2015.
Beauty buffs will remember it as the year contouring died*
*Okay, slight exaggeration but some experts reckon we’ve been doing it all wrong…see here for more on that.
It was also the year hair trends became a thing: oil-slick hair, glitter roots, opal locks and so on.
Of course, some amazing products launched too and here’s our pick of the beauty bunch.
Naked Smoky, €45
This needs no introduction. Fans of the original Naked palette know three things: it lasts forever, the colour payoff is insane and your make-up looks the exact same the morning after the night before*
*we do not condone going to bed with your make-up on. Unless of course it’s the Christmas party. Hall pass.
Naked Smoky is quite possibly our favourite Naked Palette yet and as fellow UD fans will know, that’s a tough call to make.
Skinceuticals Metacell Renewal B3, €110
We tend to steer away of anything that uses the words ‘aging’ because well, we’re in denial about getting older.
The reality is from the age of 25, you need to take extra care of your skin and this product is a very good place to start.
It’s expensive but hear us out. It corrects early signs of aging including dullness, discolouration, redness and blotchiness while also boosting hydration and restoring elasticity.
Clarisonic Smart, €249
If you’re a beauty buff, you’ve definitely heard the word Clarisonic more than a few times.
There are a few variations on the first model (Mia, Mia 2, Aria) but the Clarisonic Smart is another animal entirely.
It tells you what to do. Literally tells you. Put it on your face and it will beep, signalling when you should move on, i.e., from your forehead to your cheeks etc.
The lazy girl’s guide to skin care sorted. Sign us up.
Lancôme Miracle Cushion Foundation, €38
Korea is the hub of all things beauty at present. So much so that luxury beauty brands are taking direction from their make-up and skincare know-how.
Miracle Cushion Foundation aims to simplify the way we apply make-up which sounds like a genius idea to us.
You get the lightness of a liquid, the blurring effect of a BB cream and the best part is the handy compact that you can throw into your bag.
Unlike many compact foundations which result in a matte effect, this “complexion makeup” ensures your skin is supple, hydrated and luminous.
Shiseido Ultimune Eye Serum, €65 for 15ml
If you keep up to date with your beauty launches, you’ll have noticed this product get rave reviews across the board this year.
It’s a multi-tasker so although you’re splashing the cash initially, the results will speak for themselves.
It targets fine lines, replenishes moisture and regenerates the eye’s dermal fibres (this basically means it works to diminish wrinkles).
Estée Lauder Nightwear Plus Creme, €59
Those of us with oily/combination skin often steer away from heavy-duty night creams and moisturisers as they can cause break-outs.
The issue with this is that hydration is then neglected and you end up with dehydrated skin and dry patches.
This night cream from skincare giant Estée Lauder looks set to solve that particular skincare gripe.
It refines, purifies, minimises pore size AND hydrates. Sleeping Beauty in a bottle.
YSL Top Secrets Instant Moisture Glow, €30
If you’re in the habit of taking a selfie or two, you’ll want to make sure your skin is always camera ready.
This YSL product, which launched back in September, is an easy way to fake glowing skin.
Obviously, we want perfect skin all the time, but if you haven’t slept or are feeling under the weather, this is a brilliant quick-fix product.
You can apply it under the skin as a primer or over your foundation during the day for a pick-me-up, ideal when you’re in a rush.
MAC Upward Lash Mascara, €25
Ask a girl what her must-have makeup product is and the chances are you’ll hear the answer ‘mascara’ more than a few times.
It instantly opens your eyes and adds definition to your look.
The secret to this new launch is in the brush which manages to create volume, length and curl, all at the same time.
The moulded brush can be angled to coat even the tiniest lashes so you can rest assured that this is a product working overtime.
Gucci Bamboo, €63 for 30ml
This beauty list wouldn’t be complete without a perfume inclusion and we’re currently obsessed with Gucci Bamboo.
A gorgeously feminine mix of sandalwood and orange blossom, this is the type of scent that lingers without overpowering.
The bottle is pretty gorgeous too and we think it might be the perfect addition to our dressing tables.
Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate, €42.50
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate has been hailed by many as a cult product due to its repairing properties.
While applying oils at night-time is now a thing for many of us, we’re not yet accustomed to doing the same during the day.
Enter Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate: a blend of ginger root, sunflower and tamanu oils.
Apply it the morning to correct the appearance of skin fatigue and if you suffer from flaky skin, this is the stuff you need to get on board with.
