Best of Makeup 2019

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Best of Makeup 2019

Happy New Year and welcome back my lovelies!  I can’t believe that we’re in a brand-spanking new decade.  However, with the beginning of a new year comes my annual favourites posts.  And, without further ado, let’s jump straight into which items made it into my Best of Makeup for 2019!

For some categories I’ve tried to include both a higher end product and a drugstore/more affordable one. I also include a note if the product has come out tops more than once annually over the last few years!

FACE PRODUCTS


BEST OF MAKEUP - FACE

PRIMER

1.By Terry Cellularose® Brightening CC Serum in 4 Sunny Flash (R1490* from Metropolitan Cosmetics) – Yes, I do own this in the darkest shade.  But it blends out so nicely that you can definitely get away with it – plus I use it to bronze my face up nicely as well!  This serum hydrates so beautifully, leaving my skin glowing and perfected thanks to the light-reflecting particles in it.  I use this as a primer, as it gives me those additional skincare benefits, while created a smoother, perfected canvas before foundation.  And this mixed into foundation is just as amazing!  You can even wear it on it’s own!  I’d love to try some of the other shades, especially the fairer ones for winter!

2.Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Primer (R255 for a travel size which I own/R510 for the full size on Superbalist) – I was given a few sample sachets of this primer this year, and was a bit meh at first.  I own way too many primers as it is, and I didn’t think it would be any different to the regular smoothing silicone primers I already owned.  Boy was I wrong!  I finished up those sachets (nice as they held almost a week’s worth of product each), and purchased the travel size from Superbalist (I couldn’t justify the full size considering my collection).  However, I’ve used it so much already that when it’s finished I’ll be buying the full size!  My skin is like silk it is so smooth, my pores are all filled, fine lines are blurred, and makeup lasts so much longer!

3.Filorga Pore Express Regulating Primer (R500* from The Beautiful Store) – I sadly finished my tube of this primer in the second half of the year.  I had been saving it and saving it, as I didn’t want the tube to end!  I really have to repurchase it though, as it’s another primer that has added skincare benefits.  The more I used it, the better my skin looked, and the less oil it produced thanks to the oil regulating properties.  Smoother, more matte skin without looking cakey or heavy or layered in product.  ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

FOUNDATION 

4.Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup in shade Sand (R625 from Superbalist) – The most expensive foundation I have ever owned, and yet I ALWAYS have a bottle in my collection.  This was the first foundation I ever used (my momma taught me to use only the best), and it’s one I always go back to.  If I could only choose one foundation to use for the rest of my life, this would be it.  I have a full review post dedicated to this foundation HERE.   ♥REPEAT WINNER x 1 000 000♥

5.Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation in shade 01 (R550 from Foschini stores/online) – I discovered this in 2017, and loved the formula and feel of this foundation.  It is a medium to full coverage and is easily buildable.  It has a gentle rose scent that doesn’t irritate my skin, and leaves my skin with a satin matte finish that looks fresh and skin-like.  Absolutely gorgeous!  You can read my full review on the foundation HERE♥REPEAT WINNER♥

6.Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation (R144 on Takealot) – I own 3 shades of this foundation.  One for my winter skin, one for when I have a slight tan and one for when I use my super dark self tanner.  I just cannot be without it!  This is the closest dupe I’ve found to the Estee Lauder Double Wear, yet it has an ever so slightly ‘fresher’ finish in that it’s not a flat matte.  Lasts all day long and amazingly priced! ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

7.Pierre Rene Skin Balance Foundation (R255* on the Glamore site) – I was sent this foundation by the lovely Glamore Cosmetics, and fell head over heels INSTANTLY.  It’s very seldom I love a foundation after just one use, but wowzers did this impress.  It’s a waterproof, high coverage foundation that has a lovely fresh finish. It’s isn’t overly dewy, yet it isn’t a flat matte finish, and it lasts all day long.  HIGHLY recommend – in fact I gave my lightest shade to my sister over the holidays, as she wanted to try it out and also fell for it after a single use!  I have a review of the foundation on my Instagram feed HERE (YOU CAN USE MY CODE ‘Sugar&Spice’ FOR 15% OFF ANYTHING ON THE Glamore website #notaffiliate)

P.S. Glamore offer a colour matching service too!  Just email gaelbaines3@gmail.com and Gael will assist you!

CONCEALER

8.Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer in shade 2 (R325 from Superbalist) – There was SO much hype when this concealer launched.  I’m not usually one to splurge on concealer as there are so many amazing offerings at the drugstore, but I just had to try this one.  And it is worth every cent!  Did you know that this is the ONLY concealer I can apply under the eyes and NOT set with powder?  Regardless of the quality of other brands, if I don’t set with a light dusting of powder under the eyes, my concealer will crease – but not the case with this one!  A little goes a long way too.  I need to get a couple more shades, as this is a bit too light when I’m self tanned, but I also want one to conceal blemishes and to spot conceal when I don’t want a full face of foundation, and I’d love a contouring shade!

9.Catrice Liquid Camouflage Concealer (R74 on Takealot) – I have owned this concealer on and off for many years now, and it’s one of the few that I keep coming back to.  The quality of the product in comparison to the price is insane.  Amazing coverage and it’s waterproof! ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

BB CREAM/TINTED MOISTURISER/SKINCARE FOUNDATION

10.Vita Liberata Beauty Blur in shade Latte Light (R1130* from Vita Liberata online) – I started using this product towards the end of winter, however I can already see that it’s pretty much all I’ll use this coming winter.  It’s a very lightly tinted product with some glow to it, that blurs imperfections.  It can be used as an HD primer for added radiance, which I use it for on drier skinned days, however my favourite way to use it is as a tinted moisturiser, with a little concealer to spot conceal.  In fact, I reached for it on a number of days over the hot, sultry holidays, and grabbed a little concealer under they eyes and on any blemishes.  It was all I needed!

11.Esse Foundation in shade 4 (R595* from Faithful-To-Nature) – This is a gorgeous skincare-based foundation that has impressively good coverage.  I find it’s a solid medium coverage foundation, with all the benefits of the Esse brand – pre and probiotics – plus an SPF of 30!  As I’ve said many times, the more often I wear this, the better my skin looks (and I’m on my second bottle.. just saying).  I have a full review on it HERE.

 

 

BEST OF MAKEUP - FACE

POWDER 

1.Elizabeth Arden High Performance Blurring Loose Powder in Translucent (R585 from Foschini online) – Influenced by my friend Simone from An Ordinary Gal, I am in love with this powder.  It has a small closure on the sifter so it doesn’t get too messy, but the powder itself is superb.  Very fine, it really does blur pores and fine lines!  I love using a little of this to set my t-zone and under the eyes.  Absolutely beautiful product!  Now I just want to get my hands on the brush that is designed to use with it.

2.Revlon Photoready Candid Powder (R139,95 from Dischem) – I actually did a full review on the Candid range HERE.  Out of all the products, the powder is what impressed me most!  It’s so finely milled, it really does blur the skin and keeps shine at bay.  But the packaging is small enough for travel, and has a nifty lid for your sifter, so the loose powder doesn’t just go everywhere.  Fab product and a big high five for that genius packaging Revlon! I have noticed this price has snuck up ever so slightly though?

BRONZER/CONTOUR

3. Benefit Hoola Bronzer (R445 from Superbalist) – This stuff is amazing.  Cool enough to use as a contour, yet warm enough to bronze up your face.  They also recently released new shades, both darker and lighter, so there are more skin tones that can enjoy it!  I have this in my Cheekleaders palette, as well as a mini of it in my little on-the-go makeup bag.  I’ve repurchased that mini about 3 times, and I got my mom so hooked she bought the jumbo one late last year! ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

4.Catrice Sun Lover Glow Bronzing Powder (R99 from Takealot) – I actually owned this and hadn’t really reached for it much, until one day I picked it up.  And I have barely put it down since!  It gives a gorgeous, natural sunkissed glow to the skin, and I’ve even used this on my eyes!

BLUSH

5.Benefit Dandelion Blush (R445 from Superbalist) – I actually own this in the Cheekleaders Pink Squad palette, and of the two blushes there, this is the one I reach for most.  It adds a super subtle and very natural flush to the cheeks, truly beautiful!  I feel super girly when I use it.

6.Pierre Rene Powder Blush (R170* on the Glamore site) – I was sent all 4 of these blush shades, and let me tell you they are PIGMENTED!  You only need to dip your brush in once to get a good colour payoff, and they blend out beautifully and last really well.  I think Rusty Cheek would be fab for darker skin tones (although it works if used with a light hand on my fair skin).  My most used of the lot so far though, would be Delicate Pink, as it’s the perfect everyday shade!

HIGHLIGHTER

7.Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals (R99 from Clicks stores) – This stuff is insanely gorgeous.  I have used my pan of highlighter so much that the lid is now sadly broken and I can’t travel with it!  However, it’s the highlighter I reach for when I need my highlighter to go BAM! ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

8.Pierre Rene Highlighting Powder (R190* on the Glamore site) – OH. MY. GOODNESS.  I didn’t think there would be a highlighter that gripped my heart as much as the Wet n Wild one, but these are insane!  You can either dust a light layer on your cheekbones for a lit-from-within glow, or build it up for a sheen that’ll be seen from space.  They also smell delicious and both shades are equally gorgeous.

 

 

EYE & BROW PRODUCTS

BEST OF MAKEUP - EYES & BROWS

 

BROW PENCIL

1.Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Brow Perfector in Brown (R370* from Foschini online) – I only received this in PR towards the end of 2019, but it made such a solid impression that I’d be lying if I didn’t include it.  It makes created a defined brow SO easy, and the shade is a perfect match for my brows!  I love that it includes a super thin pencil, a powder with a soft applicator and a spoolie brush.  Perfection!

2.LA Girl Shady Slim Brow Pencil in Soft Brown (R85 from Dischem) – The best budget-friendly brow pencil I’ve found that is super affordable, yet works like a higher end one!  I really got back into brow pencils in 2019, and this was one I repurchased a few times! ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

BROW GEL

3.Benefit Ka-Brow! Cream Gel in shade 3 (R375 from Superbalist) – This is my go-to for events or when I want to do a super full face of makeup.  It gives you that flawless, carved out brow in no time at all!  ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

4.Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Filler in Soft Brown (R112,95 from Dischem) – I was originally sent this product in 2 shades by the lovely people at Maybelline, and I finished up both and have since repurchased!  I battled the first couple of times though, as it’s quite pigmented and packs a lot of extra fibers in it.  However, after some playing around I got the hang of it (you can find a tutorial on my Instagram feed under the BROW TUTORIAL highlight)  What I love most is that this is a quick one-and-done product that gives me natural, fluffy, feathery brows that don’t budge the whole day!  ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

LASHES/MASCARA

5.Xtreme Lashes volume lash extensions by Nadine Kruger Aesthetics – I visited Nadine in January 2019 for a complimentary set of lashes in exchange for a review (you can read the full post and watch the vlog HERE).  Since then, I have maintained my gorgeous lash extensions – for a full year, apart from a short break when I had surgery in September.  Yes, the first set was on a trade exchange, and while Nadine does generously provide me with a discount (I tag her everytime you see these gorgeous lashes, if you’d like to find out more on pricing or general info),  I still pay for each fill (and I  happily to, as I’m obsessed – I’d gladly pay full price).  I know I’ve had a lot of queries on if I’m sponsored by the brand – and no I’m not a brand ambassador (although I’d love to be lol) – I’m just passionate about the brand (the only medically tested and approved brand on the market, and suitable for more sensitive eyes) and I adore how dedicated Nadine is to her clients.  She is an absolute artist!

6.Benefit They’re Real mascara (R195 for the mini which I’ve been using/R375 for the full size) – Seeing as I’ve been addicted to my Xtreme Lashes extensions I haven’t really had the need for mascara much this year (apart from the time where I took a short break post op in September).  However, the mini in this mascara was ideal as I only needed to add mascara to my bottom lashes, and it neither flakes, smudges or causes panda eyes!  Plus each lash is individually coating, with no clumping at all.

EYESHADOW PRIMER

7.Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (R335 from Urban Decay stores/online) – I never believed the hype of this product until I actually tried it.  This smoothes and preps your lid, it makes the eyeshadows really pop so much more, and they last without creasing!  I have a tube in my pro kit now too, and won’t go without it when I have an event or a long day ahead. ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

LIQUID EYESHADOW

8.Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Bronzed Bell (R360 from The Beautiful Store) – I honestly haven’t used liquid or cream shadows much at all over the past year.  But when I did, it was ALWAYS this one!  So sparkly and pigmented, lasts until you remove it, and guaranteed to earn you some compliments!  ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

EYELINER 

9.Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (R235 from Urban Decay stores/online) – These are well worth their price!  Super smooth, no dragging or pulling on your delicate eye area, and they last so well.  The colour range is second to none as well – I own Corrupt (a dark metallic chocolatey brown) and Alkaline (a deep plummy shade) and am SO keen on adding more to my collection.  ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

 

 

BEST OF MAKEUP - EYESHADOW PALETTES

EYESHADOW PALETTES

1.Urban Decay Born To Run eyeshadow palette (R800 from Urban Decay stores/online) – This palette is worth every bit of hype you’ve heard.  Amazing pigmentation and such a fabulous array of shades means this is perfect to travel with.  The mirror is super too!  ♥REPEAT WINNER♥

2.Miyo 5 Points Palette in Feminine Flame (R165* on the Glamore site) – These 5 pan eyeshadow palettes are GOLD guys!  I have 3 of them, but the Feminine Flame is by far my favourite.  It has a nice mix of matte shadows, one light enough for a brow bone highlight, another perfect for the crease as a transition colour, and a dark chocolatey brown, and then 2 shimmer shades, one a beautiful bronze and another a stunning plummy shade.  These are basically my favourite everyday shades, and this is a palette you could easily use to create a natural day look and then transition to a smokey, sultry night look.  Perfect for travel too! You can check out the look I created for the kit containing this palette HERE.

3.Revolution Reloaded palette Velvet Rose (R134,95 from Clicks stores) – I bought 2 of these Reloaded palettes when I was in Johannesburg this year.  I love both, but this is the one I’ve reached for time and time again – I’ve made a serious dent in some of the colours, which isn’t easy when you have a bigger makeup collection!  Beautiful pigmentation and easy to blend, and the price doesn’t hurt either!

 

 

LIPS & SETTING SPRAY

BEST OF MAKEUP - LIPS & SETTING SPRAY

LIP GLOSS

1.Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow (£17 from Harvey Nichols) – I had this on my wishlist for some time, when I finally placed an order on Harvey Nichols.  It was well worth the splurge too!  This is the most insanely comfortable formula of gloss out there – not sticky or gloopy, just a rich, comforting, juicy splash to the lips.  It’s also the perfect colour, and I can see how it’s supposed to be a universal shade.  I’m now dying to get my hands on Fu$$y, it’s newer pinker sister.

LIQUID LIPSTICK

2.Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip Matte in Starlet Scarlet (R550 from Superbalist) – Definitely the most expensive lippie I’ve ever bought for myself, this is UNREAL.  The formula does transfer a bit, but it still lasts on the lips for hours.  It isn’t that dry, desert-parched liquid lippie formula, but rather a semi matte finish that is comfortable to wear.  Which I way prefer!  Plus, this red is legit my ideal shade – and 2019 was the year of red lips for me!

LIPSTICK

YES, all of my favourite lippies of 2019 were ALL from MAC!  Overall my favourite lipstick was a MAC lippie, however these are the shades I’ve worn constantly this year.

3.MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo (R260 from Superbalist) – 2019 was truly the year I fully embraced red lipstick.  I’d played with it a little before, but if you see photos of me at events from 2019, about 80% of the time I was flashing a bold red lip. Ruby Woo is infamous for a reason – the perfect cooler toned red lip that doesn’t leave your teeth looking dull.  Plus the matte and retro matte lippies from MAC last for hours!

4.MAC Matte Lipstick in D For Danger (R260 from Superbalist) – I originally bought this for my wedding in 2017, but had second thoughts and worried it was too red.  My biggest regret is not sticking to my original thought and going for something that ended up NOT being what I wanted at all.  I have, however, used this lipstick to death, and am more than halfway through it now!

5.MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crème In Your Coffee (R260 from Superbalist) – Totally influenced by my friend Rach from Sincerely Blonde, this lippie is gorgeous.  I love the more buttery texture of it, and the shade (described as a soft peachy brown, although I feel it’s slightly cooler) makes my teeth look whiter and my skin look more porcelain.  LOVE!

6.MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy (R260 from Superbalist) – My all time favourite lipstick.  I’ve gone through countless tubes now, and this stays in my on-the-go makeup bag.  Absolute favourite! ♥MULTIPLE REPEAT WINNER♥

LIP LINER

7.Pierre Rene Lip Matic in 08 (R89* from the Glamore site) – These are the best formula of lip liner I have EVER used.  Ever.  Buttery smooth on application, they don’t drag at all.  Yet once they dry down, they’re budge-proof!  Also available in a nice variety of shades.  The shade I adore is 08, a slightly cooler toned nude that I can’t stop using as a lipstick!

SETTING SPRAY

8.Bionic Babe Set It Babe Setting Spray (R250* from Kiki Beauty) – This was one of the gifts in our #KZNMEETUP goodie bags, but I’d already had a bottle on hand, that I received as a free gift with purchase on the Kiki Beauty site.  This is a beautiful setting spray that settles down powders on the skin, and helps makeup to last longer throughout the day.  It’s also nice and hydrating, so my skin just soaks it up!


 

What were your favourite products of 2019?  Were any the same as mine?

BEST OF MAKEUP 2019

 


*PR gift

**Disclaimer – while some of these products were gifts sent in PR, my opinions are honest and my own. 

Siobhan

Beauty and Lifestyle blogger, wine addict and all-round lover of all things beautiful and sparkly!

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Prettiful Blog

    I spot a few of my faves here too! Especially Teint Idole and Catrice HD Foundation!

    1. Siobhan

      Ah yay!!! Both such amazing foundations! xx

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