Oh what a year! I’m not sure anyone could have been prepared for it. I hope you all have been careful, mindful of yourselves and others. Today’s post is one of my favourites, because I look back on everything I tried this year and remember the very best I found.

I’m not doing a Worst of List this year, mostly because it’s my own blog and I choose to ignore the small disappointments! Here’s to a new year!

Lepaar Yuzu Vitamin C & Golden Age Honey Mask

This Vitamin C serum is the first I’ve tried and I’ve already repurchased it. I really enjoy that it’s not harsh and in combination with my other skincare it works wonders at keeping my skin soft, brighter and clear. I also discovered their Honey Mask this year. I have found honey to be a consistent benefit to my skin. This leaves my skin so soft and I don’t mind the exfoliating grit from the sweet chestnut, elemi, bamboo and chinese yam powder. Knowing that the honey is sustainably and ethically sourced from a small businss is even more reason to love it.

Find them here: Official Website

Okoko Cosmétiques Lip Serum & L’élixir de Pureté

I don’t love the smell of the lip serum but the formula works wonders on keeping my lips supple and flake free. They actually look more plump and nourished. There was a little learning curve, as the lip bar is dry and stiff to apply. You don’t need a lot though, but you do need patience for it to warm up and transform into a silky balm. I also found their Sang du Dragon serum to be fantastic for my skin. It has the most beautiful light red texture. It really works to plump up your skin and keep it looking youthful.

Find them here: Official Website

RMS Beauty Savannah Peach Eyeshadow & Monterey Lipstick

Surprisingly the RMS beauty lipstick is the only true lipstick I swatched this year! Again, the formula isn’t my favourite but the colour of this one is gorgeous. They’ve released this separately now, so if it’s a must have colour for you, you don’t need the whole kit (the multi-eye-tasker is a swing and a miss). The eyeshadow though is gorgeous too. I love this warm, pink shade. It has a golden sheen to it that gives it an interesting glimmer that catches in certain lighting. It was a part of a limited edition pack which is no longer available direct from RMS Beauty, but still available from selected retailers.

Find them here: Official Website

Kosas 10 second Eyeshadow in Globe

For glimmery, shimmery eyeshadows you cannot go past these. I admit, I have to be in the mood to wear this, as it is bolder than I’m used to. The silver glitter is a touch chunky, but the effect these water based eyeshadows give is amazing. Great as a one and done, or as a touch in the centre as your topper. I would really like them to come out with more shades and even matte shades as the formula is pretty crease proof (if I forgo too much foundation or concealer as a base). Just keep in mind that they start drying out after you open them, the tube needs to be upright (especially when it’s open!) and the orange flower water may be off-putting for some.

Find them here: Official Website

Kjaer Weis Eyeshadow in Magnetic

The formula of these is like no other. Smooth, skin like with buildable, but blendable colour. I liked both colours I tried, but as a neutral lover, Magnetic is my sort of shade. I want more. For anyone avoiding talc, these will not be an option unfortunately. I normally break out with cystic acne from talc but I’ve never had an issue with these.

Find them here: Official Website

Kjaer Weis Lipsgloss in Fascination

The only other lip colour product I tried this year, I really enjoyed it because it’s the perfect faded, soft red. The gloss itself is more balmy, rather than slick which also makes it a winner for me. I have often found myself wearing it alone or patting a little extra over my lip colour to give me some more slip.

Find them here: Official Website

CLB Luxe Rose Quartz Sonic Vibration Roller & Gua Sha

These are probably my most used beauty tools this year. I’ve fallen to the wayside with most other tools due to more nights in and Covid-19 but I always, always enjoy sitting down to massage my face with either of these (sometimes both in the same night). The roller is more for relaxation (I often ask my partner to do it for me) and the gua sha feels more like a proper massage. Think a gentle massage compared to a stronger sports massage. This Australian owned online store also has some fantastic looking crystal face masks, gold face masks and other anti-aging tools.

Find them here: Official Website

Carlo Rista Peelable Nail Polish

After years of not painting my nails (which I love by the way), I’ve finally been able to paint them again. Their nail polish won’t suit everyone as it’s not a long lasting formula, but since I bought it I’ve been changing up toe nails every week. I think I bought these in the middle of the year and you can clearly see how much I’ve used already! I really love the light steel blue, slate grey and lavender pink.

Find them here: Official Website

I filmed a quick makeup tutorial, using some of these products, which you can watch here on my instagram.

That’s it for this year! I hope, if you’re still here from my swatching days, that my blog is still a nice, momentary escape and the reviews are helpful. I am truly thankful that you’ve continued to follow my hobby, my creative outlet and my own little escape from the everyday.

Take care and stay safe!