If anyone were to take a peek into my beauty cabinet/s, they would probably be shocked but not surprised at the amount of products I keep on hand. Then there is the mountain organised pile near my desk and the overflow in my work store cupboard …
It’s all part of my job, of course. Well, that’s what I tell my husband.
I haven’t counted the number of products that I’ve applied to my face, lips, cheeks, hair, legs, arms and chinkles* this year but I do know there have been A LOT. Probably hundreds.
This list I’ve compiled below represents the 10 out of those hundreds that have stopped me in my beauty tracks. Products that have wooed and wowed me. Products I’ve gone back to buy long after the trial sample sent to me has run out.
Without further ado, I present to you the Styling You Top 10:
1. Napoleon Perdis Lady in Red lipgloss $30: This hybid gloss/lip stain first came out to play for Blogopolis 2011 and here’s what I had to say about the best red lip colour to ever grace my lips.
2. Samadara by Sodashi Ultimate Age Defying Creme $495: Ok, so this was one face cream I shouldn’t have fallen for given it’s at the luxe end of the beauty budget scale. But I did.
3. Original & Mineral Detox Conditioner $28.95: I’ve written lots about my dodgy, sensitive, psoriasis scalp and when then this conditioner first touched it, it was love at first massage.
4. Kerastase Elixir Ultime $48.50: The image here is actually the new limited edition package set to be released for this amazing cocktail of hair oils. My hair just loves it.
5. Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector (aka B.B. Cream) $13.95: I’m going to call it – this was my top beauty release for 2011. I’m on to my third tube and use it as my everyday moisturiser, topped with some mineral powder. Here’s why I rate it.
6. Clarisonic Mia $149: I was late to the Clarisonic party but I’m very happy that Mia was my first try. I love that she is smaller than her original, classic sisters … but I mostly love that she has done amazing things for my skin.
7. Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation $65: This foundation has become my go-to foundation of choice for special occasions. It has staying power, even in the humidity of Queensland, and it gives me a flawless glow that shaves off years. See for yourself here.
8. Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Concealer $11.95: I’m a concealer-holic and this one (used in tandem with its Brightener twin) represents great value for a fantastic result. Perfect for getting your glow on.
9. Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator $105: Also part of my glow arsenal, this serum works immediately for a gorgeous lustre but then over time to improve and even out your skin tone.
10. Benefit They’re Real mascara $38: I was hard pushed to find a Benefit product release that I DIDN’T love this year but this one was my ultimate stand-out of the stand-outs. You can read why my lashes battered just a bit more obviously here.
Oh, and can I cheat and add in a few more?
In the budget hair category, Pantene Nature Fusion was a big, big winner. It was the first budget hair product that didn’t irritate my scalp.
And I fell big time for ANY eye products that came with a roller ball applicator.
Did you try or buy any of these products this year? Or do you have another stand-out beauty or hair product you’d like to add to the list?
*chest wrinkles
Comments 44
The Clarasonic Mia is on my list of things to buy in the first half of this year particularly since I just bought the Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing gel which I have read goes great with it. 🙂
Wishing I had picked up more Benefit products when I stalked Sephora last week in Singapore. *sigh* So many lovely products – not enough money. 😉
Happy new year Nikki. 🙂
Author
Yes, sigh know that feeling … I was the same in KL but was watching my pennies with Christmas just the next week!
Hi Nikki,
The Sodashi cream sounds divine. Lucky you for getting to try some. 🙂
I was wondering if you could recommend a moisturiser that gives a nice even matt finish with spf but no pigment? I recently bought and tried the light version of the BB cream after seeing it advertised and also reading your review. Unfortunately it’s just not right for my skin tone. My sister however, was only too happy to take it off my hands.
I am quite pale and hardly use any make up. I currently use the very basic Olay Complete for sensitive skin which is great but if possible I would like to find one that is a little less shiny. I may be asking the impossible here! And to make it even harder, I am on a very tight budget.
Many thanks, Kirsten. 🙂
Author
Hi Kirsten … why not give this Cetaphil one a try? http://www.cetaphil.com.au/Products/UVAUVBDefence.aspx
Thanks so much for getting back to me. I will give the Cetaphil one a go.
Cheers.
I heard for now only good things about this BB cream and now your blog post, too. Something is trying to tell me that I must give it a try 🙂
Author
Yep, give it a try!
Gosh BB cream making it to your and Norlin’s Best Beauty Buy lists makes me definitely need to try this one out. I’ve been happy with my Innika mineral powder and liquid foundation but you have me so curious!
I’m also tempted to give Benefit mascaras a go because of you – I generally use Diorshow + a L’Oreal one to get my outer lashes… let’s see whether they can be replaced with one Benefit steal 😉
Author
For $8.39 at Priceline, it’s worth a try Cheryl! It’s just an easy one for me … I add my minerals on top. And yes, go to a Benefit counter and try it out. I love it. x
Thank you so much for the link to Margi Fox’s Where to Buy – what a gem! Didn’t think I had a chance in hell of getting Jane Iredale products in Shepparton but guess what – a local beautician stocks her product. So helpful!
BTW love your blog and read it every day. Always very helpful.
Author
Oh, Cindy … that’s great. Margi Fox is the Australian distributor of Jane Iredale and it’s a great tool on their website for finding a stockist. And I’m so stoked you like reading my blog … lots more in 2012! x
I must try the BB cream after all the rave reviews…but must agree, love all the Napoleon Perdis products…Love the foundation, eyeliner pencil and Artemis lipstick soooo much!
Author
Agreed … NP knows his stuff!
Clearly I’ve been living under a rock as I’ve never heard of that Garnier cream! Best fix another drink to console myself….
Author
How on earth have you missed this one, Paula … have been banging on about it for a few months now! Get thee to Priceline – on special for $8.39!
*hangs head in shame*
Nikki, thanks for the reminder list. You mentioned the ones with balls for eyes. Which one do you think is best for dark under eyes from broken sleep traveling? I thought I might look out for the Olay one as my skin seems to like their products. Fran
Author
The Olay or the Nivea would work Fran – but if you’re used to Olay products then yes, stick with them!
Nikkin thanks for this post today. You inspired me to pull out my bb cream. Which then inspired a bit of bronzer and then some bright lippy! Sadly I cannot find a stockist for Jane Iredale anywhere around Syd city but one day i’ll get to try it! Can’t wait for 2012’s posts. Ways to dress to hide food babies would be ace 🙂
Author
LOL … but I must agree a bright lippy does lift a mood (and a look). Bring on 2012 … I’ve already been trialling some great products. RE Jane Iredale … have you tried putting in your postcode here: http://www.margifox.com.au/where-to-buy?view=directory&layout=search&tags=1
Hi Nikki, yes i tried and love the Garnier BB cream, i bought some after reading one of your blogg’s, i rarely wear foundation or makeup in general as seem to resemble a drag queen post application! but love this simple cream that makes me look less like i need a jump start from a resuscitation team! and will be trying the napoleon lip gloss too.
Author
Oh, you crack me up! And yes, that’s the reason why it’s such a hit – you can wear it as is or use it as a base with a bit of mineral powder on top. You won’t look over-done but you will have more flawless-looking skin.
I am TOTALLY converted to mineral make-up after finally feeling brave enough to try it after reading your advice here and it has claimed a last minute berth amongst my own favourites. I’ll be checking out at least half of your best-of list above for more fabulous discoveries 🙂
Author
Fantastic! And yes, mineral makeup would be on my all-time fave list but this was just my fave 2011 releases.
I have been using the BB cream now for a few months and love it for everyday use. I have noticed that a brown spot (age or pigment, not sure) has practically disappeared and I have attributed it to the BB Cream. I also use Hourglass foundation and primer for special occasions – the best I have ever used in terms of matching my skin tone. I got myself a VS Sassoon Big Hair Styler for Xmas and I love it.
Author
Oh Sandi, that’s amazing to hear. And have fun with that styler!
What a great list. Thanks for sharing Nikki. That lippy is def on my shopping list.
Author
Oh Kel, it would so suit you – as would the Front Row red from same release.
I have had the Clarsonic plus for 12 months now and absolutely looove it. I just bought the miracle bb cream after blogger recommendations, looove it and gave it as christmas presents too. I have just started with the Jane Iredale minerals, and I also have to say I loove and have used for a couple of years now, the Blinc mascaras and eyeliners and glominerals lipsticks. I just love hearing what other people find fabulous and what works for them.
Author
I do too! Great idea giving Garnier BB for gifts.
I’m with you re: the eye products with a roller ball applicator. This year I came across the Nutri-Metics Dark Circle Eraser. Not sure it actually erases those circles but it feels great!
My son gave me a Bed Head Shampoo and Conditioner for Christmas that smells like caramel. Can’t wait to use it!
Author
Definitely need that “feeling” that it’s working!!
Hi Nikki,
I just purchased the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector yesterday, so I haven’t tried it yet (hoping for a miracle). I would have to say, my all time favourite skin products are the Deep Pore Cleanser & the Non-Surgical Facelift from Grace Cosmetics….oh my…
I hope you had a lovely Christmas.
x Marnie
Author
Let me know how you go with it! I’ve had a great Christmas … Lots of relaxing!