My 2015 Top 15 Beauty Products

(This post first appeared on Instagram and it was so long I decided it could do very well a blog post too! 😛 I have done some expansions in this blog version with links to the relevant articles.)

Counting down to 2016 with my 2015 top 15 favourite products! List with * indicates that I’ve done a detailed review on my blog previously. In no order of preference, let’s begin!

 

*1) EsteeLauder Lip Lacquer – Strong, long lasting and gorgeously matte without over drying the lips , these lippies changed the whole lacquer and lip staining game for me. The curved shape applicator with soft point tip creates voluptuous lips with lined lips effect. I get compliments everytime I wear them. I have blogged about them here if you would like to see full swatches and read up more about them. This post also happens to be my most viewed blog post of all time 🙂

[Blogged!] Not sure about you but I am a HUGE fan of lip lacquers! When I received my #EsteeLauderSG #LipPotion, I couldn’t wait to put them to the test! I’ve been resisting to post about them because I’ve got a whole blog post of swatches, details and 3 different looks created for them! Going to ask you to hop over and read now! Click on link in bio! Www.FlyingPistachios.com #clozette #IONInsider A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Sep 10, 2015 at 8:08am PDT

2) Elizabeth Arden gold case matte lipsticks. Matte came furiously into the beauty trend this year and I believe it will continue next year. These lipsticks contain lip loving oils that NEVER dries the lip. Pigmented and a charm to have in the on the go makeup pouch. Think *GoldBar*!

 

Swatches of #ElizabethArdenSG Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick. Received Bold Red (Matte shade) and got myself another 3 more gorgeous shares which I tried at the EA #RedDoor pop up store outside #Robinson #Heeren. ???????? Bought yesterday with lipstick exchange promotion for $23 – Sweet Pink : a bright lovely everyday pink, great for girls out or simple date (OOS, but do check if they have new stocks coming in) – Sangria : a deep red that alludes confidence, great for night carpet events???????? – Honey : The compulsory nude Not swatched is #26 Pink Honey which is just slightly darker than Sweet Pink, a good alternative for Sweet Pink. The formula is irresistible and pigmentation is fantastic. Got lots of compliments wearing the colors! ? For a limited time only, get them at $23 (RSP $ 35) exclusively at the Pop Up Store. Enjoy spa and makeover there too! Ends 12 Feb.????

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Feb 4, 2015 at 9:09pm PST

If one is good, get 5 more ???? Especially when they are going at a special treat price of $23 (RSP $35) #ElizabethArdenSG Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick Swatches coming up A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Feb 4, 2015 at 8:08pm PST

 

This afternoon’s eyes and lips ???????? #ElizabethArdenSG Gold Lippy #GivenchySG Mascara travel sized #CoffeebeanSg and a good book #clozette

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on May 13, 2015 at 8:29am PDT

*3) Benefit Cosmetics Air Petrol eye primer – love a product that does what it promises. Longest lasting, does not cake, contains skin care properties with SPF. I sometimes user or on its own to correct eye lid colour. I dare say go try and you won’t be disappointed! Watch me put the product to the test in this blog post!

Stress is in the air! #BenefitSG newest launch Air Patrol locks on eyeshadow, protect, hydrate and colour-correct! It’s cushion calm tip is softer than your pinkie. With SPF 20, what’s there not to love? ???? Starting my #BeneFitnessSG yoga session atop #marinabarrage soon! Work it out! #clozette A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Aug 23, 2015 at 3:58am PDT

 

[Blogged & Vlogged!] I love little multi-taskers, especially when they come in cute whimsical packaging! Packed in a chubby 4.0ml click pen with Benefit’s usual out-of-the-world packaging design, here’s Benefit’s newest product for fall 2015 which promises to take you (and your eyeshadows) to the skies! Watch as I put the product to the test on video, doing high rope elements! Read more on my blog www.FlyingPistachios.com. #clozette

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Sep 21, 2015 at 11:12pm PDT

4) TomFord highlight duo – a luxury must have if you are into strobing. Both shades are actually highlighting colours, one cooler and one warmer for different effects. Works wonders to create glow from within effect, does not accentuate bumps on my skin. I’m just more concerned about the TF engravings fading away >.<

#ButThisIsNowMine ???????? Presenting #TomFordBeauty Fall collection – this gorgeous creamy highlighting duo, the top giving you a light natural sheen and the bottom colour gives you a gorgeously warm sheen, the kind of natural glow that needs no blusher! BA showed how this product can be used on my combination skin type giving a good lift to my face and making me look instantly awake! Just dap along temple and cheek hollows in upward motion, not extending out to the cheeks but ending shortly before the acne scars begin. Thus no accentuating of big pores! Smart! Gonna try this myself! No need for setting powder after that too. ???? #clozette A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Aug 1, 2015 at 6:45am PDT

 

Today today today … is a happy day! Finished a ton of work, did a new manicure with @candiesandlollipops and gonna spend the rest of the night playing! Here’s the busy day #motd – Tap for product deets. Found the new #EttusaisSG Amino Essence Foundation super skin loving especially as I transited in and out of aircon and open door conditions whole day long – its moisture and goodness packed ingredients helped keep my skin looking bright and supple . Of course, #TomFord newest highlighting duo helped keep the glow on too! ???? Hope tomorrow will be as good as today! #clozette #IONInsider

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Sep 2, 2015 at 5:12am PDT

5) Colourpop – everyone who used it raves it. Me too! So soft, pigmented and a joy to use. Super blendable as well. Works fabulously whether with brush or fingers, at USD$5 only, it’s no wonder they’ve got so much love for a young brand!

Early morning colour popping!!!!!! ???? #colourpopcosmetics #clozette A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Aug 10, 2015 at 5:34pm PDT

 

On today’s face! Btw, #laneigexplaynomore are out in stores already! Have a good Friday! #TGIF #Clozette

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Sep 3, 2015 at 9:49pm PDT

#colorpopcosmetics #fetchplease ! My first time using colorpop products and they do live up to their name! Pigmented and soft, no wonder they are a crowd pleaser! Thanks to @vinvola for letting me try them out! Not sure how to use these super bright colours though! #clozette A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Jul 12, 2015 at 3:26am PDT

6) Anastasia Beverly Hills – The expert brand for eyebrows. This is a duo of medium & dark brown which I’m so used to it, it’s hard to pick up any new brow power products. Natural, long lasting and so easy to build! Here’s the best close up I manage to find… I really should give this baby more attention on my Instagram account.

 

On today’s face, mostly quick fixes ????

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Feb 22, 2015 at 9:07pm PST

7) Givenchy Teint Contour Balm – I’ve probably featured this a few times. My go to coverage for normal days when I don’t feel like wearing too much makeup. Fast and easy to apply ( I use my fingers to apply, a small amount of product goes a long way. ) Blurs out pores really well and so light, I don’t feel like I’m wearing any makeup at all!

Moved on from #Hanoi to #Sapa yesterday and visited the #LaoCai province this afternoon – a place I’ve been wanting to visit for a very long time. The weather is really cold up here at 12°c and my skin is flaking abit due to my flu so I’ve switched to a more moisturizing and lighter foundation to give my skin a breather. Love how this product add some glow to my sickly dull skin. Thankfully I brought along a ton of makeup choices to have this with me ???????????? (see my previous post to find out what I meant!) #clozette #GivenchySG #sapa2015 A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Nov 3, 2015 at 5:11am PST

 

Swatch galore of the new @Givenchyofficial Teint conture Balm with SPF15, a invisible, ultra-lightweight yet buildable skin-fusion foundation for a flawless, bare-skin look! Infused with a light-reflecting diamond powder, this foundation corrects blemishes and gives your complexion a natural-looking radiance. Also swatched is the new #GivenchySG Teint Couture Embellishing Concealer, dual-toned, silky concealer that glides easily onto the skin. One side features a universal pink, light-reflecting stripe that instantly brightens up dark circles, smoothing away the look lines and signs of fatigue, and the other, darker side color corrects and erases imperfections. You can get them now at @sephoraSG! #clozette

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Aug 30, 2015 at 10:10pm PDT

 8) VDL Lumilayer Primer Fresh & VDL Perfecting Last Foundation – The predecessor VDL Lumilayer Primer was my all time fav primer until this new sister came along. Does everything it’s predecessor so AND helps control my oily skin condition! Awesome for hot weather, illuminates skin beautifully. VDL Perfecting Last Foundation with the primer fresh, they are my fav base duo. High coverage, super smooth and long lasting with minimal concealer needed – I pick this duo for events and when I know I’m going to take lots of photos that day. Not for everyday use though as I sometimes get little bumps on the chin when I use it for several days straight in a row.  I really should do a detailed review of all their primers and the Perfecting Last Foundation!

????#VDLSG has added two new makeup products to create the #Lumilayer family! ????(NEW!) Lumilayer Primer Fresh: Contains more than 70% of moisturizing essence encapsulated with a lightweight oil bubble. Also packed with both Niacinamide and Adenosine – prolonged usage of this primer also helps to brighten the skin by decreasing melanin production and care for the lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen synthesis to restore elasticity! Personal tip – As it has shimmer effect, I apply this on my arms and legs to create a natural glow! ???? ????(NEW!) Lumilayer Primer All Over Stick: Catered for women with hectic and busy schedules, the all over stick is designed in a portable stick form, allowing us to touch up as and when desired, even while on-the-go. ????All 3 products contains the Lumilayer Technology – #VDL studied wavelength of violet light and applied it to cosmetics products. Using addictive blending of light instead of colors, the combination of red and blue components presents violet light.This light technology allows for multiple layering of our cosmetics product while maintaining the glow to the skin. ????All @VDLSG lumilayer products mentioned above are retailing at S$36 each. #Happy2YearsVDLSG Cupcakes from #thewhiteombre #clozette A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Aug 24, 2015 at 8:38am PDT

 

 

On today’s face! Going to be out whole day today so reached out for long lasting products. Shown here 1) #ChiChi Eye Palette in bronzes – the perfect autumn palette 2) #EsteeLauderSG #LipPotion – long lasting wear 3) #colourpop blush – its pigmented colour need no introduction! 4) #LancomeSG #Genifique – I’ve spoken so much about this, using it to curb my jawline and chin breakouts 5) #VDLsg #PrimerFresh – both @vinvola and I love it! 6) #VDL perfecting last foundation – smooth and long wearing together with the primer! Dedicating this post to my twinnie, get well soon dear! #clozette

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Oct 9, 2015 at 8:10pm PDT

9) Guerlain Kiss Kiss Roselips – My most used lipstick in 2015, I carry it in my on the go makeup pouch where ever I go! It keeps my lips moisturise and the colour lasts WHOLE DAY! I simply love this colour that was given to me (Crazy Bouquet), suits me really perfectly. It’s my hubby’s fav too!

With autumn collection launches, there’s no doubt autumn is nearing! Here’s a good news for all my readers! ????From 1.30 to 5.30pm today and tomorrow, all you have to do is flash this post at Sephora MBS to receive a 6-pc beauty gift set as well as complimentary engraving service with every $120 purchase on Guerlain products.???? A closer look at the newly launched #GuerlainSG #Autumn2015 Collection featuring 2 new stars ????Tinted lip balms with perfect hydrating and plumping benefits to pamper ????Blushes that bring out a natural glow and shimmering shadows that cheerfully prolong that summer feel. ????Shown here is Guerlain #Kiskiss #RoseLip in Crazy Bouquet and Rose Aux Joues Tender Blush in Pink Me Up I’ve seen the beauty gift set and it looks really good! Let me know if you are checking it out! #clozette

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Sep 7, 2015 at 10:22pm PDT

 

Swatches of the new #Guerlain #KissKiss roselips! A hydrating and plumping tinted lip balm. I pick crazy bouquet and peach party. How about you? Swatches credits to @missrustydotnet! #clozette #GuerlainSG

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Sep 5, 2015 at 8:48am PDT

10) Lancome Genifique – what you see in the first picture is actually an empty bottle haha! Used it religiously since I got it! I find other products work better with it too – the only product that made me realise I can really tackle my stubborn chin acne issues.

Lancome’s ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE reinvents itself with 40% more active ingredients in each drop! Day and night, ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE performs a double action on key signs of youth: it repairs and activates visible signs for an unprecedented youthful skin result! Tried it out this morning before makeup and my skin definitely looks more supple! Adding points for fast absorption too, a crucial for day routines. Do you know that this little black bottle has won over 130 international awards? I’m not ready to give a full review yet, but read Kristen’s review on @dailyvanity as reveals her secret to her #YouthfulAura! – http://dv.sg/lancom-genifique-review. Link also in bio. @LancomeSG #youthfulaura #clozette #dailyvanity A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Sep 18, 2015 at 3:42am PDT

 

Its official! I am implementing #Lancome Advanced Génifique Serum and Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl into my night routine. Have been using them for almost a week now, mostly at night when I have more time and I’m happy to say, no breakouts and super comfortable on the skin! As I am leaving my 20s in a couple of years, a skincare product that repairs and activates the skin’s signs of youth is definitely a must have in my vanity trove. ???? More about the Advanced Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl – it features a unique flexible rotation applicator, great as a massager. It helps de-puff the eyelids and relaxes wrinkles. For someone who stares at the laptop and mobile screen the whole day long, a great eye message gives my eyes the pampering it deserves! As for the cream, the texture is luxurious and I like to apply it on nights with the air-conditioner on. I use the warmth from my fingers to prep the cream before applying on my skin to help for better absorption. Have you tried this product before? Let me know what you think! #LancomeSG #YouthfulAura #clozette

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Sep 21, 2015 at 8:43am PDT

 11) Vecua Honey Cleansing water – While there are many good cleansing water in the market, I find myself reaching out for this one the most for its natural relaxing scent. Calms me down and helps me unwind at the end of the day. I’ve got LOTS of backups for this one every time!

Promised myself never to run out of these makeup remover again! #alarmingsituation Tagging @fenztastic @vinvola @paradeoflove @fifiliciousify @paperkitties to show me products which you have backups! #Clozette #vecuahoneysg #PhotoGrid A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on May 4, 2015 at 6:22am PDT

12) Shu Uemura Maison Kitsune palette – Has a story: I was going for this one with my fav burgundy red even after swatching but with a little push from the BA I decided to give the Colbat Blue a second chance. You know what happened in the end! This palette reminds me not to be afraid to experiment! It may be a little late since this was 2015 Holiday Collection but I am preparing a blog post with looks on this.  

 

It’s difficult but I shall dip into this today! ???? #wakeupmakeup #clozette

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Nov 6, 2015 at 6:01pm PST

 13) Inglot – I’ve got so many products from Inglot! Love the concept of being able to put together your very own FreedomPalette – I feel like I’m creating my own makeup everytime I walk into the store. Boasting quality products (comparable to Mac and MakeUpStore) at affordable prices, I’ll be most willing to be your shopping companion if you need introduction to this brand!

#inglotsg freedom system now more flexible! Love how I can pack more, different sizes and customise my own full face palette! In the #Instavid is Face powder, contour, blah and highlight and lots of different eye colours! I can even switch and pack in my lip colour if I want to ???? with its great pigments, awesome value and loads of customisation, I’m glad they are avail in Singapore! ???? visit then at #wismaatria and the helpful makeup artist will be there to pick your best colours. ???????????? #clozette A video posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Jul 24, 2015 at 9:36am PDT

 

My perfect blush, highlight and sculpt #inglot duo – coz I customized it myself! ???????????? Loving it to bits! #HoanKiemLake

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Jan 28, 2015 at 1:47am PST

And these are the 4 shadows I’ve picked from #inglotsg . Love the fun colors and am doubling up the pink as a blush! Am saving one space for a share that’s OOS, will update. On the opposite side are 2 lippies (warm nude and gold) and 1 contour cream. Not shown here is a highlighter cream, a concealer cream and plum lippy. Will show more when I’ve got enough to compete a palette – which means there’ll be more to come! ???????? Slowly ???? A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Oct 18, 2014 at 2:39am PDT

 

The 5 new AMC #Stardust eyeshadow pigment are show stoppers! Totally in love with all 5 new colours here, esp the seagreen and the champagne! Can’t wait to swap with QOD @vinvola her seagreen one! Got matching #inglotsg eye shadows just for these 2 shades ???? use a matching eyeshadow as Base, then dab on duraline before adding the pigments for a long lasting effect! @missforgettable did a stunning look with the green one , visit her profile to see! Enjoy 20% off all products for @Inglotsg GSS and 25% off if you are a citibank member! #clozette

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Jun 14, 2015 at 6:08am PDT

Finally completed my first 2 ‘by 5’ palettes! The peach trio was out of stock for awhile and I couldn’t decide on how to complete my lip palettes. Finally picked out 2 brighter colors yesterday! Love how they are now! ???? ——— Also couldn’t resist a new square palette of 2! Bronzer and highlight blusher duo in the new square freedom system available at #inglotsg yesterday! Thanks to @desireedesiremua who took it out! ???? ———- No need to introduce their amazing concealers! ———- Loving the gorgeous colors from the #fallinlove collection too! ???????????? can’t wait to pack them into my freedom system and try them out the way I’ve seen at the demonstration yesterday! Thank you @inglotsingapore once again! ???????????? A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Dec 14, 2014 at 5:32am PST

  14) Dai Chun Lin – Discovered this brand together with Xie Fu Chun while touring China Suzhou – made using traditional cosmetic making methods, the base ingredient is pearl power and contain lesser chemicals! I’m a big fan of Chinese period drama so I brought almost their full range of makeup! No regrets – so healthy to use and beautiful to look at!

 

A even more historical #rarefind founded 388 years ago! Dai Chun Lin (???) started is China’s very first powdered fragrance brand. Under the request of a king’s royal lady, they manufactured the very first duck egg fragrance powder that can be used as a face and body powder. With the fragrant makeup powder, they became famous and the product became a must have in every royal gift. For the noble and royal ladies, the famous powder is a must have as an indication of their status. This brand has many more powders in different levels of pearl content – 75%, 50%, 30% and 10%. They even have foundation, eyeshadows and other makeup + skincare products. Will have all the products opened up in upcoming posts! #clozette

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Jun 1, 2015 at 7:40am PDT

The post many of you have been waiting for! From makeup base to face powder and blush, to gorgeous cream eyeshadows and lip colour, they even have brow color too! Founded 388 years ago, Dai Chun Lin (???) started as China’s very first powdered fragrance brand. Yes, all makeup products are natural and preservatives free as claimed by the sales girl, which also means shelf life is tad shorter than most makeup. The packaging is also much more convenient than Xie Fu Chun, which lacks locking mechanisms. They also have skin care products, but contains preservatives (Bo bian). #clozette #suzhoulife A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Jun 2, 2015 at 7:42am PDT

** Special Mention for Xie Fu Chun **

 

This morning’s #motd! East meets west ???? #clozette #PhotoGrid

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on May 31, 2015 at 11:53pm PDT

A rare treasure find! Founded 185 years ago, Xie Fu Chun ??? is China’s very first cosmetics brand. They are most famous for their face powder, resembling like a duck’s egg and containing about 80% pearl powder. It was used by the chinese empress and princesses of the past and used as a gift to Korea. Still made using the tedious and detailed traditional processes, the product does not contain any trace of chemicals or preservative and is all natural and organic. Containing other great essential oils, it can be used as a face powder or a face mask when mixed with any moisturiser. As it’s all organic, there is no need to remove and we can sleep with it! Tried it yesterday and my skin redness was reduced. The blush is also a traditional product, light and extremely buildable! I do believe these products might become part of my favourites too! Not avail in SG. Use @shopandbox if you want them! #clozette #shanghailife #rarefind A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on May 30, 2015 at 7:09pm PDT

  15) Physicians Formula blusher – I normally purchase to collect but had a extra so I used it and then couldn’t stop using it for several months! Gives a glowy flush everytime I use it and no breakouts at all. Best part, comes with a quality brush and mirror in the same casing!

 

One from QOSpree @secondsacharm , one from QOSwaps @fenztastic – these 2 ladies solved my ‘#untouchable’ problem by getting this gorgeous #PhysiciansFormula blush each for me… now I can use 1 and admire the other ???????????? What telepathy! ???????????? Thank you my ladies! Sorry that I haven’t been actively replying, promise I’ll catch up when back next week!

 

A photo posted by Qi Yun (@qiyunz) on Jan 28, 2015 at 8:07am PST

That’s all! Almost an hour of typing! I can’t believe I’m now just minutes away from 2016 now! Thank you if you have been reading my blog and I hope I’ll do even better in 2016 🙂 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tags: Anastasia Beverly Hills (Brand), Beauty, Benefit (Brand), ColourPop (Brand), Dai Chun Lin (Brand), Elizabeth Arden (Brand), Estee Lauder (Brand), Givenchy (Brand), Guerlain (Brand), Inglot (Brand), Ion Insider, Lancome (Brand), Makeup & Beauty, Physicians Formula (Brand), Review, Shu Uemura (Brand), Swatches, VDL (Brand), Vecua Honey (Brand), Xie Fu Chun (Brand)