2011 has been a great year for cutting-edge technology skin creams, debut fragrances from luxury fashion houses and niche brands becoming cult ‘must haves’ in the UK.
Here are a few products that have stood out and become firm favourites this year…
Nanoblur – After a few application teething problems with the best-selling optical, quick-fix anti-ageing skin cream, Nanoblur is now my beauty best friend! It works wonders on fine lines and instantly refreshes skin, but most importantly, it slicks away excess oil, so it’s perfect for those of us with combination to oily skin.
Bottega Veneta – The debut fragrance from the Venetian luxury leather and fashion house is unique, captivating and a joy to wear. It has become my everyday scent and I still get a fleeting moment of euphoria with each spritz!
shu uemura uv under base mousse – This weight-less mousse evens out the skin, conceals redness and tightens pores, ready for foundation. It’s another discovery that has become an everyday essential.
Shan Rahimkhan – I had the pleasure of meeting and being styled by Iranian, Berlin-based hair expert Shan Rahimkhan this year. His natural, luxurious and incredibly stylish hair products give unrivalled volume and just make your hair feel great!
Sodashi – This natural-luxe Australian brand has become a fast favourite, as all of the products feel so soothing and nourishing. The Rejuvenating Face Mist has saved me on long flights and the Vanilla Body Butter is just so nourishing.
NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer – This incredibly light gel-crème primer calms skin using natural extracts and the mineral powders help control oily t-zones – once again, a good bet for combination to oily skin.
Caudalie Vinoperfect – Caudaline Vinoperfect Cell Renewal Night Cream and Enzyme Peel Mask revitalise and exfoliate skin without any harsh effects. Used together, they freshen the appearance of skin and definitely help reduce the signs of pigmentation.
Balenciaga Paris – The first fragrance from the French luxury fashion house, Balenciaga Paris is a modern classic of chypre violets, lucid cool florals and metallic aldehyde. Like Nicolas Ghesquière’s muse Charlotte Gainsbourg, it’s chic and effortlessly cool with a renowned heritage…j’adore!
What was your beauty hero of 2011? Which product could you not live without?
* Samples
Created by legendary nose, Olivier Polge, the first impression of Balenciaga Paris from the bottle is a powdery scent reminiscent of parma violets and a retro vanity table.