Best of 2014 | The Base & Face.

I didn’t mean for the title to sound so oddly rhyme-like. The other day, I started drafting my post on the annual round up of best products of 2014, and realized that the list was way too long. I’ve broken it up into two posts to make it an easier read and more sensible in terms of the theme.

I feel that my list of “Best of” gets progressively longer and the product stash gets bigger too – does anyone else feel this way? These “Best of” posts really remind me that I don’t need a makeup the size of a Sephora store to be content. That is something I’m hoping I can stick to throughout 2015, particularly given the size of my stash right now.

The first round-up will be of the base and face products – foundations, primers, and products that gets my face looking flawless and like a canvas ready for art.

Dior Star Foundation | $50 | Review
Ever since I saw Natalie Portman as the face of this foundation, and trying on a sample of it, I have been hooked. So hooked, that in fact, I repurchased the foundation during my recent Sephora haul, just to have the peace of mind that I will always have this staple foundation handy at all time. The Dior Star Foundation gives the most effortless medium-full coverage with a satin finish that looks “naturally” airbrushed without taking away from skin quality. It’s been dubbed as the “selfie” foundation, and I won’t lie, it’s that good and totally worth the money.

CHANEL Perfection Lumière Foundation | $55 | Review
This is another one of my go-to foundation for any occasion. If you love the medium-full coverage that looks like skin, and makes you look great even during your worst skin day, this is your answer. Yes it is pricey, but you get what you pay for with this foundation. Trust me on this.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer | $24 | available here
Though I wasn’t a huge fan of the foundation, the concealer is amongst a list of super legendary products, for a good reason. This concealer covers everything, even the most stubborn spots, scars or pigmentation. It lasts a long time and works like magic at hiding imperfection. The packaging makes it easy to transport and travel with, though the pump tends to squeeze a little more than necessary.

Dior Glow Maximizer | $42 | available here
I have such high expectations when it comes to high end brands, particularly because they cost an arm and a leg to purchase. This primer was no exception. The practicality of the packaging makes it convenient to pack in your bag for special occasions. The glow you get is subtle and very much skin-like in the most flattering way possible, particularly when light hits your skin.

CHANEL Le Blanc | $52
The CHANEL Le Blanc primer was one of those products that I thought was more of a “nice-to-have” but I think it’s worth mentioning that this is one spectacular primer despite the price. The peachy pink-coloured tint (similar to Benefit’s High Beam) gives the most subtle that can really and truly be admired only when seeing it in real life. Pictures don’t do it enough justice!

Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush | $31 | available here | Review
The entire Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush is absolutely flawless – the formula is so natural-looking on the skin, and lasts all day. The range of colours means that there is something for everyone. My favourite shade of the bunch has been and remains to be #225.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara | $30 | available here
With a name as catchy as the Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara, the product sets itself up for a very high standard. I have to say that I have not been disappointed. The formula lengthens and holds the curl so well, and there is no trace of smudging at the end of the day. The metallic pink tube just screams sexy to me, and I could not think of a better name for this product than what it is called now.

Caudelie Vinoserum | $52 | available here
I got a sample of this from Sephora and loved how it made my skin so supple, healthy and hydrated. I’m all about hydration come the winter time, so this was a skincare saviour during the winter months. The great thing is that I can layer on moisturizer and sunscreen over it and my skin will not get clogged up.

Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush | $9 | available here | Review
If two of my favourite Real Techniques brushes (The Buffing and Expert Face brush) had a baby, and it is designed specifically for travel-savvy ladies like myself, this would be it. The one brush that I trust most to deliver flawless application of my makeup while sized perfectly for travel, this is it.

Bioderma H20 Créaline | $26.95
So I cheated a bit. This wasn’t one of those products that I discovered this year, but rather last year. However, this product is so legendary that it feels off leaving it off the list. My favourite makeup remover of all time – so gentle on the skin, yet removes every. little. bit!

Algenist Overnight Night Cream | $110 | available here | Review
A balm-like night cream that hydrates your skin so so well, this is my go-to every night for the last couple of months. On its own, this is quite a pricey product to splurge on, however I stocked up when Sephora offered this deluxe sample (which was about 1/4 of the full-size) for free with any order over $30. It doesn’t feel greasy when you apply it or when you wake up in the morning – a hard combination to find.