Top Beauty Picks From 2011: Some Things Old, Some Things New, Some Things Borrowed, Some Things Blue.

It is no exaggeration that I tested a great many beauty products this year, so I decided to compile a list of some of my favorites.

SOME THINGS OLD:

Erno Laszlo Skincare

This was the year that I rediscovered Erno Laszlo Skincare- the first comprehensive skincare line that I started using as a teenager. I have been (re)testing the Sea Mud Soap (reviewed here), the Active Phelityl Oil (reviewed here), the Light Controlling Lotion (reviewed here), the Regular Normalizer Shake-It (reviewed here), and the Controlling Face Powder (review forthcoming). I was not sure how my skin would react to using these products again after so many years, but I am pleased to report that the products are as lovely as I remember, and my skin is happy and healthy (if not luminous). So far, I am quite pleased with the products that I have been trying- the added bonus is that using them is very nostalgic.

Sunday Riley Skincare

What can I say- I am simply madly in love with the entire range of skincare products (face & body) that Sunday Riley has to offer. I mean this quite literally- as I have E V E R Y  S I N G L E  skincare product she makes. This is the line that I use personally every day. This is an outstanding line in every possible way. I have reviewed quite a few of the products, but will review what remains in 2012. If I had to pick my top six favorite products (which is tough since I love them all) I would have to choose: Good Genes (reviewed here), Juno Transformative Lipid Serum (reviewed here), Stimulant 1 (reviewed here), Ceramic Slip Cleanser (reviewed here), Disrobe Body Lotion (reviewed here), and Juno Body Transformative Lipid Serum (reviewed here).

Clarisonic

My Classic Pink Clarisonic (review forthcoming) has got to be one of my all time favorite beauty tools ever! It deeply cleans my skin without irritation and makes my complexion glow. If you don't have one of these you really should consider the investment-- it really is worth it. A light hand is all that is needed to yield unsurpassed results.

SOME THINGS NEW:

Rouge Bunny Rouge

I just recently received my first shipment of Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadows from Zuneta, and am going to be using them a little bit longer before doing a review. For my initial impressions click here. What I can say is that I am MADLY in love with the three shadows that I received, but will get into the specifics in my upcoming review.

Hakuhodo Brushes

You simply have not lived until you have tried Hakuhodo brushes. These are the most divine brushes to have ever touched my face- a fact that all devotees agree upon. So far I have only reviewed the G503 Blush Brush L Angled- which is a revelation in the world of blush brushes. The remaining reviews are forthcoming, but I will tell you that every single one of them is positively superb. I am now among the converted.

Sunday Riley Makeup

 

Sunday Riley launched a makeup line a couple of months ago, and it does not disappoint. My two favorite products (today) are the Blush in Blushing (#101) (reviewed here) and the Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer (reviewed here). These are two exceptionally high quality products that are gorgeous and natural looking. The tinted primer can be layered under a tinted moisturizer or foundation, and can be used all by itself. These are two stellar products that are must-haves for me.

Oribe Hair Products

Oribe Signature Shampoo & Signature Conditioner are my new favorite hair products (reviews forthcoming). I have dry curly tresses and these two products alone have transformed my curls into silky ringlets, and I definitely notice the difference when I use other products instead.

SOME THINGS BORROWED:

MAC Brushes

I borrowed my sister's MAC 227 Large Fluff Brush and absolutely LOVE it. She bought hers many years ago and it still looks brand new. It is a fantastic brush to apply a wash of color over the whole lid. The paddle is quite large- which means that people with small eye lids may not like it, but I love how it feels and how much area it covers. When I went to buy one I immediately noticed that my sisters was a bit more pointed- which I prefer, but the newer versions are still fantastic.

Chanel

Some of my greatest makeup and skincare inspirations come from my sister's stash. So here again one of my favorite borrowed items is the Chanel Glossimer in Giggle (46) (reviewed here) from my sister (incidentally she bought me one as a gift after I used hers repeatedly!). This is a one of those fantastic MLBB (my lips but better) colors for me as it is a softened beige pink. Thankfully this is from Chanel's permanent range of products- so unless they decide to discontinue it, I will keep buying it.

SOME THINGS BLUE:

Erno Laszlo

I have been testing out Erno Laszlo's Laszlo Blue Firmarine Treatment Bar (review forthcoming), and must say it is quite a nice soap! This leaves my skin feeling clean, but not in the least bit dry or stripped. I have used this numerous times with my Clarisonic, and have to say that the results are quite amazing.

MAKE UP FOR EVER

I am a huge fan of MAKE UP FOR EVER and have a formidable stash, but one of my favorite products is SENS'EYES Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser (review here). This is one highly effective and gentle formula-- which is a rare combination in an eyemakeup remover. Whenever I use any waterproof products this is my go-to product. When I am not wearing anything with a waterproof formulation I use Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water instead (review here).

MAC

MAC knocked it out of the park with all of their Paint Pots from the Posh Paradise Collection (Limited Edition), but my favorite has to be Imaginary. This gorgeous color is described as a blackened navy blue, but I would add that it is on the verge of purple. This is a fantastic shade that can be used all over the lid as a base or as a shadow, but also makes for one lovely eyeliner as well. While this is a LE item- as of 12/30/11 it was still available online. 

Another gorgeous blue eyeshadow is Blue Spruce from the MAC Iced Delights Eye Bag/Silver (Limited Edition Holiday Collection)(review forthcoming). Mac describes this color as a marine blue with lavender sparkle (Velvet), and it is that and more. This is a magical color that shifts with the light and is gorgeous on the lid, lovely as a liner, and makes a great outer v color.