2014’s best in beauty
In the spirit of fin d’année, I thought it might be fun to put together a couple of “best of” posts for 2014. I had the opportunity to try lots of beauty products this year (hint: don’t be shy about asking for samples!) and liked many of them. These I’ve featured here are the ones I’ve actually been happy enough with over time to re-purchase.
1. La Roche-Posay “Hydraphase Intense Riche” moisturizer. On our trip to the Loire Valley earlier this year, I’d brought along only a small amount of facial moisturizer. I knew I’d be able to pick up something easily at any of the wonderful pharmacies that seem to be on every corner, even in the smaller towns. In Amboise, the woman working at a small but well-stocked pharmacie recommended this moisturizer “for mature skin” when I asked her for something with hyaluronic acid. It’s right up there with my favorite Eucerin, but often easier to find in the US, and less expensive. Many also prefer the pump dispenser to a jar.
2. Nuxe Comforting Cleansing Milk With Rose Petals. Also purchased on the same trip, though at a Monoprix at our first stop in Versailles. We realized we’d forgotten to pack our folding umbrellas and dashed in to grab a couple. I did a bit of quick reconnaissance in the skin care department, and seeing real rosewater on the ingredient list of this cleanser, had to try it. Love this one. It’s gentle, non-drying and works well when used with my Clarisonic. It does have a bit of rose fragrance, so if you don’t like rose or have sensitivities, this may not be for you. (Try Clarins “Pure Melt” Cleansing Gel. I received this as a sample a few weeks ago and have been alternating with the Nuxe.)
3. Beauty Blender sponge applicator. This works SO well for achieving a very smooth, sheer foundation application. It takes a little trial and error to figure out the amount of moisture (you wet the sponge which keeps it from absorbing product) and method of application, but if “flawless” is your goal, it’s worth the effort. And once you get your technique down, it’s as quick an application method as any other. Especially if you’re using a highly pigmented foundation, this helps avoid a caked look.
4. Clarins Extra-Comfort Foundation. Ah Clarins, let me count the ways I love thee for this wonderful foundation! And Tish, who introduced us. 😉 It evens skin tone, reflects light and smoothes, adds radiance but not too much shine. It’s one of the most natural-looking foundations I’ve tried. You can even sheer it down a bit by mixing in just a little Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. Yes, it’s in a jar but includes a little scoop to remove product. (Be aware that the color numbers aren’t in ascending order of color darkness; I first tried 108 which was too light, 109 which was too dark, but 107 was in between the two shade-wise and was perfect. Again, ask for samples if you want to try different shades in different light.)
5. IT Cosmetics “Your Skin But Better” CC Cream with SPF 50. On those days when you’re pressed for time and want to combine steps, or might be outdoors and needing to re-apply SPF later in the day, this is a fabulous product to have on hand. Even a sheer application evens out skin tone and covers redness and pigmentation. The SPF is provided by “barrier” sunscreens (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) which not only last longer, but often are better options for people with skin sensitivities than chemical sunscreens. Thanks, Karen for recommending this one; it’s a winner!
Not shown above but also worth a mention: Clarins “Éclat Minute” Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector. Available in a few shades, this glossy balm can be worn on its own or over a lipstick or stain. It works as well as any “serious” balms I’ve tried but looks prettier. It’s not goopy in the least, but does seem to have some staying power.
Now it’s your turn…what were your favorite beauty finds this year?
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Thank you so much for introducing me to the Beauty Blender. I blend my foundation with a touch of bronzer and this little sponge is amazing. I don’t know how I did without it.
Merci beaucoup,
Sam
2014 was a big beauty product year for me..My favorites hands down were IOMA-Paris Ma Creme, IOMA-Paris Lip Lift, Bobbi Brown cream eye shadow, and YSL powder. Thanks for asking…have a wonderful Monday!
Thanks for recommending the Clarins foundation.. I love it!!
I love the Laura Mercier anti-feather lip pencil and any and all of the NARS matte lipsticks. Of course NARS gets my vote on anything for making Tilda Swinton their new face. I am going to try the Beauty Blender, thanks for the tip.
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
Tilda is just so amazing. We watched Grand Budapest Hotel last night and I thought she really stole the first half of that movie.
I actually discovered Filorga in late 2013, but this past year it’s been my skin care, and my skin looks pretty damn good! I especially like the Filorga Iso-Structure day cream. Oh, by the way, Sue, when I was in Paris this fall I bought that Spotner pen that Tish recommended to you, but have not been diligent enough in using it to see if the spot on my hand will go away!
The blender sounds like a must try. I also love that Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. It’s awesome. I’ll be getting the IT Cosmetics “Your Skin But Better” CC cream! I’m a sunscreen fanatic. Thanks for this recap.
Thank you for doing the legwork for us all, Une Femme. I just discovered your blog, and now I’m hooked 🙂 I also love Clarins. I use their skin care (some of it, I think they deliver really good quality), I’ve heard of Nuxe, and now I want to try Clarin’s foundation. Wishing you a wonderful New Year 2015! Keep your posts coming, please !
Joanna
Thanks to you I found Chanel Les Beige pressed powder, best beauty find ever! I ditched primer/foundation/loose powder and Les Beige is now all I need along with a touch of the Chanel blush. I also started using Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser in 2014 and my 46 year old skin is now better than ever – Philosophy face wash gets a little credit here too. After much searching for my ‘signature’ perfume – and many,many bottles later – I found Balenciaga B. Oh boy did I find what I was looking for!!
Benefit Lemon Aid color correcting eyelid primer and Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo concealer. These can cover the worst of bruises and facial imperfections 😉
Alicia
spashionista.com
Thanks for sharing your faves. I’m going to try the IT CC cream and the pink sponge. I regularly use Paula’s Choice Resist anti-aging line, but like to substitute other products from time to time. Here are some of the things I like and also use: Bioderma cleansing waters (crealine and solution micellaire), Embryolisse cream, and Prescriptives comfort cream. In an earlier blog entry, you recommended Bobbie Brown cream eye shadow (cement color) which I bought and really like. With my recent PC order, I got “the nude mattes” eyeshadow palette as a freebie and am practicing a soft, smoky eye. A range of 12 colors from light to dark. I am fair with light eyes and don’t look too “made up” with the colors at the lighter end of the spectrum.
PA, Using the Paula’s Choice Resist brightener on my uneven patches. I think I like it, I can tell it’s doing something because I have not needed my Melanage Peel redone since last April! What else from the line do you use? I tried a few others but they gave me small white pimples so sent back.
I have used the IT CC Cream for months now and find it so easy to use, no primer, spreads on perfectly, good coverage, high SPF. I hope you like it!
With your recommendation for the Clarins foundation in hand, off I went to Nordstrom today! Well, somehow I ended up at the Trish McEvoy counter and had a total makeup/makeover there. Love love love. I have been using Bare Escentials mineral makeup for about six years, and also their eye products. Well…they simply do NOT compare to my new finds. I would love to know if anyone else has tried these products??? any comments? You really do sort of take a leap of faith to invest in a new line of cosmetics, but it was time! I’ll do a blog post on this when I’ve used it for a while….
Oh Trish McEvoy has some wonderful products too! I have some of her cheek and lip colors in frequent rotation.
At a very mature nearly 66 years, I am loving all things IT…just a wonderful line of cosmetics, reasonably priced and beautifully packaged. Their brushes are phenomenal!
Pat, yes! The brushes are as good as some of the premium brands.
I really want to try that Clarins foundation! Does it have enough pigment to cover brown and blotchiness? Giorgio Armani stopped making my favorite Designer Scultping Cream Foundation. So bummed. For most days I stick to the IT CC cream for it’s spreadability and high sun block. It really is fantastic and I hope they make it in more colors.
Karen, the coverage on the Clarins is buildable and pretty pigmented, so I’m going to say yes. I’m still using the IT CC cream on mornings when I’m really rushed.
I think I’d like to try the Clarins foundation too, but I have to say I LOVE my YSL Touche Eclat foundation. The shade in Beige Rose just completely blends into my skin. But I DID buy the sponge you recommended, Sue, and it arrived today, so I will be trying it soon!
Judy, the YSL is also a very good foundation. If you’ve found something you love, I say stick with it. (But do let me know what you think about the BeautyBlender sponge…)
will do!
I know! Isn’t the It CC cream the best for when you don’t have time? Don’t need a primer, don’t need a “tool”. It swipes on so easily. I so love it!
Karen, thank you again for the recommendation! You always find the best stuff.
I started using a crème this past year my colleague brings back from Morocco, it has rose water in it, and a ghassoul face soap. The Argon oil products give me reaction but the creme and soap are keepers, I am a faithful customer.
I also had two breast surgeries this past year so you can imagine the scarring. So I looked up products to help and came up with Trilogy Rosehip oil. It is has been fantastic for the scarring. One day I had a little left on my hands and thought if it is that good on my scars what would it do for my wrinkles:) Well guess what, a couple days later I actually had someone say I looked good that I was glowing. Glowing!! Yep am now a daily convert to this stuff.
I literally use my soap, my crème, and a dot of this stuff.
I have tried ever product/company over the years and for me this works and I am saving a lot of money to boot. (More for travel:))
I have discovered the YSL touché éclat product, iand use that. I also use Elizabeth Arden eye primer for trying to reduce the oil effect I get after a couple of hours and keep the eye shadow color true. But nothing seems to work, I always get an oily look in the creases. I don’t want to use a bunch of foundation and product but I do always wear light powder eyeshadow, BB pot of liner with a brush(great product, long lasting) and Lancôme waterproof mascara.
I used to get a shadow primer product from Lancôme, but since moving to Europe 10 years ago, I discovered Lancôme only sells it to the US market:( It was a great product…..