My 2013 Go To Products aka Favourites of 2013

Hey Readers, 
Well the end of the year is here and most likely by the time I get to post this the new year is most likely to have started but I have been waiting all year to share this post with you. Every month I usually collect my favourite makeup/beauty products together take photos and write a post. As you will know I change my makeup mind all the time rotating through all the makeup goodies I own. Given I am also subscribed to two beauty boxes I am also constantly being exposed to new products so also changing what I use skin care and beauty wise. However all year long I have been wanting to tell you about the products and makeup items that I always go back to even when I am loving something new or something I've rediscovered I just have products I always go back to and never can be replaced!!! I do apologise in advance though some of these I have mentioned in previous favourites and also please excuse that some of these look a little worse for wear being my most used items they packaging sees a far bit of wear and tear!! 

Nivea Repair and Protection SPF 20 Lipbalm
This year really has been my year to change up what I use on my lips and I have also been slowly getting into colour. As a general rule my lips are quite dry and flaky so for most of the year paw paw ointment and the carmex twist up balms were my go to. But when I found myself getting a little bored I went looking for something new. I found these Nivea balms one day and thought they worth giving a try. They are extremely hydrating, moisturising and long lasting. While the product does absorb into your lips a little they still feel hydrated and not like you need to top up have really enjoyed these this year you also get a lot of product for your money so they last a long time and as a bonus they have an SPF of 20.

Swisspers Pure Softness Makeup Rounds
I started the year using a homebrand type version of makeup rounds and I found that when taking off heavier eye makeup or foundation as soon as they were wet they would fall apart and leave fibres on my face and I was also finding it was talking so many rounds to get my normal makeup off I was using roughly a pack a week. So I was on a mission one day and found myself in Chemist warehouse and they had a twin pack for about $6 and I have never looked back. Even when my makeup is at its heaviest I only really use six rounds and the best part is that they survive being wet and you can use both sides without them falling apart and leaving fibers.

Simple Kind to Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion
As I have spoken about in previous post after learning earlier this year about the nasties in makeup wipes I had to find an alternative I also knew in the back of my head that actually washing my face was going to be better for my skin in the long run any way. I picked this up during on of Priceline's 40% off skin care sales they had early in the year. The best part about this lotion is that is can be applied to dry or wet skin and it still removes all makeup completely including eyeliner and mascara. It also leaves the skin soft and smooth.

Bioderma Sebium H2O Solution Micellaire 
Initally introduced to this by bellabox and then repurchased via the bellabox webstore this is another great alternative for makeup removal wipes. And has been my travel option this year as I have tried to down size my toiletries pack and being able to put this in a smaller bottle and just take a small handful of makeup rounds to go is so much easier. Its also a good option as you do not require water so you remove makeup while on the go!!! in an airport, airplane, car (not driving obviously), bus it is convenient and it removes all makeup including mascara and eyeliner without leaving a trace!!!

Natio Renew Radiance Foam Cleanser 
This has been my go to cleanser for over a year now and I just can't let it go and it is so good that not many other cleansers can compare. It is just a great all round cleanser that foams well, gets rid of any dirt and grime leaving skin soft smooth. It also has a soft rose scent that isn't over powering. I have tried many cleanser this year from both bellabox and lust have it and always find my self reaching for this one again and again.

Imperial Leather Foamburst Foaming Shower Gel
This is a you tube made me buy it product but I simply can't get enough!!! This I had seen in so many you tube videos favourites videos and I picked one up just to see the hype. I just love the way it instantly foams it really makes this shower gel shine it builds on itself creating a thick foam which is amazing not only as a all over body cleanser but also for a smooth shave, cleaning hair brushes and combs, jewelery and amazing for getting makeup out of brushes leaving them clean soft and smelling gorgeous. That is also the other main thing I enjoy about this product I haven't found a scent I don't really enjoy.

Dr Lewinns Private Formula Puressence Day and Night Fluid 
This is another skin care product I have used for many years and sadly I am starting to find it hard to get a hold of. Despite that I have still been using this all year while trying to find a decent replacement. The beauty about this is that not only can you use it any time its the perfect balance between a day lotion and a night moisturiser its not to heavy and not to light. The fluid itself absorbs instantly to the skin no stickiness, greasiness or residue it also takes one pump covering my face and down my neck. The bottle also has a vacuum type pump so as you pump product out the bottom gets pushed up (seen in the photo) meaning you get every last bit of product!!!!  

MOR Hand Cream Orange Blossom 
I included this in my winter favourites but I had to include it again as I really do use this all year round. I wash my hands at work multiple times a day, wear gloves, work in air-conditioning and am in and out of walk in freezers and fridges everyday. As a result my skin particularly my hands get dry very easily so I essentially need a good moisturiser on hand all the time!!! This is a great product from MOR it not only has a great scent and absorbs so quickly I can put it on and either put on gloves or pick up a pen to write without sticking or greasy residue. Being in a tube its also handy for the hand bag and the flat spot on the lid means in stands on its own on a bench or bedside table.

Nivea Sun Light Feel Everyday Sun Lotion SPF30 
I only discovered this half way through the year but I had been on the hunt for a decent sunblock for a while. I find sunblock a hard one sometimes its an essential given I spend a lot of time in the sun and living in Queensland the sun is hot even in winter but since I was a kid and especially now I hate the smell and the greasy sticky feeling when you've just applied it or the clammy feeling when you've been in the sun and surf all day and sunblock has mixed with salt water and sweat. I also have found some sunblocks hard to apply mulitiple times without resulting in a white cast and not absorbing properly.
This takes all that out of the equation it doesn't smell like sunblock to start with, doesn't leave your hands or skin greasy post application and no matter how many times you apply it goes on smooth and I love the touch dry finish. I really am confident every time I apply this one that it works and I wont end up sunburnt at the end of the day.

Real Techniques By Samantha Chapman Your Base/Flawless Expert Face Brush
This is a holy grail brush for me and as a result of loving my first one a little too much (the handle fell off!!!) I now own two!!! This is an amazing brush its dense bristles and dome shape are just the perfect mix. It allows you to stipple, stroke and buff foundation in to you skin, it small enough to get product under the eyes and around the nose for a flawless finish every time and it doesn't discriminate between BB cream, liquid or cream foundation. The best bit is product doesn't get lost in the bristles and what product is left washes out easily and I have never had any shedding from this brush all year!!!

CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara 
This is one of two mascaras I had to include in this post. As you know well I love my mascara and have tried and bought a lot of them this year. It is the one makeup item I always find time for even when I'm at my busiest. I just love how mascara makes lashes stand out and frame the eyes and makes you look put together with very little effort. This year I have used both the black and brown version of this mascara and I just can't get enough. Most days I choose to wear a natural look everyday so while I love wearing mascara I usually prefer a me but better lashes look. It coats the lashes without clumps and extra product build up. It gives enough definition, volume and a little bit of length while still looking natural and Iv'e never had it flake either.  I've really enjoyed it this year and cannot wait to try the newest in the line clump crusher extensions versions. 

Prestige My Blackest Lashes
I know I only just reviewed this in my last mascara madness post 
(mascara madness #5) but I cannot tell you enough how much I have enjoyed using this one. It really does give an amazing darkness to the lashes, volume and bold definition. Like the clump crusher is goes on smooth and you really only need one coat to get amazing results. I have really enjoyed this one particularly for a more defined look and its great for a top up before going out at night. 

Bobble Water Bottle
The beginning of the year saw me constantly buying bottled water and while I did reuse the bottles the bottles themselves don't last that long. I also don't really like the taste of bottled water or water that has been sitting in one of those bottles for any length of time. I found these bottle grocery shopping one day and decided to give them a go. Not only are the bottles sturdy but they also have a filter built into the top of the bottle which means your water is clean and tastes good all of the time. The filters themselves are sold separately so you don't have to buy a new bottle every time!!

So that wraps up my go to products for 2013!!! Leave me a comment below what your go to products were this year I would love try some new products in 2014!!! As this is my last post for 2013 I hope you all have had a wonderful 2013 and are doing something fun to welcome in 2014!!! Stay safe Happy New Year and until next time Happy reading and Happy shopping!!!

Ever.






Disclaimer: I am not sponsored to write this post and I have not been paid for my comments nor have I received any of the above products for review. All items I have paid for with my own money and all comments are my own.