My favourite products of two thousand and twelve

2012 was a strange year. A lot of things changed and unfortunately this took strain on my blog, therefore I don't have many blog reviews to fall back on. I have still managed to keep my beauty hat on this year, so this is my chance to share with you some of the products I have rated but might not have had a chance to blog about. So here goes...

One of my all time favourite products this year is The Sanctuary Spa Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser. I heard fave reviews about the Liz Earle version so wanted to try this version as an alternative. I love how clean my skin feels after using it and it smells amazing too. I'm really lazy with my skin care routine - often just a make-up wipe will do - but this gives me the chance to give my skin a deep cleanse, something it doesn't get very often!

As for mascara's, in 2012 I used some fab products and some shockers, but there's one I always run back to as a safe choice - L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara. It's a fail s. afe mascara that gives full, volumous lashes in minimal strokes, and it lasts from morning till night. I have recently been testing the luminizer version. A blog post is expected soon.

After ombre-ing my hair two months ago, it has really suffered and become damaged, so Lee Stafford's Nourishing Miracle Oil became my savour. Just adding a small, 1p sized blob to the ends of my hair before blow-drying helped smooth it out and keep it looking and feeling healthy.

Despite its launch in 2011, the MUA Heaven and Earth Eyeshadow Palette was one of my favourite products last year and still remains one of my ultimate party make-up essentials. I won't go out without using one of the 12 eyeshadows.

Another L'Oreal product and that's the Nude Magique BB Cream. I bought this BB Cream back in the summer as a lighter alternative to my foundation and in fact I love it that much, I have bought it twice over. Whether you want subtle coverage or to use as a base, the L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream is perfect. It's incredibly light, gives great coverage and lasts much longer than other BB creams I have tested. I'm praying L'Oreal don't discontinue this one.

Last, but certainly not least is the Neutrogena Multi-Defence Daily Moisturiser for Normal to Combination Skin. I have tested many moisturisers throughout the years. I've had my favourites and one's where I didn't even get round to finishing the bottle, but non that I've liked as much as this one. I was first introduced to this product a couple of years ago after picking up a sample. I loved it that much that I went out and bought a bottle and I've carried on buying it ever since. I find some moisturisers too heavy on the skin, which is fine for night but there's nothing I hate more than applying a tacky, thick moisturiser to my skin in the morning when I'm strapped for time. The Neutrogena Multi-Defence Daily Moisturiser is completely different. It's extremely light and sinks in within a matter of seconds. What I love about it the most is it protects against different daily elements from, sun, heat, cold, pollution and wind. Plus it comes with SPF15 too!

This year I plan on blogging more and coming up with a completely new list of products ready for the beginning of 2014. I can't wait to see what new launches the beauty brands bring.

Lastly, I want to thank every one of you for reading my blog and commenting. Getting that email to tell me one of you has commented brings a huge smile to my face and its why I blog. I love beauty, as do you and I love sharing that with you all. So thank you again.

Sanctuary Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser

When you think of the words hot cloth cleanser, the first two words of everyone lips - Liz Earle - the ultimate leader in the market. At nearly £15 for a standard product, it might be a little expensive for some, especially if you're trying it for the first time.

This is why I wanted to share with you an ever so slightly cheaper version - The Sanctuary Spa Brightening Facial Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser, priced at £10.20 from Boots.

Just like the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, the Sanctuary's version came with a muslin cloth and cleanser. After following the instructions carefully, I was surprised at how clean my skin felt afterwards. It claims to deeply cleanse the skin, as well as helping to stimulate circulation and leave you with a glowing complexion. I wouldn't exactly say my skin was 'glowing' but it certainly felt refreshed and a lot cleaner compared to when I use my everyday face wash. I'm not sure if this is down to the fact that it asks you to apply both hot and cold water to the skin, while massaging the product in too, which helps to wake your skin up.

The whole routine itself takes no more than a couple of minutes and the cleanser is really easy to use. You don't need a lot either, which means that £10 tube will last you quite a while. The only downside I guess, is that the muslin cloth can get quite mucky. I tend to take my eye make-up off beforehand, otherwise I'd end up spreading it across my face and that's not hygienic at all.

Due to how fresh your skin feels afterwards, I imagine this product would make a great cleanser for mornings. But I love my sleep too much and cut my skin care routine down to a mere make-up remover wipe and moisturiser, so I have mainly stuck to the evenings. I would also like to point out how few blemishes I have had since using this product too. During the last couple of months I have started to gain a few spots around my hairline, but these have cut down dramatically since using the product. I can only assume it means I am cleansing my skin properly and my pores are no longer becoming blocked.

I would definitely rate this product as an alternative high street version compared to the more expensive ones. So go on, give it a go! Let me know how you get on.