Now that 2012 has come to an end, I’ve had time to reflect and consolidate my thoughts on the many pretties I discovered over the past year. For the most part, I love my purchases (not an accident, obsessive researcher here) so this post could be as long as a piece of string- but I’m going to try keep it to the absolute minimum.

Here is my final verdict! I’ve confined this list to pieces I’ve discovered in 2012 and omitted old favourites/Holy Grails (that textbook length list for another day).

Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Lip Stains

This entire line blew me away. Opaque? Check. Fades evenly? Check. Directional applicator? Check. Long lasting despite my absurd lip touching habits? Check.
The formula is beyond phenomenal and I really enjoy the jelly texture. Kudos to YSL for creating a lip product that stands out among the masses.

Click here to see the Yves Saint Laurent Lip Stains in action.

Inglot 40 Eyeshadow Palette

Inglot eyeshadows have filled a much sought after niche- an incredible range of colours (particularly mattes) with impressive pigmentation at a more affordable price. Although Rouge Bunny Rouge still win first prize for my favourite eyeshadow formula, the variety of colours in my 40 palette has been refreshing!
It’s an inspiring piece that challenges me to produce unexpected colour combinations.

Click here for swatches of my Inglot 40 Palette.

Chanel Ombre Contraste- Notorious 

I admit; I purchased this based on the fact that I didn’t want to fall victim to ‘limited edition regret’. I’m thanking my lucky stars- out of all the contour powders I’ve tried, Notorious creates the most realistic chiselled cheekbones.
Texture wise, I probably prefer the buttery goodness imparted by Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder but truth be told, the taupey shade of Notorious provides a more realistic looking shadow.
I apologise for this favourite as I know it’s becoming hard to find but should you be lucky enough to stumble across it- BUY IT. Karima insists.

Click here for Chanel Notorious comparison swatches.

By Terry Touche Veloutee Concealer

A relatively new addition to my collection but I’ve been eyeing this concealer since my days working in makeup. It was a strange instance of role reversal; customers would walk in and sell me with their glowing reviews. Almost every single time I applied this onto a client, they purchased it.
With good reason, Touche Veloutee is the ultimate illuminating concealer- providing remarkable coverage and the perfect amount of illumination (a tricky ratio to pin).
The best undereye concealer I’ve tried to date.

Click here to see the haul where I purchased this product.

Hakuhodo Brushes

I can confidently announce that I will never return to MAC brushes. Hakuhodo are the Rolls Royce of makeup tools- incredibly soft while boasting a large range of shapes and sizes (the website is rather overwhelming, like burying yourself in goat hair).
I was delighted with all the Hakuhodo Brushes I purchased at IMATS Sydney 2012, the fluffy crease brushes (pictured above) in particular. I plan on replacing all my MAC/NARS/Chanel brushes with the Hakuhodo counterparts.

Click here to view all the Hakuhodo Brushes I purchased in 2012.

Chantecaille Vital Essence Serum

Can you believe that I used an entire bottle of this on my HANDS? 3 drops from empty and I had a bright idea… I should try this on my face!
Turns out, I was using it incorrectly. 3 pumps on a dry face results in a sticky, shiney mess. However, 2 pumps on a damp face delivers a hydration superior to any emollient moisturiser I’ve encountered.
An additional surprise- should I be suffering from flu induced flaky skin, this acts like a primer by concealing any dehydration that would otherwise ruin my base.

Stridex Maximum Strength Pads

I purchased this based on the recommendation of (the utterly amazing) JoshCollierMUA. These damp pads provide gentle chemical exfoliation to prevent any congestion and dullness with no redness, peeling or downtime. They’re also alcohol free (APPLAUSE!) and cost 4 freaking dollars!
The real genius here lies in a tip provided by Josh- run the damp pad on the face and wash off after 5 minutes. I’ve found this technique to deliver all the exfoliation benefits with no irritation whatsoever.
Mastermind. Why didn’t I think of that?

Click here to watch the JoshCollierMUA video review of the Stridex Pads.

LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter

Rewind three months. My cuticles were in such poor condition that it even appeared to disgust my significant other. Now, when a mere male is raising his eyebrows at the sight of your hands, something must be done.
Lemony Flutter to the rescue. Applied every night before bed, this balm eradicated my every hang nail, dry patch and cuticle misdemeanour. Nothing short of a miracle.
One word of warning, the scent is horrid (his words- ‘Darling, you smell like a bandaid’).

What are your favourites of 2012? Tell us in the comment section below and help me build favourites of 2013!

xxkarima