Best in Beauty :: 14 in 2014

Products come and go but there are those that swept me off my feet, wowed me in mammoth proportion, and made me repurchase numerous times this year. I'm releasing my Annual Best in Beauty few weeks early because they are worth adding to your Holiday Gift Guide or Wish List. So ladies and zillas, here are my Top 14 in 2014 (reviews are linked for your reference) *drum roll please*

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When UK-based mega makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury debuted her eponymous line in the US market, luxe-loving junkies were singing in high notes, what with the hype bloggers and vloggers created in the makeup world. I fell in love with Filmstar Bronze and Glow (sculpt/highlight kit) because it gives me the luminosity and dimension without the overkill factor. Finding a great neutral lipstick is trickier than red that's why I was more than elated to add Kissing Fallen From The Lipstick Tree Hepburn Honey in my nude must-have stash!

If you're a frequent visitor or reader of this blog, you may have noticed the constant peddling of Guerlain in my FOTDs and reviews. Well that tells you a lot about my obsession for this brand. Purchased and repurchased, if that ain't love then I don't know what is. A summer discovery, Terracota Joli Teint has been go-to foundation even to this day. It primes, fills in pores, and protects against harmful rays. I wear medium shade for summer and neutral thereafter. Love at first use, that's how much I'm into Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Powder Foundation. It's the best setting powder I have come across to-date, it's never cakey and feels lightweight. 

When it comes to cheek products, Hourglass hit it big time with Ambient Lighting Blush. My favorite is Mood Exposure, a lovely soft plum which compliments my medium skin tone like no other. Another summer release, Givenchy Terre Exotique gives me the proverbial sun-smooched warmth whether I'm tan or not.

I seriously got hooked on cream eyeshadows this year, particularly with Givenchy Ombre Couture Eyeshadows (reviewed here and here). They are long-lasting, easy to apply and blend, and can be used as eyeliner too. I'm big on eyebrows in case you don't know yet. I like 'em groomed and natural-looking. I've tried quite a few brands here and there but hands-down Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade has the best formula. Used with an angled brush, my brows look fuller yet tamed.

I'm extremely picky when it comes to eyeliners that's because I have sensitive eyes and wear contacts. My top pick goes to Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon (2 years in a row now). It stays on the waterline, does not budge, and most importantly, it does not irritate my eyes. Wet or dry, NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow (Himalia) is stunning enough to wear on its own. Buttery-soft with phenomenal pigmentation, you bet I'm floored!

L'Occitane Fleur D'Or & Acacia Luminoul Body Oil is the best body oil I have tried to-date. It's ultra-hydrating sans the greasy feel with subtle floral fragrance that's truly divine! Murad Rapid Age Spot and Lightening Serum is my answer to post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation. 

I am and will forever be a 90s girl so when matte lipsticks are all the rage this year, I couldn't be more happy! The best matte lipstick crayon which is worth all the hoarding goes to Bite Beauty no less! And the best matte formula in the history of matte-kind goes to....... Tom Ford Lip Color Matte!

What's the best beauty product you've tried this year? fill me in!