Get your wallets out! It's the Best of 2012 from yours truly!

2012 has been an exciting year for beauty. I got to try many different products I love and some I didn't care much for. This is a collection of some of my favorite products of 2012. I couldn't list everything I liked, so this is a solid list of everything I use and will continue to buy! 

Some honorable mentions that I would love to point out that didn't make the list or I didn't have a category for are: Skinfood's Rice Washoff Mask, Fresh's Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, Natura Bisse's The Cure Serum, and Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate.  If you do a search on my blog, I've written a review on all the honorable mentions in the past. :) 

Happy and goodbye 2012!

May 2013 be even more exciting for beauty! Thank you all for being here with me. It's been great to share my thoughts with you all! 

Noted: Prices might change. The price listed is reflected at the time of the blog post.  

Favorite Toner

SKII Facial Treatment Essence $195

This not only acts as a hydrating toner, it is also a treatment for the overall face. It will brighten your entire complexion and lighten any spots or acne scars. I call it the holy water for the face!

Favorite Day Cream

La Mer Moisturizing Lotion $230

It’s hydrating even for the most sensitive skin. My skin tends to react to a lot of products and whenever I get a reaction, I always put this on to calm my skin. I actually have this and also the Oil-Absorbing Lotion (also $230) to switch back and forth depending on the weather. The Oil-Absorbing Lotion is the only lotion that has been able to prevent my nose from being oily. The Moisturizing Lotion is great to use all year long. Stop doing your research on La Mer and just buy it!

Favorite Night Cream

Givenchy Le Soin Noir $380

Why it’s the best? It’s a black facial cream! You will not find another cream like this on the market (actually, it’s kind of hard to find this in the US). It is extremely hydrating and it plumps and firms the skin. Everytime I stay on this for a few days, people start commenting on my skin asking what I use. It’s on the pricey side, so I only use this at night and also although it goes on clear, some people have said it does leave a greyish film on their face. The texture is almost like gelatin or pudding. It’s a great anti-aging product that is worth investing.

Favorite Serum

La Mer Regenerating Serum $260

I’ve noticed a lot of people don’t know what a serum does and often times they skip buying a serum. From my experience, a serum is a very important part of skin care. It is a treatment that targets your skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or sun spots. It is not a moisturizer, however, I know some people use a hydrating serum and skip a moisturizer altogether.

A serum goes on before your moisturizer and after your toner.

You can almost see the difference in your skin in one day while on this serum. The overall texture of the face is more even and smooth. It encourages collagen production to fill in wrinkles and lines and gets rid of acne scars and imperfections. I tend to breakout at times and this serum has been great at preventing break outs. This is one product I always ask people to buy and everyone loves it. 

Favorite Eye Treatment

La Prairie Illuminating White Caviar Eye Serum

It is very hard to find an eye cream that works. I've tried many big brands and I am always hesitant to recommend an eye cream to anyone, because everyone's skin is different and often times eye treatments don't always work for everyone. However, I have been dealing with dark circles and this has been the only eye treatment that I saw a noticeable different. I do recommend it for people that have dark circles. It is expensive so get a sample first.   

Most Luxurious

Givenchy Le Soin Noir Lace Mask

Why it’s the most luxurious? Need I say more? Just LOOK AT IT!

Favorite New Product

Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Serum $150 or $200 for the larger size.

I haven’t used this long. I got a sample of it when they launched it and I remember loving how my skin feels and look when I used it. It smells amazing as well. I'm sure they will expand on the line next year! I also really like the unique design of all the bottles. I wasn't sure I like it at first, but they all look very stylish.

Favorite New Line

Guerlain Abeille Royale

The power of royal jelly and honey! I love this new line. It’s a great anti-aging line that is not too harsh or active. I wish they would come out with a body cream that has the scent of this line. My favorite thing from the line is the toner! it's absolutely fantastic! 

Best Brand Design

Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford always goes above and beyond with its branding and marketing. His beauty line is no exception.

Complete La Mer Serum Rundown Review- Regenerating, Radiant, and Intensifier

The Regenerating Serum: 
Fortified with a high concentration of The Miracle Broth™, The Regenerating Ferment™ and The Marine Peptide Ferment, this active yet comforting skincare powerhouse helps complement skin's natural production of “youth proteins,” collagen and elastin. You will see a difference in a day as skin is rejuvenated on contact. Over time, the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores is diminished as a firmer, more lifted, beautifully ageless look is revealed.

This is my absolute favorite serum of all time. The difference is overnight. It also cleared my breakouts as well. This is one of the few products where I can see the difference in my face and I've recommended it to everyone and everyone had great results from it. It reduce the lines on your face and clear any imperfection.. It was very hard for me to find a serum that was both anti-aging and soothing to the skin so I don't breakout. After the first week of using this, my face was completely clear and dewy.

This is by far the best serum from La Mer. The texture is very milky and sinks into your skin right away. It's great for both day and night and it kind of creates a soft canvas for your lotion/cream. I've noticed when using this serum during the day, I don't get as shiny as if I were to use another serum. This is one product I will always recommend to anyone that is looking for something anti-aging where you can see the results.

So worth the money!

Verdict: RUN OUT AND BUY IT! 
Regenerating Serum is $260
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD15901

The Radiant Serum:
This ultralight gel serum boosts skin's ability to reflect light.

The Radiant Serum illuminates the complexion immediately on contact, awakening a brilliant new clarity. Targeted skin tone correctors dissolve the look of discoloration. Water borne anti-oxidants help skin remain looking more even and bright into the future.

La Mer's Radiant Waters™ smooth away dull surface cells that obscure light. Pores are purified and refined. Exclusive marine extracts firm and plump skin's appearance, breathing life into the complexion.

I've tried this serum many times. I like it, but I don't love it. The texture is kind of sticky and and it dries on your skin leaving a strange texture for your lotion/cream to go on. The main reason for my ambivalent feeling about this serum is the fact that I didn't notice any results from it. Originally, I thought I would like this more than the Regenerating Serum because this one is supposed to purify the pores and refine the skin and get rid of discoloration, but it didn't do any of that. Actually, the regenerating serum gets rid of breakouts more than this and does a better job at evening out the skin tone.

I really don't see a reason buying this over the Regenerating since they are the same price. I can see people using this for the day and the regenerating at night, otherwise, just use the regenerating.

Verdict: Try it
The Radiant Serum is $260
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16769

The Lifting Intensifier:
This targeted treatment utilizes a mesh-like matrix containing Blue Algae Lift Ferment™ and other key ingredients to help skin promote its natural collagen and elastin network where support is needed most. It instantly tightens skin's surface and works over time to "train" skin to sustain a smooth, resilient, more lifted appearance.

First off, I want you to know I don't have a lot of visible wrinkles that needs to be fixed other than expression lines, so I can't give you a feedback on if it actually lifts the skin. However, a friend of mine tried it and said she really likes it, but still prefers the Regenerating Serum.

The Lifting Intensifier used to be sold as a duo along with the Lifting Serum, but I guess with all the new serums that are obviously doing better, they got rid of the Lifting Serum and just kept this one. I don't really like the texture of this serum. It is very sticky and it leaves a sticky film on the skin and for some reason, I feel like my skin cannot breath under this serum. I also noticed I am more prone to breakout when I'm on this serum. So this is not exactly my favorite one.

As for lifting, I don't really feel it personally. I am not sure I will come back to this and invest the money when Regenerating Serum is far superior. Also, this is more of a targeted treatment than for the entire face....though I used it for my entire face!

Verdict: Try it...maybe. 
The Lifting Intensifier is $155
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD6842

La Mer also came out with a Brightening Serum, which I've used and will write a review soon (don't buy it, it's not that good).

The La Mer Concentrate is amazing for scars. Way better than ScarsGuard and Merderma. It's great for the face, too, but for $400, i think you should just save that for scars.

La Prairie's White Caviar Illuminating Cream Review

 White Caviar Illuminating Cream

From their site- This blissfully light and luxurious cream drenches the skin with moisture as it lightens, brightens, and lifts, giving you a more even skin tone, with improved firmness. Pearlescent powders in the cream give immediate illumination while a complex of brightening ingredients works to control age spots and discoloration on the skin's surface.

• Promotes even skin tone by slowing down production of excess pigment
• Lifts and firms with Golden Caviar Extracts and wrinkle-reducers
• Hydrates intensely with Rare White Honey and a Deep Moisturizing Complex
• Helps prevent future signs of aging with antioxidants, including White Truffles, White Wine Extract, and a White Flower Complex

This was the last product I tried from this line. I thought it would be a lot richer and creamier from the jar, but it's actually a very light cream that absorbs very quickly into the skin and it kept my combination skin shine free in 90+ degree weather. I do feel a slightly reaction to the cream like I've experienced with their other facial creams, but nothing major enough to make me stop using the product. La Prairie's products are usually pretty active (but good!). 

After 2 days of using this Day and Night, I've received many compliments and even strangers asking me how I keep my skin so perfect. Personally, I would like the cream to be a bit richer for night, but clearly it's doing its job and made my face, especially my forehead a flawless canvas. The only downside is the scent. It smells like most of their facial creams, a little bit of a chemical smell, but it's not strong enough to bother anyone.

It's great to keep your skin from getting sunspots. I think it's a great cream to prevent and correct. Definitely would recommend. 

For the price of $470. It is pretty steep. If you have the money and in desperate need of a product to correct discoloration, this is a great line.

La Prairie's White Caviar Illuminating Cream is $470
Verdict: Try it/Buy it!

My Beauty Diary Bird's Nest Mask Review

My Beauty Diary Bird’s Nest Mask whitens, nourishes and renews the skin.

Bird’s nest extract, a precious ingredient, and corallina officinalis, the so-called “bird’s nest from the bottom of the sea”, intensely enhances skin’s moisture level, and nourishes strongly.

Hydrolyzed soy and rice protein enhance skin’s defence, elasticity and transparency. They also relieve discomfort resulting from dryness.

It is suitable for normal skin. It is especially recommended for dry, rough and dull skin.

I thought I'll write another review of a Mask Sheet after the Shiseido one I reviewed last week. My Beauty Diary is probably a brand that no one's ever heard of, but it is actually pretty common and well known with the Chinese crowd. It's not exactly high-end, but I thought they are comparable with other high end brands.

My Beauty Diary is a brand from Taiwan. What I like about it is how moist the sheets are. There's so much serum on the mask sheets that I rub the excess over my body as a body serum. They say not to wash the rest of the serum off after you take off the mask, but I find the serum a bit too sticky and thick so I do wash my face with water after I take off the mask.

I haven't noticed any dramatic difference, but as most of the masks I've reviewed, it's hard to notice a difference with them right away unless it's a peel or an exfoliating mask. My skin feels fresh and extremely hydrated after this mask, which is why I've continued to use it. It doesn't hurt that it's pretty cheap as well. I think this is almost good enough to use everyday or every other day if your skin is parched. I have extremely sensitive skin and I find this mask very soothing.

The other thing I want to point out is that they have many different masks. The list is very long, but the black pearl powder and the aloe vera ones are pretty decent. They also have a chocolate mask as well, which smells good enough to eat.

The only downside is the cut out of the sheet itself. It's WAY too small around the eyes and the mouth. I find myself having to tear the corner of the eyes just so it wouldn't cover my eyes, I also tear the piece above my lips so it wouldn't cover my upper lip.

It might be hard to find in stores, but if you go to any Asian beauty store, they should have it. I have noticed it's been easier to find online within the last year or so. Even Amazon has them now.

For the price, I would def recommend it! I will post a review of SkinFood mask sheets as well soon. I like theirs better.

Verdict: Buy it!
My Beauty Diary Bird's Nest Mask is $21 (for 10 sheets)
Read more on their website- www.beautydiary.com.tw/en

La Prairie - WHITE CAVIAR ILLUMINATING EYE SERUM $265

White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum combines anti-aging, anti-pigmentation and luminescence with pearlescent pigments to inhibit melanin production, detoxify and beautify. The skin surrounding the eye becomes brighter and more even-toned with improved firmness.

This light-infused eye serum is a high-performing antidote to undereye darkness and discoloration. It detoxifies the skin and helps stop dark patches from forming on the skin.

As existing darkness fades and the skin appears lighter and brighter, the eyes look more wide-awake and energized. In addition, puffiness is reduced and the skin is lifted, firmed and smoothed with wrinkle-reducers.

Normally, I'm not a big fan of La Prairie. I think most of their products are too active (and too pricey) for my skin and I've had a bad reaction to a few of their products. However, I love the entire White Caviar Line. This is the only Eye Serum I've used that have dramatically lighten my dark circles. I saw a difference over night. The serum itself looks pearlescent when you put it on your finger, you'd think it'll make your eyes look glittery, but don't worry, it disappears onto your skin. I think the pearlescent effect also helps to reflect the light under your eyes to make them look brighter.

When La Prairie first launched this, it was a stand alone product, but since then they have launched the White Caviar Eye Cream to use on top of this serum. Personally, I think the eye serum itself is moisturizing and effective enough on its own. It's hydrating and and I like that because it's a serum, it sinks into the skin around your eyes rather than sitting on top of it.

I have the entire White Caviar Line, but so far this is the only product I've used long enough to provide a review. As time goes on, I will write reviews on the other items in the collection.

The downside to this Eye Serum is the hefty price tag. I love this product, but I find it very hard to justify the price tag. It definitely works, but I just think it's way too pricey.

Verdict: Buy it if you have the money!

The WHITE CAVIAR ILLUMINATING EYE SERUM is $265
You can read more on their website-- http://www.shoplaprairie.com/c-112-the-white-caviar-illuminating-systme.aspx

La Mer Radiant Serum $260

The Radiant Serum illuminates the complexion immediately on contact, awakening a brilliant new clarity. Targeted skin tone correctors dissolve the look of discoloration. Water borne anti-oxidants help skin remain looking more even and bright into the future.

La Mer's Radiant Waters™ smooth away dull surface cells that obscure light. Pores are purified and refined. Exclusive marine extracts firm and plump skin's appearance, breathing life into the complexion.

I am a big fan of La Mer. I know a lot of people out there look down on the brand saying they sold out after the company was bought out by Estee lauder and changed all the formulas. I heard they did change the formula at the beginning, but have since received so many complaints from their loyal customers that they had to go back to the way they formulated the products. Some skin care experts refuse to use Creme de La Mer because there's mineral oil in it, which causes breakout.

I use the cream at night and both versions of the lotion depending on the weather of the day and it actually helped clear my breakouts. I'll write more about their moisturizers when I review them.

The Radiant Serum is an ok serum for me. I have friends that love it more than the regenerating serum, which is still my favorite. The Radiant Serum has a watery texture and it sinks into your skin pretty quickly. The one problem I have with the serum is that it makes my face feels kind of dry, and I have combination skin that's more on the oily side. Also, I feel like my lotion doesn't glide that well on top of this serum. I don't wear makeup, so I don't know if people wearing makeup have the same problem. Definitely leave a comment if you have tried it.

I'm not sure if it "reflects" light as it claims, but it does help improve the overall tone of your face. I also feel like the Regenerating Serum refine my pores better than this one. Again, everyone's skin is different so you might have a different experience with this than I did.

If you are someone with a lot of acne scars and sunspots, I don't think this would be strong enough to get rid of them. I would go with their Brightening Intensive Serum instead for dark spots.

Verdict: Try it! 

La Mer Radiant Serum is $260

You can read more on their website- http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16769