2015 Makeup Favourites

As promised, I now have my 2015 Makeup Favourites post ready. If you have not seen my 2015 Skincare Favourites, you can have a quick read. Just like my other post, I tried to be strict with the number of products in each category but I can't bear to exclude product I have absolutely loved all year so I decided to include them. However, these are my absolute favourites which I would be totally gutted if they stopped producing them. Right let's dive in as it's a pretty long post...

Brow Products
I feel like I can get away without makeup if my brows are on fleek (sorry I could not resist using that word). I tried quite a few brow products in 2015 but these two brow products completely won my heart. The first is the MAC Fluid Eyeliner Gel in Dip Down (£15.50 //review) which is the perfect match for my brows and it lasts all day. I don't even bother using a powder brow product because this is all I ever need. The other product is the Soap and Glory Brow Filling Pencil in Hot Chocolate (£8 //review) which I absolutely love. I have lost count of how many times I have repurchased it from the drug store and I would keep repurchasing it. I mainly use it to outline my brows before going in with the MAC Dip Down to fill it in.These two brow products were complete heroes in 2015 and I can see them featuring in my 2016 Favourites as well because they are amazing like that.



Eyeshadow Primer
I hardly ever use any of my eyeshadows without a primer and I have two in my stash which I used all through 2015. The first is my one and only Essence I Love Stage Eyeshadow Primer (£2.50) which I prefer for majority of my eyeshaodws. It prevents creasing, helps my eyeshadows pop and last so much longer. I love the doe foot applicator and the shade really helps with colour correction on my lids. The second primer is also an absolute favourite which I think has been discontinued (I could totally cry)- The Laura Mercier Eye Canvas (review). This works like a dream on my eyelids and does all the above stated things as the Essence version. The major difference is the texture and the fact that it helps my shadows last longer than none other.



Primer
I have always been an advocate for primers and I can't remember when last I missed out using a primer when wearing makeup. As a combination oily skin gal, primer is super important for me. I used the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (£29 //review) consistently for the first half of 2015 and I absolutely enjoy using it because it keeps my makeup lasting longer and looking good, Towards the latter part of 2015, the Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot Primer (£10) was launched and I was all kinds of obsessed (I still am). I am still in awe as to how a drug store primer could work even better than some high end ones. It's amazing!! It goes on really smoothly, does not ball up and helps my foundation last so much longer than without it. The Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Primer in Champagne* (£19) was a new discovery for me in 2015 and I don't think I have owned or used anything like it at all. It gives my face a lovely lit from within glow which is hard to pull off especially for oily skinned gals like me who always use a matte foundation. It works so well and I love using it on days when I want a nice glow (not a shiny glow).



Concealer
I have concealers for different purposes which I am sure many people have the same as well. I think most of the concealers I used in 2014 remained pretty much the same in 2015 and I made quite a few repurchases. My favourite high end concealer was the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (£22// review)  which I have raved about. It does an amazing job both as concealer for dark spots and a highlighter concealer. However, I use it mainly for my blemishes because I love the results I get. My only gripe is how expensive it is and how quickly it finishes. The other concealer which I know I would forever repurchase is the LA Girl Pro Concealer (£3-5 //review)  which is incredible. I can't believe a concealer that is so affordable works such wonders. I have quiet a few of these concealers because they work so well especially for any areas of hyper pigmentation. The MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter in Peach Lustre (£19//review) is one of my favourite correctors and I am so happy I discovered it in 2015. It corrects all my annoying blemishes so well and my foundation has very little work to do. The MAC Studio Finish Concealer (£15.50//review) has been an old favourite for a while now and I recently rediscovered it again in 2015 and I remembered how much I loved it. It has one of the best coverages for a concealer and it does not budget at all all day. A definite firm favourite which also lasts for ages and I know I would repurchase it again in 2016.



Foundation
This category was super simple for me because they were only two foundations that made my skin look absolutely flawless. The first one is the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (£32 //review) which I purchased earlier in 2015 after it was launched. This is exactly the foundation my skin absolutely adores and it has not let me down at all. You just have to make sure you apply it with the right tool- hands, beauty blender or a good buffing brush. The other foundation which I was totally obsessed with (and still am) is the L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation (£7.99 //review) which is incredible. I can't still wrap my head around how such a beautiful foundation is so affordable. It's a shame they don't have my shade here in the UK but I buy mine from the US via Ebay and I love it. If you have oily skin, this is the answer to all your foundation woes, trust me!!



Powder
I do have quite a few powders that I loved so much in 2015. When I am picking a powder, I always opt for one that is finely milled, easy and light to apply and does not look cakey. In 2015, I was lucky to try out some amazing powders which were on my wish list. The usual one is the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish (MSF) (£24//review)  which is my absolute Holy Grail Powder. I am pretty sure it featured in my 2014 favourites and I have repurchased it a few times already. The next powder is the NARS Pressed Powder (£25) which is so finely milled and gives my face one of the best finishes. It is so compact and I love this for on the go touch ups. I was lucky to try Laura Geller Balnce-n-Brighten Baked Foundation Powder*(£26) which sets my face with the best innate glow. No matter what foundation I use, this powder ensures it looks fantastic, Last but not the least is the Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder*(£17//review) which is amazing for all skin types and complexions because it is translucent. I reached for this powder a lot when I wanted a nice finish to my powder without adding any extra coverage. I find that some powders which claim to be translucent usually look ashy on darker skin but this Vichy Setting Powder does not do that so I really do recommend checking it out.



Blush
I was not really a huge fan of blushes in 2014 but come 2015, the obsession grew and my collection increased. I love how blushes could totally add some warmth to your look even when you have not made an effort. I won't talk about all these blushes but I would leave their names if you want to check them out- By Terry Blush in Beach Bomb, NARS Taj Mahal Blush, Sleek Blush in Sahara, W7 Blush in Desert Pink and Laura Geller Brighten-n-Balance Blush in Pink Buttercream. They are all amazing and were my most used blushes in 2015. I particularly loved the NARS Taj Mahal Blush (£23) which I had been lusting after for so long and I am glad I got my hands on it. The Laura Geller Blush in Pink Butter Cream (£22) * is so flattering on my complexion and it's perfect for everyday wear and the glow (from it being baked) looks so beautiful. Of course, the By Terry Blush in Beach Bomb (£52//review)  is in a league of its own and it is intensely pigmented so a light sweep of my brush does the magic.



Contour Kit
This has not changed at all and I can't see it changing unless I find something more amazing. The Sleek Contour Kit (£6.49//review) is just a beauty and I have used it for many years now. I used the shade Medium and it is the perfect match for my complexion without looking muddy. I also recently discovered the Black Opal Foundation Stick in Suede Mocha (£6.99//review) which reminds me of the NARS Multiple. It really takes my contour to another level and I love to use this on days when I have more time as blending is key. They are both incredible and I have used them interchangeable all year in 2015.



Highlighter
I have never really been crazy about highlighting until 2015 and still I won't say I am a pro. I discovered some amazing products that helped me out a lot to get into the highlighting hype. The first two products are super popular and with good reason- The Balm's Betty Lou-Manizer and Mary Lou-Manizer. (review) They are the crème de la crème of all affordable highlighters and I know they would last forever because a little goes a long way. I have to say I use Betty Lou much more because it looks so flattering on my complexion and it's suitable for everyday wear (with a light hand). I use Mary Lou when I am feeling myself and on the weekends. A new addition to my stash which I loved was the Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Ballerina* (£15) which I really like. It also looks super flattering on my complexion and I can get away with wearing it for an everyday glam look.



Mascara
I used to be the girl with a few mascaras but now I have a nice bunch and even one from the drug store. I am very picky when it comes to mascaras because my lashes are supper short (almost non-existent) and very curly. I need length and some volume but I usually go for lengthening mascaras. I discovered three mascaras that swept me off my feet. The first mascara which also featured in my 2014 Favourite is the YSL Baby Doll Mascara (£25//review). It ticks all the boxes for me in terms of length and volume. The second one is the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara (£19.50) which actually took me by surprise. I tried the sample at first which I liked but not loved but it grew on me so rapidly. It adds some length and holds an incredible curl. The third is the By Terry Terrybly Mascara* (£30//review) which is infused with a growth serum. It does sound gimmicky but it absolutely works and I love it. Last but not least is the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (£7.99//review) which is such a great drug store option. It gives length, volume and holds a curl so well.


Eyeliner
I have only used one eyeliner for a long while and a few years as well. It's none other than the L'Oreal brand but I particularly love the Superstar Super Liner Pen (£6.99//review). I have repurchased it already and I have three backups now because it was always sold out and I panicked. It is one of the best eye liners I have tried and I don't see myself switching unless I find something incredible. I do have my eyes on the Tom Ford Eyeliner but that's a proper splurge so I would be popping that over on a wish list instead.




Lipsticks
This is one category where I could not be disciplined because I loved quite a few lipsticks. I have loved lip glosses, lipsticks and liquid lipsticks and they have all served me well. From the drug store, I particularly loved the Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Glosses (£6.19//review) which are one of the best from the drug store I have tried. They have the an incredible non-sticky formula which stays on for a good while on my lips. I was also obsessed with the W7 Matte Lipsticks* (£3.99//review)  which I was lucky to try and I am seriously impressed with the formula and longevity. My favourite shade is Lady Luck which I wore the most all year round. On to high end lipsticks, I would always love my MAC Lipsticks because they are bae. I love all the shades in my little collection but Velvet Teddy, Shy Girl and Love Lorn (review) were my most worn shades. Last but not the least were the By Terry Rouge Velvet Lipsticks (£30//review)  which I can seem to put down. My favourite shade is Pause Cappucino and I have used it so much that I am sure I am on my last legs (what would I do as it is so expensive). It is worth every penny I paid and I think I may repurchase it if it dares run out on me.


Eyeshadow (Cream)
I am so in love with cream eyeshadows because they give such a different effect compared to powder eyeshadows. They just seem more luminous and add more pizazz to a look. When cream eyeshadows are paired with powder eyeshadows, the results are just so beautiful and that's what I do most of the time. In 2015, I tried more cream eyeshadows and I loved them all. My Maybelline Color Tattoos (£4.99//review) still remain my favourite drug store cream eyeshadows and they have served me so well.  The By Terry Ombre Blackstars  (£29//review) are the absolute heroes. I can't imagine any other brand coming close and I know there are a few dupes here and there but it still reigns supreme.




Eyeshadow Palettes
I have an ridiculous amount of eyeshadow palettes in my collection which seemed to grow exponentially in 2015. I love all my eyeshadow palettes and choosing my absolute favourites from 2015 was super hard. I asked myself what eyeshadow palette I would save if I was told I could keep only 5. I pondered really hard before coming up with the following: Morphe 35O Warm Eyeshadow Palette (£20.50//review) , Laura Geller The Delectable Eyeshadow Palette in Cool* (£35//review), Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette (£15.50//review), Lorac Pro Palette ($42 //review) and of course my By Terry Eye Design Palette in 02 (£69//review) . If these palettes disappeared from my stash, I think I might cry. They are all special to me and all have a little story behind them. I have recently added more palettes to my collection and I have told myself, enough is enough. An eyeshadow palette collection post is on its way so keep your eyes peeled.


Overall Thoughts
That was a pretty long post but I warned you all so you can't complain!! Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed this post and I am so pleased I managed to put it up before January was over. As you can see, I loved more than a few products in 2015 and I hope you have found some gems. Tell me in the comment box what your favourite makeup product in 2015 was. I would love to check them out..xx
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