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




26 comments:

  1. Loveee Porefessional :) Very nice post

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  2. You wrote so well about your Nail Polish experiment (being lazy)... :D Love it.

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    1. :-D I've always had reasons to procrastinate. One of my strongest suits, sadly.
      Thanks for stopping by, Madeeha <3

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  3. POND's white beauty cleansing milk turned out a little disappointing for me this year.. although I LOVE the price tag, it leaves my skin looking a little greasy. Or is that normal?

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    1. It might be a bit greasy if you don't follow the cleansing by washing your face or toning. I used it more like a makeup remover and washed my face after it

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    2. It's greasy even after toning.. It needs washing face. It's great as a makeup remover no doubt

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    3. You're right, it is! :-)
      So when do we get to see your lists? :-)

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  4. Love all the products you have mentioned.. I so wanted to try the Miami roller girl blush, but it went out of stock on J4G.

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    1. THANK YOU! I had to make my friend run - quite literally - when she spotted TWO Miami Roller Girl blushes in stock at Green Valley. :-P

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  5. Love your post! I have never tried any of them and would love to try the Essence and Revlon ones!
    mariasbeautifulworld.blogspot.gr

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    1. Thanks for the love, Maria! <3
      The essence blush might be harder to track since it was Limited Edition, but I'm sure you'd absolutely adore the Revlon Balm Stains.

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  6. I love rev lip balm in honey,freemen mint mask,ponds cleanser alot.Porefessional however has a stay time issue

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    1. Eeee :-) What would you recommend instead of Porefessional?

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  7. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain: where can I find this?

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    1. Hey Sumeeka, if you're based in Pakistan - that's available through any Revlon stall in markets of Lahore/Karachi/Islamabad. Otherwise, you can check if your desired shades are available through Just4Girls.pk. If none of these work for you, an order can be placed through an FB page/online store to as a pre-order :) Hope that helps! xo

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    2. Thank u so so much
      I am sure it will :D

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  8. I agree on the roller girl blush, porefessional and revlon balm stains!! all wonderful products, totally worth trying! xx

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    1. Yes! They've literally been my "beauty breakthroughs" :) Glad you liked them

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  9. Nice post girl very informative and I wish to try essence blush it isn't available any where :(

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    1. Essence Limited Edition stuff is usually great. Keep a look out for more :)

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  10. Never saw that essence bush i vl have to check now! love the compilation!

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    1. Hey Rachna <3
      Thanks a million! The blush was a part of Essence's Limited Edition Series called "Miami Roller Girl". Love their LEs :)

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  11. oh i love freeman's lemon n mint mask! :D
    will give the avon gel liner pencil a try!
    yet another amazing post! xx

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    1. *takes a bow*
      Thank you so much Rida!!
      You will fall in love with Avon Gel Liner Pencil. There's no reason for NOT loving it

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