2016 was certainly a year of highs and lows but one thing that we can all agree on is that it was filled with some great beauty products. So many new beauty brands burst onto the scene and the majority have all lived up to their expectations. Starting a beauty blog, and becoming a Libbie Club member, means that I have tried a lot of products throughout the year. To end the year on a high, I have selected my top ten favourite brands and products that I’ve discovered in 2016 and would struggle to live without. From haircare and make-up to nail polish and skin care, these are my top 10 hits of 2016 (in no particular order).
1. Salon Science Reprotectant Thermal Crème and Reglosse Smoothing Serum
I was already a fan of Salon Science Hydrasoothe Cooling Spray and was excited to review these Salon Science products back in October. I use these two products together and since October, my hair looks and feels stronger and healthier. These are definitely my favourite haircare products of 2016 and I couldn’t imagine life without them!
You can check out my full review here.
Available from www.boots.com (£12.00 each).
2. The Hero Project – Glow Drops
The Hero Project burst onto the scene in 2016 and I am so pleased they did as their products have featured in my daily skincare routine ever since. Their Glow Drops Dry Touch Facial Oil is the best I’ve ever used (and as a dry skin sufferer, I’ve used a few!). The bottle design, scent and texture of the oil is amazing and my skin looks glowing and radiant after use. It absorbs well and leaves skin feeling softer, smoother and very hydrated. It is also incredibly versatile, as you can also add a few drops to your foundation which helps it glide onto the skin and give a dewy glow to the skin. All their products are fantastic and I can’t wait to see what 2017 will hold for the brand.
www.theheroproject.co.uk (£24.00)
- Little Ondine Peel Off Nail Polish
Now I hate nail polish on my finger nails as it smells, takes ages to dry and then chips within 10 minutes (and don’t even get my started on removing it!). However, I discovered Little Ondine in June, a peel-off nail varnish brand who’ve created an odourless, non-toxic peel off polish which dries quickly, doesn’t chip or damage your nails. You can change your nail look in an instant and you don’t have the mess of removal. Just using the secret base/top coat and a shade of your choice, you can have chip-free nails which, in my experience, stay perfect for 2-3 days. I can’t wait to try more colours and be sure to look out for a review of my latest purchase coming soon!
www.uk.littleondine.com/ (from £8.40)
4. Bee Good Youth Enhancing Lift & Brighten Eye Cream
I have been loving Bee Good Products ever since I tried their Honey and Propolis 2-in-1 Cream Cleanser back in April and I have to say, their eye cream is one of the best I’ve ever used. I get quite dry around my eye area and this really hydrates and smooths my skin. I also have very dark circles and after using this, my eye area looks brighter and is ready for concealer. A little goes a long way and it certainly won’t be leaving my skincare routine anytime soon. The best part is that purchasing Bee Good products helps maintain bee numbers in the UK through sustainable bee farming. If you haven’t tried their products before, make 2017 the year to Bee Good…
www.beegood.co.uk (£8.00 5ml travel size or £19.75 for a 15ml pump)
5. Angela Langford Perfect Pores Serum
After receiving skincare samples from Angela Langford, I couldn’t wait to purchase full size products as the samples I received were amazing. Out of all the products I tried, I loved Perfect Pores the most. It’s a beautiful lightweight serum which contains hyaluronic acid (my favourite!) and other skin loving ingredients to soothe the skin, reduce fine lines and improve the appearance of open pores. Since using this, my pores are significantly smaller and my skin is supple, soothed and hydrated. Angela Langford is one of the best natural skincare brands I’ve tried and I can’t wait to try more products in the future.
You can check out my full review of the sample service here
www.angelalangford.com (£4.50 p+p for personalised samples or £31.00 for Perfect Pores)
6. Eyeko Black Magic Mascara
For me, mascara is the most crucial part of my make-up routine as I don’t look finished until my lashes are curled and coated with black mascara. I’ve tried a lot of brands which all promise fuller, longer and thicker lashes but more often than not, I just end up with clumpy lashes. Eyeko Black Magic is the only mascara I’ve tried which doesn’t go clumpy after a few applications and stays put all day. The wand itself grips individual lashes and the curve of the brush really curls lashes from root to tip. The best part is that despite it’s lasting power, it is really quick and easy to remove. This won’t be leaving my make-up bag anytime soon and will be staying with me throughout 2017.
www.eyeko.com (18.00)
7. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
I’ve tried a lot of Asian beauty brands in 2016 and DHC is one of my favourites as their deep cleansing oil is literally a miracle worker! It removes all make-up and impurities in an instant and hydrates, nourishes and softens the skin at the same time; It’s no surprise that 1 is sold every 10 seconds worldwide! I can’t wait to try more from this brand in 2017 as their reviews speak for themselves.
www.dhcuk.co.uk (£4.50 – £21.50, 3 sizes available)
8. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Make-up application is so much easier, and has much better results, with the right brushes. I finally purchased some Real Techniques brushes earlier in the year and couldn’t believe the fantastic quality and affordability. My favourite brush is their #1 bestselling Expert Face Brush, a dense brush which is perfect for foundation, blending concealer and applying blush. As with all Real Technique brushes, you can use them with creams, powders and liquids which makes them incredibly versatile. This is my favourite brush as it creates a flawless finish and is unlike any other brush I’ve used. If you haven’t tried this, or any other brush from the Real Techniques range, then make it your New Year’s Resolution to try them out in 2017. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
www.realtechniques.com (£7.00)
9. Superdrug Essential Facial Cleansing Wipes – Dry Skin
I don’t usually remove my make-up with wipes unless I’m travelling however I always have some in case I need to fix a make-up mistake as a wipe is easy and effective. I always find though that some of the more expensive facial wipes are quite dry and the formula dehydrates my skin which deters me from using them. However, I picked up these cleansing wipes from Superdrug and they are a life changer. Not only do they remove even waterproof mascara, but they’re also enriched with Sweet Almond Oil and Hyaluronic Acid which nourishes and hydrates the skin while also removing any impurities. They are great to freshen up the skin, especially in the summer, and are convenient for on the go. I wouldn’t go back to any other make-up remover wipes, and with a great selection of cleansing wipes for any skin type, I can’t recommend them enough.
www.superdrug.com (£0.99 for 25 Wipes)
10. Mizon Placenta Ampoule Cream
Korean beauty has been the buzz word of the year as so many Korean beauty brands are leading the way with cutting edge products for better skin. I tried Mizon’s Placenta Ampoule cream back in August and I’m on my third pot already. Don’t let the ‘whitening’ element (as this means brightening in Korea) or the bizarre ingredients put you off as once you’ve tried them, you won’t be able to put them down.
You can check out my full review here
Available online (prices range from £13.00 on Amazon – £24.00 from other retailers)
So that’s it folks, my top ten hits of 2016. I hope you enjoyed it and if you have any beauty favourites of your own from last year, or would like to know more about any of the products featured in this post, just let me know in the comments below.
I hope you all have a very happy and healthy 2017!
Beauty Folio x
Beauty Folio 