Having churned out an eye-watering 582 posts so far in 2014, it's easy to forget what I've covered and what posts really resonated with you lovely lot. I'm so often writing at the speed of light and moving quickly on to the next thing that I don't get a chance to pause, reflect and re-read. Having had a bit of a session flicking backwards and looking at old posts from the past twelve months, I've handpicked twenty of my favourites to highlight once more - whether they were well received, provided useful tips, discussed something controversial or simply were fun to write, here are my top twenty favourite blog posts of 2014. I hope you enjoy them as much as me.
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1. The Ten Brands To Watch In 2015: Expect Great Things!
With so many brands launching every month and even more simmering under the radar, it's incredibly difficult to see past the noise and pinpoint brands you really need to be aware of. I've picked ten of my favourites that I expect amazing things from in the next twelve months. Get to know them now and be ahead of the trend in 2015.
2. Buying Beauty Online: Why It's A Better Idea Than You Probably Think
So many of us have reservations about buying beauty online, but it's actually a much better idea than you may think. From mega sizes, incredible discounts and free samples, there's a huge number of reasons that stocking up on beauty products online is a great resolution for next year.
3. Stop Sleeping In Your Makeup: Why It's Really Not A Good Idea
The one thing I preach more than anything else? Don't sleep in your makeup. Ever. Not only can it cause breakouts and irritation, but have a long-term detrimental impact on your skin. Find out why sleeping in your makeup is never a good idea, plus what you can do to ensure it's removed effectively and efficiently.
4. Always Oversleeping? Ten Ways To Save Time Getting Ready In The Morning
One of my favourite posts because it's a life saver when I've run out of time, I share ten ways in which to save time getting ready in the morning without scrimping on looking fabulous. Preparation is key, as are multifunctional products... Have a read of the full post and savour those precious extra minutes in bed.
5. Look Fabulous: Five Steps To The Perfect Winged Eyeliner
Winged eyeliner is the holy grail of many, but often so impossible to achieve. After mastering the art myself in 2014, I share how to perfect your winged eyeliner in five easy steps - no faffing required. It'll become your makeup staple and a relaxed glamorous look for the office in 2015.
6. Everyone Can Wear Red Lipstick (You Just Need To Know My Top Tips!)
Red lipstick can totally transform a look, making even a pair of jeans and a white tee look uber sophisticated. If you've ever doubted your ability to wear red lipstick, then my tips to picking and applying your perfect shade will be the best thing you read this week.
7. "Don't Save That Sh*t For Best"
Why oh why do we all have a tendency to save our favourite or expensive products for that special occasion that never comes? Make 2015 the year you start opening those precious jars, applying the magic creams and spritzing yourself with that expensive perfume. Stop saving that sh*t for best and enjoy it.
8. Top Five Tips For Organising Your Beauty Products
How many times have you looked at your pile of beauty products and wished there was an easier way? I outlined my top tips for organising and storing your makeup to ensure swift application and minimal mess. All you need is a few acrylic containers, bounds of enthusiasm and enough makeup!
9. Six Tips For Applying Mascara & Achieving The Perfect Flutter
Applying mascara isn't as easy as you may think - there's a definite knack to ensuring your perfect flutter and that your eyes look wide awake. I pulled together all that I've learned from testing hundreds of mascaras in my time, ensuring a fab result every single time.
10. Understanding Eczema: What It Is, Why It Happens & How You Can Deal With It
It's the skin condition that makes thousands of people's lives uncomfortable and irritable. However, eczema is a skin condition that can be managed and improved using a few simple tricks. From minimising irritation, managing your diet and supplementing with fish oil capsules, use my tips (learned from managing my boyfriend's condition) to help any fellow sufferers.
11. Six Tips For Covering Pesky Dark Circles & Under-Eye Bags
Dark circles are the bane of my life, but with a few handy products and a few tips for minimising those horrendous dull tones under your eyes, you could look wide awake and ready to face the day. This has been one of my most popular posts this year, and with good reason.
12. The Great Train Debate: Is It Ok To Apply Your Makeup On Your Commute?
A post that was written after a Twitter conversation, this caused quite the stir and provided surprising results. Is it ok to apply your makeup on the train and save a few moments in the morning, or is it antisocial and unacceptable? The readers of LBQ have spoken...
13. Why Lemon Water Changed My Life (And How It Could Help You Too)
The one discovery that changed my life this year (apart from swapping dairy with soya,) was the introduction of lemon water into my routine. After a long period of digestive problems, having a glass of hot lemon every morning made the world of difference. Although I've gotten out of the routine, from January 1st it's becoming a fundamental part of my day again.
14. YSL Touche Eclat: How Should You *Really* Be Using It?
One of the most misunderstood products of our generation, YSL's Touche Eclat isn't a concealer but in fact a highlighter. In this little post I talk you through how the cult product is supposed to be used and how you can get the most out of it. This will revolutionise how you apply the little golden wand.
15. How To Understand The Ingredients On The Back Of Your Cosmetics Products
If you're concerned about sulphates, parabens or any other chemical ingredient in your beauty products, then you need to understand what you're looking for. Similarly, it's essential that you understand what the symbols and terminology means on the back of every bottle in order to make an informed purchasing decision. Get to grips with it all now.
16. The Lowdown On Cleansing Conditioners: Fab or Fad?
Undoubtedly one of the biggest trends of the year, cleansing conditioners seemed to revolutionise the hair care market in a way only paralleled by GHD. Although they may have fizzled into the background somewhat, they definitely offer an alternative to traditional shampoos and conditioners. Find out why they're not a fad and should be embraced with love indefinitely.
17. UVA & UVB Rays: What Are They & How Can We Protect Ourselves?
Sun care shouldn't be left only to the summer months - UVA and UVB rays are all around us, 365 days of the year. Understanding what they are, where they come from and what you can do to protect your skin from damage will help establish a new routine that will ensure radiant and youthful skin.
18. What Is Your Skin Type Telling You?
Whether or not you have oily, dry or combination skin, it could be telling you something you're not paying attention to. Nobody should have anything other than 'normal' skin by default, so it may be that you're under or over using products that are doing you more harm than good. Find out what your skin type is telling you and what you can do about it in this post.
19. The Power Of The Blogger & When Relations Turn Bad
A post that I really had to push myself to write, let alone publish, this discussed how bloggers are becoming ever more powerful and how brands really need to take notice. After I was treated appallingly by a brand I previously loved, I wanted to share my story and let others know it wasn't acceptable to be bullied into submission. Still one of the most read posts of 2014.
20. So You Wanna Be A Full Time Blogger? Here's What It's REALLY Like…
Finally, being a full time blogger is awesome - but it also comes with it's own set of challenges. If you're planning on taking the plunge into full time blogging in 2015, or simply want to put it on your to-do list for the future, have a read of what it's really like to be a full time blogger right now.
Are any of my top twenty posts your favourites of 2014? Are there any others you've loved or any posts you'd love me to write in 2015?![]()
1. The Ten Brands To Watch In 2015: Expect Great Things!
With so many brands launching every month and even more simmering under the radar, it's incredibly difficult to see past the noise and pinpoint brands you really need to be aware of. I've picked ten of my favourites that I expect amazing things from in the next twelve months. Get to know them now and be ahead of the trend in 2015.
2. Buying Beauty Online: Why It's A Better Idea Than You Probably Think
So many of us have reservations about buying beauty online, but it's actually a much better idea than you may think. From mega sizes, incredible discounts and free samples, there's a huge number of reasons that stocking up on beauty products online is a great resolution for next year.
3. Stop Sleeping In Your Makeup: Why It's Really Not A Good Idea
The one thing I preach more than anything else? Don't sleep in your makeup. Ever. Not only can it cause breakouts and irritation, but have a long-term detrimental impact on your skin. Find out why sleeping in your makeup is never a good idea, plus what you can do to ensure it's removed effectively and efficiently.
4. Always Oversleeping? Ten Ways To Save Time Getting Ready In The Morning
One of my favourite posts because it's a life saver when I've run out of time, I share ten ways in which to save time getting ready in the morning without scrimping on looking fabulous. Preparation is key, as are multifunctional products... Have a read of the full post and savour those precious extra minutes in bed.
5. Look Fabulous: Five Steps To The Perfect Winged Eyeliner
Winged eyeliner is the holy grail of many, but often so impossible to achieve. After mastering the art myself in 2014, I share how to perfect your winged eyeliner in five easy steps - no faffing required. It'll become your makeup staple and a relaxed glamorous look for the office in 2015.
6. Everyone Can Wear Red Lipstick (You Just Need To Know My Top Tips!)
Red lipstick can totally transform a look, making even a pair of jeans and a white tee look uber sophisticated. If you've ever doubted your ability to wear red lipstick, then my tips to picking and applying your perfect shade will be the best thing you read this week.
7. "Don't Save That Sh*t For Best"
Why oh why do we all have a tendency to save our favourite or expensive products for that special occasion that never comes? Make 2015 the year you start opening those precious jars, applying the magic creams and spritzing yourself with that expensive perfume. Stop saving that sh*t for best and enjoy it.
8. Top Five Tips For Organising Your Beauty Products
How many times have you looked at your pile of beauty products and wished there was an easier way? I outlined my top tips for organising and storing your makeup to ensure swift application and minimal mess. All you need is a few acrylic containers, bounds of enthusiasm and enough makeup!
9. Six Tips For Applying Mascara & Achieving The Perfect Flutter
Applying mascara isn't as easy as you may think - there's a definite knack to ensuring your perfect flutter and that your eyes look wide awake. I pulled together all that I've learned from testing hundreds of mascaras in my time, ensuring a fab result every single time.
10. Understanding Eczema: What It Is, Why It Happens & How You Can Deal With It
It's the skin condition that makes thousands of people's lives uncomfortable and irritable. However, eczema is a skin condition that can be managed and improved using a few simple tricks. From minimising irritation, managing your diet and supplementing with fish oil capsules, use my tips (learned from managing my boyfriend's condition) to help any fellow sufferers.
11. Six Tips For Covering Pesky Dark Circles & Under-Eye Bags
Dark circles are the bane of my life, but with a few handy products and a few tips for minimising those horrendous dull tones under your eyes, you could look wide awake and ready to face the day. This has been one of my most popular posts this year, and with good reason.
12. The Great Train Debate: Is It Ok To Apply Your Makeup On Your Commute?
A post that was written after a Twitter conversation, this caused quite the stir and provided surprising results. Is it ok to apply your makeup on the train and save a few moments in the morning, or is it antisocial and unacceptable? The readers of LBQ have spoken...
13. Why Lemon Water Changed My Life (And How It Could Help You Too)
The one discovery that changed my life this year (apart from swapping dairy with soya,) was the introduction of lemon water into my routine. After a long period of digestive problems, having a glass of hot lemon every morning made the world of difference. Although I've gotten out of the routine, from January 1st it's becoming a fundamental part of my day again.
14. YSL Touche Eclat: How Should You *Really* Be Using It?
One of the most misunderstood products of our generation, YSL's Touche Eclat isn't a concealer but in fact a highlighter. In this little post I talk you through how the cult product is supposed to be used and how you can get the most out of it. This will revolutionise how you apply the little golden wand.
15. How To Understand The Ingredients On The Back Of Your Cosmetics Products
If you're concerned about sulphates, parabens or any other chemical ingredient in your beauty products, then you need to understand what you're looking for. Similarly, it's essential that you understand what the symbols and terminology means on the back of every bottle in order to make an informed purchasing decision. Get to grips with it all now.
16. The Lowdown On Cleansing Conditioners: Fab or Fad?
Undoubtedly one of the biggest trends of the year, cleansing conditioners seemed to revolutionise the hair care market in a way only paralleled by GHD. Although they may have fizzled into the background somewhat, they definitely offer an alternative to traditional shampoos and conditioners. Find out why they're not a fad and should be embraced with love indefinitely.
17. UVA & UVB Rays: What Are They & How Can We Protect Ourselves?
Sun care shouldn't be left only to the summer months - UVA and UVB rays are all around us, 365 days of the year. Understanding what they are, where they come from and what you can do to protect your skin from damage will help establish a new routine that will ensure radiant and youthful skin.
18. What Is Your Skin Type Telling You?
Whether or not you have oily, dry or combination skin, it could be telling you something you're not paying attention to. Nobody should have anything other than 'normal' skin by default, so it may be that you're under or over using products that are doing you more harm than good. Find out what your skin type is telling you and what you can do about it in this post.
19. The Power Of The Blogger & When Relations Turn Bad
A post that I really had to push myself to write, let alone publish, this discussed how bloggers are becoming ever more powerful and how brands really need to take notice. After I was treated appallingly by a brand I previously loved, I wanted to share my story and let others know it wasn't acceptable to be bullied into submission. Still one of the most read posts of 2014.
20. So You Wanna Be A Full Time Blogger? Here's What It's REALLY Like…
Finally, being a full time blogger is awesome - but it also comes with it's own set of challenges. If you're planning on taking the plunge into full time blogging in 2015, or simply want to put it on your to-do list for the future, have a read of what it's really like to be a full time blogger right now.
Are any of my top twenty posts your favourites of 2014? Are there any others you've loved or any posts you'd love me to write in 2015?