The year 2014 has indeed been an eventful year for me. Through this year, I experienced several things that made me grow as a person, including falling back in love again (and cherishing what I failed to), graduating from school, travelling solo (kind of because I was exploring Sydney pretty much on my own for the most part) and learning how to travel with my family now that everyone has grown up. Not forgetting the fact that creating @paradeoflove made me explore my interests more and made me new friends too. I’m thankful for the opportunities that came by as well, allowing ParadeOfLove to grow further. To sum up, 2014 was nothing short of amazing 🙂
Anyway, here’s a round up of my 2014 Beauty Favourites – a highlight into the products that I have been using and loving for the year. The products may or may not be launched in 2014 because this is a round up of my personal beauty picks for the year.
We’ll start from the face products, going in order of a typical makeup routine, shall we? 😉
Etude House – Magic Any Cushion (Mint)
Probably one of the best hydrating makeup base/primer I have tried! Whenever I find a base makeup product that doesn’t break out on me, I tend to be loyal to it. This primer is currently my favourite and I do use it almost every day, even as a sunscreen when I’m heading out without the intention of putting makeup. It generally does a good job in cancelling out the redness on my skin, making my skin appear more radiant and healthy.
Laneige – Pore Control BB Cushion (31 Brown Beige)
When it comes to foundation, I am very particular, partly because I need to find something that doesn’t irritate my skin. Ever since I switched from my all-time favourite foundie, the Estee Lauder Double Wear, to this BB Cushion, I must say that this product has become my holy grail! It gives a very natural and buildable coverage, yet doesn’t dry out the skin. I do recommend to match this to your skin tone because it might appear slightly paler when you pat the product onto your skin using the puff. You don’t want to be seen with a white cast while taking photos.
(Pardon the dirty puff – it definitely reflects how much I have been using this product)
Inglot – Under Eye Concealer (93)
You know how sometimes concealers are too harsh or tend to dry out the skin when you apply it around the under eye area? I experience that with a lot of concealers and thought that I should try out this Inglot one, specially made for under eyes. I got it in the darkest shade I believe, so as to cover the dark eye circles more effectively. What I really like about this is that it is hydrating enough for the delicate skin around the eye area.
Guerlain – Meteorites [old version] (02 Teint Beige)
2014 was also a year I made friends with this awesome brand, Guerlain! Before I tried anything from the brand, I always see beauty bloggers posting a can of little round balls that look really interesting! Due to the hefty price tag, I never got myself any Meteorites. However, I must say that I am truly impressed after trying them out! I got myself the old formula though because the newer formula has a tad more fine sparkles in them and I wanted a fairly matte setting powder. When dusted all over the face, it gives an airbrushed look, blurring out any flaws you have! It was shortly after I got this that I bought the Guerlain Meteorites in 04 Dore (as a blush) and the Christmas 2014 Perles D’Etoile (as a bronzer).
Charlotte Tilbury – Filmstar Bronze & Glow
Bronzing and highlighting has never been so easy for me with this convenient palette! Even though it comes with a hefty price tag, I really like that the bronzer is matte and the highlight shade has a subtle sheen to it that makes your cheekbones glow without having any sparkles or shimmers. Housed in a gorgeously royal metal casing, this palette is worth that splurge if you are a contour junkie! For those residing in Singapore (or countries that don’t carry this brand), head over to www.netaporter.com to get your hands on this baby!
Vecua Honey – Honey Dew Cherry Cheeks (Fresh Cherry/Juicy Cherry)
I know you are probably bored of me talking about this blusher already but I have to say that it’s my current go-to! The plus point of these blushers for me is that they smell like sweet cherries which never fails to brighten up mood whenever I am applying these on! I use Fresh Cherry for a cute orange glow and Juicy Cherry for a healthy pink flush. Available on www.vecuahoney.com.sg, while stocks last!
Solone – One Step Magical Eyebrow (No. 1)
If there is one drugstore eyebrow pencil I have to pick, it would definitely be the Solone brow pencil shown here! It has the softest spooly attached to the pencil and I find it very functional! Even though I don’t see much of a difference with the 2-tone lead, I do enjoy using it quite a lot. Another thing is that there is a lot of product in there which can last you for at least a few months before you need to replenish.
Urban Decay – Vice 3 Palette
As you would have known by now, my one true love for eyeshadows is none other than Urban Decay! Even though I am a die-hard UD fan, I must say that this palette is a bit more powdery than the usual palettes UD offer. Nevertheless, I still enjoy using this palette for it provides a great range of shades for you to play with! Most shades are still buttery smooth when applied and I don’t experience much fallout with these too!
Maybelline – Lasting Drama Pen Gel Liner
This is another product that I have been ranting on and on about, I know. Being the first eyeliner with a slanted rubber tip, I feel that it revolutionised the gel eyeliners category. However, it definitely has been overshadowed by its competitor. I would just like to mention that this is the best gel eyeliner for me, simply because it comes in a pen (convenient for everyday use) and it is also smudge-proof and very very black.
(You can see from the photo that this eyeliner is super overused – the printing on the pen has all faded!)
YSL Beauty – Babydoll Mascara
A mascara that makes my lashes separate and spread, as though I am wearing falsies! It’s rare for me to encounter mascaras that hold the curls on my lashes and this is by far one of the best, alongside my old flame, the Urban Decay Cannonball. It’s waterproof and comes in a drier formula which is best for holding curls!
Fresh Beauty – Sugar Passion Lip Treatment
One of the best beauty buys for year 2014 is this lip balm that quickly became a staple in my makeup pouch. Without a doubt, it hydrates and moisturises the lips while giving that flush of colour. S$33 is sure expensive for a lip balm, but it’s worth every single cent you pay 😉
NARS – Audacious Lipsticks
Tried 5 shades out of the 40 from the Audacious range and I am impressed! I was wearing Michiyo (hot bright pink) out one day and it stayed on my lips even after eating my lunch of curry rice! Unlike the usual long-lasting lipsticks that tend to dry out the lips, I didn’t encounter any dryness while wearing this. It’s highly raved and I can understand why. The quality of these are unimaginable until you try them out yourself.
Finally, we reach the last product(s) of the year that I have very much enjoyed (and used)! It’s the local makeup brushes brand – 13rushes!
13rushes Makeup Brushes
I remember my first purchase from them was the Brush Crush set of 8. I was very into cruelty-free synthetic bristles ever since I landed my hands on the Sigma Mrs Bunny Travel Kit. Now that my 13rushes collection has expanded, partly from my own purchases and partly c/o Yuhui & Charlene from 13rushes, I am proud to say that 13rushes has become my favourite makeup brushes brand! I use at least 2-3 brushes on a daily basis because they are absolutely soft and functional, especially enjoying the Tapered Highlighter, Round Powder, Flat Top Kabuki and Short Shader!
Phew, such a lengthy post, but I am so glad to be sharing with you my staples for the year! With all the new Spring 2015 collections coming out soon, will some of these be swept off my stash of favourites? Find out more about my daily makeup mess and updated makeup/skincare favourites and routines on my Instagram!
Have a great year everyone! 🙂
Create yourself and be gorgeous! ♡
XOXO, Roanna.
Disclaimer: Some products were sponsored by the respective brands for past reviews. The above review is based on my true and honest opinion without influence from others.
