I don't want to bore you all with a ridiculously long post with a million and one favourites from the year because quite frankly 'ain't nobody got time for that'. Also...there really hasn't been that many new discoveries for me this year, well...none that I think are completely worthy of a place in my yearly favourites post anyway. Here are the few that did make the cut!
Beauty
1) MAC Hearts Aflame
Who knows how many times I have used this lipstick since I got it, but its become my go-to 'night out' colour. Its a gorgeous deep berry red that is perfect for the autumn winter season. Unfortunately it was limited edition, however it is ridiculously similar to MAC Diva.
2) MAC Studio Fix Foundation
I picked up this foundation in February last year, after watching Gabby rave about it. It was one hundred percent worth the money and I would really recommend this foundation for anyone who prefers a less dewy finish. Similarly to Hearts Aflame its another thing I reach for on a night out, as it just stays in place and the flashback isn't too bad despite there being some SPF.
3) Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
I shall not talk about this for too long as I have definitely written a post about it before! Its the perfect palette for anyone who likes neutral tones (and chocolate duh!). It actually does smell of chocolate as its made from cocoa powder which is incredible. Every shadow is super buttery and blendable too!
4) Individual Lashes
I never really thought I would get on with individuals as they just look so fiddly, and being a girl with few eyelashes I normally require heavy strip lashes. The finish of individual lashes is far more natural but they can be built up to look more full on. Despite what you might think, they are much easier to apply than strip lashes are, and although you cannot reuse them, you can get like three looks out of each box. My favourites are the Eyelure ones and the Tanya Burr ones.
Skincare
1) The Body Shop Chamomile Cleansing Balm
A recommendation from Amelia Liana that I am very glad I listened to! When I first looked into this product I thought that a solid cleanser was a bit weird and I wasn't too sure how I would feel about it, however it is insane at taking makeup off and leaves my skin feeling clean but hydrated and moisturised. If you have dry skin I would really recommend this cleanser, and its not too expensive either.
2) Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturiser
Since I've gone to University everything I choose to use is decided upon "how long will this take?". Not that I have a super busy life or anything but number one: I am extremely lazy, and number two: you have to get ready quick enough to have time to pre-drink a substantial amount before you leave the flat. The Spray and Go Moisturiser makes moisturising the quickest thing ever and it takes me about 30 seconds to do both my legs...genius invention!
3) Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser
Another quick and handy product that I discovered this year was the In Shower Body Moisturiser from Nivea. Its basically a skin conditioner that you apply after you have washed, and it leaves your skin feeling super smooth. I like to apply this mainly to my legs as after shaving they get really dry, but it works wonders!
Lifestyle
1) University
I guess this is a very strange and broad thing to put in my favourites, however I have really been loving University and everything that comes along with it. Since I left home in September I really believe that I have grown up and given myself the kick up the backside that I needed. My confidence has grown and as a result I've met the most incredible people and made some of the best friends I think I will ever have. Despite never having any money, going to University was the best decision I have ever made.
2) Rex
Rex is my sisters dog, but he lives with us in our family home. She got him in March and ever since then our home has just been much happier (except for the days where he still thinks its acceptable to poo inside...). I never really understood the term 'a dog is a mans best friend' until we got Rex, but he literally is like my best friend. Probably a very weird thing to put in my yearly favourites but he's made this year top notch!
Youtubers
1) Lauren Curtis
I've spoken about Lauren's videos before and this year she has quickly become one of my favourite people to watch. She's so down to earth and her makeup is always ridiculously on point. Lauren is definitely my favourite person to watch for inspiration on night out makeup.
2) Vivianna Does Makeup
Ever since I started watching Youtubers Anna has been right up there as one of my favourites. I am incredibly jealous of her eyebrows and her videos are always flawlessly put together, and I feel like I am just watching a friend.
I'm definitely not a huge shorts wearer, but these look quite smart and you could definitely get away with wearing these with tights on a night out. Its so hard to find decent clothes for a night out in A/W, as you obviously don't want to be cold when you're waiting around in queues, but you still want to look nice. These shorts would be perfect with tights for those colder nights.
How gorgeous is this dress?! I don't know if I can pull of shift dresses because you definitely have to have the right figure for them (which I don't think I do), but I still desperately want to buy this dress and give it a shot! I love the mesh cut out at the waist and the sleeves, it just makes the dress more young and modern.
I am very much a skirt girl, and tend to wear them much more than shorts as they just seem much more flattering on my shape. This skirt is very cute and would be lovely for A/W, even paired with tights, boots and a fluffy jumper.
Since I am off to University this month I am in need of some freshers week outfits, and I think I have found one with this playsuit. I like to cover the top half of my arms as I am not too keen on them and the shape of the playsuit just looks so flattering, and the material doesn't look too thin like some of the Missguided clothes.
This probably looks like a pretty standard t-shirt to most of you, and may seem expensive for nearly fifteen pounds, however I think it would be lovely dressed up. The Mesh panels make it less casual in my opinion, and with a chunky statement necklace and black jeans could make a fairly dressy outfit. Ideally I would like the whole sleeve to be the mesh but I still love this top!
