Oct 2014 08
 
 
Smell that, people? It’s the sweet aroma of a fresh New Year on the horizon.
 
Yes, I know we’re still over 2 months away from the New Year; however there is no denying that a New Year is closing in.
I am counting the days to a New Year filled with new and exciting beauty products.
 
Judging by all the great new beauty products that hit the shelves this year, I predict that it will only get better, and 2015 is going to be a stellar year for primping.
 
I’ve rounded up 12 of the best beauty products of 2014. 
l compiled my list based on this years new launches that promises to change the way we do our hair, makeup, and skin care.
These products introduced us to new formulations, groundbreaking technologies, and covetable colors that changed the game in 2014.
So, let’s recap some of the best new beauty products that fell from heavens this year.
 
By the way, if you had the chance to try one of the products on my list, please feel free to leave a short product review. 
I would love to hear your feedback about the product.
Did you love it, or hate it? And why?
 
OK. Let’ get started!

 

1.)

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel
Scented Nail Polish Finally Grows Up!
 
This was the first time fragranced nail polish seemed glamorous (in the past, they tended to be scented and coloured like candy, and were marketed more to our inner five year olds).
 
The line is divided into three sub ranges.
There’s the Fruits & Florals, which are largely bright and cheery shades in opaque finishes.
The Sweets & Spices, which are richer hues, mostly in shimmering finishes.
The Freshes, which are all about the cool pastels and a variety of fun finishes.
 
Each shade is inspired by a certain smell – and the colour corresponds to the smell.
For instance, the color “Wild Violets”, is a glamorously dark purple that really does smell like the pretty powdery flower.
It also has a gorgeous retro feel to it – like you’ve dipped your fingers into a vintage pot of violet-fragranced face powder.
 
If you try it-
It helps to start with a base coat, and then apply two very thin layers to get the most intense effect. 
Skip the top coat if you want to get the full effect of the scent.
If  you use a top coat, you’ll probably find that the perfume has trailed off after 24 hours or so.
This isn’t meant to be a long-lasting formulation. So, I would suggest using this product on special occasions, when you want to smell fabulous all over, even down to your finger tips.
 
 
 
2.)
 
Bare Minerals 7-day-detox

Bare Minerals 7-day-detox

Bare Minerals 7 Day Skin Detox 
Presenting The Dummy-Proof Peel 
 
Younger, brighter skin in 7 days? Yes, please!
And that’s exactly what BareMinerals 7-Day Detox Mineral Brightening Peel promises to deliver.
 
According to BareMInerals, this week-long series of treatments will deliver your best skin ever – brighter, clearer, smoother and more evenly toned.
Each vital targets a specific skin need and then builds upon the previous day’s benefits. The system is comprised of BareMinerals’ proprietary ActiveSoilTM Complex and uses ingredients such as exfoliating acids, hydrators and Kombucha Black Tea.
The overall process claims to rapidly detoxify, reinvigorate and reinforce your skin’s support network for visible results.
 
Sounds fantastic, right? But does it really work? Or is was it just another hyped-up product? Here’s my review…
 
Yes! It works! Upon purchasing we (me, and my test dummy-girlfriends) saw that BareMinerals claims in their studies that 100% of women saw results after trying the 7-Day Skin Detox Mineral Brightening Peel. And to be honest, we didn’t believe them. But boy did they prove us wrong.
After our own product testing, we have to agree, and also conclude that 100% of us saw results in just 7 days. In fact, we started see results right away!
 
We each had varying skin issues, and some had more peeling with the system than others. But the overwhelming conclusion is that we do indeed have brighter, clearer and more evenly toned skin after using the products for 7 days.
 

 If you try it:

  • Because some minor skin-peeling may occur, try to plan your detox during a low-key week. We started on a Tuesday and finished on Monday.
  • Limit your sun exposure. You should always wear sunscreen, but especially while using this product. And also for about a week or so after.
  • The system is comprised of 7 small vials of liquid (numbered 1-7) and 7 cotton pads. The cotton pad has both a smooth side and a slightly textured side. Depending on your personal preference you can use one side or both.
  • Each day: 1) wash your face 2) pour one vial (use them in numerical order 1-7) onto the cotton pad 3) swipe all over your face, neck, chest, even the backs of your hands.
  • The system has everything your skin needs for 7 nights, so take a break from your other serums and moisturizers.
And that’s it – brighter skin is just 7 days away!
 
 
 
3.)
Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme

Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme

Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme

Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme

 
Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme

Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme

Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme
Claims to be: The First Shampoo that won’t F*uck up your hair!
 
Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme is an un-shampoo.
It is formulated without a trace of detergent. It contains pure Aloe Vera, and essential oils for smoother, silkier, shinier hair.
Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme works awesomely on all hair types – fine, thick, course, curly or straight. It is amazing on color treated hair – practically zero fade!
 
It is simple to use, and over time it restores hair to a state that most people can only dream about.
All that, and it is biodegradable, so it doesn’t pollute our water! 
 
So a little background on this product:
  • It’s not technically “shampoo” so it doesn’t produce any suds.
  • It IS, however, meant to replace your shampoo. And conditioner.
  • It doesn’t have any sulfates, so it won’t strip your hair of it’s natural oils and nutrients like regular shampoo will over time. (Seriously – no matter how expensive and luxurious your shampoo is, it WILL strip your hair eventually)

 

If you try it:

This product has a an extremely powerful minty scent.
If you have allergies, or if your sensitive to strong scents, be very careful, or keep some Benadryl nearby.
Once the hair is dried, there is zero mint smell left behind. Which is a plus!
 
If you have very thin hair, after using this product your hair may become stick-straight, and lacking in volume. But if you add a few spritzes of Bumble & Bumble sea-salt spray into the hair after shampooing, allow hair to air dry, and your volume/wave is easily restored. 
 
 
 
 
4.)
Redken Pillow Proof Blowdry Express Primer

Redken Pillow Proof Blowdry Express Primer

Redken Pillow Proof Blowdry Express Primer
Redken Got A Major Makeover This Year!
 
For thick-haired people whose blowouts take foooorever (or for anyone in a hurry), a few spritzes of this blow-dry primer really does cut drying time: It shaved ten minutes off our curly-haired tester’s blowout.
 
The formula doesn’t weigh down hair or make it feel greasy, plus it can help you get an extra day out of a style.
 
WHAT IT DOES:
Cuts down drying time and protects hair from heat damage.
 
If you try it:
This spray can be drying on coarse hair, leaving it more stiff than silky.Make sure you use a rich conditioner before using this product.
Don’t be put off by the scent: It’s not the most pleasant (a somewhat chemical floral) but it’s gone by the time you’re finished blow-drying.
 
 
 
 
5.)
Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer,

Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer,

 Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer
Alphabet Creams Get Even More Effective
 
For a primer that has “luminous” in the name, I was expecting a glowing, radiant finish.
Instead, Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer SPF 15 sets to a more muted matte, pink tone that is supposed to “help skin look brighter and combat the appearance of dull skin”.
 
To a minor degree, the pinkness does even out sallow skin, if you consider the whitish-pink cast it leaves.
However, the biggest difference I noticed was that the skin looked lighter, and slightly pink, which isn’t necessarily flattering for all over use, plus it doesn’t work for all skin tones, especially darker skin.
 
Pros:
  • Enlivens sallow skin.
  • Semi-matte finish has slight blurring effect on imperfections.
  • Fragrance-free formula.
  • Mineral-based broad spectrum sunscreen is gentle for use all over the face.
Cons:
  • Whitish-pink cast isn’t necessarily flattering for all over use or use on all skin tones.
  • Makes skin look lighter which may not be what you’re going for.
  • Not as luminous as you’d expect from the name.
  • SPF 15 is below the standard recommended by physicians worldwide.
  • Light-sensitive ingredients (such as antioxidants) can break down due to transparent packaging.
  • Not flattering on darker skin tones.
 
If you try it:
 
You must use a sunscreen with this product! Or at least pair it with another product containing an SPF 20.
Even though this provides broad spectrum sun protection (from titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), SPF 15 is below the standard recommended by physicians and dermatologists worldwide (it should be at least SPF 20+).

 

6.)

La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Cream

La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Cream

La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Cream
Skin Care Goes All Survival-Of-The-Fittest 
 
When you look at the label for this pricey cream, you might wonder what exactly makes this different from the other anti-aging moisturizers sold by La Prairie.
 
Well, according La Prairie, this product harnesses the power of “Swiss Cellular Ice Crystal” technology.
La Prairie claims that taking the extracts from flowers able to survive in the harsh environment of the Swiss Alps, and putting them in this formula will infuse your skin with the same environmental resilience these flowers exhibit in their natural habitat.
 
Hmm…
 
OK. This product does have an array of beneficial ingredients, including emollients, antioxidants, amino acids, and skin-identical ingredients.
These ingredient are definitely capable of making your skin look and feel younger. 
 
I found the product to be ultra hydrating and really nice to use.
The cream is thick, yet silky, so it applies quite nicely and absorbs into the skin rapidly.
 
 
Pros:
  • Contains a good mix of emollients, antioxidants, amino acids, and skin-identical ingredients.
  • Good for all skin types.

Cons:

  • Contains horsetail extract, which can be irritating and constrict skin.
  • Packaged in a jar, so the beneficial ingredients will break down as they’re exposed to light and air.
  • Absurdly overpriced for what you get.
 
If you try it:
Be aware of the price. It is $300 for a 1 ounce jar. So, see if you can get a free sample first.
It is a really great product, however I know that the price is not for everyone. 
 
 
 
7.)
Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Spray Serum

Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Spray Serum

Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Spray Serum
You Can Spray Your Hair Into Health.
 
This is the first spray serum with SMART Keratin and brilliant shine.
SMART Keratin specifically targets hair strands that are dry and damaged, giving deep penetrating conditioning where it’s needed and keeping weight off the rest.
 
Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Spray Serum is a leave-in conditioning spray for hair.
After using this product, the result is a high gloss, smooth, polished style that looks healthy — never greasy or sticky.
 
Unlike many conditioning treatments, this spray feels light, but it’s powerful enough to hydrate dry, damaged, and color-treated hair.

Features

  • Smoothing serum complex contains Active Argan Oil infused with Superfruit Indian Gooseberry to revitalize and brighten dry, distressed hair.
  • Natural sunscreen locks out humidity and the damaging effects of heat and UV.

Directions

 Pump into palm. Use sparingly, a little goes a long way.
For a smooth blow dry: Apply to damp hair for supreme smoothing and frizz control.
 
If you use it as an oil Treatment: Apply to damp hair to soften, revitalize and rejuvenate.
 
For a more defined style: Apply to dry hair to smooth frizz and define style.
 
 
If you try it:
You should love it! 
 
 
 
8.)
John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss, $12.99

John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss

John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss
Your At-Home Hair Color Never Looked So Good.
 
I couldn’t get over how easy this stuff was to apply!
You put it on in the shower, kind of like a second conditioner, with each treatment taking only three minutes…no waiting with a timer in hand and towel around your neck required.
 
It looks like a thick, colored gel, but unlike some harsh at-home dyes, the formula didn’t irritate my sensitive scalp or leave icky chemical smells lingering in my locks. Bonus! 
 
After just a couple treatments, I noticed a big boost in shine and overall smoothness.
My color didn’t look altered in any way, just perkier and fresh, leaving me breathing a little easier while in between actual hair color appointments. 
 
What it does
The John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss is meant to be a supplement to be your regular hair colouring routine.  
It helps to restore the look of your hair post-dye by helping to re-add the pigments that are typically washed out after colouring.
It promises to refresh your hair when your in between color appointments for a boost in colour and shine.
The product is designed to be used as a weekly “at-home-salon” treatment. 
 
Bonus: It’s ammonia and peroxide free!
 
If you try it:
Be aware, that this is not a dye! It is a treatment.
 
After applying this product, you must wash your hands with soap.
The product does have some pigmentation to it, and as with hair dye, it can stain. 
 
 
 
 
9.)
Neal's Yard Remedies Lengthening Mascara

Neal's Yard Remedies Lengthening Mascara

Neal’s Yard Remedies Lengthening Mascara
A Natural Mascara That Really Delivers
 
Dial up the drama with this natural curl-enhancing and lengthening, mascara.
Neal’s Yard’s mascara is made from 100% natural ingredients and is 78% organic.
 
This product is formulated with argan oil, aloe vera and coconut oil, this luxurious formula glides on clump-free thanks to the fine-toothed application comb and seriously lengthens lashes.
 
After using this product my lashes looked, natural yet impressive, as my lashes certainly look far longer.
The bonus of using this natural mascara left my lashes beautifully nourished, conditioned and protected.
 
If you try it:
Expect natural looking lashes.
If you are looking for that thick, full faux lash look, this is not the product for you.
 
 
 
 
10.)
Shu Uemura Lightbulb Fluid Foundation and Sponge

Shu Uemura Lightbulb Fluid Foundation and Sponge

Shu Uemura Lightbulb Fluid Foundation and Sponge
Full Coverage Finally Looks Like Skin.
 
If you’re looking for the fresh and dewy look, this is the foundation for you!
You can skip the highlighting powder with this foundation because it’ll instantly give you that effect.
 
The consistency of the foundation is very thin and lightweight, yet creamy and easily blendable.
Because of the light texture, I didn’t expect it to cover much, but I was really surprised to see that with a small amount, it has a solid medium coverage that is buildable to full – or with less product, it provides a nice skin-like light coverage.
It looks very fresh and glowing on the skin and to me looks like a tinted moisturizer, but with more coverage.
 
Shu Uemura Lightbulb Fluid Foundation lasts fairly well throughout the day (about 8-9 hours) even without a setting powder.
However, I find that this foundation can slightly highlight my pores, and by the end of the day the foundation will have faded a bit.
 
The product does give a skin-like finish. Not just any skin. Dewy skin.
If you have dry, dull skin, and you want something that can add a glow and KEEP a glow for hours, under any lighting condition, this is the product for  you!
 
Wear
This isn’t a long-wearing foundation, and isn’t designed to be, unless you have dry skin, in which case an oil-based foundation will actually adhere to the skin and look better longer.
The soft focus effect and conditioning formula will also soften and plump up the skin, so this could be a very nice one for mature skins.
 
If you have normal skin and like a strong glow, it works too. Dust a little translucent powder onto the T-zone and under the eyes and just leave the rest of the face glowy.
 
While Shu lists this as being suitable for all skins, the formula is designed not to set and “dry down” the way oil-free formulas do, so it will have a tendency to slide and crease on oily/combination skins.
The glowy finish is probably also not that good if you have raised blemishes because any sheen will highlight uneven textures and bumps.If you only have blemishes on select areas, make sure you mute the sheen in those areas with the pointed end of the sponge, and powder.

Recommended for…

Those with normal to dry skin, or more mature skins who want to achieve that naturally radiant, youthful, supple effect without shimmery highlighters.

 Application

The nifty thing about the sponge, aside from the durable, antibacterial material and the handy groove in the middle, is that the two ends are actually made with slightly different finishes to give you a different effect.

Step 1: The flatter, rounded side is modeled after the Shu “Botan” brush, and designed to repel oil from itself. This allows it to create a polished finish when you gently tap foundation onto the skin.

Step 2: On the other end, the pointed tip is created with a different sponge coating to lift excess oil from the skin surface.

Tip: You tap foundation all over, and then you use the pointed side to get into corners, and to dull down the shine where you don’t want it. Usually the T-zone, and areas where your face creases more from movement (by the nose, around the corners of the eyes, etc).

Cleansing: The sponge is durable and can be washed and re-used for a long time. I don’t use the beauty blender, so I can’t make a comparison but I did find it very difficult to get all the foundation stains out, maybe because the sponge is so fine-grained. But take my opinion on this with a pinch of salt because I don’t use sponges often. (I have a compulsive need to wash them after every single use, which wears them out faster.)

 If you try it:
This foundation is not oil-free.
The secret to the fresh reflective “glow” this foundation provides is a blend of non-allergenic, non-comedogenic mineral pigments and liquefied pearls suspended in macadamia oil-infused base. It is designed to be VERY reflective and dewy.

I recommend sticking to the included sponge. This hand-finished lightbulb shaped sponge was designed specifically for tapping and creating a glowing finish with the fluid foundation.

11.)

Marc Jacobs Beauty Marvelous Mousse Transformative Foundation

Marc Jacobs Beauty Marvelous Mousse Transformative Foundation

Marc Jacobs Beauty Marvelous Mousse Transformative Foundation
You’ll Have The Mousse — Trust Me!
 
Transform your skin to its ideal complexion with this nutrient rich, full coverage foundation.
This surprisingly lightweight mousse formula glides onto your skin as a decadent cream, and transforms into a velvety matte texture.
It blends seamlessly.
 
Marvelous mousse finishes as a lightweight, full coverage powder for a flawless finish everyday. 
It is simply the most buildable, yet natural looking foundation I’ve ever tried.
 
The Marvelous Mousse Transformative Foundation is constructed of coconut water, and vitamin extracts to maintain optimal moisture levels, Indian ginseng to soothe the skin, and amino acids to improve the skins ability to stay hydrated.
This product is also mineral oil free. It is OK to use if you have combination to oily skin.
 
The feel of this foundation is extremely lightweight on the skin – it stayed looking satin on me – not flat-matte, or mask-like, and it’s not oily.
 
It really seemed to blend seamlessly into the skin, and the rest of my makeup applied beautifully on top.
Because of the slight bit of added effort that is required during the application process, I will probably reserve this product for nights out, or special occasions where I really want a flawless and long-lasting finish.
 
The cool thing about this product is if you apply it only in focus areas, it could be an excellent solution for a everyday natural makeup as well.
In many ways this is the most versatile foundation I’ve used.
It’s the perfect foundation to pull off only applying foundation where you need it, leaving ‘good’ parts of your skin natural. Magic people!
 
If you try it:
This is not a foundation that does your whole face in seconds. 
I suggest you work in small sections to achieve the level of coverage you need/want in any particular area of  your face, herein lies the genius of this product. 
 
If you have marks/scars to hide; just go over the problem areas with a few very thin layers, and the coverage will increase.
The finish will remain exactly the same – a natural satin/matte (though I wouldn’t say ‘powdery’ as the brand describes) that won’t look like there’s layers of product on your face.
 
If applied correctly, the end result will be, a completely non-cakey flawless coverage.
This product can totally cater to Your complexion.
 
Application:
Work in small sections, because this product doesn’t ‘spread’ particularly far.
Blended the sections with the flat top of a kabuki/buffing brush.  
It will become virtually undetectable on the skin, and offer impressive coverage at the same time.
 
 
 
 
 
12.)
MAC Eyeshadow x 15 Eyeshadow

MAC Eyeshadow x 15 Eyeshadow

MAC Eyeshadow x 15 Eyeshadow

MAC Eyeshadow x 15 Eyeshadow

MAC Eyeshadow x 15 Eyeshadow
The Naked Palette Gets Some Serious Competition.
 
Mac Eyeshadow x 15 Palette contains 15 warm eyeshadows.
There are two pre-filled neutral 15 x eyeshadow palettes available, one warm and one cool
 
Both palettes cover a broad spectrum of neutral tones, and both are equally strong when it comes to workable, wearable eyeshadows.
The big difference is basically the way the eyeshadow palettes can be used: the warm palette lends itself well to editorial work, whereas the cool palette is beautifully bridal with a selection of delicate cool creams and taupes.
Although rather pricey ($100 USD or $120 CDN) , I think you will appreciate the quality of the palette. 
Majority of the palette is very pigmented, creamy and easy to blend.
 
If you try it:
You should love it!