Allure Beauty's Best of Beauty Awards have been around for some time now, and I'm always fascinated by these beauty awards because I love finding products that I've never tried before, and of course, having my love of some other products validated by beauty experts :)
This year's Best of Beauty winners were top-notch, and I've put together my own top picks from that list, of products I've tried and love, and products that I am dying to try!
1. Bioré Acne Clearing Scrub, 130mL
(Malaysia: Anti Blemish Micro Scrub, RM9.90)
(Australia: Blemish Clearing Scrub, AUD10.99)
I'm such a huge fan of these salicylic acid-infused scrubs! They are so affordable, clean out the skin quickly, and don't dry out the skin too much. Twice a week (they're very mild), they keep the pores clean, and the skin clear. I've made the littlest sis a convert too, and I bet I can make you one. Just try it!
2. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets (RM9.90, ~AUD15)
I started using these babies back in 2001 - that gives you and idea of how long they've been around. And the reason why they've been around is simple - they work. These sheets don't mess your makeup up at all, and instead do exactly what they were made for - absorb the heck out of your oily skin.
3. Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturiser, 75mL (RM175, AUD68)
I was introduced to Shiseido skincare (my first foray into the brand's skincare products was, in fact, the Ibuki range) early last year, and have been using their products on and off ever since then. What I love about the Ibuki range (specifically the Softening Concentrate and Refining Moisturiser) is how they help the skin retain moisture, and keep it hydrated throughout the day. This range is aimed at 20-somethings as somewhat of a preventative measure against aging, and helps to not only plump the skin with moisture, but also reduce the damage that free radicals and environmental stress can cause to the skin.
4. L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows (RM35.90, AUD19.95)
I'm not sure if Malaysia still sells the Infallible eyeshadows because I can't seem to find them anywhere, but I know Priceline still stocks these, and I absolutely love them. They have a unique, cream-to-powder type formula, and are intensely pigmented, with a gorgeous, shimmery finish. They also last extremely long on the lids, and are perfect on their own, without the need to put anything on top.
5. Benefit They're Real Push-up Liner, 1.4g (RM100, AUD35)
This liner is a definite must if you're new to gel liners or liquid liners. Its soft, rubberised tip helps to guide you as you apply your liner, and creates a beautiful, perfect line. The only gripe I have about this product is that it is a bit of a bother to use - it comes with a stopper to cover the rubber tip when you're not using it so that the product doesn't dry out, but it's so cumbersome to keep track of it (I've long misplaced mine), and so the product that comes out at the start of each use is a little dried up.
6. Make Up For Ever HD Powders, both loose and pressed (RM150)
This powder is a skin-blurring, oil-absorbing, makeup-setting godsend. It does all this with ease, and using the smallest amount possible (which is great, because if you over-apply this powder, it will flash back in pictures!). I have been using these for almost a year now, and I have nothing bad to say about these powders (OK, maybe if you could decrease the price a little, MUFE, I will love you forever!). These aren't the only products from MUFE making my favourites list, too. I've fallen hard for the brand and don't see myself falling out of love anytime soon!
7. Revlon Bold Lacquer by Grow Luscious Mascara
(Lash Potion Volume & Length Mascara, RM34.90)
This is another one of those products I can't find in Malaysian drugstores, but I am super keen to try it! Malaysia's Revlon counters sell a mascara called the Lash Potion Volume & Length mascara, and I might try and get my hands on one of those, because I have heard great things about Revlon's growth mascaras! Make sure to get the waterproof formula, because these hold a curl better and stay on for so much longer than their non-waterproof formula.
8. La Mer the Cleansing Oil, 200mL (RM310, AUD100)
This luxurious cleansing oil is at the top of my must-try list! I am a huge fan of cleansing oils - they're the only things that will remove my go-hard-or-die-trying-esque mascaras - and I love to cleanse my skin and get rid of all the makeup and dirt before I start using my regular cleanser. This cleansing oil would not only look good on my dresser (yes, I display my pretty products!), I think it would do a pretty good job, too. La Mer calls it a thorough, detoxifying cleanser that contains precious marine oils. Talk about a skincare treat!
9. Kjaer Weis Highlighter in Radiance (US$56, AUD76)
My goodness, this highlighter looks amazing! When I saw it in the Allure Best of Beauty list, I knew I had to have it! This product is sold in various countries including the US and Australia and New Zealand, so you're in luck, Aussies! For Malaysians, you can get your fix at Net-a-porter. Allure's beauty review says this highlighter can make your cheekbones look 'like they're bathed in candlelight' - if the packaging didn't get you, this review has to! I'm sold. *runs off to grab credit card*
Did you check out the Allure Best of Beauty 2014 list? I agreed with some, but not all of them! What about you?
