Another year gone! I can’t believe we are only one sleep away from 2017. Where has the time gone, I have zero clue. So many things happened and year 2016 was such a good year for me in terms of my blog progression. I achieved many goals I set for myself and my blog. And I am very pleased that my efforts actually payed off. My blog is still young but is in much better place. So I wanted to reflect a little bit on my past experiences and what was my favourite things about 2016.
First of all I will talk about my blog Instagram. For the last
couple of month, I put a lot of effort in improving my photography and making
my Instagram visually more pleasing. I realised quite late the real power of
this social channel but the results are mind blowing. I got a decent number of
followers and I attracted more unique visitors on my blog. Highlight of my
Instagram was, when Lisa Eldridge added my photo in a collage of ‘best photos’
on her Instagram account after I re-created one of her signature eyeliner look
‘Kitten Flick’. It really motivated me to work on photos’ aesthetic.

I was lucky enough to be noticed by few brands too and got
a chance to work with some amazing people. I usually hear many horror stories
about PR companies and how they exploit bloggers, which are true to some
extent, but I will consider myself being very lucky that I didn’t face any
issues. I came across some dogey requests for posts but I tried to stay away
from them. I believe in quality not quantity.
I will prefer to post less content on my blog rather than several posts
a week of utter rubbish. Some state otherwise. They believe that in initial
stages accept anything which comes your way and once you establish your blog
name then get picky. But if something does not appeal to me, how can I be sure
my readers will like it too.
When blog stats improved and actual people (not spam
accounts) showed their interest in my blog posts, it pushed me to try some new things.
I tried many new brands, some new products and also new to me brands and
products in 2016. I will confess that I splurged a little more than usual in
2016 and I am guilty of buying more high end brands. I splurged not because I
wanted to be a high end or luxury products blogger but my skin changed and it needed a little
kick.
Skincare always take a big chunk of my monthly spend. This
year I found out that my skin responds to the AHA’s positively. Thus I went on
a journey and found some amazing products. Elemis biotec skin energisingcleanser which contains lactic acid is my top favourite product of the year.
This is the best face wash I tried so far. It leaves skin squeaky clean and
soft without making skin tight. I use day and night cream from the same range
along the face wash and the whole system rescued my skin.
Another favourite this year for me was Avene cleanance mask –
a glycolic acid and salicylic acid based mask for clear complexion. Recent
favourite is Nip Fab glycolic acid face cleansing pads. I have recently started
using them, but they are instant hit for me. I will be reviewing it soon on my
blog, so if you are interested then keep checking this place. Best sun screen
in 2016 for me was The Body Shop skin defence multi-purpose essence spf 50. I
think it will remain favourite for coming year as well. Because AHA’s and BHA’s
make your skin sensitive to UVA rays. Its serum consistency makes it perfect
to apply underneath makeup. It was also a very great find of year 2016 for me.
My obsession with face masks, particularly sheet masks,
reached to another level this year. I tried so many masks, some full size, some
only samples. But picked those which agreed with my skin. I loved the GarnierMoisture Bomb tissue mask which is a widely available alternative to Korean
sheet masks. It has hyaluronic acid which plumps refreshes skin in 10-15
minutes. And it is always on offer. I also used the Indeed Lab hyaluronic acid
sheets masks which cost £5 per mask, and Garnier ones are equally good.
In cosmetics,first thing in the line is my absolute
favourite and that is Becca shimmering skin perfector highlighter in shadeChampagne POP. I didn’t get the stand alone pan but got it in a limited edition
palette. I love everything about this palette but Champagne pop was the main
reason I went for it.
I also acquired Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Blush palette. I
never used UD blushes before so it was a great opportunity for me to try some.
Beautiful shades and smooth application. Loved it.
For eyeliner, KVD tattoo eyeliner totally won me over. I
have been constantly using KVD eyeliner since I got it. I tried KVD products after its launch
in UK this year. I waited for so long, but I am super glad that all the wait
worth it. Tattoo eyeliner is for people like me, who are absolutely hopeless
when it comes to wear eyeliner. It is super black and long wearing. KVD liquid
lipstick is amazing. Due to very dry lips I avoid liquid lipsticks but KVD
liquid lipstick is not over drying and long wear. The drugstore favourite is of
course NYX soft matte lip cream.
This year my favourite mascara was MUFE smoky lash mascara.
It replaced my old favourite Lancôme due to its brush size. It lengthens and
gives a good volume to eyelashes.
Near the end of 2016, I got Marc Jacobs lipstick set.
Although it was at the very end of year, I will must say, this was the best
purchase for me. Mar Jacobs lipsticks are so creamy and highly pigmented. They
are everything one can expect form a bullet lipstick and from Marc Jacobs as a
brand, of course. My favourite shade is slow burn - a beautiful dusky rose
shade.
It will be very unfair if I don't mention my favourite perfume. Stella McCartney POP was kind of my signature scent for this year. It is fresh and young but sophisticated at the same time.
I also wrote one blog post where I penned down few tips about blog photography. I was quite nervous about it because I am not pro. But "Beauty Blog Photography for Beginners" became one of my most viewed posts. Another favourite about 2016 :) Another posts which are most viewed are about my top picks of all time in skincare and makeup. You can check them out from the "Top Favourite" menu tab above.
It will be very unfair if I don't mention my favourite perfume. Stella McCartney POP was kind of my signature scent for this year. It is fresh and young but sophisticated at the same time.
I also wrote one blog post where I penned down few tips about blog photography. I was quite nervous about it because I am not pro. But "Beauty Blog Photography for Beginners" became one of my most viewed posts. Another favourite about 2016 :) Another posts which are most viewed are about my top picks of all time in skincare and makeup. You can check them out from the "Top Favourite" menu tab above.
p.s. If you wish to read any of review of mentioned products in this article, click on the name of product and it will take you to the post. But remember there is much more on my blog, so keep exploring. xx
Congratulations on what sounds a really successful year - I hope 2017 continues to bring you just as much success!
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed a successful year by far for my blog. Thanks for wishes :)
DeleteSounds like you have been really busy with your blog last year. I hope 2017 is equally successful for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear xx
DeleteIt sounds like 2016 has been a great year for you blog wise, here's to a fabulous 2017 too. Mich x
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to 2017.
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