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This year, I’ve been loving fresh and natural looks, with lightweight bases, simple neutral shades and glowy finishes. My aim has been to enhance my features rather than making the makeup the focal point. I’ve enjoyed lots of products in 2021 but here are my top ten (okay, okay, top eleven.)

 

Let the countdown commence!

 

In at number 10. Honest Beauty Crème Cheek Blush in Rose Pink

 

I bought three shades of these on my first foray into this brand, and as someone that holds a penchant for peach blushers, I was surprised to find that Rose Pink is my favourite. True to its name, this dusky rose creates a natural flush with a brightening dewy finish. Its neutral undertone makes it a great choice to team with a range of everyday looks. And it’s longwearing too!

 

9. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro-Powder in Fair

 

No surprises here. This is a fantastic powder. As someone with oily/combination skin, it blurs my pores beautifully, sets my base without it looking cakey or powdery, and still somehow leaves a slightly glowy finish. It’s great for touch-ups on the go, and the compact lasts me a long time with regular use when I apply with Charlotte’s Powder & Sculpt Brush. 10/10, would recommend.

 

8. Benefit Roller Liner in Brown

 

This is such a staple. An opaque deep brown that’s ideal for a softer look, it has a fine tip for precise application. My wings last all day and withstand gym sessions with ease. Definitely the best pen eyeliner I’ve tried.

 

7. Mac Matte Eyeshadow in Omega

 

The optimal eye contour, olive skin tones can’t go wrong with this one. Ever so slightly cool toned on me without being grey, this taupe shade blends seamlessly for a one-and-done look that’s subtle whilst still making an impact.

 

6. Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk

 

Another blusher shade I didn’t expect to like so much; this looks absolutely stunning on the cheeks. On me, it translates as a warm-neutral dark peach that contours and blushes at the same time. It’s buildable, brightening and longwearing. Three ticks from me.

 

5. Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick in Perk

 

Can you tell I liked cream blushers this year? This is the ultimate coral peach; glowy, glossy and my summertime favourite. You get so much product that it’s great value for money, but it’s got to expire before you can get through it all. And while I enjoy the twist up design and love the emollient formula, the packaging very bulky. It’s not enough to put me off though, as this shade is a dream.

 

4. Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork

 

This was new to me this year and I’ve worn it non-stop. Creamy, blendable and brightening, this warm-neutral mid-toned brown lasts all day on me and doesn’t crease. I buff it all over the lid with a fluffy brush it and smudge it along my lower lash line for a soft everyday eye look.

 

3. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Mini in Taffy Tease

 

Fenty’s lip gloss formula is my favourite and this limited edition shade from their 2020 Holo’daze Glossy Posse Set is right up my street. A peachy-pink coral, it’s shiny, hydrating, and smells delicious. I’m a big fan of the compact packaging and plush applicator, and this mini tube has lasted me all year, using it several times a week. I may have bought backups…

 

2. L’Oreal Lash Paradise Extatic Waterproof

 

As someone with downturned lashes and hooded eyes, and who doesn’t like false lashes, I want my mascara to do the most to open up my eyes. And this one from L’Oreal doesn’t disappoint. I heat my eyelash curler with my hairdryer, curl my lashes, and apply two coats of this mascara. It’s lengthening and buildable, and the curl holds all day. I prefer not to buy high-end mascaras as they usually only last me three months, so I love that I can get this for a good price on 3 for 2 offers from the drugstore. I’m sticking with this one!

 

1. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in 2W1 Bisque

 

The first tinted moisturiser that really lasts on my oily/combination skin. It’s creamy to apply, has a natural finish, and it’s a very close shade match when I’m fake tanned. Being oil-free, it never looks greasy, you get a decent 50ml in the bottle, and a little goes a long way. Definitely my most used base product this year.

 

Happy New Year! Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

 

This setting spray is the one! A few spritzes of this creates a lovely glow and sets make up down so it looks (almost) freshly applied all day. It’s non-drying and it smells delicious too.

 

Going to give any of these a go? Let me know over on Instagram!