Top 12 Cruelty-Free Cosmetics of 2012

These of course are MY personal favorites over the past year. Some are old favorites and some are new discoveries!

#1 Kryolan Pencil Liners

Some of my favorite colors is the white liner and the deep red shade (since it's also eye-safe). The white is especially impressive as far as using it on the waterline... it's the whitest white and it's very smooth. Lasts pretty long, also. You can view the shades they have on the Kryolan website.

#2 Yes To Cucumbers Cream Cleanser

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If you have watched some of my recent videos, you'll know that I did a Product of the Week video on this amazing cleanser. I did hear that a few people found it not as gentle for sensitive skin as hoped but I personally love this stuff! I have converted to actually liking cream cleansers now. Lol. I love that this product removes my makeup (see my demo on it) on top of cleansing my skin. It works great with a sonic cleansing brush or face cloth.

#3 Essence Lipstick Nude

I have been experimenting with Essence cosmetics since I noticed them in my local Shoppers Drug Mart. I have been quite surprised by some of the products they offer. I have found and coveted a nude lipstick and surprise, surprise! It's the cheapest lipstick I've bought! Loving this! It's very smooth to apply and creamy.

#4 NYX Beige Pearl Lipgloss (see swatch here)

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This is an old-time favorite, definitely one that is going to be in my makeup bag for a while! It actually goes really well with the Essence Nude Lipstick! It's almost clear with a slight shimmer. And like most of the lipglosses from NYX has a nice sweet cotton-candy scent :)

#5 OPI servin up sparkle

I have been rocking this shade since last summer... It just seems to brighten up my nails for any occasion. If you can find it, I highly recommend it! It's a silver-holographic glitter. You can see swatches of this OPI nail polish here.

#6 Ben Nye Translucent Powder

I was introduced to this AMAZING powder when I went to college and it is a MUST-have for any makeup artist. But I have seen other makeup guru's on Youtube loving the Ben Nye powders (the banana shade is also very awesome, I tend to mix the two). It's super transparent and sets cream or liquid makeup without looking too cakey. Check out the Ben Nye Powders (they're all great formulas).

#7 Allison Raffaele Skin Inner Glow Blush Stick

This is a stick blush it looks so SO realistic on the skin. It keeps the moisture of the skin and creates a natural flush. It might seem like an expensive product, but I've had it well over a year (and using in my kit on many people) and it is still practically full. You can apply it with your fingers, or a paddle foundation brush. It's hard to find but it's under the "Skin" line of products.

#8 Hard Candy Hula Hula Bronzer

I have raved about this I don't know how many times. Yes this bronzer is cheap. Yes it is awesome. Yes you should buy it. LOL. If you like brands like Urban Decay and Benefit, I promise you'll love Hard Candy's bronzers and blushes. Promise. You can find Hard Candy at Walmart :) Buy Hard Candy Online

#9 Hourglass Eye Primer

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A friend gave me this eye primer and WHOO! I am IMPRESSED. I've used Urban Decay, Michael Todd, ELF and Palladio eye shadow primers. This one seriously takes the cake. It's probably the best one for my makeup kit also because it has a very nice squeezable tube (like Too Faced Shadow Insurance). It is so nice and non-sticky, and it absorbs quickly. Zero creasing. It is expensive but definitely worth it.

#10 Josie Moran Argan Oil

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I wanted to put this here for the simple reason that I've never tried an oil moisturizer and gave it a good shot this year. It took a while to get used to the oily-feeling but I definitely used way too much to begin with. I only use it at night as a night treatment and not every night. I drop two drops into my hands and then tap the oil all over my damp skin (I don't dry my skin too much because I find it difficult to blend the oil that way). I have noticed a nice difference in the suppleness of my skin. I really like it because it's a natural moisturizer and it's great for your hair and scars also.

#11 Escents Conditioner Tress Relief  (Chamomile & Rosemary)

I once thought Escents was only available in British Columbia in Canada, but I have recently discovered that they not only ship to the US but all over the world! This company has triple thumbs up from me. I buy a lot of my essential oils from their company and also have gotten into their bath products. I really need to praise this conditioner, since it really has AMAZING conditioning properties. When applying it, it seems like it's not all that thick but once you rinse and dry, you will see the fantastic results of this product. I have my old roomie to thank for introducing me to such a fantastic eco-brand!

#12 Ben Nye HD Foundation

I got a sample of this when Dana Nye came to Vancouver and came to present to a class I was in. At the time it hadn't came out on the market but was going to be launched that IMATs. I fell in love. I am still using the sample (can you believe that?!) but I will definitely buy a full size. It is a cream foundation, but it's non-oily and provides such a beautiful finish to the skin. I use it to cover imperfections and then blend a thin layer over the remaining areas of my face. This foundation really does mimic the skin and doesn't get too cakey or crease too much (if you are super oily a primer is still suggested). I LOVE this foundation because it really does give that flawless look without too much product (hence why I still have a sample!). LOVE it. It can be hard to find, but I like Camera Ready Cosmetics if you don't have a local special FX store. 

Cheers!
-Holly

Question: What were some of you're favorites of 2012?