock all NYX products which is amazing! Liffey Valley has the best stand for sure, if your around there you should defo check it out. These lipgloss only cost €7.00 absolute steal!!!
Inglot Gel Liner
Not much to say about this gel liner another than the fact that it is by far the best in the beauty industry to this day. Cannot go a day without using this stuff.
There is no makeup brand that makes a better gel liner, Inglot have the best range.
I use this in the waterline and to create a winged liner and it works amazingly both ways.
It doesn't budge at all or transfer which is the main reason why I love it to much! there is nothing worse than a gel liner, eyeliner or mascara that transfer on the lid or under the eye, once this dry's it is set for the day.
These inglot gel liner are just €15 and let me tell you something it lasts forever!!! I have mine like 6 months, yea it does dry out but that's what Inglot's duraline is for.
Inglot Brow Gel
Obsessed is not even the word. I haven't tried many brow gel's because I've been using this for so long now and I just cannot seem to part with it at all. Its pretty much the only thing I use on my brows 99% of the time.
The brow gel I use is no.20, its very dark brown colour.
(Did you know that your eyebrows should be 1 shade lighter than your hair colour?)
so because I have black hair I use brown eyebrow products because it looks way better than having really dark heavy eyebrows that you can notice from a million miles away.
The only downfall about this product is the size of it! its so small, it does last me a couple of months but I would so prefer if it was the same size as the gel liners because then It would last you so much longer. but the product itself is great. Its waterproof so it doesn't come off that easily which I love. Very creamy and easy to use, if it dry's out add some duraline. Costs €16 in all Inglot stores.
S k i n c a r e
Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser
I have been using this cleanser a little over a year now, I heard some great things about this brand as it helps draw out dirt and impurities so I needed to get my hands some of it because I needed to find a good cleaner that could deep clean my skin.
I use this at least twice a week and it amazes me what it does to my skin each time.
I don't use it everyday because it is quiet harsh on the skin so when I don't use this Il use something a little less intense like the simple cleanser.
It really gets into my pores and cleans them because the charcoal is known for deep cleaning and drawing out any impurities. It leaves my skin so smooth, clean and fresh. Boots stock all Biore products and at a very affordable price.
This cleanser is just €6.99.
Garnier Pure Active 3in1
I was eyeing this product up for a while in Tesco and they're was something holding me back from buying it, but I needed to get a face wash that I could bring away with me when I wouldn't be at home, and because this was a 3in1 wash, scrub and mask I thought why not give this one a try.
It is really handy when your on the go because you can choose what way you would use it.
I was really surprised by it. It helps purify, unclog pores and mattify the skin, and it does exactly what it says. It really made a difference to my skin straight away, it helps me maintain the excess sebum and my occasional breakouts, dries out any upcoming spots straight away, and keeps my pore free from dirt and oil.
Like the Biore Deep Charcoal Cleanser I only use this a couple of time through the week because it really dries out my skin, and I will switch it with a simple face wash.
I would recommend this pure active 3in1 to anyone who suffers from very oily skin and bad breakouts. It is around €7-8 in boots, Tesco, pharmacies.
I would recommend this pure active 3in1 to anyone who suffers from very oily skin and bad breakouts. It is around €7-8 in boots, Tesco, pharmacies.
Garnier Miceller Water
Miceller water only seemed to become a big thing in 2016 and the hype was this Garnier Miceller Cleansing Water. Everyone and their mothers were using this.
Throughout the year I tried loads of miceller waters but this one just has my heart, the packaging is even super cute.
Always have I used this to take off my makeup, I'll normally just wipe all my makeup off with a wipe and then go in with this because it takes all the makeup completely off, that's why I love it so much, it really gets deep into the skin and removes it all.
It is really gentle on the skin and its so soothing also. Doesn't irritate my skin at all.
It is really gentle on the skin and its so soothing also. Doesn't irritate my skin at all.
They are 4 different type of the Garnier Miceller Cleansing Water
P i n k - for all skin types
removes, cleansing and soothes.
G r e e n - For combination to sensitive skin
removes, purifies and mattifies.
B l u e (Pure Active) - for combination to oily skin
removes, cleanses and purifies.
O i l I n f u s e d - for dry & sensitive skin
removes waterproof makeup, cleanses and nourishes.
G r e e n - For combination to sensitive skin
removes, purifies and mattifies.
B l u e (Pure Active) - for combination to oily skin
removes, cleanses and purifies.
O i l I n f u s e d - for dry & sensitive skin
removes waterproof makeup, cleanses and nourishes.
Simple Smoothing Eye Balm
I am a very tired person and my eyes always show that I either haven't got enough sleep or I'm just wrecked. I desperately needed something to help me with that and when I seen this and that it said 'winds down tired eyes' I needed it In my life. I don't no how I lived without it now.
I put this on just before I apply my moisturiser and as soon as I rub it on my eyes I can just feel it waking me up, and once I look in mirror after there is a difference, it really does help your eyes look and feel more awake. I couldn't recommend this stuff enough! something everyone needs to have in their lives, I paid around €4 for this in Tesco, and I'm sure most pharmacies that stock Simple products would have it for the same price.
Sr. Ives Apricot Scrub
I have to have this In my skincare routine or there is a major different in my skin if I don't.
Sr.Ives doesn't provide many products but the ones they do have are just too good not to have in your life! I obviously love the Blemish Fighting Apricot Scrub because I suffer from breakouts and have very oily skin.
This scrub is so good for us oily skin girls, because its oil free it doesn't add that exact bit of oil a scrub that contains oil would. It lifts away surface oils and dirt that can lead to blackheads and blemishes. It leaves your skin so smooth, soft and completely clean and refreshed.
This can be purchased in Boots, Tesco and various pharmacies, priced at around €6-7.
T a n
Babydoll Tan Goddess Tan
My love for this tan will never ever die. At the start I wasn't that gone on it (I never really gave it a chance if I'm honest) but when I really start getting into tan, I fell completely in love with it.
Its by the brand Babydoll Cosmetics and its a Irish based company that launched in 2013.
There is a medium tan and a dark tan, Tan goddess is a mousse that dispenses from a pump.
I use the medium one, straight away it adds a nice light layer of tan so you can see where you have applied it and where you haven't, so you definitely wouldn't miss any patches.
I normally put tan on at night and sleep in it, I find its much easier that way and the next morning ill get up and wash it off and I'm left with a gorgeous dark tan.
I never want to say any tan is my favourite because I feel like I will find one that works a little bit better, but I can hands down say this is one of my favourites. The colour lasts me a week!!! A WEEK, no other tan lasts me that long, I was shocked when I was on my 5th day with this, I didn't go patchy on me or nothing, it just gradually faded.
I will say though it takes a while to come off if you try scrub it with an exfoliator it does become patchy in areas (but its not like most tans), that's why I just let me fade naturally and then scrub the rest of it off and also the smell isn't that bad either, not overpowering at all like a lot of other tans. Priced €9.99 in Hickeys, Sam McCauleys & Bradleys pharmacies.
Coco Brown Golden Goddess Shimmer Oil
When Merissa Carter came out with this, The whole beauty industry in Ireland went crazy.
Me on the other hand didn't, I didn't see the hype at all if I'm honest, I was never really into dry body oils until this one. I only bought this around the summer of 2016 and well I realised shorty after using this why it was such a big deal.
It is so affordable for a shimmering dry body oil, it retails for around €12 in penny's or nationwide pharmacies that stock Coco Brown products.
What can I say its gorgeous on the skin! It doesn't leave a greasy residue, it just sinks into the skin and adds just such a pretty dewy glow to the skin. Its a separated oil formula that you need to shake to get the colour.
You can use this all over the body, or in certain areas such as the collar bones, cheek bones to add that extra little glow.
It so stunning if you haven't got it already, Get it!! you will love me trust me.
L a s h e s
Sosu Eyelashes
No words can explain my love for these lashes!!!! Suzanne Jackson has been killing it with her Sosu brand, she has brought out so many good products since 2015, and 2016 was definitely her year. when she came out with these they caught my eye straight away because look at the gorgeous packaging, its stunning and really classy. I love that she named them after actual girls and kept it so plain and simple. I have only tried the premium(black packaging) and her Penny's(sliver packaging) lashes. The premium lashes are definitely my favourite.
I just can express how much I adore these.
Gigi & Sophia are my go two's, just look at them! so damn pretty. I find there easy to apply and they don't irritate my eyes at all, which is so hard for me to find. They're really light on the eyes and after a while I actually forgot I had them on. 11/10 from me !! love them love them love them.
The premium lashes are €5, penny's lashes are €6 and the luxury lashes are €19.95. She has a website that stocks all of her products, and most pharmacies in Ireland stock her products too.
J e w e l l e r y
Penny's/Primark Chokers
I feel that 2016 was the year of chokers, and as you all know Penny's/Primark like to keep up with all the trends as much as possible and they slayed the choker game.
They came out with various designs and it is so hard to pick which ones to buy when your in a penny's/primark store, and because they're so affordable it makes the decision much harder.
I have 5 or 6 I think but the 3 in the pictures are my favourite.
I like plain and simple ones that aren't to in your face, like the diamond ones are stunning but I just wouldn't be able to pull them off at all.
These all range from €1.50 to €4 depending on style and design.
Micheal Kors Watch
My brother got me this for my 21st birthday and ever since then (which was in July) I have it on my wrist every single day no matter what. So I couldn't not mention this in my 2016 favourites because its definitely been my favourite from the whole year.
Its just a plain and simple gold Michael Kors watch, that has stolen my heart my forever (sounds sad I know) but this is literally the highlight of my 2016, I wanted one for so long but there was no chance of me paying 200+ just for a watch, and my brother knew how badly I wanted one and because turning 21 is big deal he went and got me one.
To say I was happy was an understatement.
So guys that's all for my 2016 favourites, I hope you all enjoyed this very long but yet detailed post.
oh and by the way I know I have said this so many times before but I am 110% sure now that I have a nice little giveaway coming up soon as my blog is nearly a year old and I just want to give back to you guys, as some of you might seen on my snapchat yesterday I'm taking a break from my beauty work, I explained it all over there if you want to go have a look @lyndseysbeauty. but ill still be posting here every now and again when I do feel a little inspired and hopefully ill be back to myself at the end of the month with my little giveaway.
Here's to hopping 2017 will be a much better year !!
Lyndsey so
