2012 Editor’s Choice Beauty Awards

Budget Brand 5160

Face Primer 5151

This primer gives gorgeous, glowing skin instantly! I love how it makes my whole complexion look every time I use it.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, $45 USD / $50 CAD
sephora.com

liquidfoundation 5170

The perfect everyday foundation. Flawless coverage that looks completely natural, and the huge range of shades makes it super easy to find your exact match.

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation, $42 USD / $46 CAD
sephora.com

Powder Foundation 5149

My BFF in summer. Great coverage with a natural matte finish that absorbs excess oil.

Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation, $35 USD / $35 CAD
sephora.com

BB Cream 5148

The most authentic BB Cream I've found so far in North America. The thick, balm texture is hydrating and covers imperfections beautifully. A little goes a long way!

Bobbi Brown BB Cream, $42 USD / $49 CAD
sephora.com

concealer 5173

I've been in love with this concealer since the day it launched. Buildable coverage with all-day wear that won't crease under eyes! I even use it as an eyeshadow base because of its staying power.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, $18 USD / $22 CAD
maccosmetics.com

powder 5186

Nothing locks in my makeup like this powder. Whatever it touches just magically lasts all day, and it never dries out my skin or looks chalky!

Vichy Dermablend Powder, $20.50 USD
vichyusa.com

Pressed Powder 5150

This long-time favorite of mine is a fantastic setting powder or light foundation for everday. The mineral powder gives a natural glow to skin and blends in perfectly.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, $29 USD / $34 CAD
maccosmetics.com

Powder Blush 5142

This blush is the perfect shade for me! The coral pink powder brightens my complexion and the satin texture gives a beautiful, but natural glow to my cheeks.

Yves Saint Laurent Blush Radiance in No.6, $45 USD / $55 CAD
sephora.com

creamblush 5181

The light, airy texture of this blush makes it so easy to apply! It blends into the skin like a dream for a completely natural looking flush. Great for that no-makeup look!

Smashbox Airblush in Berry Bliss, $29 USD / $33 CAD
sephora.com

Bronzer 5157

I still haven't found any bronzer quite like this one- the rosy undertones give it a unique look that warms the complexion and works great as both a blush and a bronzer.

Benefit Dallas, $28 USD / $36 CAD
sephora.com

Highlighter 5141

I've always adored Bobbi's Shimmer Bricks... but this one takes the cake. I love how the shades can be used individually on the eyes, or blended all together for a gorgeous rose gold cheek highlight.

Bobbi Brown 24 Karat Shimmer Brick, $42 USD / $50 CAD
bobbibrown.com

Cream Eyeshadow 5158

These cream shadows have always been my favorite- they blend smoothly, have awesome pigmentation and do not crease at all! Great alone, or as an eyeshadow base.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner, $19 USD / $24 CAD
sephora.com

Eyeshadow Palette 5145

I'm absolutely in love with these eyeshadows! The satin texture brightens eyes without being shimmery- skin glows and never looks crepey or dry. Amazing quads!

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Quads, $59 USD / $64 CAD
giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Eyeshadow Pencil 5143

For a super quick eyeshadow or even as a base, these jumbo pencils are amazing! Available in both shimmery and matte shades, the pigmentation and durability is amazing.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow, $20 USD / $23 CAD
sephora.com

pencilliquid-1

The creamiest, blackest eyeliner I've ever tried. Nothing else compares! Plus the staying power is awesome.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion, $29 USD / $23 CAD
sephora.com

Jet black, super precise and easy on the wallet!

Maybelline Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner, $6.49 USD / $7.49 CAD
maybelline.com

geleyeliner 5166

This jet black liner glides on like a dream! Get the look of a liquid liner with the precision of a pencil- it's the best of both worlds and this gel liner leads the pack.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner, $22 USD / $26 CAD
sephora.com

Eyelash Curler and Mascara 5146

Totally impressed with the newest mascara from Lancôme! This formula separates, lengthens and volumizes perfectly for super black, flirty lashes. I love how the wand gets every lash- even the hard to reach inner corner lashes!

Lancôme Hypnôse Star Mascara, $28 USD / $33 CAD
sephora.com

waterproofmascara 5180

Since I wear waterproof mascara every day, I want one that is going to look great but still come off with ease. This mascara gives me soft, luscious lashes that hold a curl all day and comes off with ease with an oil-based remover.

shu uemura stretch Xtreme Waterproof Mascara, $28 USD
shuuemura-usa.com

tweezersbrows

Once you try Tweezerman tweezers, you'll never go back to anything else. I'm particularly in love with these cute Cynthia Rowley designs- but all of them have the same great quality.

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer, $25 USD / $30 CAD
sephora.com

This tinted wax pencil makes shaping my brows a dream! The pencil colors in my brows while depositing a light wax, which then I brush into place with the included spoolie!

Maybelline Master Shape, $7.39 USD
drugstore.com

eyelashcurler 5171

The 'gold' standard in eyelash curlers! I love this limited-edition 24K Gold version; it looks so luxurious and works like a charm every time- no pulling or pinching!

shu uemura eyelash curler, $18 USD
shuuemura-usa.com

falselashes 5177

Whenever a look calls for false lashes, I find myself reaching for these ones. In particular, I love the Demi Whispies- they look so natural and the price is amazing.

Monda Studio False Lashes, $3 USD
mondastudio.com

lipbalm 5179

There's just something so amazing about these lip balms- the smell incredible, feel luxurious and hydrate lips more than any other I've tried. I love the tinted balms like this Passion one!

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, $22.50 USD / $26 CAD
sephora.com

Lip Color 5144

Hands down, my favorite lipsticks this year! I love the creamy, hydrating formula and delicious lemon pie scent. They leave a gorgeous glossy finish and feel like silk- I'm in love!

Too Faced La Crème, $21 USD / $25 CAD
sephora.com

Liquid Lip Color 5153

This formula has changed the way I view red lips- I used to be scared and hesitant to wear red lips, but this stay-put formula gives me confidence to wear them all night long, knowing they won't budge, fade, migrate or transfer.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge, $24 USD / $27 CAD
sephora.com

Budget Lipgloss 5154

I've never been so impressed with a drugstore lipgloss! These smell amazing, have gorgeous pigmentation and feel super smooth on the lips. The colors are also fabulous!

Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Gloss, $5.49 USD / $9.99 CAD
maybelline.com

Lipgloss 5155

As sticky and goopy as they are (I actually like it), my heart will always belong to these lip glosses. I love their texture, wear and vast array of colors! It was my first ever MAC purchase, and to this day I still look forward to all the new shades that launch!

MAC Lipglass, $15 USD / $18 CAD
maccosmetics.com

Nail Polish 5156

Out of all the nail polishes I've tried this year (and I've tried a lot), I have to say that OPI polishes are the most consistent in terms of quality and uniqueness. I always look forward to their collections and feel they provide the best all-round value

OPI Nail Lacquer, $8.50 USD / $10.95 CAD
opi.com

topcoat 5172

Nothing beats the drying speed, glossy finish and durability of this top coat! Nails go from wet & lacquered to dry and hard in minutes! It's magical!

Seche Vite, $7.35 USD
sallybeauty.com

gelpolish 5174

This year, I've become obsessed with gel polish! I love it's strength, shine and long wear. I've tried just about every brand, salon & at-home, and Gelish comes out on top.

Gelish Soak Off Gel Polish (prices vary)
sallybeauty.com

cleanser 5169

This gentle micellar solution has changed my skin for the better. It removes makeup, cleanses and soothes my sensitive skin- and it feels just like water!

Bioderma Sensibio H2O, $22 CAD
murale.ca

eyemakeupremover

This makeup remover is like a magic potion- it removes even the most stubborn makeup in seconds without pulling or tugging.

Lancôme Bi-Facil, $27 USD / $35 CAD
sephora.com

Cleansing Oil 5147

I'm glad to see many people becoming much more comfortable with using oil as a cleanser- it really works magic! This formula is the best I've found for getting rid of every stitch of makeup while soothing and treating the skin.

shu uemura ultime8 sublime beauty cleansing oil, $90 USD / $98 CAD
shuuemura-usa.com

Exfoliator 5159

It may have been one of my most expensive beauty purchases this year, but I regret nothing! This exfoliator uses gentle grains to slough away dead skin, and enzymes to resurface your complexion for the most beautiful, soft and glowing skin ever. It seriously feels like you just had a facial!

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate, $85 USD / $102 CAD
sephora.com

moisturizer 5178

Possibly the most luxurious moisturizer I've ever tried. I love the silky feel and ultra-hydrating feeling it gives my skin. Perfect for winter!

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Mega Moisturizer SPF15, $50 USD / $63 CAD
sephora.com

Mask 5152

Equal parts adorable and effective- these fun, girly sheet masks each target a different issue but all offer intense hydration, leaving your skin plump, moisturized and glowing.

MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask, $4.99 CAD
maskeraide.com

shampoo 5183

Don't let its chunky texture turn you off- this sea-salt shampoo gives you huge volume and super soft locks. Ultra clarifying and lifting... it's a miracle in a tub.

LUSH Big Shampoo, $26.95 USD / $26.95 CAD
lush.com

Conditioner 5185

I never thought I'd ditch my conditioner for a leave-in, but this miracle product is totally worth it. I'm addicted to this brand because they live up to their claims, and this leave-in gives me soft, manageable hair without weighing it down.

It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Lite, $14.37 USD
drustore.com

dryshampoo 5167

You knew this would be here... I've raved about this dry shampoo endlessly this year, and it has become a new must-have for me. I love the smell and the incredible volumizing power! I sometimes just use it as a volumizer, even if I just washed my hair!

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo, $8.99 CAD
farleyco.ca

hairspray 5189

I've been using this hairspray for years, and it just keeps getting better and better! This new volumizing formula holds any style without getting sticky, dull or hard- my hair looks like my hair, always. Plus it brushes out beautifully and adds texture for updo's too!

L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray, $14.99 USD
drugstore.com

fragrance 5168

My signature scent; I've been in love with it since I first smelled it a few years ago! It's the ultimate feminine scent- floral, fresh, sophisticated and sultry all in one.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, $75 USD / $85 CAD
sephora.com

gadget

I thought I'd never be able to whiten my teeth again after Crest Whitestrips left my teeth way too sensitive... but this handy gadget has changed that for me! I love how easy it is to use, and the results are amazing.

Tanda Pearl, $195 USD / $195 CAD
tanda.ca

Budget Brand 5160

Maybelline

I can't think of a budget brand that impressed me more than Maybelline this year- the quality of their products has been raised to another level and I've found myself impressed more and more with each release.

maybelline.com

Professional Brand 5161

MAC

While they may put out more collections in a single season than most brands do all year, MAC does have a strong permanent and professional line- plus their PRO Program, Back-2-MAC Program and Viva Glam campaign all win them major points in my books.

maccosmetics.com

Collection 5164

CHANEL

It doesn't get anymore luxurious than Chanel, and even though it may cost you a pretty penny, you won't be disappointed. Chanel has the most consistent quality I've seen in a luxury brand.

chanel.com

Product Line 5163

bareMinerals READY

I've never been so consistently blown away by a product line from a brand before. The bareMinerals READY line features some long awaited pressed mineral makeup formulas that are jaw-dropping in terms of pigmentation & texture. Stunning products.

bareescentuals.com

newproductof2012 5175

Giorgio Armani Maestro

This new oil-based fusion makeup revolutionized the way we think about foundations. A completely new, innovative formula... it's a unique texture you just have to feel. It leaves skin flawless, natural and hydrated all day long!

giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

editorspick 5182

Replica

While these fragrances may not have replaced my signature scent, I'm in love with the concept- making them my editor's pick for the year. Maison Martin Margiela created these 'bottled memories' that were inspired by moments and locations. A beautiful and relatable fragrance line.

maisonmartinmargiela.com

bestcollection 5176

Chocolat Donna

When I think back to which collection got me most excited, it was the shu uemura Chocolat Donna collection. I was in awe, and still am, of the beautiful, striking tones and rich, pigmented products.

shuuemura-usa.com

So here we are everyone! It’s New Years Eve and we’re about to enter 2013… I feel overwhelmed just thinking about it! This year was such an incredible year… full of ups and downs as usual, but I feel particularly blessed to have been able to experience and do all the things that I did! I had some incredible opportunities come my way, and as much as I loved 2012, I’m so ready to see what 2013 has in store!

But- we’re not there quite yet! We’ve got a few more hours to go… and while we’re still here in 2012, I wanted to share my annual Editor’s Choice Beauty Awards with you! I have to apologize that it is not as all-inclusive as I had originally envisioned it to be… I wanted to make it fun and unique to browse through, but in doing so, it also took a lot more time than expected (next year I’ll remember to start much earlier)! I did narrow the awards down to the products that I felt were the most important to share… but if you have any other specific product recommendations, just leave me a comment below and I’ll be happy to share more of my favorites.

Thank you so much for a fabulous year- it was a blast. There’s one more award left though… the Reader’s Choice Award… and that’s for YOU to give! Leave a comment below, granting one product your Reader’s Choice Award… I’d love to know what it is!

Have a safe, fun and Happy New Year celebration tonight!