Despite my erratic posting schedule in the last few months, I don’t believe that I’ve ever missed a favourites post in the entire duration of my blogging life, and I was not going to start with December. Oh, and I have two spoiler alerts… One: My favourites post is coming and this year it will be split into two instalments… Two: There might be two products included in this post that are making the cut.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 2 ($66): I purchased this constantly-praised luminous foundation at the Sephora VIB Sale back in November and I haven’t put it down or stopped loving it ever since. Believe it or not, it’s not the glowiest foundation that I own – instead, it has a subtle inner glow – but I do believe it when those with oilier patches find that it develops throughout the day and breaks down. For me, though, it has an inner radiance and satin-to-glowy finish, medium to full coverage and ridiculous lasting power (borderline 24 hours) on my dry-combination skin. And get this, when applied with a beauty blender it looks skin-like. 2 might just be a wee bit pale for me, but it was a good guess on my part and at the very least matches my neck when I’m at my palest fyi. Good thing I have a tendency to get quite bronzer-happy. 

Sephora Collection Colourful Contour Face Powder in Tranquil ($19): Another love of mine that I acquired at the Sephora VIB Sale, this contour is just as good as others report on fairer skin, looking for sculpting via an actually cool grey toned powder. It’s so cool toned that it almost leans purple – just as people have said about the long gone Chanel Notorious – but it has such a silky smooth texture that it blends effortlessly – possibly also like the Chanel, as I’ve heard. It’s definitely one that I’ve been enjoying to sculpt out my features, especially my cheekbones and temples – but given that I’ve gained a pound or ten in the last month or so, I’ve been using it to contour my jawline and slim things out a bit.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop ($46): Again, with the Champagne Pop – I know. The simple truth is that I cannot stop using this golden champagne borderline-metallic highlighter and I can easily say that I reached for it every single time that I wore makeup in December – as a highlighter and/or a lid eyeshadow. I’ve somehow managed to make a dent in the product in a relatively short time which is remarkable in itself. I love the glow and radiance it instantly adds to my skin – and how it transforms me from looking dull and tired in an instant.

Benefit They’re Real Tinted Primer ($31): I normally would be the type to scoff at a mascara primer product, deeming it pointless and adding a needless layer of makeup onto my already sensitive eyes but after receiving a sample size in my Winter Luxe Box, I’ve completely changed my mind. For one, it’s tinted brown and adds enough natural-looking drama to my lashes on the daily that I don’t reach for a mascara on the top. I love that it’s lightweight, natural looking but volumizing and separating. And it works wonders with another mascara on top.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara ($16-$31): I shouldn’t be so surprised that it’s possible that I’ve been so impressed by the latest Benefit mascara, but it is to me, nevertheless, after years of not understanding the They’re Real hype. Years ago, I had a major love affair with the volumizing beauty, the Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara, and although this one is different, more dramatically lengthening, curling and separating, I might possibly like it more. It gives dramatic lashes without looking clumpy in the slightest, especially when paired with the primer.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($15-16): I might just say that I found my ultimate gentle morning or second-cleanse cleanser in December and I must just not be lying or even doing that -extending-the-truth-thing. It’s mild, creamy and hydrating, formulated without fragrance or irritants, while rinsing clean. It’s not a spectacular makeup remover, but I have oils and micellar waters for that, but it does remove makeup somewhat and I have to say that it’s everything that Cetaphil is praised to be and more for me.

NUDE Skincare ProGenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil ($85): Last month, I couldn’t resist redeeming my points at Sephora for a deluxe sized sample and I’m glad I did, as I’ve been reaching for it often as the weather has gotten drastically colder and my skin has gotten drastically drier. This oil has a light but soothing and nourishing texture and leaves my skin plumped and more radiant afterwards. I can feel the effects of the antioxidant-rich oils and I love how much nicer makeup applies over this oil. I might actually consider splurging on this one.

Nivea Dry-Very Dry Skin Nourishing Body Milk ($8-9): I fell in love with that whole in-shower body conditioner thing with Lush African Paradise a while back, but I found the product too ridiculously expensive and inconveniently packaged to repurchase – but I’m pleased to report that I like this product better because it’s cheaper and for its convenience. Also, my eczema might get along better with its heavy concentration of mineral oil and sweet almond oil rather than fragrant essential oils. I’ve adored the hydrating and calming film that it leaves on my skin after the shower or bath, particularly during this colder time of year.

Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Rollerball ($30): December has definitely been a big fragrance month for me – I rediscovered this three note wonder and purchased two new rollerballs along with a post-Christmas perfume gift to myself. I love this deep, warm and slightly spicy vanilla scent, especially for these cooler weather months. This one hits the right spot with the masculine-feminine mix for me with its mix of musk and the floral note. There’s something about the fragrance that evokes that instantly cozy feeling for me.

What were your December standout favourites?

Maggie, x.