Top 14 of 2014: The Beauty Edit

In true beauty blogger style, I thought I'd sum up 2014 with a few beauty favourites consisting of products I've discovered throughout the year.  It was a tough task indeed - I've certainly uncovered a few new favourites the past 12 months but there's a select few that really do stand out to me.  Originally, I was going to pick one product for each category, but when I discovered that not much has changed from last year and the fact that I've got 4 bronzing/contouring products I've enjoyed using - I thought I'd just go ahead and narrow it down to my 'Top 14 of 2014' instead. All products featured have been new additions to my makeup collection this year and the majority of them all have full reviews or features on my blog.  I've included links to all separate reviews (where you'll find swatches - sorry for not including any in this post but my arms are only so long!) as well as handy shop links.  Here's my Top 14 of 2014 in no particular order...

1. Illamasqua // Sculpting Powder Duo // Review // Link

This Illamasqua palette has been a firm favourite throughout the year and is perfect for any contouring addict like myself! The cool toned bronzer gives the most intense yet natural sculpted look to the cheekbones, and the champagne highlight is simply stunning worn on the cheeks, brow bone and even in the corner of the eyes. Both powders are incredibly pigmented, soft to the touch and easy to blend.  I shall be repurchasing for sure... 

2.  Seventeen // Instant Glow Bronzer // Review // Link
By heck - have Seventeen pleased me this year! This powder bronzer is a fabulous every day product that blends really well and gives a subtle sun-kissed look to the complexion.  The matte finish gives such a natural appearance, and the colour pay off is really impressive - a complete drugstore gem of a bronzer that warms the complexion and gives the perfect 'just got back from my jollies' look.

3.  Jane Iredale // Daytime Palette // Review // Link

The palette of the year for me.  These 5 matte, super pigmented shades became my ultimate 'go to' in 2014. Easy to travel with due to the slim, lightweight packaging - it's so handy and the perfect companion for a neutrals lover like myself. It has featured heavily on my blog the past few months and for good reason too - I can't wait to invest in more of these eyeshadows. They've seriously impressed me.

4.  Benefit // Gimme Brow // Review // Link

I love the dinky little wand and ease of application of these brow mascaras - I've tried my fair share and I have to say these are the best I've tried in terms on longevity, formula and ease of use. I use them as a 'finishing step' once I've filled in my brows and they just give such a defined, perfected finish. I tend to use the lighter one in the daytime and the darker one for nights out when I want a slightly more defined appearance. My eyebrows stay perfectly groomed and in place all day.

5. Anastasia // Dip Brow // Blonde - Review // Medium Brown - Review //  Link

2014 will always be the year I discovered Dip Brow! It's one of those products that I genuinely have no idea how I ever lived without.  I have the shades 'Blonde' and 'Medium Brown' and use both together in order to create a natural, defined finish. My eyebrows always look perfectly in-tact at the end of the day and I've had so many compliments.  If you want a professional 'HD Brows' finish, I really recommend looking into these pots!

6. Tanya Burr // Lipglosses // Review // Link

I'm usually not a lipgloss person whatsoever but Tanya Burr's range really did change my mind this year - I can't be without a tube now! I loved using these particularly through summer and I was completely addicted to the red shade on holiday - it sets off a tan like no other! They're pigmented enough to wear on their own (very similar to a lip laquer) and they're perfect to just throw in your handbag for on the go.

7. Mac // Lipstick in 'Half n Half' // Review // Link

2014 was the year of the 90s nude and Mac's 'Half n Half' was my go-to shade.  It's a gorgeous medium toned brown, very similar to the infamous 'Velvet Teddy' but with a slightly more glossy finish and more creamy in consistency.  It's very easy to wear as an everyday lipstick and it just goes with any makeup look at any time of the year.  I love it! It featured in my recent favourites here as well as my Mac Lipstick Collection post.

8.  Benefit // Hoola Bronzer // Review // Link

2014 saw me fall head over heels in love with this Benefit Box 'o Powder! Hoola is the perfect shade for contouring the cheekbones and the handy little brush it comes with is just the right size - I don't usually use brushes that come in compacts but this one is lovely and soft.  In my opinion, it's the perfect shade for subtle contouring - it deepens a tan, sculpts the face and just gives a naturally defined look to the cheeks. 

9. Bourjois // CC Cream // Review // Link
This CC Cream has to be one of the best discoveries of 2014 for me.  The coverage is seriously amazing and it just gives the most natural dewy glow to the skin.  It instantly awakens a dull complexion, helping to counteract dark circles and cover any redness - whilst smoothing out the skin and blending seamlessly for a natural yet flawless finish.  It always feels so refreshing to apply too. One of my favourite bases and perfect for daily wear.

10.  Seventeen // Falsifeye HD Mascara // Review // Link

This mascara really wow'ed me this year - it separates and fans out the lashes, instantly creating a fuller appearance.  As well as holding a curl really nicely, the wand coats even the smallest of eyelashes, making them appear so much more volumised and incredibly defined from root to tip.

11.  Stila // Smudge Stick in 'Damsel' // Review // Link

This eyeliner has fast become a holy grail product for me  - I'm going to treat myself to the black version very soon but this year - I've really enjoyed using this dark brown shade.  It looks beautiful with a subtle, neutral eye and lasts really well both on the top and bottom lash line and on the waterline. It doesn't run and stays put all day. I love it.

12. Mac // Lip Liner in 'Spice' // Review // Link

I've been using this lip liner all year and I just love it.  It's so long-lasting and is the perfect companion for all of my trusty brown toned lipsticks.  I also like to wear it on it's own with a touch of gloss on top. I went even more crazy for it when the 'Kylie Jenner lip' hype hit the bloggosphere...

13. Nars // Matte Multiple in 'Altai' // Review // Link

2014 saw me really get in to contouring using cream products.  I adore the Nars Matte Multiple in the shade 'Altai' and it went everywhere with me this year.  I just love the shade of it - it creates a lovely natural sculpted look without dulling the complexion and it blends like a dream. I also use it as an all over bronzer - incredibly versatile and a complete must-have for me.

14. Benefit // Porefessional Primer //  Review // Link

I use this primer daily and I have to say I think it's the best one I've ever used.  It creates the perfect base to apply my foundation and my makeup always lasts incredibly well because of it.  It really does help to smooth out the skin, blur imperfections and camouflage pores in order to create a flawless finish to the skin.  Well worth investing in. 

What have been your favourites of 2014?