Thousands of products launch every year and it can get overwhelming to find the best luxury item to splurge on. We’re here to give you our perspective on some of the best makeup launches from last year, that are so good, we’re carrying them into 2022 as makeup essentials!
1. Skincare-Infused Foundation
Team Member: Keavy
Product: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Skincaring Foundation – Shade 150N
In 2021, I went through a change in my makeup routine due to lockdown. With lots more plans involving either walking or staying inside, I found myself wanting to show off my natural side, which meant focusing more on my skincare and choosing makeup formulas that look naturally flawless – bonus point if they’re also good for my skin!
Elizabeth Arden’s Flawless Finish Foundation was my perfect makeup fit and has become a staple in my makeup essentials. Its skincare and makeup hybrid formula is kind to skin, thanks to a combination of hyaluronic acid, vitamins E and C.
The finish is so glowy and it feels weightless when I apply it. When I cleanse it off, my skin feels fresh and bouncy and not at all aggravated – it’s like I haven’t been wearing makeup at all. For this reason, I’m not ready to leave this foundation in 2021, and it’s coming with me this year.
2. Everyday Cheek Colour
Team Member: Ceryn
Product: bareMinerals Gen Nude Blonzer – Shade Kiss of Copper
My makeup bag was the first place I looked to pick my top product of 2021. I wanted to choose something I’ve used every day since I got it, and the bareMinerals Blonzer is just that.
Because it’s a blush-bronzer hybrid, it’s become a must-have in my daily routine – I love anything that’ll allow me a few extra minutes in bed. Despite being a powder, the texture is silky-smooth, which is ideal for my dry skin, and the shade Kiss of Copper, a coral-tan hue, gives my face a natural, healthy glow. Whenever I skip this step, I notice it; my makeup feels incomplete without it.
3. The Nourishing Lipstick
Team Member: Darcey
Product: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick – Shade 714
2021 was the rise of skin-caring lipsticks! Last year, I had the realisation that my lipstick could be more than just colour, changing my makeup essentials. For those reasons, it was also the year I fell in love with the new Urban Decay Vice Lipstick; infused with aloe-vera and avocado oil, the lip colour delivers both ultra-pigmented colour and comfortable all day wear.
I feel reassured knowing my lipstick is protecting my lips from free radicals that cause ageing and dryness, whilst achieving long-lasting colour.
The shade 714 is my go-to for a sexy, confident red lip – it’s perfect for Valentines Day!
Take a look at Darcey’s skin-caring lipstick blog below…
4. The Designer Foundation
Team Member: Jade
Product: GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation – Shade 3-N250
Since lockdown, my whole makeup and skincare routine has changed. I became more invested in my skincare, searching for makeup with skincare benefits. I used to wear full-coverage matte foundation but now my go to is a more natural look.
To be honest, GIVENCHY’s Prisme Libre Foundation completely changed the way I see makeup and made me realise that I do not need a full face of heavy makeup. This foundation is made up of 97% natural skincare ingredients, focusing on enhancing a person’s natural beauty. Its skincare benefits include giving the skin 24 hours of hydration and blemish correction, topped off by a beautiful radiant glowy finish to the skin that instantly makes you look healthy. I wear this foundation every day and if I am going out in the evenings, I will apply an extra layer to have a more medium coverage. What I love most is that the formula is not thick and heavy and it feels so lightweight on my skin.
5. The Couture Lipstick
Team Member: Hannah
Product: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Velvet Radical Lipstick – Shade 301 Nude Tension
To me, lipstick is always a makeup essential; I have an extensive lipstick collection that is definitely overflowing, so it’s quite something when I repeatedly reach for the same one.
YSL’s Slim Radical Lipstick has a long-lasting matte finish but isn’t at all drying, thanks to the combination of replenishing oils in the formula. I honestly forget that I’m wearing it half of the time! Bonus – its comfortable formula also holds up pretty well underneath a facemask, ready to reveal a pop of colour, when you’re ready to take it off.
The square shaped bullet not only looks amazing, but it’s so practical for quick applications – the tip acts as a lip liner to get that perfectly crisp outline. The shade 301 Nude Tension is my go-to everyday lipstick as it goes with everything!
Over to you…
Do you have any stand out products from 2021 that you will continue to use this year? We’d love to know your recommendations over on Instagram!
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