Updates: Hero’s of 2009

Well it's that time of year again when we look back over the last twelve months and review what was good, what was bad, and what we will be doing again next year.

We are so lucky at La Luminata, as we are plugged into the main sources of info, get invited to amazing events, get to hear of and try out cool new clothing labels and sample some of the best new skincare and make up products out there. So, we would be doing you a mis-service if we didn't report back on the best products and brands of 2009.

Here goes...

Best Fragrance of 2009

It's got to be Vanilla & Anise by Jo Malone, sharp, individual and surprisingly sexy...a little goes a long way which is what we like here!

Best Moisturiser of 2009

Without a doubt, it's the Kimberley Sayer Anti-Oxidant daily moisturising cream. It smells of lavender, it has an SPF of 25, it really works, what's not to love?

Best Night Cream of 2009

Materia Herba, Nourishing Night Cream by Korres is a joy to use and leaves your skin glowing the morning after, even with a hangover!

Best Skincare product of 2009

Is...drum roll please! A'kin Rosehip Oil. How on earth did I live without this product is the question? Actually improving skintone, freckles and blemishes over time, this is a little bottle of miracles!

Best Budget Skincare Range of 2009

Good old Holland and Barrett have this year dusted off the shelves to add their new brain-child of cost effective, bio certified range of body, hair and skincare products. We tried out a big selection of these products and were really, really, impressed.

Best All-rounder product of 2009

Intelligent Nutrients was launched this year by the founder of Aveda. We got our hands on a large part of the new range and absolutely loved the multi-functional aromatics. With a range of wonderful scents, these can be used as a perfume, to freshen up clothing, as a hair shine and spritzer or even to relieve tiredness. We wore 'Restore' at a recent event and were literally getting compliments from complete strangers!

Best Eyecream of 2009

We love the Pomegranite eye cream from Holland & Barret. Affordable AND effective.

Best Body Scrub of 2009

So many great scrubs to choose from and such a difficult choice! We were bowled over by Jo Malone's Vitamin E scrub which smelt heavenly and lasted around 5 months. Well worth the high pricetag.

Best Body Lotion of 2009

This is also a toughie as we tried out so many great lotions this year...However, for universal appeal and sheer gorgeousness we have settled on John Masters Vanilla & Blood Orange Body Milk.

Best Luxury Product of 2009

Tears were nearly shed when we came to the end of Neom's Real Luxury Bath Oil. Never had a bath felt so good before until we experienced this. If you want to give yourself a well-earned treat then this is it. We cannot recommend it highly enough!

Best Cosmetics brand of 2009

This year has been an exploration into the world of Mineral Make Up, and boy were we impressed! Our favourite brand of base and foundation products have been Christopher Drummond. Just try out the Radiance Boosting Powder and try not to smile at the results...

Best Affordable Cosmetics brand of 2009

Now this came a close second in terms of quality, yet it's a little more affordable than most mineral cosmetic brands, plus their packaging is to die for...it's Lily Lilo.

Best New Clothing Label of 2009

So many new clothing labels emerged in 2009 and it really has been the year for eco and ethical fashion. Our favourite new label is Outsider. One to watch (and buy) in 2010.

Best Lingerie Label of 2009

We love, we love, we love and cannot get enough of Brighton-based Ophelia Fancy. They have the sexiest and cutest lingerie label in the UK, they have their own hotel room, they run their own magazine, their undies have been used in The Horrors music videos, they parade around in nickers and nipple pasties on a regular basis, these girls are gods!

Best Shoe brand of 2009

We have been surprised by many amazing shoe discoveries this year, but I think what we loved best were Hetty Rose's amazing handmade shoes. Quirky, individual and they fit your feet perfectly.

Best Vintage Store of 2009

She's one of the best dressed ladies that I've ever seen and with poise and flair she runs her online Vintage shop for the masses. Behold the fantastic find of 2009, Natasha Bailie Vintage!

Best Online Shop of 2009

This has to be online store Etsy which stocks the most amazing and diverse selection of handmade, vintage and upcycled products from around the World. This website is the best invention for creative types. Keep posted for La Luminata's shop on the site.

Best Jewelry Designer of 2009

Solis jewelery is a collection after our own hearts. Natural, unfussy, wearable everyday and crafted with love. Designer Carolyn MacKinnon’s main inspirations are optimism, love and pain, nature, healing crystals, and she-ra!

Best Furniture Designer of 2009

We have come across so many wonderful new Furniture Designer's in the last year, however for pure functionality and simplicity we heart Scrapile. It's just a shame that they are based in the states for all of us UK shoppers.

Best Artist of 2009

In our humble opinion, Craft-driven artist Lizzie Thomas is both imaginative and practical creating amazing paper sculptures and origami pieces. We hope to see her style and skills grow into dizzy new heights in 2010.

Best New Product of 2009

Our favourite find which we will hopefully be utilizing in 2010 is custom wallpaper designers Custhom. A creative and conceptual approach to wallpaper design, making an everyday item unique is always a winner with us!

Best new device of 2009

If you don't have one of these, then you should. A portable hot pink Solar charger meaning that dead/dying phones, mp3 players and small electrical devices are a now thing of the past. This is perfect for camping trips, traveling and summer festivals.

Best Eco Fashion Daily 2009

Going from strength to strength is quirky online magazine Daisy Green which we are big fans of.

Best New Blog 2009

For sheer ingenuity, craziness mixed with a dash of practical magic, Fashion meets cuisine it's Luxirare.

Best Female of 2009

For being unique, offbeat, dressing like a goddess, getting us dancing to a song called 'Daniel' and inspiring us throughout 2009 with her unique vision. Natasha Khan aka Bats for Lashes is our lady of the year.

Best Male of 2009

Our favourite man this year has been environmental journalist for the Guardian, Smart Planet and The Green Guy, Adam Vaughan. I have met this guy in person and he is quick witted, warm, friendly and funny...our kinda guy!

Best New Model of 2009

She was great to work with, beautiful, kind and humble with the longest legs in the world! She is one Roxy Hart.

Best Trend of 2009

Thank you recession, thanks to you we are all enjoying staying in and making things, learning new skills and crafts, making new crafty friends, being more resourceful and bringing out the creative person in each and every one of us. We loved the crafting trend of 2009 which is set to continue into 2010.

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 12th, 2009 at 3:10 pm and is filed under Updates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.