Instead of doing my usual monthly favourites post in December, I thought it'd be nice to say goodbye to 2015 by wrapping up my non-bookish favourites of last year! I just wanted to talk about the beauty, skincare and lifestyle bits that I really enjoyed last year, and hopefully you might find some good recommendations in there!
BEAUTY AND SKINCARE
Foundation: Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hour nude in 'Ivory'.
I discovered this foundation about half way through the year and have been wearing it pretty much constantly since, it's a really good medium coverage that stays on all day.
Concealer: Maybelline The Eraser Eye in 'Light'.
A lot of people were going on about this on Youtube so I picked it up part way through the year and haven't looked back. It's the only concealer I use now and the only one that will brighten my intensely dark circles.
Bronzer: The Body Shop Honey Bronzer in '02'.
I've been using this for quite a long time now (as you can see by the picture, it's almost finished!) and it's basically my holy grail bronzer. I'm super pale so most bronzers look ridiculous on me, but this is perfect. Pale people: this is your bronzer!
Blush: Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour blush in 'Santa Rose'.
This is the best neutral blush I've ever used, it's a little bit pink but not too much and just gives a nice healthy glow, and it lasts all day, perfect!
Brow product: Mac matte eyeshadow in 'charcoal brown'.
I've been using this non-stop for my brows for a couple of years, I've hit pan on it but there's still so much left! It's just the perfect subtle but buildable brow product.
Eye primer: Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in 'Painterly'.
This has been my go-to eye primer since 2014 as I have such dark eyelids so this creates such a good base for eyeshadows and just generally brightens my eyes, you could definitely wear this on it's own for a neutral look.
Cream eyeshadow: Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'Creamy Beige'.
I've always loved the Maybelline Colour Tattoo's as they're ridiculously quick and simple, you literally just stick your finger in it (or a brush if you're super hygienic and fancy) and blend it out. It looks like you've made much more effort than you actually have. I particularly like the 'creamy beige' shade as it's a great neutral.
Eyeshadow palette: Urban Decay Naked Basics 2.
I'm so boring with these neutral eyeshadows aren't I? I love a glittery/smokey eye as much as the next girl but let's be honest, most of the time I want to stick to my lovely warm neutrals. The Naked Basics 2 is a little cooler than the original and I think the shades are just more wearable for me.
Eyeliner: Soap and Glory Supercat.
This is the best liquid eyeliner that I've ever used, it's ridiculously easy to apply and is a pretty bargain price. If you don't already have this then go and get it immediately.
Mascara: Benefit Roller Lash.
The one pictured is a sample size but I've managed to make it last a damn long time. This mascara is great for separation and lengthening and although I love it there are plenty of great drugstore mascaras so I won't be buying the full size when this runs out.
Lipstick: Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 'Frambourjoise' and 'Plum Plum Girl'.
2015 was the year that I became brave enough to wear bold lipstick, and it's all down to the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvets. I'd tried quite a few bold lipsticks before that but I often thought I looked ridiculous and I was always worried about them smudging or having to reapply them, but none of those things are a problem with these lipsticks. Unlike most liquid lipsticks they're not drying on the lips at all and they last all day, through eating and drinking, without smudging or fading at all. I love these two shades in particular and wear them all the time now! I just feel a lot more 'put together' with a bold lipstick on, and even better that I don't have to think about it at all.
Lip pencil: Rimmel Exaggerate in 'Eastend Snob'.
Before 2015 I'd never used a lip pencil but then I saw a lot of people recommending 'eastend snob' as an all-over lip colour and an alternative to Charlotte Tilbury's lip cheat pencil in 'pillowtalk'. So I picked it up and ended up wearing it so much throughout the year. It's just really easy and quick to apply and looks neutral but polished. I'm on my second one now so that speaks volumes as I never use up makeup!
Tool: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
This has actually changed my makeup-life! I'd heard about beauty blenders and sponges before and I was like 'yeah yeah I don't need one.' But then they were on offer in Boots, and I bought one, and it was incredible. It makes foundation look completely flawless and it's amazing for blending in concealer and patting over the base to blend in bronzer and blusher. I definitely think it's worth having at least one of these!
Eye cream: Ren Active 7 Eye Gel.
I have really dry, flakey skin around my eyes and I also suffer from blepharitis (a gross eye disease that usually only happens to old people - lucky me!) so using eye cream is so so important for me so I don't constantly look like a freaky puffy scaly monster. My eye area is so sensitive and I've reacted to a lot of eye creams in the past and this is the only one I've come across which actually works and doesn't burn the skin around my eyes.
Moisturiser: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.
This is the best moisturiser! As I said I have quite dry, sensitive skin and this is just so so hydrating and not irritating, I love it, and my skin loves it too. It's also brilliant as a body moisturiser for dry patches.
Cleanser: Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash.
This isn't my everyday cleanser (that goes to the Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash) but this is my favourite go-to cleanser for congested or spotty skin. It sorts out any issues straight away and is really gentle and hydrating unlike a lot of spot-busting products.
LIFESTYLE BITS & BOBS
TV programme: Rupaul's Drag Race.
Rupaul's Drag Race is a reality show where drag queens compete to become America's 'next drag superstar', and it's incredible. I first discovered it in 2014 whilst procrastinating from uni work and my boyfriend and I watched the first season in less than a week. Then we went quite a long time without it but for some reason started watching it again last year. Needless to say we became addicted and watched all seven seasons. I'm now desperate for season 8 and I don't know how much longer I can wait!
Podcasts: Serial, Criminal, Ear Biscuits, Dear Hank and John.
2015 was the year I discovered podcasts. I know they've been around for a REALLY long time, but I'm just late to the game okay? I started out with Rhett and Link's Ear Biscuits, where they talk to lots of different Youtubers and 'internet people', and I just love Rhett and Link so this one was always going to be a winner for me. But the others listed above are all amazing!
Youtubers: Good Mythical Morning, SunbeamsJess (+ ExtraSunBeamsJess), Lily Pebbles.
This one is pretty self-explanatory, the Youtubers listed above are my out and out favourites of the year (not including booktubers because this is supposed to be a non-bookish favourites)!
Candle: Pintail candle in the scent 'White Lily & Silk'.
Guys. GUYS. I've found my perfect candle. I know, big deal right? Well it is for me. This is my ultimate candle scent. It's fresh and awesome and fills the room and lasts a long time. I love it so much I asked for a bulk pack of them from ebay for my birthday. You need to get on this.
KitSound Mini Buddy Speaker.
I bought this from Amazon at the end of 2014 but didn't really use it much until mid-late last year. It's got such great sound quality and is awesome for playing music from my phone or watching a film on my laptop. It's USB rechargeable, ridiculous value for money and I love it.
Blogging.
My final favourite of 2015 has got to be blogging. Although this is technically bookish, as I blog about books, it still counts as it's honestly changed my life. I don't know what I would have done or how I would've coped for the last year without blogging. It's given me a purpose, opened up so many opportunities for me and best of all I've met some amazing people through it. I'm honestly so so grateful to every single person who reads or comments on a post or follows my blog, you're all incredible and I'm so thankful. I can only hope that my blog will continue to grow throughout 2016 and that I'll keep loving it throughout the year!
Bloody hell! That was A LOT of favourites. If you read this whole post then you get a medal, it's in the post. Thank you for reading and make sure to leave me a comment if you've found anything in this post helpful!
What were some of your favourites of 2015?
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