With 2011 just ONE day away, it’s time to look back on my best makeup finds of 2010. I’ve had the opportunity to test a [figurative] ton of cosmetics, and trust me – it was no easy feat. None of these lines have offered me incentives – so if the product didn’t perform, it didn’t make the list (cause that’s how we roll at GGF)!
10. NARS Pure Matte Lipstick: Who says matte lipsticks have to feel dry? This intense matte formula from NARS moisturizes while providing jaw-dropping dramatic color to the lips. “Bangkok” is a stunning soft rose that deserves a second look. Right now there are a meager seven shades to choose from, but the formula is undeniably noteworthy.
9. Illamasqua Powder Blusher: Without a doubt, the most extraordinary surge of pigment you’ll ever find in a powder blush. Seventeen complexion-charging colors beg to be worn and adorned by only the most outrageous makeup savvy wearer. Every shade is exceptional, but the more intense tones earn them true street cred with the pros. Check out “Panic” and “Thrust,” my two favorite shades! This may not be a new product, but it earned a secure place in my top 10.
8. Yaby Liquid Foundation: I reviewed this product on givegoodface.com once before, and I must say it has become a staple in my kit. Yaby’s liquid foundations are unbelievably inexpensive, easy to customize, and look incredible! The 8ml tubes have removable tips, so you can mix your own shades or neutralize using one of Yaby’s correcting colors. The finish is beyond smooth and the wear is commendable. I can’t live without the “Daisy” corrector (solid white), “Buff” (a very neutral light beige tone), and “Hot Fudge” (a neutral deep tone, great for mixing).
7. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara: The face of the Mascara is Megan Fox, let’s start there. Every facet of this mascara is gorgeous – the wand is pure seduction and the packaging is as sleek and black as your perfect party dress. If you’re looking to spend on a mascara that gives your lashes sky-scraping height, Armani is your new best friend.
6. Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen: This liquid liner pen has a precise felt tip, a waterproof hold, and a smoldering jet black finish that rivals pure carbon pigment. From thick to thin and subtle to dramatic, this pen is a makeup artist’s dream. I have literally drawn detailed tattoos with it. Lobby with me for more colors!
5. MakeUpForEver HD Microfinish Blush: MUFE can do no wrong! If you’re looking for intensely pigmented, velvety smooth, radiant blooms of color – this is the product for you. Fourteen naughty flavors entice with names like “Nip Slip, Walk of Shame,” and “Caught in the Act,” and deliver an equally enticing seamless finish. Check out my favorite shades #3 “Truth or Dare” (hot pink) and #6 “Quickie” (rich salmon pink) for a rush of color you won’t soon forget!
4. Urban Decay Naked Palette: It was this holiday’s “Tickle Me Elmo.” As soon as it hit the shelves, UD’s “Naked Palette” was sold out and wait-listed for months, proving that no one makes a palette quite like Urban Decay. Given, the colors are nothing new. But somehow a combination of brilliant packaging (brown velvet and slick gold), an assortment of twelve stunning “naked” shades (from sheer nude to flat black), and a bonus double-ended liner make this palette irresistible. I don’t even like pre-made palettes, and I love this thing.
3. Smashbox Pro Second Skin Concealer: Second Skin is an incredibly smooth full-coverage concealer that can also be worn as foundation. Exclusive to QVC, this concealer quickly became a top Smashbox must-have (which leads me to think that we’ll be seeing a version of this formula in stores next year under a different name). The wear is indelible, the finish is divine, and the price is a steal. All four mixable shades should be in your wish list for 2011.
2. MakeUpForEver Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick: Fifty brand spankin’ new, super-pigmented, sinfully delicious shades prove that MUFE doesn’t mess around when it comes to delivering awe-inspiring ranges of color. Creamy in texture, these lipsticks glide on for a long-wearing hold in three decadent finishes (satin, matte, and pearl). My faves? The perfectly pale #22 and #23, the vivaciously vermillion #43 “Moulin Rouge,” and the twinkling 24-karat #17.
1. Smashbox PhotoFinish Luminizing Primer: If you’ve never used a Smashbox primer – today is the day. This luminous gold primer has become my latest and greatest beauty secret, probably because it’s perfect radiant skin in an airless pump. Aside from it’s ethereal finish, it carries the same good-for-you skin benefits as Smashbox’s other primers. In this case, an oil-free blend of antioxidants like grape seed extract and green tea, and vitamins A, C, and E. It’s universally gorgeous and also my favorite new product of the year!
Feel free to add your favorite products to the list by commenting below or sharing on the official GGF Facebook page!
I told myself I wasnt gonna buy the Naked pallet because I am not a neautral girl, i love my Loud and bright colors, but I saw a youtube guru use it for one of her makeup looks and I was sold. Guess I will be using my UD discount and getting the Naked Pallet.