FAYEourites 2012

Happy New Year!

While I discovered many new favourites in 2012, I also continued to mix in old favourites in my everyday makeup throughout the year.  A brief round up ... 

In order of how I apply my skin care and makeup ...

Moisturiser / eye cream: Biore Nourish Moisturiser Lotion SPF15 for the day (not pictured) - this is one of the best performing, most affordable, oil-free moisturisers - truly feels like a lotion and doesn't break me out.  As well as Benefit Total Moisture and Etude House Collagen Eye Cream the night.

Toner: Etude House Wonder Pore Toner - my acne prone skin loves this.  I especially appreciate the pump packaging and the HUGE bottle.

Primer: Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Primer - a must for my oily skin.  Love this product because a little goes a long way. 

Foundation: MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC25-30 - a long time favourite since 201o and this would have to be my 5th or 6th bottle.

Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer (not pictured - while I actually like the sponge applicator but wish Maybelline would change the packaging because the twist-tube always breaks on me but other than that - it's an ahhhmazing product and makes me look 'wide awake'.  MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC30 - this its perfect for covering acne scars or redness around my chin and nose because it doesn't budge!

Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder (not pictured) - this has easily become my go to powder, it helps to control shine without making the skin look cakey.  

Brows: Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown (not pictured) - an oldie but a goodie!  The perfect brow pencil ... not too hard but not too soft/waxy. I have yet to find anything that beats it but I think I will venture into brow powders soon, for that more 'fuller' look ... would love to know if you have any brow powder recommendations?

Eye Primer: Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer - A recent new favourite ... that had me wondering, how did I ever live without this?  With super oily eyelids, this helps my eyeshadow look 'fresh' at the end of the day.

Eye shadow: MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in A Natural Flirt - I am a sucker for shimmery, champaign golds or peaches.  

Eye Liner: Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner - I haven't found anything better! And in 2012, Dolly Wink released it in 'brown', which easily became my everyday staple.

Mascara: Etude House 3 Step Volumercara (Volume + Mascara) - love the brush ... seems like it was made for my eyelashes!  I usually apply two coats but the formula is also very buildable to create more 'fake looking' lashes. 

Bronzer: Benefit Hoola Bronzer - believe it or not, I only started experimenting with bronzers this year! And while I'm still trying to master the art of contouring (I have Kim Kardashian to thank for that), the Hoola Bronzer has been perfect for beginners - it's matte and not too orange-y.

Blush: Peripera Smile Fit Blush in 3. Rose Pink and MAC blush in I'm The One - I couldn't pick between the two. 

Highlighter: Benefit Watts Up Highligher - I prefer cream highlighters for that precise highlighting on the brow bone, nose bridge and cupid's bow and this one is a very natural champaign gold.

Lipstick / Lipgloss: Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake was my everyday lipstick but I used this more as a lip balm / lip base and was an makeup bag essential (below) and MAC Viva Glam in Nicki was my go-to party lip.  Revlon Super Lustrious Lipgloss in Pink Pop - love the colour and the moisturising, non-sticky formula.

Perfume: Britney Spears in Radiance - if you love berries, you'll love this.  Unfortunately the scent doesn't last all day but is light and sweet enough as an everyday perfume. I've repurchased this 3-4 times throughout the year. 

Tools: Sigma brushes - Mrs Bunny Collection and the Synthetic Brushes - what's not to love about Sigma brushes? They're super affordable and great quality. I couldn't imaging applying my foundation with any other brush other than the Sigma Flat Top Kabuki Brush F80!

Would love to know what were some of your favourites for the last year? Feel free to leave a link in the comment section  to your blog post.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful start to 2013!
I'm going to start packing for my trip to Thailand and Malaysia next week ... Super excited!
Lot's of love 
Faye Lu