*This post contains affiliate links - all opinions remain my own*
For once, I can't start my yearly favourites saying "this year has flown by!" as I actually feel like it's been a very long year - so many big changes, from finishing university to moving to London with a full-time job - it feels like these changes happened forever ago and not just a few months ago when they did happen. So much has changed in such a short space of time. As I look forward to next year, I thought I'd share some of my favourite things I've used, discovered and enjoyed over the past year.
Beauty
make up
If I think of the two beauty staples that I've kept going back to over the past year, my Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer and Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation are the two that come to mind. Whenever I've reached for something different, I always come back to these two. After starting the year loving them, I've ended the year reaching for them again after trying other products that just aren't as good. I'm sure I'll be using these on a daily basis in 2020 as well.
skincare
My Antipodes Manuka Honey Face Mask is another one I'm bound to reach for again and again, year after year. It's such an amazing, hydrating face mask that also works wonders for my spots making it great for my combination skin. It's such an easy mask to apply day-to-day whenever my skin is looking for a boost.
Another skincare saviour was the Pai Rosehip oil; I used this to death in the first half of the year as it was so hydrating and nourishing for my skin. It now sits at the back of my skincare drawer, but I'll be making sure this makes a reappearance in my skincare routine as I remember how much my skin appreciated this serum.
perfume
I've missed having a perfume in my life. After running out of my favourite Zadig & Voltaire "This Is Her" earlier this year, I'm glad to have it back in my life after receiving a new bottle for Christmas. It's such a unique everyday smell that is just what I love. I'll be honest, the cruelty-free status of the brand is pretty unknown (I have reached out to them and got a vague response but I keep looking into it) but it's worth also giving a shoutout to Eden Perfumes; they recreate well-known perfumes with more natural and ethically-sourced ingredients. While the recreation of Zadig & Voltaire's wasn't good enough to stop me buying the original, Eden perfumes is a brand I will definitely buy from again and think it's perfect to gift to friends!
Fashion
Puma Thunder Rive Gauche
These are probably the most expensive item of clothing I own but I've loved wearing them this year. These trainers were definitely out of my comfort zone but I wanted to give them a go and I love when I wear them - I find they bring something a bit different to an outfit - whether it's with mom jeans or a midi skirt or dress, I think they're really versatile. And, of course, I love that they've got a touch of pink.
Monki Jeans
Can we all agree that Jean shopping is the worst? Well, with the discovery of Monki's jeans, the dread of jean shopping is lessened. I was so happy to find my perfect pair of jeans from Monki earlier this year - a great fit and the right size and shape at a price that didn't break the bank any more than a pair of the beloved Topshop Joni Jeans. I've lived in mom jeans the past year as they're so comfy so I was so happy to find Monki's great range. Great sizing information in-store and online as well as well-sourced denim. They are such a great pair of jeans that I will be sure to be buying other shades in the new year.
100%, my favourite book of the year was Normal People by Sally Rooney; I've spoken about this in a previous favourites post but I urge you again. If you're looking for your next book club book and you haven't read this, you have to pick it up. I'm so excited to pick up Conversations with Friends in 2020 also by Sally Rooney as I've been waiting for the perfect time to read this.
Honourable bookish mentions also go to Dig by A.S King - such a good read, unlike any other young-adult book I've read. Also, The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory was the perfect summer read that so light and funny anc helped me find my reading mojo again in no time. This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay also got a 5/5 from me on good reads at the start of the year. I'll be ending the year on his follow up book "Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas".
I've had such a great reading year, I can't wait to continue into 2020! Follow me on Goodreads to keep up to date on my progress.
Music
I love music and I especially love discovering new artists and bands, however, I've found his year I've become a listener of habit - shuffling the same few artists over the last year or so and if you've read my previous posts about my favourite albums and artists, I'm sure none of the following will come as a shock to you.
Sam Fender finally released his debut album this year and I loved it. After seeing him live previously as well as interviewing him earlier this year, it didn't come as a surprise as to how much I loved his album "Hypersonic Missiles". It had all the songs I loved from the tours and some new additions that I haven't stopped listening to. This has to be one of my top albums of the year.
Alec Benjamin became an artist I listened to whenever I was studying, cleaning, walking. And, I was so happy to finally see him live just last month in Camden - my first concert alone and was definitely worth it.
Finally, I also saw BTS live in the summer - definitely a concert like no other I have ever been to. Another artist I always find myself shuffling and never running out of tracks to listen to, no matter my mood.
There's so much more I could talk about but here are the few that I really want to highlight as favourites of the year! What are some of your favourites?
Hope you're doing great,
Sarah
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