Part One was more make up oriented, so today's post focuses on some other favourites. There's skincare, haircare, tools, and a nail product thrown in for good measure!
Obviously, these are not the *only* products I use, just the ones that have done a stand out job this year or have wormed their way into my heart for good. I think almost all of the products in Part Two are ones I've discovered this year and which have become immediate favourites!
So, onto the second installment of products which have made the cut!
Real Techniques Buffing Brush
I 'ummmed' and 'ahhhed' over the Real Techniques brushes for absolutely ages this year, eventually caving and getting myself the Core Collection, the Powder Brush, the Stippling Brush....and maybe a few others! (Sorry bank balance!)
They really are worth the hype. The bristles are ridiculously soft and pretty darn plentiful. There is no fallout, no scratching and the results are great.
I've chosen the Buffing Brush to include here, simply because its the one I reach for every day, but all of the others I own are equally as good and equally as loved!
The Core Collection (which includes the Buffing Brush) costs £21.99 from Boots (link above). All other Real Techniques brushes can be found either in a Boots store or on their website (www.boots.com). I would also recommend giving the Real Techniques website a visit (www.realtechniques.com) as creator, Samantha Chapman, has a whole host of videos posted showing exactly how to use each brush and some great make up tutorials too!
Sally Hansen Miracle Nail Thickener
My nails are terrible. They split, peel, break, bend...the list goes on.
Earlier this year I'd had enough and gave O.P.I Nail Envy a go. It didn't work for me at all. However, not long after that I gave this little bottle a go and it is magic!
The packaging promises 70% thicker nails in 3 days and, while I can't say for sure if it was 70%, my nails certainly started behaving better very quickly. No more bending, no more peeling.
This stuff just works and I now use it a base coat every time I paint my nails (which, if you're a regular reader you'll know, has been quite a lot recently!). I will repurchase this without a shadow of a doubt.
Sally Hansen Miracle Nail Thickener is £9.99 at Boots or £7.19 at Superdrug (link above).
Lush Retread Hair Conditioner
This was another new discovery in 2012 and its wonderful!
It smells great, which is good because the scent stays in your hair for hours. Retread is a triple strength conditioner for dry hair or hair that needs a little extra nourishment. Lush recommend to use it in conjunction with their Rehab shampoo, which I have done this year. They work nicely as a pair, but I think Retread can stand alone and be used with any other moisturising/nourishing shampoo just as well.
I'm on my third pot of this goop and have no plans to allow my bathroom cabinet (it's really a wicker basket) to run dry!
This is £9.95 and can be found in store or online (link above).
Lush Mask of Magnaminty
This is a fab mask to use for a really clean feel.
The scent is very minty and fresh, so it's quite invigorating and also tingles a bit. It feels grainy when applied, which turns into a bit of an exfoliant when you wash it off (2 in 1, great!).
The colour's not great for looking cool, swamp creature chic anyone? But who looks cool with a face mask on anyway?
I use this mask once a week and it really does help with tough to shift breakouts and post breakout marks. This can also be used on the back and shoulders (or anywhere really) to combat breakouts there.
This costs £8.75 for the big tub, which I have (link above). This has lasted absolutely ages though! I've had it for 3/4 months and have only used about a third of the tub so far.
Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Wash and Mask
I use this every day. My skin gets unhappy if I don't.
I recently went through a phase where I couldn't be bothered to use this in the mornings like normal and I ended up with a big ol' breakout. Started using this again and 2 days later (2 days people!!) my skin was almost totally clear again.
I have learnt my lesson.
£3.99 from both Boots and Superdrug (link above).
Bioderma Crealine H2O Micellar Water
Discovered earlier this year and now cannot live without it.
This is the mildest make up remover I've ever used! It feels like sweeping water across your face with a cotton pad, but it manages to remove all traces of make up, including waterproof mascara without being drying and without the need for rubbing.
I have a little stock now as my mom kindly picked me up a few bottles when she was last in France so I'm set for a while, but this can be purchased from eBay or Amazon at various prices (link above) or in the Beauty Mart/Bazaar in Harvey Nichols.
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector
A wonderful hand cream.
I suffer from eczema and have very dry hands. I've tried a million and one hand creams (or that's how it feels!), but this is the only one which has managed to convince my hands to look like human skin rather than lizard.
It's incredibly thick and it does take a few minutes to sink in properly, so not one to use if you're in a rush or need to use your touchscreen phone immediately after. I can put up with that though.
It also has quite a strong, distinctive smell, which I happen to like, but some people may not.
This costs £10 usually, but is currently half price (link above).
And finally, a little make up product that snuck its way into this post instead (I forgot about it last time, basically!).
Laura Mercier Secret Finish, Mattifying
This is perfect for days when you want a matte look, but don't want to use a powder for fear of looking 'cakey'.
We've all had those days when your skin is dry, but you want a matte look from your make up. I, personally, always want a matte look - dewy equals sweaty to me! Who knows, maybe I'll branch out and give the dewy look a chance in 2013, but until then it's powder or this for me.
It's a gel like consistency and you apply it either before your make up as a mattifying primer, or on top of your make up throughout the day to control shine. It works perfectly whichever way you want to use it.
This applies smoothly, doesn't mess up make up that's already there and sinks in instantly. It also makes your skin feel super soft.
It's £23.50 so use sparingly!
That, my friends, is it for my 2012 Favourites! I hope it has been interesting/useful for some of you at least. Thanks for sticking with it this long!