Top Picks 2014

Here we go again! My favourites from 2014! When I first did this post for 2013 I found it super difficult to pull out one favourite from each category but I'd like to think I've streamlined by collection a little this year because I've found it much easier this time round. As with last year I've broken it into each category because otherwise we'd be here all day - and let's be honest, there's some champagne we should probably be drinking instead...

Favourite Foundation: Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth Infusing

Ahhh I fell head over heel for this in the latter part of this year. Estee Lauder Perfectionsit Youth Infusing Foundation was a pleasant surprise - I'd not tried an EL foundation for a long while but this is fantastic. Perfect amount of coverage with a dewy finish - ideal. Now I just need to invest in a winter shade! See my full review here.

Favourite Primer: Max Factor Facefinity All Day

Regular readers will probably be sick of hearing about this one but it's just so good! The All Day Primer from Max Factor is the primer aspect of the Facefinity foundation and it's truly one of my favourite finds of 2014. A lightweight liquid texture that truly makes my makeup last much, much longer - I actually panic when I run low on this! Full review here.

Favourite Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me
As someone who flits between concealer regularly, having repurchased this a couple of times I think it's safe to say this has been my favourite of 2014. the Maybelline Fit Me range is impressive anyway for it's colour range but the concealer for me is perfect for under eye brightening. It gives a glow whilst also adding a little coverage. A great little drugstore product! Mentioned here.

Favourite Mascara: Lancome Hypnose

I love both the normal and waterproof versions of Lancome's Hypnose which I find quite a rare thing in mascaras - waterproof versions usually disappoint in the volumising department but Hypnose is actually much more lash oomphing in the waterproof one. It's not too much of a pain to remove and gets better as it dried out a little. The normal version is just as great - one I always go back to. Mentioned here.

Favourite Liner: L'Oreal Superliner Perfect Slim

Another that's keeping it's crown from 2013. L'Oreal's Superliner Perfect Slim is by far my favourite. I've repurchased this more times than I can remember and will continue to do so. The drugstore offering is super affordable and the long narrow nib makes it so easy to create a perfect winged liner - my day-to-day uniform. If you want a good liquid/pen liner, this is the one. Full review here.

Favourite Brow Product: Soap & Glory Archery
Repurchased twice, this is definitely my all time favourite brow product of the year. I dabbled with powders and another offering from bareminerals but this is the best. Affordable and a great dupe for the Brow Wiz - it's fine nib means I can create natural looking hairs in a flash - adore. See a full review here.

Favourite Bronzer: NARS Laguna

Yep, NARS Laguna takes the crown for a second year running. I ran out of this around 6 months ago but it's still my favourite of the year - there's nothing else in my stash that beats it! It's a great non-orangey shade that's completely matte and perfect for bronzing up the face with a natural finish. Mentioned in full here.

Favourite Blusher: Bourjois Cream Blush 02

The only product I'm yet to do a full review on but one that's not really left my cheeks since the summer - Bourjois Cream Blush in 02. I'm all over cream blushes because of how easy they are to apply and this is perfect. Using my Real Techniques Stippling Brush straight from the pan it creates the perfect flush. The colour is similar to last year's Rimmel winner. I'll get a full review up soon but it was mentioned here.

Favourite Highlighter: Benefit Watts Up

Another 2013 victor that just can't be topped! No 7 tried but nothing can quite compare to Benefit Watts Up for me. The creamy champagne colour is perfect for every day but can be built up for something more intense of an evening. It sticks around all day and is just a brilliant product from Benefit. Mentioned here.

Favourite Single Eyeshadow: Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Bronze

If you want a swipe and go shadow that lasts literally all day this it the one. The mousse like texture makes it great for building up pigmentation and once it sets this baby doesn't budge. I like to apply with my finger and quickly blend out for a super quick smokey look that is easy to wear day in day out. Full review here.

Favourite Small Eyeshadow Palette: Charlotte Tilbury Golden Goddess

I've had to break the eyeshadow palette category into two because I couldn't choose - the smaller crown goes to CT's Golden Goddess because it's just so damn pretty! I got this for my birthday and use it a few times a week without a doubt. The shadows are really easy to blend and all merge together seamlessly. I simply adore Charlotte Tilbury right now and need more in 2015. Full review here.

Favourite Large Eyeshadow Palette: The Balm Nude'Tude

Such a difficult choice for this one but I think The Balm's Nude'Tude gives such a great variation that you can pretty much create any look from it. There's some nudes in there as well as some shimmery bronze plus deeper mattes in cranberry and brown tones to smoke things up. It's nice and slim making it great to travel with and all the shades are crazy pigmented meaning you only need a tiny bit to create stunning looks. Review here.

Favourite Lip Combo: Rimmel Est End Snob, Maybelline Tantalizing Taupe & Buxom White Russian

I couldn't simply pick one lipstick or gloss for the crown this year because I adore so, so many different shades and finishes but there's one combo I've been wearing a fair bit in recent weeks and I keep all three in my handbag for those days when I'm just not sure what to wear. Rimmel's East End Snob to line my lips and make them a little fuller, Maybelline's Tantalizing Taupe (my favourite nude at the moment) to fill it all in and blend with the liner topped with Buxom's White Russian gloss for a super plumped pout! I'll review it in full soon, promise but see it in action a little here.

Favourite Tool: BeautyBlender
My best discovery of 2014 by far - the BeautyBlender! Sure my Real Techniques brushes are used daily still for various parts of my routine but for a flawless base with ease? This has become my best friend. I can't tell you how simple it is to get an airbrushed finish every single time. If you buy one beauty tool this year, make it this one! See my full review of the bright pink egg here.

So that's it for 2014! I can't wait to see what's in store for 2015...

What have you loved this year?

Ax