2016 Makeup Faves: Complexion

Hi, everyone- Happy New Year! I hope you've all had a wonderful start to 2017. As much as many of us do not want to linger on 2016, I thought it only fair that I give some shout-outs to the products that wowed me most last year. That's right- it's time for my 2016 faves! Not all of the products on the list were released last year, but everything I'm featuring in this series are goodies that I discovered and used for the first time in 2016. 

So for the first installment- complexion products! As you can glean from the photo below, there weren't a ton of foundations, concealers, and powders that totally rocked my socks (with one notable exception from Chanel), but I did encounter some incredibly beautiful blushes and highlighters that fully deserve the spotlight! 

2016 was a year in which I completely fell back in love with MAC. They released some ultra stunning limited edition collections, with the Star Trek range being a total standout! The star items from the range were the Trip the Light Fantastic Powders, gorgeous luminous powders for an ethereal complexion. I reached for them incredibly often- Highly Illogical (a mid-tone bronzed golden plum) for a flattering shimmery bronzer and Luna Lustre (a frosty pinky ivory) for a killer highlight. Plus they're simply beautiful to look at! 

In the world of highlighters, you truly can't go wrong with Becca. And with last year's Champagne Glow Collection Palette, the brand convinced me that they're fantastically good at blush too! This palette not only contains two of their now iconic Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed highlighters (in Champagne Pop and Prosecco Pop- I reach for both on the regular), but also features three stunning blushes- Rose Spritz (a cheery warm pink with dazzling gold shimmer), Amaretto (a mid-tone warm matte brown that doubles as a bronzer), and Pamplemousse (a vibrant satin coral rose). All three of the blushes brighten the complexion so nicely and wear all day! I cannot wait to try more powder blushes from the brand.

And speaking of blush (and finally for a non-limited edition option, yay!), Marc Jacobs released a new range of ultra chic cheek colours this year, which totally piqued my interest. The Air Blush Soft Glow Duos feature two complementary shades in a stylish striped pattern, with each shade name possessing a sexy, disco-inspired reference. The shade that won me over this year was Night Fever and Hot Stuff, a combo of cherry pink and glowy deep plum. Blended together, these shades give me the most natural rosy flush (so perfect for winter) that truly lasts all day! 

I also have to give an honorable mention to Chanel Joues Contraste in Rouge Profond, which completely reminded me of how special Chanel blushes are. Rouge Profond looks incredibly deep and intimidating in the pan (a true berry red), but gives an amazingly wearable flush on the cheeks. It's a beaut! 

In the world of green beauty, there are few more luxurious options than Kjaer Weis. The packaging is a treasure and, more importantly, the formulas are full of skin loving ingredients and the shades are fresh and flattering. In 2016 I finally bit the bullet and purchased Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Abundance, which is a totally unique cool pinky taupe. It multi-tasks as a bronzer, contour, and blush, sculpting and brightening my complexion so wonderfully! 

And speaking of luxe blushes, I'd be remiss to overlook the beauty that is Chantecaille Cheek Shade in Flair. I treated myself to this blush when I recreated Reese Witherspoon's Oscars makeup look in March (it's the exact blush that was used on her!) and I'm so glad I did. It's the ultimate pinky coral with a flattering satin finish and an ultra long-wearing formula. I couldn't ask for a prettier everyday blush! 

It was during 2016 that I properly (finally) delved into Kat von D Beauty. I had so many "where have you been all my life?" moments with the products I tried, but the product I reached for most was the Metal Crush Eye Shadow in Thunderstruck. So why is an eye shadow in my complexion post? This baby is one killer highlighter!! Thunderstruck looks like an icy white in the pan, but blended out on the cheekbones it's a pinky-golden ivory that gives the most ethereal glow. It's the only highlighter I packed when I went home for the holidays and it kept me shining all week long! 

As I mentioned above, there were few powders, concealers, and foundations that blew me away in 2016. I tried a few items that I happily finished but wasn't fully smitten by (such as the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer) and otherwise largely stuck to longtime faves such as Revlon ColourStay Whipped Creme Makeup and MAC Blot Powder. A notable exception was the amazing and totally underrated release that was the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation. I purchased this base because reviews touted that it gave a wonderful glow while wearing all day on oilier skin types. And you know what? It did just that! Having oilier skin, I generally have to stay away from foundations that promise 'glow' (sadly, as I love me some glow), but this changed the game. Les Beiges provides lovely medium coverage with a natural satin-luminous finish that wears perfectly all day. It's a true gem! 

Hope you enjoyed this roundup! Look out for three more installments (eyes, lips, skin care) to come!

What were some of your favourite base and complexion products of the past year? Did I tempt you with anything or mention any of your faves?

Thanks for stopping by! xo

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