Best in 2011

Happy new year everyone! I hope you've all had a good holiday and some quality time off. 

2011 was the year that my blog really grew and I discovered a new hobby and some really great products. I was contemplating not doing this post because a lot of the products I have already mentioned some time or another - obviously because they're my favs. But it's nice to reflect and recap, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to throw in some recently found, instant all star products. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo: an amazing skincare product that really had a dramatic effect on my skin. Perfect for blackheads, whiteheads and acne prone skin. I don't go a night without using this. 

Bioderma Crealine H20: a cult product that really works to remove makeup and cleanse the skin in a very gentle and soothing way. Instead of using this as my daily make up remover, I like to keep it on hand while doing my makeup because it is perfect for fixing mistakes. It's almost like a magic eraser - you get rid of the mishap and you can start right back where you left off without having oily residue on your face. 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal: the best highlighter I have ever used. I do really like Dior Amber Diamond and MAC's cream colour base in hush, but something about this makes it the one I grab for the most. I much prefer cream/liquid highlighters to powder ones and this one has that dewy soft texture that is so nice to work with. It is a beautiful product that highlights while looking unbelievably natural. 

MAC mineralize skin finish: I haven't really tried that many face powders, but this one got a lot of use in 2011 and I really enjoyed using it. This plus some concealer, or just on its own equals an effortless and natural face makeup good for quick routines. 

MAC's viva glam gaga II & hue lipstick: a nude, and a nude. Sometimes it feels like my whole lipstick collection has whittled down to just these two. Hue is just a staple lipstick that works with everything; you can stick it on however you like, and it always looks good. Gaga II is a little too much when slapped on all over, but I love the nude lip it gives when dabbed on lightly.

Wet n' Wild nutty eyeshadow: of course it would be the 2 dollar eye shadow that I constantly reach for. I just love this color; it's great for all over on its own or in the crease with a range of different colors. It's buttery smooth and fits neatly into my makeup bag. 

Benefit Hoola bronzer: I use this everyday to contour and I think its cult following speaks for itself. 

Sephora by OPI Don't be Eggnog-ious: 2011 was the year for sparkly glittery nails. This one takes the cake for me; it's the prettiest coppery rose gold glitter polish and it is stunning. To savor it, I want to use it solely for accent nails. 

Illamasqua's Katie blush: I'm hooked on this blush. This baby doll pink is similar to MAC's well dressed, but minus the shimmer and plus pigmented-goodness. It's unbelievably pigmented, is one of my favorite colors for blush, and has a nice smell. There's also something about the packaging that really appeals to me.

So there are my favorite products of the year. I'm hoping in 2012 to stream line my collection, delve into more skin care, and only buy things that I know suit my tastes and that I will use and love. Easier said than done though, right? 

~Vida