One of the annual blog traditions I started a while back was gathering my favorite and least favorite releases of the year. While I neglected to do this for 2017, I'm triumphantly returning to the tradition this year. Here are my top 3 picks from 2018. It was hard to choose!
1. The mermaid-themed goodies illustrator Donald Robertson created for Rodin Olio Lusso took my breath away. Plus I got a bag customized by the artist himself.
2. I know there was significant backlash to it, but I just loved the MAC Jeremy Scott collection. So. Much. Nostalgia.
3. There were so many amazing collections this holiday season, but since I'm forcing myself to choose I'm going with the stunning Shine Classic compacts from Sulwhasoo, which celebrate a part of Korean cultural heritage that nearly went extinct.
There were a few vintage honorable mentions as well, including some pieces that I've acquired but haven't shared yet (stay tuned!), as well as the plethora of donations the Museum received. So incredibly thoughtful and generous!
Now for the pans. Sometimes even brands that have released previous Curator's picks miss the mark. I guess they can't all be winners, right?
1. Givenchy African Light highlighter. Cultural appropriation much? I found everything from the name to the description ("a gorgeous illuminating powder adorned with African ethnic motifs [that] evokes the color of African deserts, while the light frangipani fragrance reminds of the lush South African gardens") to be fairly problematic.
(image from beautyalmanac.com)
2. I love iridescent packaging, but Shu's spring 2018 Tokyo Spirit collection left me cold. It was just so uninspired. The addition of Qee figurines on the lipstick cases did nothing either.
(images from chicprofile.com)
3. While I enjoyed Lancôme's spring 2018 collection, the Proenza Schouler collab was a complete snoozefest for me. It's a shame, as I think they could have done so much more.
(image from beautyalmanac.com)
Do you agree with these choices? What were your favorite items this year? Have a spin through the Museum's archives and Instagram and tell me what you think!