2011 Beauty Favorites

Hiyee~!!  This is my Best of 2011 List.  This year I was a bit boring; I used a lot of favorites from the year before and didn't try a lot of products until near the end of the year, so I think it's too soon to say they were my favorites.  Many of these products I have not had a chance to review so I will do so as soon as possible.  For now, I'll just say a quick quip about each. :3

My Beauty Diary Mask Earl Grey Tea & Macaron Sheet Mask
My Beauty Diary is a winner in my book because of products like this.  Super cute packaging, cheap, but works well and immediately.

Yes to Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter
This was a pleasant surprise as I did not expect much but it's actually more hydrating and softening than Burt's Bees lip balm.  My favorite is Melon.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream
I switched from the lotion formula to cream and it's been working much better for me.  I really like that it provides high SPF and doesn't have the typical, strong sunblock smell.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ~ Hydrating
I remember the original towelettes caused a stinging sensation on my skin but these do not.  Not only do these do a superb job of removing makeup but it's a plus that I don't have to moisturize after using them.

 

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter
I use this after every shower and it keeps my skin hydrated and feeling soft.  It smells pleasant and is a great quality product for a very affordable price.

Schwarzkopf got2b guardian angel blow-out lotion
This drugstore item is cheap (about $6-$7 retail, often on sale for $5 or less) but works wonderfully to protect my hair from heat and also leave it feeling silky soft.  A Must Have in the winter cold months when one cannot walk around with or go to bed with wet hair.

Inglot Eye Shadows
These eye shadows are pigmented and of high quality but for a very affordable price (I bought these on sale for $4 but they're $5 regular price). I love being able to choose the exact shadows I want for a palette.

Still my favorites

 

Essential Ultra Honey & Shea Butter Rich Premier Hair Mask
I still use this, even though I do consider it a bit pricey.  However, the hair treatment and hair mask make my hair feel sooooo hydrated and soft, that I just can't help but stay loyal.

Clarisonic Mia
This was a splurge but Iyah and Mona had convinced me it was worth it, and it definitely has proven so.  The difference may be subtle but the effects are there in the long run.

H2O Plus Urban Defense Green Tea Cleansing Milk
I used this all year long (this was my second bottle)!  It's so gentle, soothing, slightly brightening and works well with my Clarisonic Mia.

K-Palette liquid eyeliner
This has been a staple for me and though I've tried other liquid eyeliners, none has yet to take its place. I'm open to trying others but so far, I just keep coming back.

Last year, I focused more on skincare and that's always going to be most important to me.  This year, I'd like to be open to trying more brands, especially if I could find and fall in love with products that are more budget-friendly and easy to find.  I'd also like to research and learn more about ingredients so that I can make better educated choices when it comes to choosing products.

What were your favorites last year?  Or what new products are you looking to try this year?