2017 was a good year in terms of makeup. Number of new products were launched and the best part was that we got access to many international brands. For me, along with trying a lot of new launches, I re-discovered my love for some old favourites and they make it to the list as well. Without further ado, here goes my list of Favourite Makeup Products of 2017. 

Favourite Makeup Products of 2017

Face Products :

Primer – Milani Prime Shield Mattifying + Pore-Minimizing Face Primer

I don’t use primer on a regular basis but this year, when I felt the need to use one, the product that I reached out to the most was the Milani Prime Shield Mattifying + Pore-Minimizing Face Primer. Not a new launch but I was quite intrigued by the description. The product claimed to ‘soften the appearance of fine lines, large pores and flaws and create a smooth canvas for makeup application‘.

I used the primer quite a bit during summer and really liked the texture. It is light, blends easily, mattifies the skin and gives a smooth canvas for makeup products to cling onto. 

Concealer –  Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer & LA Girl Pro Concealer

These are the only two concealers I used the entire year. Kat Von D Lock-It has everything you want in a concealer – super creamy, brightens the under eye area, blends easily, provides full coverage, does not crease or fade and lasts for nearly 12-13 hours. The LA Girl Pro Concealer pretty much does the same things at a much lower price. The only difference is that it is not as thick, does not last for as long and is not as full coverage but an excellent concealer no doubt if you are looking for one to wear on an everyday basis.

Compact Powder – Lakme  9 to 5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation

I really liked the Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation. The texture is very creamy, gives decent coverage which is good for daily use, does not give a white cast and lasts for a long time as well. 

Foundation – Deciem The Ordinary Lightweight Serum & High Coverage Foundation 

Remember the foundation with a 25,000-person waitlist? Thankfully, I managed to get my hands on them and they are so worth the hype. The Serum Foundation has a lighter, liquid-y consistency and provides medium coverage. The HIgh Coverage Foundation is super concentrated and the best thing about it is that even though it provides excellent coverage, the face does not look unnatural or cake-y. The foundation stays put nearly the whole day and gives a matte finish. And the best part is that both foundations cost only $6. 

Blush – ColourPop Super Shock Blush & Milani Rose Powder Blush

The brand I used the most in 2017 was ColourPop. They came out with very good quality products at low prices and apart from their lipsticks, I also loved their eye shadows and blushes. The Super Shock Shadows are super soft, have excellent pigmentation, do not look powdery on the skin and lasts pretty long too. The Milani Rose Powder Blush is another favourite. Gorgeous packaging, not too expensive, gives a matte finish, blends really well and gives a natural look. 

Highlighter & Bronzer – theBalm Manizer Sisters Luminizing Palette

I tried a lot of highlighters this year. From Becca to Faces to Lakme to Wet n Wild etc but my all-time favourite will continue to be theBalm Manizer Sisters Luminizing Palette. Click the link above to know why I love these three sisters so much.

Setting Powder – RCMA No-Color Powder 

The world went gaga over the RCMA No-Color Powder and so did I. It is a lightweight, finely milled powder that sets foundation without changing its colour. 

Eye Products:

Brows – Maybelline Fashion Brow Pomade Crayon 

This is the only brow product I used the entire year. The crayon is very easy to use and in only a couple of strokes, it covers empty patches and also sculpts and shapes the brows. Also, lasts for nearly the entire day.

Eye Shadow – ColourPop Super Shock & Pressed Powder Eye Shadow 

For the price, these are the best eye shadows available in the market. Excellent pigmentation, no fallout, a wide range of shades and great staying power.

Mascara – Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

I just started using this mascara after I got a sample in my November Sephora Play bag and it’s already become a favourite. This is an ultra-volumizing mascara that gives thick, mile-long lashes. Too good!

Other mascaras I loved are from Essence, BeYu and L’Oreal.

Kajal/Eye liner/Eye Pencil – Colorbar Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick, Colorbar I-Glide Eye Pencil, Plum Naturstudio Kajal, Nykaa Glamoreyes Liquid Eyeliners

When it comes to eye pencils, Colorbar has always been a favourite and this year, I’ve used a lot of their products. The Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick is excellent as a cream eye shadow and an eye liner and I love the I-Glide pencils for their range of shades, pigmentation and longevity. 

The best kajal has got to be from Plum. It is jet black and stays put without fading or smudging. This year, I also used a lot of liquid eyeliners and I loved the Nykaa Glamoreyes Liquid Eyeliner range. Lovely jewel-toned shades and good quality. 

Lip Products 

Lip Balm – Maybelline Baby Lips Candy Rush Lip Balm

An old old favourite. This year, Maybelline came out with quite a few variants in the Baby Lips range and I loved the Candy Rush balms. 

Lip Liner – MAC Soar, ColourPop Lippie Pencil

MAC’s Soar Lip Liner will make it to each and everyone of my favourites list year after year. It is the perfect pink nude shade and I not only use it as a lip liner but also as a lipstick. ColourPop’s Lippie Pencils are also a favourite because they are really creamy, go on easily and stays put. The only problem is that they are not retractable pencils so you do need to sharpen them.

Lipstick – Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick 

Undoubtedly, the best matte lipstick formula out there. My favourite is the shade Queen, a gorgeous bright pink-red. I love the formula of the Matte Revolution lipsticks because they apply like a dream and not drying at all. If you love matte lippies, this is one range you must try.

Liquid Lipstick – MAC Retromatte, ColourPop Ultra Blotted Lips, The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid, Sephora Cream Lip Stain 

I’ve tried a lot of liquid lipsticks but these are the ones I go back to most of the time. MAC Retromattes now have a new formula which is not as drying, The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquids have a lovely mousse like texture, apply smoothly and dry down to a velvet matte finish. If you have not tried any lipstick from the Sephora Cream Lip Stain range, you must get one now because these lipsticks with their excellent pigmentation and staying power are one of the best in the market. And if you like the stained lip look, try the ColourPop Ultra Blotted Lips. Less opaque than the Ultra Mattes and Ultra Satins but they last for hours. 

That’s it folks.  These were my Favourite Makeup Products of 2017 and I’d love to know your list. Do share in the comments below. And whoever is reading this, I wish you and your family a brilliant 2018. May all your wishes come true 🙂

P.S – I have only included products that I use so you won’t find a contouring product, eye shadow primer or BB/CC cream on the list.