If I am honest, 2024 was not a major year for discovering new makeup (unlike beauty in general) for me. I am still using and loving a lot of products from this post, especially for the eyes.
For me, a favourite product is the one that I am using non-stop, and here are the ones I have been reaching for a lot.
Eyes
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara, £31
This is a well-loved mascara by many, and rightly so. You get voluminous jet black lashes and it stays on without smudging. I have sensitive eyes, so watering is a big issue for me, and I never had any issues with Smokey Eye mascara, unlike many others.
Several months ago, I was traveling with a friend and she realised that she forgot her mascara. So ,before she had a chance to go and buy a new one, I let her borrow mine, and guess which she ended up buying? According to her, it was the best mascara she has ever used. Yes, it is pretty good!
Face
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick, £35
Speaking of friends and makeup, another friend gave me this product, as it wasn’t working for her. I never use foundation so did not expect to use/like it at all but I ended up loving it. I’d describe it as a very light coverage tint and a highlighter 2-in-1. As a result, your skin looks fresh and glowy, as if you had a good sleep and don’t know what stress is. It’s that “I’ve got my shit together” kind of effect. And who doesn’t want that?! Even thought shade 1.5 Fair is probably not the one I would have picked for myself, since it is almost sheer, it works for my skin tone in winter. Considering the makeup prices these days I am surprised it is £35, some lipsticks would cost you more. Well done, CT, very impressed.
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, £42
Another product I did not expect to see in my favourites, is this Medium bronzer. But somehow I ended up using this too often to ignore the fact that I like it. The matte shade is just right, it warms up your complexion without looking orange or muddy. The texture is light, easy-to-blend and long-lasting.
Lips
Dr Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask, £9.25
Ok, this is technically not makeup but rather a lip treatment but I am including it here, as it helps prep your lips and make them feel hydrated, smooth and soft. I think I’ve used it on a regular basis and saw a massive difference. Use it the night before you want to rock that matte bright lipstick or even a thin layer during the day. You just can’t go wring for under a tenner.
Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Reveal, £36
This is such a beautiful product, and it is the one I carry in my handbag. As always with Hourglass, it comes in a sleek packaging, it makes me think of Touche Eclat. Phantom is a high-shine hybrid of a gloss and a balm that feels incredibly comfortable on the lips. The formula is moisturising but not sticky or tacky. The only thing to keep in mind is the slightly cooling & refreshing sensation after the application.
The shade I have is 90 Reveal which is described as a true pink, fresh and uplifting. I hope they will launch a shimmery cool-toned pink, as I will definitely getting that one.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pillow Talk Fair, £22
Charlotte’s Pillow Talk range does not need an introduction, especially her Lip Cheat pencils. They are a firm favourite of so many for a reason; the quality is superb. The fact that it is a cool-toned pink, works perfectly for my complexion and lip products preference. I find that the product is long-lasting and helps you shape your lips and make them look fuller, and the lip product last longer.
Nails
Nails Inc Glowing Out Glow-Enhancing Nail Perfector Polish, £9
When I am not in the mood for red or burgundy but don’t want to have bare nails – this is the product I reach for. Glow enhancing is a great description for it, you get perfectly manicured nails in seconds. And with several layers, you get a rosy sheen, too. If you can’t be bothered to find your perfect nude, milky pink or whatever, try this form Nails Inc. You won’t believe how many times people asked me about the salon I go to, when I just had this on.
Stay tuned for my beauty favourites and in the meantime, please share what you loved this year.