It's safe to say 2018 has been an interesting one for the world, and when things are in turmoil, there's a reason sales of designer lipstick go up [1]. We won't dwell on the details, but when times are tough, we lean on more-expensive-than-average body wash, our favourite perfume that we swear boosts confidence, or fake tan products that give us the boost we need to face the day with a smile. No, this doesn't make us vain; it means we're making the best of what we've got, using the little things to keep us going. And if that comes in the form of a beautiful Charlotte Tilbury eye-shadow palette, then so be it!
Our editors had the pleasure of trying hundreds of beauty products this year, and we've edited it down to our absolute favourites.
Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick in Like
Oh hey, Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick in Like [2] (£14). You're, like, awesome. What with your "dialed-down" pigment, I've discovered how to amp up my natural lip hue in style. — Lucy Kenny, assistant editor
Dermalogica Breakout Booster
After hormonal breakouts took a hold of my usually clear skin, Dermalogica Breakout Booster [3] (£20) truly came to my rescue. Applying this on the affected area will rid my face of spots without scarring. — Tori Crowther, assistant editor
Philip Kingsley Pomegranate & Cassis Elasticizer
Pomegranate is one of my favourite scents, and Philip Kinsley's Elasticizer is one of my all time favourite hair products — so I may or may not have done a little dance when I finally got my hands on this product. Not only does it smell absolutely divine, the Pomegranate & Cassis Elasticizer [4] (£34) also gives a much needed boost of moisture to my dry and overly processed hair, leaving it nourished, unbelievably soft, and beautifully shiny. And did I mention the gorgeous smell? — Morgane Le Caer, assistant editor
Huxley Wash-Off Healing Mask
I met someone special this year, and I'll never look back. Let me introduce you to K-Beauty brand, Huxley. Start with the deeply nourishing Huxley Wash-Off Healing Mask [5] (£24), and you'll be sold. — LK
Pixi Liquid Fairy Lights
Pixi Fairy Lights [6] (£15) might have come out in January, but I'm still not bored of it. It's incredibly easy to apply, and the pigment is so sparkly, I can't help but boomerang it every time. — TC
Starskin Pink Cactus Serum Mist
I love it when a product looks beautiful and delivers results. Starskin Pink Cactus Serum Mist [7] (£35) is meant to be used as part of your daily skincare routine, but I have to admit to keeping it on my desk for daily top-ups. My skin does NOT like cold weather, and this gives it a shot of hydration and glow. — Gemma Cartwright, senior editor
BeautyBlender Bounce Foundation
I've never really had too much luck with foundation. That was until I found BeautyBlender Bounce Foundation [8] (£32), serving me up all-day perfect coverage like no other. — LK
Beauty Pie Japanfusion Set
I delved into Beauty Pie for the first time this year, and the much hyped
Beauty Pie Japanfusion Set [9] (£27) didn't disappoint. It's rare that I "hit pan" on a product, because I'm always trying new things, but I'm running short on both the serum and the moisturiser after falling head over heels for how they make my skin look and feel. It's worth getting your head around how Beauty Pie's subscription service works (essentially, you pay a monthly membership to buy products at cost, but you have a spending limit each month). If you sign up, this set could be yours for as little as £27 (plus your membership fees) instead of its RRP of £225. — GC
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Sun Screen Lotion
When I heard one of the internet's most popular tanning brands was launching a sunscreen, I knew it would be good, but upon trying, it exceeded my expectations. I can't believe how affordable Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Sun Screen Lotion [10] (£9) is given that it's basically perfect: it's a super high factor, but it's light-textured and easy to rub in. The bottles are huge and last ages, and I used this over nine days on a tropical holiday and didn't burn once. Even my husband, who usually couldn't care less what products I force upon him, commented on how good it was. My only warning is that the sweet scent, like a piña colada, won't be for everyone. — GC
Buxom Va-Va-Plump Liquid Lipstick in Boldly Glow
Imagining myself in a lipstick lab, I'm likely pulling out samples that are plumping, moisturising, and vibrant as hell. Buxom Va-Va-Plump Liquid Lipstick in Boldly Glow [11] (£15) is that lipstick. — LK
Isle of Paradise Dark Self-Tanning Mousse
Isle of Paradise Dark Self-Tanning Mousse [12] (£20) never fails me, and as a self-tan enthusiast, I'm so pleased I've found my tan. The Isle of Paradise brand ethos is incredible, and the products are just as good. The colour corrector in the tan ensures a deep tan without an unwanted orange hue. I'll continue to buy bottle of bottle of this stuff year-round. — TC
Diptyque Fleur de Peau Eau de Parfum
Diptyque Fleur de Peau Eau de Parfum [13] (£115) smells like a fresh shirt and confidence, and it's been my go-to fragrance this year. The bottle looks beautiful on my bedside table. If you have struggled committing to a scent, Diptyque fragrances come with a sample size tester, so you can try before you open the full bottle, meaning if you don't like it, you can return the unopened bottle. — TC
Alessandra Steinherr x Primark Overnight Lip Mask
Lip balms are my beauty obsession, and it only took one use for the Alessandra Steinherr x Primark Overnight Lip Mask to make it onto my top three list. This little miracle in a tube is incredibly moisturising and affordable, and it gives the most beautiful, pinky shine to your lips. — MLC
Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water
There's something fun about removing dirt from your skin with a cleanser that turns the cotton pad black before you even apply it . . . but the Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water [14] (£3, originally £5) is more than just a novelty. Those with oily skin probably find traditional micellar waters don't cleanse deep enough, but this really feels like it does the job. It easily removes makeup, excess oil, and the build up of grime from a day in an urban environment. It also smells gorgeous (and not at all like you'd expect) — GC
Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered Palette
When this arrived on my desk, there were audible "ooohs". Huda Kattan revamped her bestselling palette, Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered [15] (£56) based on customer feedback, and this new 2018 version is a total dream to use. The mix of beautifully blendable mattes (applied with a brush) and silky soft glitters (applied with the fingers) make it easy to re-create the detailed shadow looks you see on Instagram, even if you're not a qualified makeup artist. I took this on holiday and used the colour "Dubai" absolutely every day. — GC
Hairburst Lash and Brow Serum
Having held the (somewhat uneducated) opinion that eyelash serums were a scam and a waste of money, I was well and truly proven wrong after trying Hairburst Lash and Brow Serum [16] (£33), (here's the proof [17]), and although this isn't a *new* product this year, there was a reformulation and a change in the brush, making it easier than ever to get the healthiest lashes yet. — TC
Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold Highlighter
The things I have to say about Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold Highlighter [18] (£49) belong in a wedding speech, it's really that good. And I'm certain this matrimony will stand the test of time. — LK
Revolution Beauty Conceal & Define Supersize Concealer
After discovering Revolution Beauty Conceal & Define Supersize Concealer [19] (£7) this year, its made every other concealer I've used look like a sorry excuse. — LK
Tanologist Self-Tan Drops
There were some seriously good self-tan innovations this year, but by far my favourite was the Tanologist Self-Tan Drops [20] (£25) that can be mixed into face or body moisturiser for custom tanning. A few brands launched these over the Summer, but Tanologist just pipped others at the post thanks to the cool branding, long-lasting colour, and scent (or lack thereof). The medium shade left me a lovely shade of bronze, which lasted a good five days and faded evenly. One tiny bottle lasts for ages and is great for travel (where you can mix the drops into after sun, or hotel body lotion miniatures, to save packing big bottles). My favourite thing? They're colourless, so no dirty sheets at home or away. — GC
& Other Stories Texture Spray
As a lover of all things & Other Stories, I was a vehicle for anticipation before its hair launch. And as imagined, & Other Stories Texture Spray [21] (£12) gives me the easy, workable texture I could never find with other products. — LK
Nobel Isle Tea Rose Bubble Bath and Shower Gel
I didn't know I could be so in love with a body wash, but here we are. Nobel Isle Tea Rose Bubble Bath and Shower Gel [22] (£20) makes me feel like I'm having a quintessentially British shower every morning, and it makes me very happy. It's all about the little things, right? — TC
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pops in Supersonic Girl
Another boomerang-worthy product. Charlotte Tilbury isn't lying with the name Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pops in Supersonic Girl [23] (£39) — it feels luxurious, and it truly gives a pop of colour. This eye shadow is going to be on every inch of my eyelids all Christmas long. — TC
Invisibobble Sprunchie
"Scrunchies are back, people [24]. I, for one, am ecstatic, and I just found the perfect one." Were the words I said back in August for our must haves [25], and the Invisibobble Sprunchie [26] (£6) hasn't left my wrist or head since. — TC
Morphe The Wingmen Liquid Liner Duo
Not long ago, I discovered Morphe The Wingmen Liquid Liner Duo [27] (£19), but it's already become a firm fave of mine. It's regular black liner, except has glitter in it, and I don't think I'm ever turning back to regular liner. I'll be wearing this eyeliner with twinkling glitter running throughout. — TC
Models Own Cover It Concealer
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to your new favourite heavy-duty concealer. When it comes to dark circles, there is nothing Models Own Cover It Concealer [28] (£9) won't cover up. The tube may be tiny, but this is a seriously thick, heavily pigmented product, and to say a little goes a long way is an understatement. It's lasted me ages, but it's something I'll definitely be repurchasing! — GC