I’ve had so many favourites this year that I was really struggling to narrow it down, so I decided to channel my inner Queen Oprah and pick the products that I would confidently give away as gifts, any time of year, and that I would be more than happy to receive.
Black Tulip Natural Spray Fragrance By Shay & Blue London – I’ve gone through nearly two small bottles of this fragrance this year, it’s been my go to scent most days. To me it’s like a sexier version of Fantasy by Britney Spears (an all time favourite of mine), they both have strong white chocolate notes but this has deep plum elements as well as spicy, warm woody tones, whereas Fantasy is a bit more sweet and tropical. I love it and will definitely be treating myself to a large bottle.
MooGoo Milk Shampoo – I’ve been using this shampoo for the majority of 2018, for my super sensitive scalp. It’s a gentle, more natural shampoo, so doesn’t foam as much as regular shampoos do, but it cleanses perfectly, doesn’t dry my hair out, actually my hair has never been so soft, and this year has been the longest I’ve ever gone without having a crazy itchy scalp, it’s a miracle. Even if you don’t have a sensitive scalp, I think this is a wonderful product.
Noughty Intensive Care Leave In Conditioner – I generally don’t use a regular, rinse out conditioner, as I find they either irritate my scalp or don’t work and are just a waste of money, but I’ve fallen hard for Noughty products, their Leave In Conditioner being my favourite. I apply it to towel dried hair and brush through, it leaves my natural curls, smooth, bouncy and frizz free. I also highly recommend their hair mask and serums.
Head Massager – I can’t remember where I got my head massager, they’re easily sourced on line, but I couldn’t be without it. These are specifically designed to stimulate your nerve endings and massage acupressure points on your neck, scalp, and temples. I work a lot and sometimes I get a bit stressed and headachey, if I use my head massager for about five minutes, my headache just melts away and I feel so blissful.
FRESH Sugar Hydrating Caramel Lip Balm – What would a favourites be without a lip balm?! I have so many, I’ve had so many, and it was really tough for me to choose a favourite, so I went for the one that I’ve used up and repurchased the most. This is a long lasting and really hydrating lip balm, that tastes like caramel and gives your lips a lovely glossy sheen, I mean what more could you want?! The reason I repurchased this is because you don’t have to keep reapplying it, your lips feel soft all day long. Plus it’s yummy!
Mrs. Potts Candle By My Dearly Loved – I’ve mentioned my love for this fragrance, many, many times, it’s my go-to calming and de-stressing scent, it’s ever so comforting. It smells of freshly brewed blackberry tea, a wonderfully soothing aroma of sweet blackberries, earthy tea leaves and I can smell a touch of citrus zest as well. I’ve tried and reviewed many scents from My Dearly Loved and I’ve honestly loved them all, everything Lyn makes is second to none, but this will always be my number one!
Backstreet Boys DNA Album – So as of December 31st, at almost 5PM, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by the Backstreet Boys has been played 26,853,545 times on Spotify since it was released in May, I’d say I’m responsible for about half those plays, I’m not even exaggerating a little bit. I’ve been a BSB fan since the 90s (so old), and I gotta say they just get better with age. Their new album will be released the end of January and I already know how epic it’s gonna be. I can’t wait to see them on their world tour, ya know ya girl was first in line for a ticket. 😉
Fleece Kaftan – I’m a big fan of shopping on Amazon, always find such great deals and I’m a sucker for it’s recommendations: “We think you’ll enjoy…”  “Oh Amazon! I think I really would enjoy that, how did you know?!” My fleece kaftan was one of those types of purchases, and oh it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. It’s basically like a giant blanket hoodie, super soft and warm. When I’m finished all my work, I like to throw it on, get comfy, read or play some games. Plus, how very sexy is it?! LMAO! 😆
Catrice Cosmetics Dewy Wetlook Stick – I’m all about having glowy skin and I’ve been wearing this practically every day.
I use it mostly as a highlighter, there’s a slight shimmer in it and it gives you a really natural looking dewy glow. It blends beautifully with foundation and other products and is lovely used on the eyes too. Did I mention it was only like €5! Love a good beauty bargain. I actually saw this in a local pharmacy recently and it was half price, so I bought the only five that they had left, I really hope it’s not being discontinued.
Acupressure Mat & Pillow – I have a slipped disc in my spine, have had it a really long time, and I often get knots in my upper back from being at a computer all day. My spine has been fine for years, touches wood, sometimes I get a bit stiff, but it’s the knots that can be super annoying. My husband bought me my acupressure mat and pillow for Christmas as he’d heard good things about them, I honestly think they’re the greatest things ever and have used mine every day since.
On Christmas day I had been basically cooking for two days straight as we had a large crowd over, so when it was all finished, I was tired and sore! So I thought I would try the mat and pillow out.
Acupressure mats, work on contact — when you walk, stand, or lie down on them, the spikes exert pressure on your acu-points. Unlike acupuncture, acupressure is noninvasive and relieves aches and pains by diffusing your energy through touch and pressure. I was wearing a top when I first tried mine, although it’s recommended to have direct contact with it, at first I was like “well this is worse than stepping on an upturned plug” but I powered through and after ten minutes I was used to the feeling and when I sat up, my pain was gone! My back was lovely and warm, albeit a bit red, and I felt ever so zen.
I like to lie on mine for between ten and twenty minutes now before bed, just to help relax myself and also it’s been great at preventing any knots and back pain. I’ve also bought more acupressure products, I’m hooked!
Well those were my favourites of 2018, let us know what you loved last year in the comments below.
