Best of 2012

Goodbye 2012, hello 2013!  I have a feeling this is going to be a great year.  I dug through my somewhat excessive beauty product accumulation from the past twelve months to see what I liked best (and to remind myself to practice some self restraint this year!)  Some of this junk has been particularly well loved, and I would like to share my favorite products from the year.  Except like, not really.  Because they are covered in my bacteria and stuff.  It's more like I want to show you what worked for me and what I liked, in case you are looking for good products to try:

 

Best lipstick:

Rimmel London #050, Paradise - a warm nude that doesn't make me look dead, lasts ages and does  not dry out my lips.  Perfect.

Best lipgloss:

Starlooks in Pink Petal Rose - a blue based shade that goes perfectly with a ton of my lipsticks as I have a preference for blue based colors.  The top is cracked, and the terrible packaging from Starlooks is truly unfortunate, as I otherwise really like their products.

Best Foundation:

Covergirl Naturelux?  I really enjoyed it for many months, but as my skin tone darkened I found other shades oxidized to an unpleasant orange on me.  In the dead of winter, 310 is a great fit for me.  I just don't recommend the line in general.

Best bronzer:

Rimmel London in 021 Sun Light.  Crazy cheap, a ton of product (going on at least 6 months and no pan yet) and a great matte shade.

Best blush:

Hot Mama! from the Blam.  I like it more than my Nars blush!

Best eyeshadow:

Urban Decay Sin - is that pan I see?  It is only the second time I have ever hit pan on an eyeshadow before it expired.  The first time...  Also Sin by Urban decay. It's beautiful, high performing, matches everything, is easily worn alone - I could go on all day.  This is my favorite product overall.  Ever.

Best Mascara:

Tarts Lights Camera Lashes.  I actually didn't often wear mascara before this year on account of the dreaded raccoon eyes.  Waterproof was too hard to remove.  This is the perfect medium - no smudging but easy to wash off at night.  It is past its prime at about 4 months old, but so hard to throw out!

Best Primer:

NYX HD eyeshadow primer.  Holy cow, cheap and it really eliminates creasing.

Best Nail Polish:

OPI's ridge filler.  Which isn't a color so I am throwing in Juleps suede finish Minka.  Minka chips something fierce, but dries in about -7 seconds.  If you are running out the door, but want to jazz up a bit on a very temporary basis, Julep's suedes are the way to go.

Best Hair product:

Aveda Control Paste.  So expensive.  So awesome.

Favorite sample from a beauty subscription:

Dr.Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm.  It can be a bit grey on me as it is made for Korean skin tones, but it feels great and the coverage is the perfect balance between a tinted moisturizer and a foundation. 

This doesn't count and is no longer available:

I wouldn't have fallen in love with make up if it wasn't for my ancient eyeshadow brush by Benefit, #05.  Many years ago, a pushy Sephora employee foisted this on me, and I was to young/shy/stupid to admit it was way beyond my budget.  The difference between using a sponge applicator for eyeshadow and a good quality brush is indescribable.  It turns a chore into a pleasure and a small luxury.  Brushes should be replaced after some set period of time, but I will use this until it falls apart.  Even now it is the best brush I own.  Thank you pushy stranger and early 2000's/late 1990's ugly misuse of available credit.

Looks like for 2013 I should maybe try some things that are not brown and or tan.  I am looking forward to some fun new product lines!  What were your favorite items of 2012?  I hope you had a great year full of your favorite things as well!