2017 was a busy year in beauty. We covered almost every launch; the highlights ranged from sensational face oil to neutral eyeshadow kits, beautiful iris based scent and long-lasting matte lipstick. Here are our top 12 breakthrough bests that we believe changed the face of beauty in 2017.
From gel-like face cream to crushed colour lipstick and a clever contour kit. Here are the 12 hair, skin and makeup products that made a difference in 2017.
Matte lip balm
Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Cranberry, $58.
The brilliant colour pay off of this lasting lipstick does not bleed, and the reason we have almost all of the 18 shades. The bold pigments give a berry-like stain that once blotted down lasts for hours. And unlike most matte lippy this balm-like texture leaves lips feeling nourished thanks to vitamins E and C and beeswax - we are hooked.
Instant sun-kissed tan
ST Tropez Body Gloss, $26.
This liquid body bronzer is stand out for faux tanning. It gives skin a bronze sheen that lasts for one night only - which is ideal for emergency self-tanning, or for those with very pale skin. This gorgeous body gloss can be applied anywhere, anytime - and once you get home, you simply wash it off skin with soap and water - it's instant beauty in a tube - genius.
Natural face oil
Burt's Bees Facial Oil, $45.
Brimming with natural goodness, and a delicate floral-scent, this golden elixir absorbs quickly, leaves no residue and quenches the thirst of a dry-looking complexion - fast. It's a staple in our editors beauty arsenal and while the price tag suggests it may fall short of its more expensive counterparts, it can not be beaten on efficacy, and hydrating results. This is thanks to ingredients such as rosehip seed oil, jojoba seed oil, evening primrose, wheat germ oil, hazel seed oil, camellia leaf extract, rosemary leaf extract, and retinyl palmitate. Expect a glowing-looking skin in days.
Shimmer highlight and bronzer
HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Bronzer, $79.
Hourglass can do no wrong in our eyes when it comes to giving skin a lit-from-within glow. And this lightweight bronzer blends the luminous effects of Ambient Lighting Powder and a touch of shimmery bronze, to offer skin a sun-kissed glow. The clever technology that gives skin a sheen is called 'photoluminescent', which helps show off your complexion in the very best light - it's addictive.
Day and night cream
Avène Hydrance Aqua Cream-in-Gel, $59.
We were super excited to find a gel moisturiser that acts more like an extra hydrating cream. This multi-benefit day or night cream offers lasting hydration for any skin type. Designed to soothe the most sensitive of skins, it's whipped into a base of Avène thermal spring water, with soothing squalene, photostable vitamin E, pumpkin seed extract and avocado oils. There are also two smart skin-changing ingredients Meiboserine and Lipomucine, once combined they help the water penetrate and spread evenly over the skin, which is why your complexion looks hydrated for hours. This little pot of joy will slip into any beauty routine.
Nourishing lipgloss
Bareminerals GEN NUDE Buttercream Lipgloss, $28.
Lipgloss took a back seat in 2017 for more high tech lip finishes such as matt and satin balms and creams. However, one ultra-buttery lip sheen from natural brand Bareminerals reignited our love for lipgloss. Packed with the best from Mother Nature including shea, avocado, murumuru and cupuacu butters it reconditions lips, adds a plumping effect and tastes like sweet vanilla.
There are 15 shades our favourite is Totally - an every day beige nude.
Anti-ageing serum
Clarins Double Serum, $120.
Some beauty products become icons the moment they launch, and one serum every skincare savvy women knows about is Double Serum from Clarins, which happens to be on its sixth reinterpretation. The dual-chamber was revolutionary when it launched back in 1968, and the soothing, firming plant extracts namely marula, London rocket, and the herb pennywort, dispense evenly on every pump. Three pumps for the face and neck applied morning and night is all you need for your skin to benefit from this anti-ageing, miracle elixir.
It truly is best in class.
Iris-infused fragrance
Tiffany & Co, 50ml, $175.
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to testing the latest fragrance. And the very first sniff of this powdery, iris-infused scent saw it leap to our must-have list. A musky blend of iris and patchouli, it begins with the fresh burst of mandarin blossom, which gives it a sharp bite, making it the idea invigorating summer scent. This exquisite fragrance was by far the stand out perfume launch of 2017.
Best red lipstick
Max Factor Velvet Matte Lipstick, $28.
A red lippy is a staple in most makeup collections, and one affordable matte, yet hydrating beauty buy is from beauty brand Max Factor. With no prep required, (thanks to the oils and butter contained in the formulation). You just apply this colour from the bullet, no lip liner required and you get brilliant, rich coverage in one coat, that stays put for hours - genius. There are six shades pictured here is Passion.
Hair styling spray
KMS Thermashape Quick Blow Dry, $34
This salon only brand underwent a facelift last year, and with that came one of the best blow dry sprays we have used for years. It offers long-lasting control, keeps frizz and fly-aways at bay, thanks to the built-in heat protection, and gives hair mirror-like shine. Mist into damp hair and then style as usual.
Neutral eyeshadow palette
URBAN DECAY Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette $91.
Most eyeshadow palettes offer only a few useable shades, and the rest stay untouched in our experience. This palette houses a range of red-browns, deep bronzes, burnt oranges and shimmery coppers that range in matte, to metallic finishes. The colours create a wash of subtle warm brown shadow or sultry, smokey eye creations and every colour is a brilliant neutral - it's been a palette reach for every day.
Best concealer
Revlon Youth FX Fill + Blur Concealer, $32
Once you find a concealer that offers the perfect colour match, hides any imperfection and does not settle in fine lines - it becomes a staple in your makeup bag. This spot corrector, with handy sponge applicator tip has made an impact on everyone in our team. It blurs the look of fine lines and fatigue while covering dark spots and blemishes all thanks to the hydrating formula that also helps calm puffiness under the eyes. We have been known to use this concealer as a foundation, applying it just where the cover is needed, and then buff a bronzer over the top - it's genius. Available in three shades pictured here Medium.