The best beauty products of 2012

Today, The Upcoming brings you a selection of the most popular products of 2012. Amongst the plethora of beauty goods out there, we have chosen five tried-and-tested commodities, most of which have won awards and been given exceptional reviews by clients. After all, it just makes the search for the greatests that little bit easier.

Nails:

Barry M has the most exciting range of colours and glitters ever, and the party season being all about sparkle and eccentricity, brand Barry M (worn by the likes of Rihanna and Tulisa) ensure this is just what we get. Having introduced their 80s’ inspired Retro Collection in June, their nail polishes are renowned for being intense, trendy, durable and of great value. Their Club Tropicana and Jewel Britannia shades never fail to gain compliments, and while these will be forever in our collection, make sure you check out the rest of their nail paints and products.

Prices from £1.99 here. 

Lipstick:

Vibrant, bold, but still sophisticated, MAC wins best lipstick of the year. As part of their Hey, Sailor! collection, the brand offers sensual reds, modest golds and light pinks, while decorating the goods in a quirky nautical package. The brilliantly named Sail La Vie, a red lipstick with a hint of tangerine, remains one of the most popular, although the frosted tan coloured To Catch A Sailor is also a stand-out shade. Long lasting and hydrating for the lips, MAC’s products have earned a celebrity clientèle that includes Kim Kardashian and Gwen Stefani.

Prices from £14 here.

Foundation:

As a Hall of Fame 2012 winner, L’Oréal Paris’ True Match foundation is a hit amongst many. The foundation is light, and powder is unnecessary, allowing your skin to breathe while also covering redness and dark circles. Best applied with primer and a foundation brush, the foundation is affordable and gives good coverage. With over 12 varying shades from Rose Vanilla to Cappuccino, there’s a true match for everyone.

Prices from £10.29 here.

Self Tan:

Although you have to exfoliate and moisturise beforehand, St Tropez’s Self Tan Bronzing Mousse has won our vote (as well as Company magazine’s 2012 Beauty Awards). It’s easy to apply, it isn’t streaky, and you’ll look golden rather than orange, when you’re finished. The tan dries quickly, feels light on your skin, and will stay for up to five days. However, although this beauty product isn’t one of the cheapest on the market, the end result is a golden one. A personal tip: use a tanning mitt rather than disposable gloves for best results.

Prices from £20.43 here.

Hair:

According to hairstylist Jamie Stevens, who has cut and styled the likes of Elle Macpherson and Myleene Klass, a third of his clients now walk away with a bottle of Oil Treatment by Moroccanoil. The treatment enhances shine, tames awry hair and also leaves it feeling silky, all while reducing drying time. However, although Oil Treatment may be the original Moroccanoil product, they have expanded their line to include hydrating masks, curl definers and more.

Prices from £30.45 here. 

Diandra Todesco