Best and worst products for 2016

Sunny Dayz

So what were your best and worst beauty/ skincare/ haircare / make up products for 2016?


Hits:

• Blank canvas series one palette - I was never really drawn to warm shadows but it was used on me by a MUA for a wedding and I had to get it, I've gotten so much use out of it since!
• Anything by Catrice - many new additions to my make up routine in 2016 from Catrice: their glam & doll mascara and eyeliner, HD foundation, liquid concealer and I've just started using their eye shadow primer and happy with it so far.
• Cocoa Brown conditioner - not mad about the shampoo to be honest, it leaves my hair feeling rough which I guess it the volumising bit, I really needed the matching conditioner to soften the ends. I've used up the conditioner well before the shampoo which never happens with me, and I will just repurchase the conditioner alone.

Misses:

• Flormar products - maybe I just didn't pick the right ones but I've tried the illuminating primer and I found the scent really offputting. Also got one of their high coverage foundations and I found it really hard to find a shade to match me (and I haven't an unusual colouring) and the one it bought just looked really heavy and cakey on me.
• Waxperts pads - I think I got these earlier in the year, I found they did nothing for me.
• NYX lip lingerie liquid lipsticks - the formula of them is good, but the shades do not suit me at all, they are all grey and concealer like on me. Just the shade exotic suited me and in fairness I've gotten good wear out of it.

GingerLily

Hits;
Becca - highlighters (pearl & moonstone pressed), backlighting primer, undereye corrector

Beauty Blender and the solid cleanser

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing gel

Pixi Glow Tonic

Mac Fix+ - I'm addicted

First Aid Beauty repair cream

Misses;
Stila liquid lipstick in Petina - awful shade

Alpha H Liquid Gold - too much alcohol for my skin

KVD tattoo liner - very hard to work with, nib dries too much

Loreal clay mask - red one, broke me out

Meangadh

Ooh, love this. Ok, my Hits of 2016:

Benefit Hoola
Penneys oval cosmetic pads
Penneys individual lashes
Seche Vite topcoat
Aldi hairspray
Makeup Geek eyeshadows
Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray
Olaplex

Misses of 2016:

Boots Botanicals eye makeup remover (really had to work it hard to be effective and then stung like a mother f**ker)
Cocoa Brown shampoo (agree with above, the conditioner is much better... but I really wish the smell was different)
B bold tan (came off looking very dirty/patchy)
LA Girl concealer (just felt it did nothing)
Morphe brushes (maybe I got a bad batch, but the dye from the black hairs runs all the time when I wash them. I know they're fairly cheap but it's actually ridiculous.)
Flormar CC cream- I actually really like the formula, but the SMELL!!! It absolutely stinks.

I'm on the fence about those waxperts pads too... not really noticing they do anything. But maybe that's the point, maybe I'd notice ingrown hairs and stuff more if I wasn't using them... but yeah, in general I don't really see the fuss.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k

Hits:
Kevyn Aucoin sensual skin fluid foundation - leaves you looking like an Instagram filter.
Anastasia modern renaissance palette - highlight of all eyeshadow palettes this year.
Inglot products - I really got into inglot this year, few disappointments but a lot of good products. I really like their eyeshadows and their lip products in particular. I especially loved their rose gold pigment, and their matte lip glosses. Duraline is a staple product for me and I was impressed with their AMC foundation, although i didn't purchase it (just had it applied having my face done) as I'm more than happy with my own foundation. I also like their face highlighters, particularaly the gold mixed with the bronze. I have purchased all 3 and they're stunning alone or mixed together.

Becca/Jacklyn Hill - champagne pop
The Balm - MaryLou Manizer

Sleek - liquid lipsticks, the longevity of the product is amazing.

Bellamianta tan. I'm not a huge tan person, I rarely wear it and am extremely pale. This tan looks amazing on me and seems next to impossible to screw up. On New Year's Eve I used the bellamianta mitt to apply an instant tan. I washed off my instant tan on New Year's Day but was left with the excess bellamianta tan and it's so subtle and natural and adds a very light natural colour. I can't see myself switching tans for the foreseeable. I hate the orange undertone to a lot of tans on the market and I've worked with a lot of different brands but this is my absolute favourite.

Coco Brown
- tough stuff
- shampoo and conditioner
I was pleasantly surprised and was probably the last person in the country to try CB products. Tough stuff was the best exfoliator I've ever used (second to the ogra body exfoliator). The only downside for me was the price difference. 7.99 in Tesco and dunnes and 4.99 in Dublin pharmacies/pennies.

The shampoo especially was probably my most favourite find of 2016.

L'Oréal Extraordinary Oil. After a hair disaster with a bleach happy hairdresser my hair was destroyed. I now use this after every wash and my hair has really never looked as good. I've started taking head high and I use a keratin mask from Lidl and my hair is in great condition. I haven't used the mask long enough for an impartial review though.

Misses:
Inglot "long for" mascara - 18 euro of disappointment. The brush is horrible to work with, the formula is gloopy, and very wet so the combination leaves an absolute mess on short lashes. I commented on it to a MUA doing my makeup with inglot that I was less than impressed with it and she shrugged and suggested I use a disposable brush with it.

Tresemme dry shampoo - my day old hair was fine when I used it, I just wanted to freshen it up. After I put this in my hair looked like I could season a wok. It was horrible. I tried it a few times, and each time it was the same. Extremely disappointing.

Tresemme Clarifying/Cleansing shampoo. My hair never feels clean after this shampoo.

PS Glow mask, the pennies dupe of glam glow mask. It felt like I'd smeared my face in petroleum jelly. It did a decent enough exfoliation but it felt and smelled cheap. An ok exfoliator but a disapppinting mask. (Received this free)

Vaseline spray and go moisturiser. Greasy and gimmicky.

Anastasia dip Brow pomode - did love this initially but I'm fairly convinced that the formula for me is causing hairloss

lazygal

Hits:
L'Oreal perfect match foundation. Love this and have repurchased several time.
Charlotte Tilberry eyeshadow in a goldy neutral shade.
Cheap as chips Rimmel lip pencil.
Set of ecotools brushes, bought as part of a drive to be more eco friendly and I love them all.

Misses:
Flormar primer. I only used it to use it up and was glad to see the back of it.
Make Up Revolution in general, bought eyeshadows, blushers, lipglosses and other stuff, it was all crap.

Maybe:
MAC Prolongwear. I only bought this recently and I will get the beauty blender to see if this improves it for me but so far I'm meh about it. I prefer the L'Oreal TBH.

Valentina

HITS:

Beauty Blender - flawless coverage. Just the best way to apply foundation IMO.

ABH Renaissance Palette - beautiful colours that blend seamlessly. It's like I have an Instagram filter on my eyelids

Becca Colour Corrector Concealer in Peach - the only thing that has successfully covered up my dark under eyes
Becca Luminisers in Opal and Pearl - perfectly highlight without looking shiny or glittery

Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation - amazing bargain buy. Fantastic coverage and great match for my skin.

Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red lipstick - wore this almost non-stop over the last month. It's intensely pigmented, matte but SO comfortable to wear and most importantly didn't wear off even after eating/drinking.

MAC Fix+ spray - I used this continuously in 30+ degree heat over the summer and my make up looked great all day long.

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Feline - not sure if this is available here? I got a few tubes in the States and it's my favourite mascara at the moment. Separates and curls my poker straight lashes even if I don't use a curler.

MISSES:

Avene eye contour cream - felt like this did nothing. Also took an age to absorb.

Boots Airbrush Away foundation - airbrushes away off your face and onto your clothes/hands/everything. I was colour matched to something way too pink for my skin that slid off onto anything that came near it even hours after being applied.

Becca Colour Corrector Concealer in Pistachio - unfortunately not as good as the Peach one. Did nothing to minimise any redness in my skin. Very disappointing.

That's all I can think of for now. Perhaps I'll remember more as others post!

GingerLily

Valentina wrote: »

HITS:

Beauty Blender - flawless coverage. Just the best way to apply foundation IMO.

ABH Renaissance Palette - beautiful colours that blend seamlessly. It's like I have an Instagram filter on my eyelids

Becca Colour Corrector Concealer in Peach - the only thing that has successfully covered up my dark under eyes
Becca Luminisers in Opal and Pearl - perfectly highlight without looking shiny or glittery

Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation - amazing bargain buy. Fantastic coverage and great match for my skin.

Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red lipstick - wore this almost non-stop over the last month. It's intensely pigmented, matte but SO comfortable to wear and most importantly didn't wear off even after eating/drinking.

MAC Fix+ spray - I used this continuously in 30+ degree heat over the summer and my make up looked great all day long.

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Feline - not sure if this is available here? I got a few tubes in the States and it's my favourite mascara at the moment. Separates and curls my poker straight lashes even if I don't use a curler.

MISSES:

Avene eye contour cream - felt like this did nothing. Also took an age to absorb.

Boots Airbrush Away foundation - airbrushes away off your face and onto your clothes/hands/everything. I was colour matched to something way too pink for my skin that slid off onto anything that came near it even hours after being applied.

Becca Colour Corrector Concealer in Pistachio - unfortunately not as good as the Peach one. Did nothing to minimise any redness in my skin. Very disappointing.

That's all I can think of for now. Perhaps I'll remember more as others post!

We have a good few in common! Very tempted by the ABH palette- I'm between that and the Huda one!

GingerLily

Also Flormar isn't getting great reviews, never tried their stuff before, don't think I will now!

Hopeful2016

Hits:

ABH Modern Renaissance palette & Too Faced Sweet Peach palette - love the warm and peachy shades on blue eyes

KVD Shade and Light eye palette - great for every day neutral look or smoky night time look. V easy to blend.

Catrice foundations. HD dropper one is super lightweight with nice medium coverage and lovely finish. Even Skin Tone one has nice fuller coverage and comes in shade 005 which is perfect for my paler skin as I sometimes find the shade range too dark.

EL Double Wear. My ride or die going out foundation. Love this. Flawless finish and doesn't budge.

Hourglass ambient light blush palette- gorgeous glowy shades without the glitter.

Clarisonic brush - my skin looks so much clearer and pores look smaller when I use this regularly.

L'Oréal micellar water - does v good job of taking make up off and doesn't sting my sensitive skin or eyes.

Irish Breeze square extra large cotton pads - sooo soft and a great size for make up removal.

Clarins hand and nail cream - sinks in easily and leave skin lovely and soft.

Misses:

Lancôme hypnose drama mascara- a big, expensive clumpy mess.

Bourjois healthy skin ( I think! The one with the peach colour pump that has a primer with the same name) - even lightest shade was way too orange.

CB shampoo. Left hair so lank.

Elvive fibrology air shampoo and conditioner. The clear gel version. The shampoo was ok but the conditioner just did nothing. Not even slightly conditioning. Love the original.

Rimmel Brow gel - clumpy and messy. Left blobs of product on my brows. Maybe I got a bad one cos it looked like it was gone off.

Water wipes makeup remover wipes - struggled to get makeup off with these no matter how many I used.

Maybe: jury is out on Nars Sheer glow foundation. Not loving it so far but haven't used it enough to decide for sure. Don't think it's worth the price.

dee_mc

I tried a Flormar foundation recently and thought it had promise but on reflection, it has no staying power and sort of sits on the skin doing nothing before just wearing away or rubbing off at the slightest touch of clothing or a tissue or whatever. Not good at all.
I still like their primer though, and some of their nail polishes (the opaque, non pearlescent or glittery ones) are very decent for the price.
Another miss: Colab dry shampoo. I read an excellent review of it so off I went to my nearest Superdrug (shudder) to buy it. Massive disappointment: it made my hair look greasy and stringy and dry all at the same time. The quest for a decent dry shampoo continues (I have the same problem with Batiste, albeit to a lesser extent, and I hate every scent of theirs too).

My biggest hit of the year was probably the Garnier oil-infused make up remover wipes http://www.boots.ie/en/Garnier-SkinActive-Oil-Infused-Micellar-Cleansing-Wipes_1792913/ - I'm not a fan of wipes in general as they can be so drying and overly fragranced but they are so handy in an emergency. These ones are very effective, no rubbing required, I still need 2 to finish the job properly but they are very nice and moisturising.

Other hits: Lancome lipliners and lipsticks - long-lasting, non-drying, no horrible flaking etc. Expensive but worth it.
Benefit Sugarbomb blush - lovely natural looking pop of colour, very easy to blend.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum - eye-wateringly expensive but worth every penny - this has done wonders for my skin and works beautifully with my Clinique Moisture Surge moisturiser, which goes funny over some other serums.
Benefit Gimme Brow - exactly like those brow mascaras in the nineties, except not horrible and Gimme Brow actually does what you want it to do! Good colour range too.
Aveeno moisturising body wash is a lovely product, I use it to wash my face too and it's so gentle and calming. Always on the lookout for a special offer on this.
John Frieda Sheer Blonde shampoo and conditioner range keeps my highlights looking fresh.

Penneys range of cotton pads - I love the oval ones for removing eye makeup and the little round ones for nail polish etc.
Oh and Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream is one of my biggest must-haves, 2016 and always!

Valentina

GingerLily wrote: »

We have a good few in common! Very tempted by the ABH palette- I'm between that and the Huda one!

I say get the ABH one! I haven't tried Huda but I have lots of eyeshadows from high end brands to drugstore, and the ABH beats them all hands down.

Meangadh

GingerLily wrote: »

Also Flormar isn't getting great reviews, never tried their stuff before, don't think I will now!

I will say that I really like their lipsticks! Haven't tried enough of their other products to say anything else.

SarahMollie

Hits


The Manizer sisters palette - really love it.
ABH Modern Renasance Palette - very bendable
Image skincare - tried a few different products this year as their range has evolves. Cant really fault any of them.
HASK shampoo and conditioners (Penneys) Originally got these free in a goodybag but have bought them numerous times since. They leave my hair lovely and soft, and I hardly ever dry or straighten it anymore. Its now so much longer and thicker.



Misses

Flomar - again, got some freebies and was not impressed.
NYX Born to Glow Illuminator in Gleam - did nothing for me. Looked so pigmented on my hand but on my face it made no difference.
PS knock off of the Manizer Sisters palette - product is rock hard, could barely get anything onto my brush, let alone my face.

Wellyd

Hits:

Kylie Lip Kits. Definitely was hesitant of the hype about rhese but they live up to it. Little to no wear off onto cups/glasses when drinking. Great variety of shades and will purchase more.

L'Oréal elvive extraordinary hair oil. Love this put a few pumps through my hair when wet before blow drying and my hair is lovely and silky.

The Manizer Sisters. Only got his for Christmas but I really do love it so far.

Nip+Fab glycolic pads. My skin has never been so clear. Use these every night before bed and since the initial outbreak (when I first start using them) I think I've had about 2 spots.

Penneys lip liners. I must have about 16 of the nude one.

Misses
Nivea double effect eyemake up remover. Absolutely stings the eyes out of me every single time.

Penneys nail varnishes. Found the colours pretty but didn't last a few hours without chipping.

Think I got out of 2016 without wasting too much money on beauty misses!

Edit to add the Catrice highlighter that all the beauty bloggers were raving about. It was absolutely crap!

Meangadh

Wellyd wrote: »

Misses
Nivea double effect eyemake up remover. Absolutely stings the eyes out of me every single time.

Yes! I agree, heard really good things (Marissa Carter raves about it) but I hated it, so stingy. Actually if anyone has any recommendations of a really good eye makeup remover that's ok for sensitive eyes/lens wearers, I'd really appreciate it!

SarahMollie

Meangadh wrote: »

Yes! I agree, heard really good things (Marissa Carter raves about it) but I hated it, so stingy. Actually if anyone has any recommendations of a really good eye makeup remover that's ok for sensitive eyes/lens wearers, I'd really appreciate it!

I find Bioderma micellar water takes off all my make up and is really gentle on my skin I follow up with a proper cleanse wtih a face cloth/sponge and a foaming cleanser (Clinque - think its called gentle foaming cleanser or similar) but Bioderma takes away all the heavy lifting.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k

I use coconut oil to remove my makeup, even around my eyes. 3.99 aldi

SarahMollie

LexieOnRale wrote: »

I use coconut oil to remove my makeup, even around my eyes. 3.99 aldi

Actually I recently used this to take off NYX lip lingerie (which is pretty solid stuff) and it worked a treat. I can't use this all over because I wear lash extensions and oil in that area would be a no no, but its definitely a good tip

Dial Hard

Great thread!

Hits:
-Catrice HD Liquid Coverage foundation
-Catrice Glam & Doll mascara
-Kiehl's Nightly Refining Micro-peel Concentrate
-Lidl's keratin haircare range
-Sleek eyeshadow palette in "Spotlights"

Misses:
-Nip & Fab glycolic daily cleansing pads. Did nothing except dry me up and break me out
-NYX Matte but not Flat primer. Did absolutely nothing at all.
- Revlon Ultra Matte liquid lipsticks. They wear REALLY unevenly and don't reapply well at all unless you clean the whole lot off and start from scratch. Ain't nobody got time fo' dat.

retro:electro

Hits: - Mac Fix Plus spray. Only started using this this year; can't live without it now. I keep a mini in my bag at all times.
- ZOEVA Cocoa blends eyeshadow palette: just amazing, gorgeous colours and I will use every one of them. Have a gazillion palettes but this is my most used and grabbed every single day.
- Beauty Blender: I use the fix plus to dampen this and then blend my concealer with it. Flawless finish.
- L'oreal glam bronze cushion de soleil: amazing bronzer and makes me look so golden and glowy. Fab for any skin but especially freckled skin, it just makes you look so fresh and natural and sunkissed.
-Wet n Wild blush in 'Mellow Wine', gorgeous colour, it gives my skin life.
- Mac highlighter in 'Double Gleam', really nice and subtle.
- Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel: actually discovered this the year before last but I will never ever be without it.
- Kiehls Creme de Corps: makes me feel like a Victoria Secret model!
- Sunday Riley Luna Oil: the best thing I've ever put on my skin. Ever.
-Pro-voke silver shampoo: keeps my blonde hair icy white.



Misses: -Becca Champagne Pop: am probably the only person in the world who just didn't like this. My skin is very pink toned and this just didn't suit me.
-Benefit Posietint: if you want to look like a clown for the day, use this.
- Kevin Murphy purple shampoo and conditioner: I fell for the hype around these products but alas they were rubbish. Didn't leave my hair feeling clean but only dull and lank. Ugh.

Airyfairy12

Hit -
Bourjois Healthy Mix serum foundation
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Serum
Dior's Diorskin Forever & Ever Wear Extreme Perfection & Hold Makeup Base
Nars radiant creamy concealer
SEVENTEEN Falsifeye HD Mascara
Nail paint by Barry M
Cocoa brown shimmering body oil
Catrice Glam and doll curl and volume mascara
Soap and Glory one heck of a blot
Avocado oil
Charlotte Tibury lipstick Bond girl
Nars Nico
Avene Thermal water spray
Burts Bees lemon butter cuticle cream


Miss -
Rimmel London Wonder'Full Wake Me Up Mascara with Vitamins & Cucumber
Maybelline super stay 24 setting spray
Rimmel Insta fix and go setting spray
Charlotte Tilbury Magic foundation
Rimmel 60 second nail polish
Avene redness relieve moisturising protective cream SPF 20
Flomar beauty sponge
Benefit theyre real mascara

monaghanmissus

Great thread!

Hits:
Inglot Duraline - brings my Anastasia Dipbrow back to life and great under pigments and glitters.
Becca Cosmetics x Jaclyn Hill - Champagne Pop
Morphe 35O palette (amazing quality for the price!)
Sleek Powder Contour Kit (amazing pigmentation - dropped mine and can't find a replacement anywhere)
Rimmel/Kate Moss nude lipstick #40 - my go to nude lipstick for the past 6 months, think I've picked up 4 or 5. Lovely texture, lovely shade and not too glossy.
Benefit Porefessional Primer - keep coming back to this.
Penneys individual lashes.
So Su lashes.
Smart Beauty Express Colour - similar to a Colour bomb in that it keeps coloured hair healthy during salon visits. Gives my hair shine and condition like no other...

Misses:
Smashbox Photo Finish primer - Don't see what the hype is about..
Tan Organic Tanning Oil - again, heard lots of good reviews but hated it.

La.de.da

Hits:
Catrice HD foundation...now only one I use.
Boots botanics radiance balm as primer.
Garnier moisture bomb.
Estee lauder advanced night repair
La roche posay dry scalp shampoo.
Loreal olive oil conditioning mask


Misses:
Pixi glow tonic..broke my skin out.
Cocoa brown shampoo/conditioner.
Benefit they're real mascara.....awful.

I'm sure there's more. Haven't been very adventurous this year. Though now I really want the ABH modern renaissance pallet. Never really bother with eye shadow but id like to start trying.

ananas

Hits

Estee Lauder double wear foundation - the only foundation I can wear on my super oily skin.

Lidl keratin range.

Catrice liquid eyeliner - great application and doesn't bleed.

Inglot eyeshadows - great pigmentation.

NYX contour pallet - great shades and beautiful highlighters for all levels of tan.

Misses

Too faced born this way foundation - while marketed for oily skin, it slid off my face and was so patchy.

Maybelline scandal eyes mascara - while it says it's easy to remove, this is lies. It's clumpy and flakes off and I have to use baby oil to get it off. Utter miss.

Sleek liquid eyeliner - stung my eyes and is scratchy, hated thus.

Charlotte tilbury creme - this is awful and was so expensive. It sits on my skin and doesn't absorb.

ShazGV

I'm totally using this thread as inspiration for some new purchases, so I blame you all for my upcoming spending.


Hits
EL Double Wear - love trying new foundations but always come back to this one, as close as I'll ever come to holy grail
Mac Studio Fix Powder - ultimate full coverage, flawless finish
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - so inky black, so easy to use
L'Oreal False Lash Sculpt mascara - cannot get over how good this mascara makes my lashes look, even better than UD Perversion imo
NYX Microbrow - apparently a dupe for Anastasia Brow Wiz, love it

Misses
L'Oreal Clay hair mask - can't remember the actual name, felt this did nothing whatsoever
L'Oreal True Match foundation - disappointing as so many loved it, just didn't suit my skin I think
Seventeen felt tip eyeliner - so hard to use, hardly any pigment

fifi28

HITS
Estee Lauder double wear and double wear light - refuse to try any other foundations now!
Catrice glam & doll blackest black mascara
Catrice contour kit - the bronzer is just perfect for pale skin
Mac strobe cream - fell in love with this again and love the travel size is only ten euro
Charlotte tilbury eyeshadow quads - expensive but amazing quality
Cocoabrown kind shampoo & conditioner - made such a difference to my over coloured damaged hair
Kat Von D tattoo liner - so easy to use and stays put all day long
Kat von D shade and light eye palette

Ive a few others but think this list is long enough

MISSES

Nyx single eyeshadows - just didnt find these to be decent pigment wise
Pennys ps eye makeup remover - stung my eyes and left half the eyemakeup behind
Catrice higlow highlighter - disappears off the skin in no time
Makeup revolution matte revolution eyeshadow palette - serious lack of pigment and blendability
Boots botanics radiance balm - didnt find this great as others did

Loving this thread as it goes to show how some products work for some and not for others!

lazygal

fifi28 wrote: »

Boots botanics radiance balm - didnt find this great as others did!

I forgot about this! Also really didn't do a thing for me despite some bloggers raving about it.

Gunslinger92

lazygal wrote: »

I forgot about this! Also really didn't do a thing for me despite some bloggers raving about it.

Same, used it on half of my face once and not the other half, couldn't see a difference!

fifi28

Gunslinger92 wrote: »

Same, used it on half of my face once and not the other half, couldn't see a difference!

Exactly - made no beneficial difference, I tried it as a base and also mixed into foundation but it just seemed like more of a moisturiser that sank into the skin and that was that

molly09

Hits
Becca highlighter in moonstone
Nars sheer foundation
Beauty blender
Eyelure fake lashes -single fleur de force ones
Smash box liquid primer




Misses
Estée Lauder new foundation with the spongy applicator (can't remember the name) - very drying on my already dry skin

Liz earl skin polish- just found it stung my skin

mejulie805

Ooh great thread giving me loads of ideas!

Hits
Monuskin Illumunating Primer
ABH Modern Renaissance Palette
Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal mud mask
ABH Dipbrow
Benefit KaBrow
KVD Metal Matte palette
KVD Tattoo Liner (@gingerlily there is a pump in the lid if you think yours is prematurely dry!)
Practically everything by The Ordinary (skincare)
Amika Nourishing Conditioning mask
Manefit Sheet Masks
Foreo LUNA
UD Primer in Minor Sin
Becca Champagne Splits

Misses
UD Ultimate Basics (probably on my own here)
Essence highlighter trio (very chalky)
UD Highlighter Trio

GingerLily

GingerLily wrote: »

Hits;
Becca - highlighters (pearl & moonstone pressed), backlighting primer, undereye corrector

Beauty Blender and the solid cleanser

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing gel

Pixi Glow Tonic

Mac Fix+ - I'm addicted

First Aid Beauty repair cream

Misses;
Stila liquid lipstick in Petina - awful shade

Alpha H Liquid Gold - too much alcohol for my skin

KVD tattoo liner - very hard to work with, nib dries too much

Loreal clay mask - red one, broke me out

More to add that I only remembered while putting on my makeup today -

MAC MSFN in medium dark, I use it as a bronzer when I'm pale and it's amazing for warming up my skin.

Catrice liquid camoflage concealer - works great over L'Oreal True match foundation blended in with a beauty blender.

Soap and Glory archery 2in1 pencil and brush, I use it with a brow pomade to fill in bald patches.

KVD shade and light contour palette, it's amazing, my only regret is I didn't get the refillable version.

StripedBoxers

Hits

Make up

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation - love this for a light-medium coverage, lasts well and looks glowy but not oily which is something dewy/glowy foundations make me look.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - love this for healthy look with more coverage than the serum foundation but not heavy/cakey looking

Chanel Perfection Lumière Long-Wear foundation. Exactly what it says, its long wearing, looks natural, gives great coverage without looking "made up" or cakey. Expensive, well worth it though. Beautiful foundation.

L'Oreal Glam Bronze Duo Sun Powder - I find a lot of bronzers don't suit me but this is one that does and it doesn't look orange/muddy/patchy, the highlighter in it is gorgeous too

MAC Upward Lash mascara, this is amazing separation and volume, it makes my own looks like I've extensions when I don't.

MAC False Lashes Extreme mascara, love this for a natural look, it doesn't give much volume/drama to my lashes but my own are long, thick and jet black naturally that said, this is one I'd recommend and repurchase.

L.A. Girl PRO conceal absolutely love this concealer, stays put, doesn't budge, can settle into lines though but apart from that I love it.

Morphe palettes, I have the 35T and 350 and they were definitely my most used palettes last year, despite almost daily use on them I have yet to hit pan on any of the shadows and find the quality to be absolutely fantastic for the price they cost as well. I'd definitely recommend checking out Morphe for palettes cos they are well worth it.

https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/morphe-brushes-nature-glow-eye-shadow-palette-35o.html

https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/morphe-brushes-35-colour-taupe-eye-shadow-palette-35t.html

NARS NARSISSIST eye palette - and oldie but a good. Dug this out again last year and loved it even more. Such a great mix of colours and the quality is amazing, buttery, pigmented, easy to blend, etc. Horridly expensive, well worth it though.

http://www.temptalia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/nars_narsissisteyekit002.jpg

Laura Mercier Eye Art Artist's Palette – amazing palette, pricey, but worth it. Beautiful pigmentation, super easy to blend, looks great, last super well even without primer (and I’ve oily lids), well worth the splurge - http://www.sephora.com/artist-palette-for-eyes-P383070?skuId=1677848

Sephora Outrageous Curl mascara – brilliant mascara for volume, drama, separation etc. only thing is it smudges and there isn’t a waterproof version. I’d recommend it, but not for bottom lashes as it will smudge. It’s absolutely jet black though so looks amazing on - http://www.sephora.com/outrageous-curl-dramatic-volume-curve-mascara-P386619?skuId=1580166
Kat Von D Lock 'N Load Makeup Setting Mist – fantastic products, really helps make up to set and last and not separate. Only setting mist I’ve used so I can’t compare it to anything but it’s definitely intrigued me to try other mists out there - https://www.amazon.com/Kat-Von-Lock-Makeup-Setting/dp/B004K8QS1I

Smashbox oil free Photo Finish Foundation Primer, this has been a long-time favourite of mine but between trying other primers I kinda forgot about it til last year, and rediscovered it. I can't believe how amazing it is and its definitely become a firm favourite with me again. I want to try their hydrating primer next. Just need to work through the primers I have first.

L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection Magic Touch Instant Blur - this is fabulous at blurring. I use it under my eyes, around my nose (pores) and around my mouth/lines area and it works amazingly at stopping products seeping into the lines and looking awful. It’s hard to find as its often out of stock I find but it’s worth trying it if you can get it, its bloody brilliant.

http://eu.feelunique.com/p/LOreal-Paris-Skin-Perfection-Magic-Touch-Instant-Blur-15ml

Tarte Holiday Blockbuster Collection - love the lip pencil and blushers, you do need a very light hand with the blushers though as they are heavily pigmented and you can get the clown look easily. The lip pencil is gorgeous, a lovely nude pink and it lasts really well on the lips and fades evenly so no patchiness or streaks.

http://beautygeekuk.com/2015/12/tarte-holiday-blockbuster-collection.html

MAC Pigments, my all-time favourite pigments, they last so well, they are beautiful, easy to apply, blend, wear well etc. definitely my favourite pigments, I can't wait to pick up more from them.

Anastasia Beverly Hills highlighter in So Hollywood. Where do I begin. I wouldn't be a fan of highlighters usually, but this is beautiful. A stunning product and a firm favourite of mine anyway. I want to get Rivera next as that looks beautiful too.

Benefit Bella Bamba blush is beautiful too, its discontinued now, typically for me as its prob one of the few blushers I’d repurchase.

Bobbi Brown Desert Pink blush, again, another beautiful blusher, a matte finish and looks somewhat natural without the clown look. Definitely a firm favourite.

MAC Lip liners, best I’ve used, I have a few cheaper ones which are great but not comparable IMO.

MAC lipstick in Velvet Teddy, beautiful colour. I love nudes but often find they don’t suit me so I was delighted with this one.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner - got this last year in the M&S advent calendar and am converted, its easy to apply, and get thick/thin line, its jet black and its lasts for ages. Its not waterproof though as I've taken it off before with a baby wipe (before proper cleansing), it doesn't smudge if you just rub your eyes though so needs some liquid/moisture to get it going. http://www.eyeko.com/eyeko-skinny-liquid-eyeliner

Skincare

Organic Surge as a brand over all, bloody amazing products and for next to nothing in TK Maxx as well.

Some of my favourites are the following products, have repurchased many times and will continue to do so

Super Intensive Moisturiser - amazing moisturiser, probably my all-time favourite one so far. It’s so luxurious feeling and sinks in immediately and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling or residue on the skin - http://www.lookfantastic.com/organic-surge-daily-care-super-intensive-moisturiser-50ml/10574221.html

Hot Cloth Cleanser - my skin feels incredible after using this, and I had oily skin and it didn't irritate at all, my skin is dry now and still no irritation just a gorgeous feeling on my skin after using it - http://www.lookfantastic.com/organic-surge-extra-care-brightening-hot-cloth-cleanser-150ml/11266100.html

Extra Care Ultra-Light Oil Control Lotion - a gorgeous lightweight cream (heavier than a lotion I think) that is great for summer time when you don't want an intensive moisturiser or anything. Hard to find though can only seem to get normal version which I haven't tried but must try it now http://www.lookfantastic.com/organic-surge-extra-care-ultra-light-oil-control-lotion-50ml/11266106.html

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment – amazing face mask, the best I’ve used, a firm favourite, expensive but absolutely worth every cent. http://www.boots.ie/en/GLAMGLOW-SUPERMUD-CLEARING-TREATMENT-34g_1911831/

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Charcoal Face Mask – fantastic face mask especially for the price. Well worth picking up - http://www.boots.ie/en/Boots-Tea-Tree-Witch-Hazel-Charcoal-Face-Mask_1493092/

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Charcoal Facial Scrub – amazing face scrub, one of the best I’ve used anyway. Grains are a nice size and not too scratchy on the skin either - http://www.boots.ie/en/Boots-Tea-Tree-Witch-Hazel-Charcoal-Facial-Scrub_1493090/

Misses

Tarte Holiday Blockbuster Collection eye shadows. the shadows are hit and miss, bad pigmentation, they don't last well even with primer, they crease easily and I wouldn't recommend them, the mascara wasn't great either.

http://beautygeekuk.com/2015/12/tarte-holiday-blockbuster-collection.html

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara - just not great, doesn't do much, it smudges etc., not one I would recommend or repurchase.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Mascaras/Max-Factor-Masterpiece-Transform-Mascara/B00MHNI7EE

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara same as above. I don't seem to have luck with MF mascaras.

http://www.boots.ie/en/Max-Factor-False-Lash-Effect-Mascara_641711/

Organic Surge Extra Care Hydrating Eye Cream – lovely cream just didn’t feel it did much for me personally so I wouldn’t repurchase it.

Organic Surge Intensive Smoothing Serum – again a lovely product just didn’t feel it did much for me. It’s worth trying though if you like serums, I just struggle to find ones that do what I want without causing irritation.

Sephora Smokey It Palette – one of the worst palettes I’ve ever had. Little to no pigmentation and takes a LOT of work to get any colour and when you do get colour, it’s very patchy - https://www.amazon.com/SEPHORA-Collection-PALETTE-Smoky-Eyeshadow/dp/B00DWZ291S

Anthony Wake Up Call Hydrating Treatment Gel deluxe sample – this is okay; it seems to have strong menthol scent which I dislike (I don’t like mint scents anyway) so would avoid this one if you don’t either. It didn’t do much for me so I wouldn’t recommend or repurchase it really http://www.sephora.com/wake-up-call-hydrating-treatment-gel-P386497

Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation – awful stuff. Thick, heavy, mask like, cakey coverage and look. 100% avoid. Lucky mine was a sample cos I’d be seriously disappointed to spend so much and be that disappointed in it.

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer – awful concealer, thick, heavy, mask like, extremely cakey and settles in every line there is. Another major disappointment, thankfully another sample so I hadn’t splashed out on it.

A bigger list than I thought, sorry I could go on but I'll leave it there

Octavian Pepper

This probably won't reflect all of the cosmetics I've bought this year, but going off the top of my head....

Hits;
Most (if not all!) of the NYX cosmetics I've bought this year have been of great use to me. Honorable mentions include the HD foundation/primer/powder.
Bourjois Volume Reveal.
Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet
Urban Decay Naked Palette (This is my first Naked Palette, so far so good).
MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash.
MAC Liquidlast Liner (Wow, does this stuff last!).
MAC Whirl lipstick and lipliner.
MAC Ruby Woo.
Penneys PS Pro Eyeliner Correcter (I bought this for a euro but it really is good!)
Penneys PS Lip Scrub (Again, a cheapie, so far so good).
Penneys PS Love To Glow face mask.



Misses;
Urban Decay Subversion Eyelash Primer (I already owned the Perversion mascara, but the two together are awful.

BeeMee_123

My Hits:

Rimmel volume colourist mascara
Mac Studio Sculpt foundation
Maybelline eraser concealer
*** Rimmel setting spray, I cant find actual name anywhere, i've got oily sometimes combination skin and have tried every primer/setting spray imaginable so last week rimmel had spend €10 get this primer/setting spray for free and it was fab. I used maybelline baby skin primer, a spray of this put on my make up then sprayed again and really felt the make up tighten.
Pennys PS lipsticks

Miss:
Flormar Primer
Flormar setting powder
Penny's banana powder
NYX, eyeliner/liquid liner combo

Any questions on any of these just pm me

urbanshirl

Hits:
Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm
Garnier Simply Essentials bi phase Makeup Remover
Loreal Morroccan Oil Cleanser
Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Bath Oil
Inglot Duraline
Penneys Individual lashes


Misses
Inglot AMC foundation too heavy and cakey, too yellow toned
Bare Minerals Bare Skin Foundation, too oily and no coverage
Charlotte Tilbury, in general was disappointed with the foundation, eyeshadows and lipsticks
The Balm Mary Lou Manizer- too white/grey looking if you apply a lot
Too Faced Chocolate Bar palettes- not very pigmented compared to UD palettes

sashafierce

This post has been deleted.

weathermaiden

I just found this thread and it is SO helpful!  I hope you won't mind me reviving it now in 2018.....
HITS:
Catrice HD Foundation - almost too good to be true
Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Pencil – perfect for overdrawing my lips by about an inch or so and believing it isn’t obvious
L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil - I use it on my hair when it's dry and it's like instant silkiness
Tesco Hairspray - whatever the strongest hold one is, it's like CEMENT.  Brilliant when you need hair to stay put.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid
L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara - I love the Carbon Black, and the brush is super narrow for those of us (me) who tend to bash the brush off your face at the last step 7 out of 10 times
Essence Superlast 24h eyebrow pencil
technic Soft Focus Translucent Powder - impulse buy from boohoo.com and love it!  Probably suits pale skin tones better as it's white but takes the shine away!
technic Get Gorgeous highlighting powder - also boohoo, pleasant surprise!
Rimmel 60 Second Nail Varnish
Penneys Nail Drying Spray - actually seems to work!
Johnson's Face Wipes - I use the ones for sensitive skin and my face always feels lovely and soft after!  For those times when you cannot fathom washing your face right now
Batiste Dry Shampoo - I've tried them all and I always come back to this.
Lidl Cien Spray Deodorant - the blue one is the business!  The dry shampoo is a close second to Batiste.
Inglot Gel Eyeliner - the one in the pot that you have to use a brush with - stays on and hasn't dried out in the year I've owned it with daily use - still have half the pot left too!
Ted Baker - got the blush/bronzer palette in a gift hamper last year and love it!
Eylure Lashes - the Natural style ones you'd genuinely get away with in the daytime - and only Eylure glue!
Penneys new range of strip lashes - Wispies maybe?
Cocoa Brown shimmer oil
SEVENTEEN Stay Time liquid concealer
Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palettes
 
MISSES:
Inglot HD Foundation – horrible coverage, doesn’t stay. Terrible.
Rimmel liquid eyeliner – you’re better off using a Sharpie
Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation – disappointing
Herbal Essence dry shampoo – laughable.  Essentially hairspray that you brush out, and then your hair feels even worse so you have to wash it.
Benefit High Beam Highlighter – it dries too quickly or something, I never like the result.
Benefit They’re Real Mascara – suuuuper thick, excellent if you’re about to perform in a drag show but otherwise one coat is too much and the brush has notions.
Catrice lip pencils
Simple, Boots brand, and Penneys brand Face Wipes – meh, meh, meh
NARS Sheer Glow foundation – not worth the money
Activated charcoal tooth whitening powder – it might work wonders with consistent use but for me no better than normal whitening toothpaste
Penneys tweezers – none of them work for actual plucking
Any Dove spray deodorants

Wow, I have a lot of opinions apparently. :blink:

dee_mc

I tried the Simple wipes too, just for emergencies, and found them very dry - I took a micellar water I also didn't like (I think it was the Penneys one but there have been several I haven't got on with!) and poured a bit into the pack of wipes, and now I use them to clean my makeup bag and palettes etc.
That Catrice Hd foundation is my favourite, too. Up there with Double Wear.
Also love the L'Oreal salt spray for beachy waves, it's the pale blue one. Handy locking mechanism on the spray top, too.