The Best in Beauty - 2014

Everything from Lush!

Near the beginning of 2014 I began this blog and probably a year ago or more before that I started to delve into the world of YouTube and beauty blogs. As a consequence I've tried out a lot of beauty products and discovered some lovely products that I always seem to go back to and repurchase. Through being a blogger I see so many trends and obsessions with certain products! But to be honest although I take them into account I sometimes think its just what works for you not trying to love what everyone else is talking about and the "cult" products! Plus as a student I don't have the money to be splashing out on high end products which means I'll wait until people announce dupes or just not giving in as usually I find this this leads to disappointment. For example, 2014 was the year I lost my MAC virginity, perhaps one of the most talked about beauty brands! Sadly, I've got to confess I was disappointed, I really am not in love with the lipsticks I bought and have barely worn them. On the other hand, while the eyeshadow I bought is lovely and long lasting, for a much cheaper price I bought a palette from Makeup Revolution which are a lot more affordable and I love equally as much (maybe more!).

Firstly, I think the most significant beauty favourite of 2014 was my growing obsession with Lush. I had tried a few bits from Lush over the years but always felt a bit overwhelmed, however, Christmas 2013 was when this addiction began, I had heard of Snow Fairy and had to try it! After falling in love with Snow Fairy I became obsessed with every other product I tried; the skin care, the hair care, the bath bombs, the skin products....everything! Its hard to describe but every time I use Lush products I just feel so pampered and lovely, maybe because I know the products aren't filled with nasty chemicals or maybe because all the products are all incredible. I fell in love with quite a few of their products over the course of the year, the products shown above are probably my most used and repurchased. I'd also recommend American Cream Hair conditioner, the shampoo bars and Ocean Scrub!

Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara, Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation, Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick

In terms of makeup I don't feel like I've had any major obsessions. Although the three products shown above stood out to me in 2014.

  I love all of the Maybelline mascaras but I've especially loved the brushes of this one; one for the upper lashes and one for your lower lashes! Genius and far less messy!

Next up, the Bourjois Health Mix is a product that I always go back to, it gives a really nice medium coverage and is super easy to apply. Finally, Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipsticks, a new release in 2014 have amazing staying power and great pigmentation. My only issue is I wish they had a bigger range of colours, they're all very bright and sadly didn't find myself wearing them as much over the winter months.

Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry and Vanilla Hairspray, Barry M Nail Paint in "Berry Cosmo", Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

A makeup item that has been something I use everyday is the Rimmel Stay Matte powder, it is the perfect powder for keeping makeup in place, is really affordable and I don't even attempt finding other powder as this one does everything I need it to!

As far as hair goes, I'm not one to stick to certain products, however, I've been using this hairspray since when I first discovered the Fudge Urban products (quite a few months ago - in fact its in my January favourites!). Unlike other hairsprays it's not sticky and has got the most wonderful scent that you wouldn't even think was hairspray, my boyfriend always comments on how nice I smell when I put this in my hair!

Finally the Barry M Nail Paints, everyone seems to love the Barry M High Shine Gelly nail varnishes but I just have not got on with them, I found them take way too long to dry and chip so quickly. A while ago someone told me that the original formula is better and admittedly I'd never tried it, but they were definitely right! I love the formula of the nail paints, they're so easy to apply and quick to dry plus they have a huge range of colours. I went through a phase of only using Essie nail polishes at the beginning of the year but I much prefer Barry M ones now!

So as I said, no major discoveries this year, only my growing love for Lush and a small selection of products that I always seem to be using! What were you favourites of 2014? Is there anything you would recommend me trying this year? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons

Hayley x

P.s I used Polyvore to create these collages so all the images are from the site!