Favourite Things 2008

Today's post is a very special post. First off, this is my first ever post listing down my favourite things in 2008 (I've a feeling this will be a yearly ritual from now on) Who would have thought that it's gonna be such a tough post to write, since I've tried and loved so many products in 2008. Truth is, to select the creme de la creme of products to deserve its spot in the list is a gruelling task. Ha! Another exciting thing is, I'm part of a group of fabulous bloggers who are taking you on a tour on their favourite things in 2008. How very exciting! You would have been familiar with some of these products listed from previous posts and some totally new. Now, here goes my list, in no particular order:

1) Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Mascara
Mascaras are as illusive as finding the perfect boyfriend. If you've found one, hang on to it for dear life *wink* So, I love this mascara coz it doesn't clump and really opens up my eyes and my lashes look so va-va-voom. It really lives up to what it claims. It's super easy to apply, even for butter fingers like moi. I've actually had, on several occasions, freakily whacked the mascara right smack into my eye. Ouch! After applying the mascara, my lashes look so much fuller and longer. Again, no clumping at all. On lazy days, I don't even bother to curl my lashes. Two coats of this mascara and it's hello to full lashes. It's that fabulous!

2) Garden of Eden Rosa T Oil
Remember I had this major acne breakout about 1 year back? That really spooked me out and I'm forever looking for the best acne cure out there. I found this little miracle oil from my sister's boyfriend actually. He had a major zit on his face and the next day, when he joined us for dinner, miraculously, the nasty zit had gone. After quizzing him on his acne cure, he showed me this little bottle of Rosa T Oil. And, that was the last time he's seen his Rosa T Oil *wink* Whenever I feel an odd bump or two, I just dab this oil on them overnight and by tomorrow, voila, they are gone. My acne scars heal way faster too. Sometimes, I just couln't resist popping a zit, I rub this oil over it and by tomorrow, no nasty tell-tale signs of my itchy fingers. It's tough on zits but it's gentle on my skin.

3) Roc Retinol Multi Correxion Eye Cream
A girl's best friend when it comes to skin care is definitely a good eye cream. Hey, eyes are always the first places showing signs of aging. This eye cream really, really delivers. I've tried too many eye creams, from drugstore to high end luxe creams. Some work and most don't, unfortunately. But it's a different tale with Roc Retinol, this eye cream works so fast, so well, it's almost unbelievable! But believe me, it really delivers results and at a very affordable price too. My under eye area is well moisturized, fine lines has improved and my dark eye circles have cleared up alot. Plus, you only need to use a small amount of the cream, which means your tube lasts for quite some time. Now, nobody knows I've been partying the night before *wink*

4) Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer
This Definity range from Olay is truly a winner! I've never tried a foaming moisturizer and I'm totally hooked on this. The texture is so light, your skin doesn't feel smothered especially with rich cremes. It definitely doesn't clog my pores. My skin is so well hydrated like never before, despite the fact that I've always been an avid moisturizer user. After using it, some old discoloration and acne scars are actually flaking off. My old blemishes has faded off alot and I'm actually getting compliments after using it. I'm so on cloud 9. This is no placebo effect as this product has niacinamide and glucosamine top on its ingredients list. For the chemically curious, these two ingredients are tested and proven to show good results on our skin. This has to be the best ever moisturizer I've ever tried before, without burning a hole in my pockets.

5) Collistar Sun Effect Self Tanner for Men
I'm actually an avid stalker of men's grooming products too. I was introduced to this product when I visited my cousin in Italy. I was marvelling at how tanned the guys look despite it being the middle of winter. Then, my cousin pulled out this baby and he too swears by it. Of course I had to try this product, and after an hour or so, I've already spotted that sun-kissed look. The sun effect really works. It was by chance that I've made an amazing discovery that my annoying zit on my forehead had disappeared after putting on the tanner. It was then that I read the ingredients list, and there it is - retinol. Now, that makes sense why my zit went away. It couldn't get any better, it gives me a perfect tan and keeps my zits at bay plus retinol is really great for my skin!

6) Nature's Minerals Cheek Color in Golden Terracotta
This blush by The Body Shop is so, so pretty. It doubles up as a multitasking blush too. This color is a prettye sunny golden color, which could be used as a bronzer too. The shimmering effect in it makes my cheekbones so shimmery, that it doubles up as a highlighter too. This blush is heavenly to blend. No streaking at all. This blush has great staying power and lasts the whole day till I remove my makeup. Such a pretty pop of color to my cheeks. On lazy days, I simply apply the blush and some mascara and I'm good to go!

7) Corioliss Pro Black Flat Iron
Having medusa-like hair all my life, I crave for silky straight hair.
Really, bad hair days ruin my mood. It's true that hair maketh a girl's day. My prayers for silky straight hair has come true in the form of this wonderful flat iron. It keeps my hair straight and doesn't damage my hair at all. It's super easy to use, even I can manage it when I'm still half asleep in the mornings doing my hair. Another plus point, it's hygienic to share it around, if you have a pesky sister who loves to use my Corioliss. I'm quite a germaphobe! Some people actually thought I have naturally straight hair. I'm a happy happy girl ever since.

8) Estee Lauder Advanced Night Serum
This night serum from Estee Lauder is a real skincare must-have. It is a skin-saver for me especially when I'm having those scary skin freakouts. Almost over night, my skin is more calm and feels good. It's so wonderful, it even keeps my skin looking fresh despite me suffering from severe jetlag. This serum is a must for me, so much so that I will bawl my eyes out if one day, this serum is discontinued. I guess it wont be discontinued since it's a cult favourite amongst most beauty fashionistas out there. Phew, thank goodness!

9) Pacifica's Mexican Cocoa Solid Perfume and Soy Candle
I absolutely love this mexican cocoa scent. It has that rich, aromatic chocolatey scent that drives me nuts. I have a thing for solid perfumes coz they are perfect for travelling. The Candle version of this mexican cocoa is heavenly. Extremely sexy especially when you're soaking in a warm bubble bath with the candle by your side. It makes you want to do naughty things *wink*

10) Chanel Glossimer Lip Glosses
I'm a huge fan of lip glosses and Chanel makes beautiful glosses. It was a tough call between Guerlain's Kiss Kiss and Glossimer. Finally, I chose Chanel partly because I love all the colors here and secondly, because Guerlain's range was from 2007. But such a close fight between the two. Just a mention, I especially like Giggle and Twinkle from Chanel's. I also love how goop-free the glosses are and they really last and last the whole day. Don't worry, your boyfriend won't end up wearing your gloss under the mistletoe *wink*

11) The Body Shop's Vitamin C Plus Time Release Capsules
Want radiant skin? This is definitely it! I've never experienced such radiant skin after using this winner from The Body Shop. It absorbs right into the skin and my skin felt so baby soft and smooth. My complexion looks and feels absolutely flawless. I'm so happy with the results! It's one of the best Vitamin C treatments out there in the market and the price is very much affordable compared to some other brands out there. No wonder it's TBS's top seller for skincare.

12) L'occitane Almond Apple Sweet Peel
One of the best exfoliator I've tried by far. It smells heavenly and leaves me skin feeling so very smooth and clean. Love the natural ingredients in it. The almond oil is very emolient and it's fantastic that this exfoliator actually moisturizes my skin too. You can use this exfoliator all year round; even on dry, winter days without drying out your skin. Love, love this sweet, sweet peel!



13) Dove's Pro Age Beauty Body Lotion
This is such a surprise find from Dove. This body lotion is actually very, very fantastic. It can definitely perform just as well or even better than some luxe brands It really moisturizes my skin very well. No more itchy, dry skin especially after shaving during winter time. I have no flaky skin ever since and it's hello to beautifully silky arms and legs everyday. I love the scent from this lotion. It's refreshing and lingers on. I don't even need a body mist after using it. Really, it's the answer to dry skin blues for me.


14) Alima Pure's Mineral Shimmer Eyeshadows
What's not to love about these shimmering eyeshadows? I love their limited edition Beaches collection, Silver Screen collection and Fall collection. To be honest, I love them all. There are so many different colors to choose from and they are just so pretty. Plus point, they are all certified natural cosmetics, so it's safe to use. They are a darling to apply and they last too. Shimmering eyeshadows are one of my all time favourites. I love these shimmers.

15) Global Goddess Coconut Amla Lash Conditioner
This is one of the best TLC I can provide for my lashes so far. They make my lashes stronger and fuller. Less breakage especially when I remove my mascara. My lashes also seem to grow abit longer, but without any negative side effects. What's not to love about this lash conditioner? It also makes a good mascara primer as my mascara stays on better with this lash conditioner. It's also perfect as a clear mascara on lazy days. This is heaven-sent especially when I've been neglecting my lashes all these while.


16) Global Goddess Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment Oil
I've always envied those Bollywood actresses and their thick, lush hair. This hair treatment really delivers. My hair is lush, super soft and has an enviable shine. I just can't stop touching my hair after the treatments. I swear everytime I use it, I feel like I'm starring in a hair commercial. I've let my friends test it out and they all love the results too. A little extra beauty tip, this amazing oil works as a great moisturizer for your legs too.


17) Cle de Peau Concealer
Cle de Peau has got to be the creme de la creme for concealers. I've tried so many concealers and this is by far the best ever. The texture is creamy but not too heavy, super blendable and the color really matches my skin tone well. It perfectly covers up my dark eye circles and eye bags and you have no idea how happy it makes me. I could not live without this concealer. It's no wonder that this concealer is a favourite amongst the celebrities. Go figure!

These 2008 favourites are definitely da bomb. They definitely do deserve the 'That's Hot' stamp of approval from the Beauty Tyrant. I love these gems of mine oh-so-much!!


So there goes my list of favourite things in 2008. A big thank you to Grayburn for organizing this fun list. Now do check out other friends and their list of favs for 2008. Have fun peeps!

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