My 2013 Beauty Suprises

Ever tried a product you didn't have high hopes for, and then ended up positively amazed by the results? Well, here I share the surprising top-performers of 2013 for me:

Realistically, this is an extension of my 2013 favorites - the products I used/loved the most. What's different is how surprisingly well they performed on me. I'm beyond impressed even if they didn't make it to the  favorite product list:

Essence Miami Roller Girl Blush: Despite all the makeup hoarding that I was doing, there was not a single blush in my collection...until I saw this particular drugstore gem. The peach-pink gradient was the reason I bought this - only because I'd have one blush and a range of shades if/whenever needed. You'd have to wait for the full review - but all in all - I'm blush convert due to this beauty.

Pond's White Beauty Cleansing Milk: I've mentioned in a previous post that Pond's was never in my routine, but this cleansing milk amazed me with all that it had to offer at an inexpensive price tag. My skin never broke out - so it must be doing well :-) Frankly, Nivea Cleansing Milk is a cult fave, but it's been a dud on me. This one has been 100 times better for makeup removing and skin nourishment.

Avon Super Shock Gel Eyeliner Pencil: Gel Eyeliner...in a pencil. I was intrigued. Having used Glimmersticks from Avon, I was expecting something similar - good quality. I ordered Blackberry (which is a dark chocolate brown shade with light brownish fine shimmer). It is SUPERBLY pigmented. Apply it and let it set for about 5-10 minutes. Take my word, this pencil will not budge. I've done the water/rub/scrub test by swatching it on my hand. Yet, it can be taken off easily by Nivea Eye Makeup Remover, Pond's Cleansing Milk, and Pond's Pure White Facewash. I'd love for Avon to introduce as many shades as UD because it would totally give them a run for their money.

Benefit Porefessional: Since I didn't know anything can make my craters of a pore-face disappear, I've been surprisingly pleased by Porefessional. I like how smooth my foundation glides on after applying this. Its price tag is quite a brow-raiser, so I might not immediately repurchase once this runs out. "It's-not-you-it's-me" excuse :-D I want to see what else is out there. If it can beat this at a better price. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain: For a makeup newbie to a beauty guru - this is an absolute must-have. You can layer up the pigmented color as per your liking and the no-sharpener-needed crayon makes your application fuss-free. Put it on and forget it. Your color stain will survive a tsunami. The staying power is IN-SANE. I doubt if any other drugstore jumbo pencil/crayon product offers such pigment + longevity in "balm stain" category. I always keep Sweetheart Valentine (fresh barbie pink shade with blue undertones) in my bag. HONEY is one of the best shades, you must try! I wish they could improve the moisturizing capabilities though.

Freeman's Mint & Lemon Clay Mask: For the weekends I'm being a miser about my Queen Helene Mint Masque, I switch it to this baby. It's not at par with Queen Helene, but it still is a knight at a pawn's price :-P PKR 300, that is. Must-have.

Christine Nail Polish: I have no knowledge of Christine's origins or anything, except that I got it for PKR 45 - which is less than 50 cents. I applied two coats of the glimmering rose-pink shade on my toes. And - 4 weeks later - IT IS STILL INTACT. After that, it did chip on my little toe, but Oh. My. GOD! It has to be the cheapest makeup thrill I've had :-D For those who are judging me for keeping the same nail color on for nearly two months - I was experimenting for the post I'm lazy. I don't know if it were just that shade I got or it might have the some "fault" - making it awesome, but that's my story :-)

Let me know about your One Miracle Product in the comments below! xo

Cheers,

Bia