It’s that time of year again, when it’s time to relax, spend time with family or friends and maybe reflect on the year we’ve had. I always enjoy putting together one of these blog posts. It’s a great time to look back on purchases. I can see whether my makeup and skincare preferences have changed and whether I’m still searching for a better option. A few of these I haven’t talked about yet but since I find myself reaching for them daily, I still think they deserve a spot.
Lepaar Eye Balm, Summer Love & Elastic Love
This is one of those moments where I have to take back my own words and admit this eye balm might be necessary. Then I started using this more for the sake of using it up, because I’d already spent the money, only to find that once I’m using it texture I didn’t know I had under my eyes is smoothed. It also manages to make the under eye area feel less hollow.
I’ve only been using these two serums for a month or so, but I am enamoured by their scent. Summer Wine smells like a cocktail I’d love to be sipping all day every day and Elastic Love is fresh and sweet. As always with Lepaar’s products they’re nourishing, firming and smoothing. My skin loves their serums and always improves once they’re back in my routine.
Okoko Cosmétiques L’élixir d’or
It was the year for eye serums proving me wrong. While this doesn’t have my favourite scent, the way it’s improved the darkness under my eyes helps me see past that. I only use it at night time as it leaves a bright yellow/orange film but since I’ve been using it my under eyes are much brighter, which makes me look less tired. I also have to wear less concealer.
Rituel de Fille Eye Soot in Sigil
I really like the formula and finish of these, but Sigil is by far my favourite colour. It works beautifully as a one and done shade for days where I want a little something, but not too much. I’m beginning to notice that I do not like darker colours around my eyes. It seems to age me. This is a great colour to keep my eyes looking bright.
Athr Beauty Supernova Highlighters Pink & Pure Diamond
As highlighters go … I realise I don’t like highlighters. At least on the typical areas where most people are taught where to place highlighters. I love these as eyeshadow toppers. If I want a touch of extra sparkle I tap a little on the middle of my eye lids and inner corners. It works perfectly at adding more dimension. I use them interchangeably depending on whether I want a warm or cool look. Pink diamond has much more chunky golden glitter, while Pure Diamond looks more smooth and shimmery with cool tones.
Plume Science Nourish & Define Brow Pencil
I was very hesitant when I first swatched this. Although it’s normally advised against, anything other than black or extremely dark grey is far too noticeable on me. This however is a great colour, not too light or warm toned, even though it starts off sheer and builds up. I much prefer working with this pencil over my old brow routine. I wouldn’t say it’s rub proof, but I’m not a person who needs that. As long as I don’t touch them it stays put all day. I’m also really glad that it’s refillable, so I can reduce my waste.
Fitglow Night Lip Serum & Plant Protein Brow Gel
The lip serum is balmy and plush lip serum that fills in any lines and gives them a healthy gloss. I don’t like the vanilla scent, but again I can see past that because it works. The heavier texture really lasts throughout the day and leaves your lips feeling nourished, even after it’s disappeared.
I was worried about the brow gel because it’s a light creamy colour, that luckily dries down matte and clear. It holds my brows in place, without adding too much bulk. This works for me because my eyebrows can look so thick and blocky if I’m not careful and most tinted ones are too much for me. While it does hold the hair in place, it doesn’t glue them down if you’re interested in a product that’ll help you achieve the feathery, fluffy brows.
After lusting after these brushes for most of the year I finally treated myself. These are second hand, so I believe they are the first iteration of her range. I am looking into buying more of the vegan offerings, but so far I love these. The quality is fantastic and they’re so soft. Most of all, they work so much better for my eye shape.
Hit the Bottle Peel Off Nail Polish Black & Clear
This year the craving to paint my nails hit me hard, so I have been working through some brands that I can actually use. Surprisingly my most viewed post this year was: My List of Water Based, Peelable & Odourless Non-Toxic Nail Polish! I’m surprised because I didn’t think it would be so popular! My biggest issue with nail polish is the smell and the ease of removal, so peel off polish has been the answer. Hit the Bottle is an Australian brand with conventional polish, but also odourless, peelable versions in black, white and clear. My favourite are the clear and the black. I always use clear as a first layer so I can easily remove any Nailmatic colour, while the black is a perfect one coat black.
I have been really enjoying the polishes from Nailmatic. They are easy to work with, while also being as close to odourless as possible. My favourite colours are Anzu, Haley & Hazel, though I actually use all four shades all the time. I wish they were easier for me to buy as now I want more shades.
That’s it! That’s all! These have been my favourite purchases for the year. Thanks for sticking with me through another year and I hope you all stay safe and take care!
Lepaar Skincare Review – Cleansing Oil, Eye Balm & Evening Balsam
Boxwalla Beauty Subscription Box Oct 2021 – Lepaar Kairos Moment Collection
Okoko Cosmétiques Review – Beauté Majestique Cleanser, Elixir D’Or & Trésor Perfume Oil
Rituel de Fille Eye Soot Review & Swatches – Sigil, Divinus & Half Life
Athr Beauty Supernova Highlighter Review & Swatches
Nailmatic Aqua Nail Review & Swatches – Anzu, Haley, Hazel & Björk
Gone Swatching xo 