Here are my absolute favourites of 2009. I hope you find this list useful, and let me know what your favourites are, too!

Skincare

Best Body Scrub: Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals Cocoa Butter, Nutmeg & Cardamom Body Scrub

I honestly believe that no other scrub will ever come close to Crabtree & Evelyn’s ($30).  It sloughs off dry skin and moisturizes at the same time.  Plus it smells incredible!

Best Face Cleanser: Philosophy Purity Made Simple

I tried to find a drugstore substitute for Purity Made Simple ($26 for 8 oz), but I failed. I went through a few bottles of this cleanser this year, and my skin loves me for it. It takes off all the gunk without drying out my skin.

Best Face Exfoliator: MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

I only need three words to describe this exfoliator ($22): Blackheads. Be. Gone!

Best Skincare Tool: Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser

This is my great drugstore find of the year ($23). Because the exfoliating pads are soaked in salicylic acid, this battery-operated tool is fantastic for treating acne and blackheads.

Makeup

Best Foundation: FACE atelier Ultra Foundation

No surprise here. I loved FACE atelier Ultra Foundation ($45) on first try. It is weightless and takes away minor imperfections. And psst, if you need a heavier coverage, try using a duo fibre brush (like Quo Bronzing Powder Brush).

Best Brush for Face: Coastal Scents Synthetic Wide Buffer Brush

This is an inexpensive brush ($15) that is great for buffing in my setting powder, speaking of which…

Best Powder: MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural

This super lightweight powder ($32) has low coverage, which makes it great for setting your makeup or for buffing in on a no makeup day.

Best Brush for Eyes: MAC #217 Blending Brush

A true multi-tasking brush ($27): great for cream products like concealer, as well as blending out eyeshadows like a pro. This is one of those things that I would take with me if I was to live in an island.

Best Eyeshadow Palette: MAC Passions of Red Fascinating Ruby: 6 Smokey Eyes

Technically this was from 2008, but I just got my hands on it this summer. This is the most versatile palette! Great for neutral everyday looks, to a smoldering smoky eye. It’s hard to get a hold of this now, but if you are itching to try an eyeshadow from this palette, MAC Satin Taupe is amazing!

Best Eyeliner: Lancome Gel Artliner in Indigo Charm

This shimmery blue ($24) makes brown eyes pop. And who doesn’t love a gel liner? I’m addicted.

Best Lipgloss: Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Candid

This sheer gloss ($24) is great on its own because of the pink and gold shimmer swimming through it, but is also a great boost over your favourite lipstick.

Best Lipstick: MAC Lipstick in Patisserie

My no-fail, everyday creamy pink lipstick ($16.50).

Best Makeup Remover(s): Alcone Makeup Remover Cloths and L’Oreal Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover

Whatever the makeup remover cloths ($35 for 80 cloths) leave behind, i.e., waterproof stuff but not any residue, the L’Oreal Makeup Remover ($10) takes off easily. This is my one-two punch combination for taking all my makeup off.

Hair

This is where the great drugstore buys come out!

Best Shampoo: Pantene Brunette/Red Expressions

I just love Pantene’s colour expressions line. It smells so good that I become a crazy hair sniffing girl.

Best Conditioner: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeeep

This is still my best conditioner for really dry, damaged hair.

Best Hair Treatment: Alberto VO5 Hot Oil

A very moisturizing pre-shampoo treatment. I wish this comes in a box of 100 tubes.

Best Styling Product: None

Nothing stood out this year in hair styling products. Help? I have straight hair that tends to fall flat. I need volume and hydration.

Perfume

Favourite Eau de Parfum: Dolce & Gabbana The One

Surprise surprise!

Favourite Eau de Toilette: Dior Addict Shine

While it means absolutely nothing to me, here are its notes: cedrat, gardenia, raspberry, cedar woods. It smells good, ‘kay?

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