Happy New Year!! Ok, so I know I'm a little late but I still wanted to address the fact it's a brand new year! I sincerely hope you all had a wonderful festive break and you're not missing Christmas too much. I've just come back from visiting family and am ready to delve straight in and show you all of my top beauty picks of 2018! I thought I'd stick to mostly makeup and skincare as there's quite a bit to get through! You may want to grab a cuppa... 
best of beauty 2018 maiyabellexo
Makeup 

J.ONE Jelly Pack* | I was kindly sent this magical primer a few months ago along with its night-time equivalent and they were both an instant success! My skin definitely looks better with some sort of base but this one is very different from others in my stash. It's a tacky gel that gives amazing slip for your foundation and also some extra hydration. Foundation sticks to this like glue but it doesn't look cakey or dry. If long-lasting makeup if your goal - you need to check this out!

EX1 Invisiwear Liquid Foundation | 1.0 | This was one of those products that reminded me to regularly check my makeup drawers because you never know what gems you've forgotten about. 2018 was definitely the year when I stepped up my makeup game and started opting for a slightly more glam look. Every time I wanted full coverage this is what I reached for. It has a gorgeous satin finish to the skin, spreads beautifully, lasts extremely well and gives me a gorgeous flawless finish that I've been loving! And it's only £12.50 - say whut?! 

Charlotte Tilbury Legendary BrowsYou guys know I'm obsessed with eyebrows. Bushy, thick almost caterpillar-like brows - ughh lush! I've been rocking the strong brow for a long time now and I've tried quite a lot of setting gels but none compare to this! The teeny weeny brush helps grab every single hair and makes application so precise which I'm all for. It also leaves the brows looking super soft and full rather than slicked down and one-dimensional. Absolute gem right here! 

Urban Decay Naked Petite Heat Palette | This was quite late coming into my arsenal but it definitely took over all my other eyeshadows. I've mentioned in previous posts that the original Naked Heat palette didn't really tickle my fancy but this had my name written all over it! It's a travel-friendly palette full of warm-toned goodness and a beautiful satin to highlight. Don't even debate this one! 

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlight Duo | If there's one makeup product that completely changed my life this year, it's this beaut! Since switching to a slightly more matte foundation I've been loving packing on the highlighter and this will give you a serious GLOW. Obviously, if you prefer a more subtle look this probably isn't for you but if like me you want to be seen from outer space, this will be your new BFF! 

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer | I've just finished my second tube of this which has made me a little anxious as I don't have a backup but I'm hoping to go shopping this week and get a couple spares! There's just something about the texture and finish of this concealer that stops me reaching for anything else. I particularly love it for under the eyes!

Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes 2 | Charlotte definitely knows what she's doing when it comes to eye makeup. This is pretty much the only mascara I've used for the past 6-8 months and sadly it's coming to an end but I'm really looking forward to trying some new formulas! This gives my lashes so much volume and length but it also keeps them lifted all day long which is a big deal for me! 

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer | 2018 will be known as the year that I finally found a bronzer that works with my pale skin! I never thought I'd find one with such a good 'natural' looking undertone but this gives me a lovely warmth but also doubles as a fab contouring powder! I also can't get over the fact it tastes like chocolate (I mean I couldn't not taste it)! 

MAC Lip Liner | Whirl | The final makeup item I have to mention is one that you've all probably tried at some point or other. 90s trends were big in 2018 and those pink/brown/mauve nude lips were a massive part of the craze. I've been loving this for achieving that neutral slightly moody look but also for cheating fuller lips that still look 'natural'.

Skincare 

Aromatica Orange Cleansing Sherbet* |  I discovered some amazing K-Beauty products this year and this cleanser was one of them! You guys know I'm a sucker for a cleansing balm but it's very hard to find one that's on par with the Emma Hardie one. I'm obsessed with the smell of this, it's really citrussy and just so uplifting and it's one of those products that's a real joy to use. The texture is very silky and easy to massage into the skin and you'll be pleased to hear that it emulsifies into a gorgeous milk! Whether it's for makeup removal or a proper skin cleanse, this is a must-have! 

Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Infusion Serum | You know when you purchase something on a whim but it ends up becoming one of your favourite products ever? This was one of those times. I ordered this pretty much as soon as it launched in a bid to deal with my blackhead situation and to my surprise it actually worked! It's formulated with 100% Natural Salicylic Acid and is amazing for anyone with breakouts/congestion. The texture is very thin and it layers really well with other products - I can't recommend it enough! 

Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish* | This is another Korean gem that had so many fab reviews and the beauties at Tonic15 gifted me a jar and I'm so so grateful because this has transformed my skin! I don't use a lot of physical exfoliators but this has just the right texture for a thorough yet gentle exfoliation. I'll use it about twice a week and my skin feels baby soft afterwards! It also smells incredible! 

Indeed Laboratories Squalane Facial Oil | When I first started blogging I was obsessed with facial oils but over the years, I've sort of lost my enthusiasm for them. I'm definitely guilty of using products that were too much for my skin but as always, Indeed Labs have nailed it and come through with a beautiful light-weight oil. It's a lovely hydrating formula and is great for those days you want to keep layering your products. 

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream With Active HydraMesh Technology* | I really liked the original Skin Smoothing Cream but Winter has left my skin super dry and flaky and this was much more hydrating and nourishing on the skin (for me anyway). It has a gorgeous lotion-cream texture and it leaves a slight film on the skin making it perfect for pre-foundation!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ SPF30 | I have to be honest with you guys and confess that I don't use SPF as much as I should. I know, I know, I have sinned but I'm trying really hard to be consistent and this fairly new offering from LRP has been my go-to throughout the year. It feels like a really light moisturiser, it doesn't leave a white cast and isn't greasy or clogging which is a big pet peeve of mine! It's super affordable and is great if you have an oily/combination skin and are worried about blemishes/marks! 


Were any of these products in your best of beauty?

Maiya
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