The Top 13 of 2013

In the spirit of New Year honesty, I will admit to you that I seriously considered a 2013 beauty favourites post and maybe, just maybe a video. I decided that setting up a Youtube account might be more of a 2014 aim however, so settled for a slightly more restrained version in the form of my Top 13 beauty products of 2013 (catchy ey?). The 13 include makeup, skincare, haircare, nails and body; and let me just tell you that whittling it down was not an easy task. But here they are: the staples, special editions and standouts of the year, according to yours truly...

Urban Decay Naked Palette 3: Despite being given to me just 6 days ago at Christmas, Urban Decay's newest cult offering has already wowed me more than the other two versions combined...it's definitely love. Warmer, pink based and encased in an even better tin, what's not to lust after?

Chanel Chance eau fraiche perfume: 2013 was the year of the scent search for me, and this Chanel classic became my one and only. I'm already on to my second bottle and I predict this will be the first repurchases of many...

Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray: Oribe was a brand that seemed to blow every beauty blogger away this year, including me. As a member of the limp and flat hair klan, this product has been a saviour in a bottle, and it doesn't smell half bad either (full review here). 

Chanel le volume de chanel mascara: As well as a scent, I do believe Chanel has officially made my most beloved mascara to date. The volume and length of lashes after one use of this is unrivalled in my opinion, and I will definitely be repurchasing like crazy this year. 

Ren Clarifying Clay Cleanser: This spot saw a toss up of my nightly cleanser (Emma Hardie's amazing face balm) and this beauty, which I use in the mornings. The thing I love about this the most is how brilliant it is for oily and problem skin. It also lasts FOREVER. I bought this in June, use it every day, and it's STILL going. 

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Scrub: I always feel it's so hard to find the perfect scrub. Lots I've tried are far too gritty and almost hurt to use, but this is so gentle on skin but also really gets to work (and smells good enough to eat).

Mac Creme Cup and Show Orchid Lipsticks: I know this is sort of cheating but I couldn't choose just one. Creme cup is my go to everyday shade whilst I only bring out Show orchid for those extra special 'show' stopper occasions. 

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel: Smells like sweeties, is full of glitter and has the cutest name, need I say more? As it only comes out once a year around Christmas I made sure to pick up and extra big bottle this time round. Lush...NEVER discontinue this! 

Essie After School Boy Blazer: Super Shiny Navy Blue/Black shade. I am praying this bottle will last forever as it was a limited edition buy. 

Origins GinZing moisturiser: I have just repurchased my second little tub of this stuff, because I truly have found no moisturiser like it. It has such a light gel-like texture which is perfect for my skin slightly oil prone skin.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: Three words: SAVED. MY. HAIR...(and still does). 

Estee Lauder Cheek Gelee in Tease: Another limited edition product which I have grown seriously attached too. Tease is a gorgeous pinky blush/highlighter hybrid which gives a light winter flush or full-on party glow depending how you want to wear it. 

Diorskin Nude BB Creme: This single handedly changed my opinion about BB cremes. I was so anti-them and had had such terrible experiences with until I started using this. It gives a light weightless coverage and perfect glow. 

So there we have it: my top 13 of 2013. 

As cheesy as it sounds, I just also want to take a second in this post to thank anyone and everyone who has supported my little blog since I started it back in March: any readers or followers, the lovely fellow bloggers I have met throughout the process, any brands that have reached out to me and offered me the opportunity to attend their events or collaborate with them, and to my friends and family for helping to promote my blog any way they can, helping with photographs and all in all just being awesome. 

On a lighter note, I would love to hear which products you would include in your top 13 in the comments below!! HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

B.