The Top 10 Beauty Products Of 2019
I have been waiting all year to write this piece - some products I thought would make the list have fallen by the wayside and others have risen up to claim the top spot. So, in reverse order (drum roll please) here are the products I would recommend to anyone (but probably especially to people with dry, sensitive skin) from this year.
10. IT Cosmetics Foundation Brush
In at number 10 is the best make-up brush I have probably ever used.
Before this year, I always had to apply my foundation with a sponge - all the foundation brushes I tried were too harshly packed and just left my skin streaky and red.
And then came the IT Cosmetics brush. The brush is so big, fluffy and soft that any foundation just seems to glide on, leaving the most beautiful finish. There’s also the concealer brush on the end to hit those hard to reach spots round the eyes and nose.
If you’re looking to add to your brush collection and you want something that’s soft on sensitive skin… look no further.
9. Beautaniq Beauty Natural Brow Set*
I discovered Beautaniq Beauty earlier this year and am such a fan of their ethos. They have taken the clean ingredients element of skincare and transferred this across to make-up.
One of my favourite products from them is the Natural Brow Set which I was so excited to try at the launch event. They launched the new micro pencil which I absolutely love for a natural, hair-like effect and the Fill + Tame Gel which not only holds my brows in place, but also fills in any sparse areas.
If you’re a brow junkie like me and you want something that will last all day, I absolutely recommend this.
*gifted.
I will be totally honest, I bought this product for its looks. I am shallow like that.
Possibly the IT-ITEM of Instagram 2019, this has actually surprisingly become a favourite for me. I have neglected areas like my hands and neck in the past, but this has changed all that. The rich cream is supposed to brighten, soften and smooth your hands, with a non-sticky formula. It does just that and it smells amazing too!
If you want softer hands and the ultimate handbag accessory, you need this little egg in your life.
7. Filorga Oygen-Glow Eye Cream*
I have always been a fan of eye creams, so when this was gifted to me I was excited to try.
I am quite lucky with my under-eyes that they don’t darken too much, however this year I have been working more and sleeping less and was beginning to notice my eye area looking much more tired. Then comes the Filorga eye cream. Naturally hydrating and moisturising, it also brightens and takes away any dryness - which is always a problem for me.
When I use this, I notice almost an immediate improvement. It leaves my eyes looking and feeling refreshed. And it lasts AGES.
*gifted.
Before trying this toner I never really felt the need for toners in my routine. I just didn’t get it. That all changed when this Indie Lee beauty came along.
The CoQ-10 toner is specfically formulated to hydrate, for skin that feels tight and dry. It doesn’t strip the skin at all (which is what I’ve found with previous toners).
Every time I used this, my skin felt smooth and plump even before I had even added my moisturiser.
If you’re looking for something smoothing for your skin after removing your make-up, this is the perfect tonic and warm-up act for your evening routine. An absolute must in my opinion.
Cleansing is one of my favourite things to do. If my skin is feeling tired or about to get dry, I just want to remove everything - but I want to do it without drying it out.
I had previously been using all the wrong cleansers for my skin, but this has been my year of balms and I found my favourite in the Drunk Elephant Slaai Melting Butter.
Some people can find the formula a little greasy or oily but if you’re looking for a no-nonsense, clean product for sensitive or overly dry skin this is THE ONE for you.
This is probably my favourite cleanser of all time and I’m now on my third batch.
Narrowly missing out on my top 3 this year is the Oskia Renaissance Mask. I absolutely love this and has been almost a day 1 top product.
I cannot fall out of love with this. It’s the perfect exfoliator and radiator (not that kind of radiator) for my skin when it’s feeling a little dull and deflated.
I have used it throughout the year whenever my skin needs a rescue and it lasts for ages too. If you need a pick-me-up this winter you need to try Oskia!
3. Drunk Elephant LaLa
Making it into the top 3 is… Drunk Elephant Lala. I have managed to get through my tub of this and will be purchasing another very soon.
I need a thick moisturiser to cope with my dry skin. I like one that feels that it gets deep into the skin rather than just sitting on the top and makes a difference long-term.
This is what I have found with Lala. If you’re looking for great ingredients and just an all-time fantastic moisturiser I would recommend this. Excellent!
2. Purito Unscented Sunscreen*
Narrowly missing the top spot this year is the Purito sunscreen. Throughout the year I have been looking for a sunscreen and whilst I have found ones I don’t hate - Glossier, BeautyPie, Paula’s Choice, Soleil - this is the first one I really really love. Why?
Because it feels like I am adding a layer of moisture rather than a sunscreen. What I didn’t like about the products before is that I was putting it on because I had to after moisturising and before make-up. With this one I panic if I can’t find it. I love the last step in my morning skincare routine now - it sinks in and doesn’t leave a greasy layer or any kind of residue just lovely plump skin ready for make-up. An absolute diamond of a product!
*gifted
1. Paula’s Choice Hydrating Treatment Mask
Number 1 and a very very late entry is the Paula’s Choice Hydrating Mask. I am obsessed.
This is my new holy grail product. What I like most is the versatility - actually no that’s a lie, what I like most is the glow it gives my skin. I was having trouble as the weather got colder and I was contending with both that and the central heating situation - cold to boiling non stop. No matter how many products I piled onto my skin I just could not shift those dry patches round my nose or keep the hydration locked in all day.
And then along came Paula’s Choice and bam… problem no more. I usually like to use this as an overnight mask - lather it on and then wash my face in the morning and wow! My skin has never felt so plump and healthy. My new number one product and to be honest probably my favourite brand of 2019!
