Five Golden Gifts: Best of Beauty 2016 + Win A Viviscal Giftset

For today's post, I've compiled a list of the beauty products that impressed me most this year, which would all make great gifts for beauty lovers!


1. Platinum Fix & Finish Fixing Spray.

This is something I've only had for a few weeks but I love it. The fact that it is a spray with decent hold that isn't an aerosol is amazing. Plus, you get quite a lot of bang for your buck as each bottle is relatively slim but has a lot of product in it. A couple spritzes as I brush my hair after showering is enough to ensure that it air-dries smooth and neatly. It's basically the perfect product for someone lazy, like me, who doesn't really style their hair on a regular basis but also suffers from fly-aways and hair with a mind of its own but would also be great for someone who is really into styling their hair. It doesn't hurt that is smells really nice too - basically like you just walked out of a salon a few minutes beforehand. The whole Platinum line is great and I've heard the hair mask is magic at revitalising and giving life back to dull hair.

2. Urban Decay's Naked Ultimate Basics Palette (RRP €47.00),

The latest in the Naked family, this palette has been incredibly well received and delivers the all-matte selection of shades that lovers of the previous palettes were crying out for. Featuring 12 all-new neutral shades that are exclusive to this palette and different from the shades in Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2. Some shades, however, may trigger memories of colours from other UD palettes, such as Extra Bitter, as they are refined versions of some of the most popular eyeshadows that the brand has produced. It has become the palette that I reach for every time I do my makeup, blends like a dream and is all filler - there isn't a single dud among the shades. This is the palette to buy this Christmas.

3. Primark Makeup Brushes.

The Primark makeup brush line was reinvented and relaunched last year. I was immediately impressed by their quality and can safely say that they compete with much more expensive brushes. The even made it on to my Best of Beauty last year but I had to include them again this year. The eyeshadow brush that I consistently reach for is my Primark one and they have replaced a lot of my old favourites. This year, for Christmas, Primark have released a gift set of some of the most popular and key brushes in the collection that retails for just seven euro. It's a great bargain and a perfect gift for people with a smaller budget, as a Secret Santa gift or as a stocking filler.

4. Youngblood's Brow Artiste (RRP €37.50).

One of their Hero Products, this is one of the better brow kits on the market. The packaging is sleek and sturdy and is slim and compact enough to travel well. It is also big enough, however, that the mirror in the lid is one I would actually use. Normally, mirrors in compacts are so irritatingly small that I never use them but I found myself using this one. Similarly, brushes and tools in kits are usually crap but the double-ended corkscrew and angled brush has a slightly longer handle and is quite handy, as is the little tweezers. The colours of the powders, meanwhile, are perfect for building up a natural or a more stylised brow. This is now the only brow product that I use bar a clear gel that is needed to tame my crazy brow hairs. I can't recommend it highly enough for brow obsessives and the average makeup lover alike.

5. Viviscal's Densifying Range.

Viviscal changed my hair forever. After I took a 6 month course of the Viviscal supplements and hair growth serum, I happened to start going back to the hairdresser in my hometown, where I had had my hair cut for years, and they noticed that I had gone from having rather fine hair to healthy, thick hair. This year, they launched a new "Densifying" range that consists of a shampoo (RRP €11.95), conditioner (RRP €11.95) and elixir (RRP €24.95). I got to try the line out a while ago and didn't realise how much I really loved it until I had another batch sent out to me again last week. I love how they all smell - kind of spicy but in a good way - and my hair is incredibly silky and well-behaved. I haven't had to deal with fly-aways or frizz since I began using them. The best endorsement for the brand, however, has to be the fact that Debbie Harry is a big fan - if it's good enough for Blondie, it's bound to make for a good gift.

Which is why I picked them as the beauty giveaway this year. I have a set with the supplements, shampoo, conditioner and elixir to give away and, to be honest, I wish I could keep it for myself to have some spares ready for the (horrible) moment I run out! Read on to find out how to enter and win and be sure to return tomorrow for this year's final giveaway!

1. This giveaway is open to residents of Ireland, over 18.

2. The prize is a Viviscal giftset featuring supplements, a shampoo, conditioner and elixir.

3. All you need to do is comment below here or on Facebook with who you'd give it to - or if you want it for yourself! However, you must be following me on at least one platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', Tumblr), let me know which one in the comment if it's not obvious!

4. Competition closes a week from now on the 11th of December 2016 at midnight Irish time.

5. Winners will be chosen at random.

6. I will then comment below the winner's comment and ask you to email my official blog email address.

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