Benefit is a brand that I always uhmed and ahhed at everytime I walked past a counter, but 2012 was the year that I fell in love with their products. Of course the packaging is gorgeous and I'll admit that it was a huge reason behind the attraction, but after trying out a handful of products throughout the year I can totally see why so many people love Benefit. Firstly I'd just like to say that I do think their prices are expensive and therefore I'm not a regular at the Benefit counter, with most of my products coming from either blog sales or student discounts on ASOS. Their blushers are without a doubt my favorite products and if I had to choose my favorite of the four it would have to be Bella Bamba which is the prettiest watermelon pink shade with gold shimmer throughout. Not quite a 3D effect but it definitely gives your cheeks a lot more life, that's for sure! The other standout product has been their famous POREfessional primer which I fell in love with when I tried the teeny tiny sample in Glamour magazine months ago, and was so happy to see a full size tube on Christmas morning. I definitely think that the primer has made a difference to the appearance of the rather large pores around my t-zone, and has also affected the staying power of my foundation during the day. Benefit gets a huge thumbs up from me this year, although I do wish the prices could be made a bit more affordable!
Essie is another brand that I have fallen in love with this year, and that's all thanks to the world of blogging. Essie was an unknown nail polish brand (to me at least) until the famous Mint Candy Apple appeared on blog after blog. I knew I had to try the brand out for myself at some point and finally caved in, opting for a bottle of Mint Candy Apple in a blog sale. Fast forward to now and I'm happily adding to my Essie collection with bargain deals from the likes of Fragrance Direct (blogged about here). The shades available in the Essie range are just right up my street and have encouraged me to wear colours previously out of my comfort zone *cough reds*. The formulas of the shades in my collection are lovely and a joy to apply, and I've found the lasting power to be up there with my beloved Models Own nail polishes. My favorite Essie polish of 2012 has to be Van D'Go which I'm sure is no surprise to regular readers of the blog! It is just the perfect pinky peach shade and has seen me through most of the year as it is my go-to shade when I can't decide what to wear on my nails. It is probably my most used polish and even survived a bit of an explosion in my suitcase this summer, so I think it's about time I replace the beauty (or at least in time for summer 2013). If you haven't tried an Essie polish I highly recommend that you do as they're certainly worth the hyper in my opinion!
Last but not least is the brand that has made another appearance in my favourites of the year and it has to be Models Own. My collection of Models Own nail polishes has grown a fair bit in the past year and this is down to the release of some gorgeous collections throughout the year, namely the Spring/Summer, Wonderland and Mirrorball collections of 2012. Their summer pastels, funky glitters and winter inspired topcoats were standout releases for me this year and had to make their way into my collection asap, with plenty of nail combos being tried out since then. I still can't fault the formula of Models Own polishes (minus Pastel Pink which always leaves air bubbles when dried), and I've seen them last over a week with no topcoat which is always a big plus. I'm sure there's a color for everyone in the Models Own collection as the shade range is huge and with their 50% off sale that has become a bit of a tradition around September time, you could grab yourself a bargain and add to your nail polish stash at a fraction of the price. I restrained myself this year and somehow didn't make an order when it came to the sale (a very proud moment for me indeed) but I loved seeing all your sale hauls packed with gorgeous colours and glitters! Each bottle is priced at £5 which I think is a fair price for the great quality and extensive shade range, and with the 50% sale and numerous offers in Boots you have plenty of opportunity to pick them up and save some money while you're at it. Models Own, you've kept my nails looking lovely this year and I can see this beautiful friendship lasting a very long time!
I'd love to know what your favorite brands of 2012 have been!
