My Favorite Skincare Products of 2012

As we celebrate and look forward to another wonderful year, we can't help but to look back at 2012, which personally for me, is a year full of adventures. I've made some of the biggest decisions in my life and of course, I also started blogging. To commemorate such a memorable year, I want to showcase some of my favorite beauty products that have accompanied me through the ups and downs.

In no particular order:




Kracie Naive Make Off Lotion is extremely gentle and takes off all of my makeup, even waterproof products. Found in my local Japanese and Asian grocery stores, this inexpensive makeup remover is easy to use and doesn't require rinsing afterward.


Bioderma Crealine H2O Micelle Solution is great for dry and sensitive skin. It easily takes off eye makeup as well as face makeup. This cult favorite product is fragrance free and alcohol free. It's very soothing and can remove my waterproof eye makeup.

If you are searching for an inexpensive, gentle, and effective eye makeup remover, definitely give Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover a try. It removes every trace of my makeup and doesn't irritate my eyes. This wonderful product is almost as good as my holy grail, the Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover.


Philosophy Purity Made Simple is a one-step facial cleanser that cleanses the skin and removes makeup. This Best of Sephora winner is a star product from the brand and is a best seller for all skin types. When I have moderate amount of makeup on, I don't even need to use an extra makeup remover. 

Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash is a mild and gentle facial cleanser with exfoliating properties. It really simplifies the face wash process. I can use this daily without overwhelming my skin.

Don't let the hefty price tag of the Albion Essential Skin Conditioner deters you from trying this out because it will probably be one of the best beauty products you have ever experienced and is worth every penny. It gives me glowing and healthy skin, and I would highly recommend this to anyone with dry or sensitive skin. It will work wonders for you.

Melvita is really an underestimated beauty brand that uses natural and organic ingredients and is one of the first brands to receive the ECOCERT seal. Its Rose Floral Water can be used as a toner as well as a hydrating spray throughout the day. The heavenly rosey scent is subtle and fresh. Definitely something to pamper yourself with.

Out of all the new brands and products that I tried in 2012, the one brand that really went above and beyond for me is Caudalie, which I had the chance to try out a few skincare products, and they all performed way above my expectation. Products such as the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is now my holy grail. I saw huge improvement in the overall condition of my skin just within days of using this serum, and my skin absorbs the product instantly. I've even gifted a bottle to my mom, and she swears by it now. At almost $80, this is a high end product, but I think this will be your best beauty investment for your skin.

For girls who are looking to brighten and even out your skin tone, the Paul and Joe Intensive Whitening Essence is a must try product. This is my 4th bottle, and I'm happy to report that it really works. Compared to years ago when I first started using the whitening line from Paul and Joe, I'm now at least 2 shades lighter. Definitely something I will repurchase, and I also have about 3 back up at any time.

The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask really helps me in maintaining my oily skin and large pores. Using it 1-2 times a week, I love how this mask gets rid of all the dirty pore-cloggers on my face. This is a must for oily girls like myself.

There are so many "drugstore" face masks on the market, but I still think of My Beauty Diary as one of the best. Its masks are effective and has varieties of different types.They are inexpensive and can be purchased at various beauty stores and online retailers.
 

Innisfree Wine Sleeping Pack is one of the first products I've ever tried from this Korean beauty brand and is something I have definitely repurchased multiple times. I use it as the last step in my night skincare routine, and it's wonderful for my skin, especially during the cold Winter months when I need that extra moisturization. 

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask has been winning beauty awards left and right and is really an all-in-one skin booster for healthy and smooth complexion. Using it once a week, this peel-off mask is great at minimizing pores and detoxifies the skin.

Yes! Another Caudalie product that made onto my favorite list. This Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15 is oil free and seriously works wonders for my oily skin. It has a light tint but applies colorless. The fresh scent moisturizer goes on smoothly and instantly evens out my skin tone. The best part about it is that it controls oil. When using this in the morning, I don't need to blot my face for the entire day.
 

Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel Cool SPF30 is unscented and applies clear onto the skin. It doesn't have anything that you hate in a sunscreen. It's not oily and instantly absorbs by the skin. This is by far one of the top 3 sunscreens I've ever used.

I was introduced to the Kiehl's Ultra Moisturizing Eye Stick SPF 30 by a friend and really love it. It's perfect for my eye area and offers a SPF 30 protection. Too bad that this has now been discontinued.

It really shows how much I love Caudalie, seeing that 3 of its products have made onto my favorite list. The Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminée Eye and Lip Cream has a light texture but hydrates my eye area really well. I've seen huge improvement in my dark circles as well as morning puffiness.

I've fallen in love with tons of new products and beauty brands this pass year, but I can only include so many on my list. Part 1 showcases some of the best skincare products that I came across with in 2012. 

Stay tune for part 2, which you'll see some of my favorite makeup, hair, and body products.

Angela