Recap of 2009: The Good

This was a great makeup year for me. I was able to try many different types of cosmetics after discovering e.l.f. and Everyday Minerals. Some of the products I purchased were great, some were okay, while others were flat out awful.

And yes, this article is a bit late, but life got in the way and you know that old adage…

Onward.

Best Products of ’09

Best of 2009: #1 Everyday Minerals Base

Everyday Minerals Base

[Original Review] For the first time in my life, I have a foundation that truly matches my skin. Words cannot express how amazing this is. And for the first time, the corresponding shade to my skin tone was not the lightest offered by a cosmetics company (what a shock). While EDM needs to produce more shades for darker skintones, the company offers an amazing selection of colours for people with yellow and olive to neutral undertones. Each shade is available in four finishes, ranging from light to full coverage.

I currently own Buff Ivory in both Original Glo and Matte and my summer shade is Linen.

Best of 2009: #2 Everyday Minerals Blush

Everyday Minerals Blush

[Original Review] EDM has done a fantastic job fueling my obsession with blush by offering the most gorgeous array of colours on the planet. Who knew vegan blush could be this…pink? With so many shades and different finishes everyone should be able to find their perfect shade.

Makeup Fu Favourites: Nick Nack, Soft Touch, Pink Ribbon (when I want a little sparkle) and Flannel PJs.

Best of 2009: #3 e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick

e.l.f. Minerals Lipstick

[Original Review] I know that many were not impressed by e.l.f.’s foray into tube lipstick, but after being vegan for almost ten years, finding lipstick for $5 USD in shades other than weird browns and ugly oranges is close to a miracle. Plus, I was fortunate enough to buy near the entire fleet of shades when they were on sale for $1.25 USD each. While these aren’t the best lipsticks on the planet, there are enough pretty shades at an affordable price that I will continue to promote this product.

Makeup Fu Favourites: Rosy Raisin, Cool Coral, Barely Bitten, Ripe Rose and Cheerful Cherry.

Best of 2009: #4 e.l.f. Minerals Eyeshadow
e.l.f. Minerals Eyeshadow

[Original Review] This was a tough one, but e.l.f. Minerals Eyeshadow barely beats out EDM shadow due to great pigmentation and shades offered. I know there were complaints about the small amount of product, but how much can you expect at $3 USD? The containers are sturdy, mimicking those of bareMinerals, there’s certainly enough mineral makeup for the price and the colours are simply amazing.

Since these shadows have tons of shimmer and having my eyes all sparkly at age 30 looks, well, bad, I stick with the eyelid and crease. I use a light matte or pearl shimmer shade for the rest of the eye.

Makeup Fu Favourites: Elegant, Celebrity, Natural, Trendy (for sparkle) and Confident.

Best of 2009: #5 Everyday Minerals Eyeshadow
Everyday Minerals Eyeshadow

[Original Review] If sparkly isn’t your thing, but neutral shades and great quality is, then EDM Eyeshadows are for you. One of the reasons for EDM being a bit lower on this list is because I have a drawer full of different shades and only *love* a few. Some of the shades I have are very similar to each other and I have regretted buying them–Good China, Pots and Pans, Spin Cycle and On the Phone, I’m looking at you. The packaging with the twists-off-easily-while-in-your-purse is also a serious drawback to this product.

Makeup Fu Favourites: Rare Silk/Wildflowers combo (Wildflowers is hands down one of EDM’s best shades) and Spin Cycle/Diary combo.

Best of 2009: #6 e.l.f. Eyelid Primer
e.l.f. Eyelid Primer

This product could be higher on the list since it is hands down the best product in the main e.l.f. line. While slightly more watery than the e.l.f. Mineral Eye Primer, this product made it into this slot because it’s only $1 USD. How awesome is that?

When I first heard about eye primer, I didn’t see what the deal was. After consistently using primers for several months, I have become a convert. I can’t compare e.l.f.’s product to the department store counterpart seeing as I’ve never bought them, but I do know that this product works great.

Try it. You’ll like it!

Best of 2009: #7 Everyday Minerals Colour Correctors
Everyday Minerals Colour Correctors

[Original Review] So far I have purchased Pick Me Up Pink and sample sizes of Sunlight and Bisque, but I’m already very impressed with these products. Many days I don’t wear base, opting instead for a layer of Pick Me Up Pink. Other days, I use Sunlight as an under-eye concealer.

Makeup Fu Favourites: Sunlight and Pick Me Up Pink.

Best of 2009: #8 Everyday Minerals Face Powder
Everyday Minerals Face Powders

Everyday Minerals sells face powders that fall under a few different categories depending on their purpose. I have tried the anti-shine, loose powder and lucent categories and use many of them regularly.

By far, the majority of the face powder I have purchased has been from the lucent category, including Natural, Pearl Beige, Sparkle Beige, Champagne and Viki’s Radiant Creation. All of these powders are multifunctional and can do double duty as blush, eyeshadow or highlighters. The only shade I don’t use often is Champagne as it is way, way too sparkly for daily use.

Like eye primers, the anti-shine powders were another product I was skeptical of at first, since I didn’t quite see the point…and I have dry skin. However, I have found the Sunlight Finishing Dust to be a great product for attaining a “photo finish”. I don’t wear finishing dust everyday because I find it too drying on my skin, but I admit I do like how my face looks after I’ve applied it.

I’ve also used Natural Reflections Light often in the summer for additional sun protection. This product looks yellow on the site, but it is more neutral in person and matches my buff skintone well.

Makeup Fu Favourites: Sunlight Finishing Dust, Sparkle Beige, Viki’s Natural Creation and Natural

Favourite Buys of ’09

  1. Everyday Minerals Base in Buff Ivory
  2. e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick in Rosy Raisin
  3. Everyday Minerals Blush in Nick Nack
  4. e.l.f. Eyelid Primer
  5. Everyday Minerals Eyeshadow in Wildflowers
  6. e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow in Celebrity
  7. e.l.f. Super Glossy Lip Shine in LE Pink Lemonade
  8. Everyday Minerals Pick Me Up Pink
  9. Everyday Minerals Face Colour in Sparkly Beige (as all over eye colour)
  10. e.l.f. Minerals Lipstick in Cheerful Cherry

Best Brushes of ’09:

  1. Everyday Minerals Long Handled Kabuki
  2. Eco Tools Retractable Kabuki
  3. e.l.f. Studio Contour Brush
  4. Eco Tools Eyeliner Brush (in Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set)
  5. Eco Tools Eyeshadow Brush (in Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set)
  6. e.l.f. Studio Powder Brush
  7. Eco Tools Mineral Powder Brush (in Bamboo 5 Piece Brush Set)