As we get ready to celebrate the impending new year, let's take a quick look back into 2013 and reflect on the highs and lows of beauty packaging and design. As I've done in previous years, I present to you my top three picks as well as three collections that didn't exactly knock my socks off.
First, things I loved:
1. Cosme Decorte Makeup Coffret II: Between the laser-cut paper insert, the luxe white lining of the box and the woodland creatures frolicking about, this is possibly the ultimate winter cosmetics package.
2. Clarins summer bronzer: The glowing red of the compact lid paired perfectly with the intricate, Aztec-inspired pattern imprinted on the powder.
3. OB for Shu: while I was deliriously happy to see the Shu/Murakami collaboration, it was Murakami's young protegé that truly captured my heart this year. OB's collection was sheer magic, full of whimsy and beautiful soft colors.
I also wanted to give an honorable mention to something that was not released this year but that blew me away nevertheless: the amazing memorabilia that was generously bestowed upon me by a mysterious Stila fan!
And now for the pans. Here are three that I found to be the most disappointing.
1. NARS/Guy Bourdin: I was so excited to learn of another NARS artist collaboration this year given the phenomenal 2012 Andy Warhol collection, but was crushed when I saw the terribly misogynist work by Bourdin, which was used on the packaging for the NARS collection. Ugh.
2. Wild Horses palette by Chantecaille: Yes, I bought it. But did I love it? Not really. I'm not a huge fan of horses to begin with, and this palette followed the same basic four-pan layout as the previous five (!) Chantecaille releases.
3. All collections by YSL: Seriously, get it together!
Do you agree with my picks? If you're so inclined, dig through this year's archives and see which makeup items were your faves (and least fave)!