Feeling Thankful…… 2014 in Review
One of the traditions at my church, is for each of us to present 3 prayer requests at the start of the year, and we’ll collectively pray about them. On my list this year was for God to prosper this blog… I didn’t know where it could go, or how far it may go… but I know I enjoy writing and getting to know more like-minded beauty enthusiasts along the way… so I just wanted to commit this in His hands, and let it all work out for good. And He far-exceeded my expectations! Silverkis’ World has grown and gained traction throughout the year, it now feels like a “real” beauty blog and not just a private hobby. The difference is ephemeral, but significant in my mind. With recognition came business relationships and opportunities, and while I take time to ponder the next steps, I want to remain true to the original intent which was to offer honest, unbiased and hopefully intelligent insights on beauty and health.
2014 was a very exciting year here in Singapore as we saw the arrival of several brands that are dear to me. Hakuhodo visited us several times throughout the year, and finally opened a permanent counter in Takashimaya Departmental Store! Koyudo has also been making regular appearances in Isetan Departmental Store, and Ota-san is available to take special orders on brushes that are not easily obtainable.
On the makeup front, Marc Jacobs Beauty went global, making Sephora an even more fun shopping destination than ever before! The other wonderful new arrival was Surratt Beauty, which opened its first counter outside of the US here! I had the pleasure to meet with Troy Surratt in person and I’m very much in love with his philosophy towards makeup. All his powdered products are phenomenal, if creamy smooth and subtle shades with fine shimmers are your thing. Speaking of fine shimmers, SUQQU really upped its game, turning out something novel every season!
But the world wants something new… and there’s none hotter than Gucci’s brand new makeup line! I’ve picked up a few items when it was launched, and I promise to review them properly in the new year! Kicking off the new year are 50 hot boys from Tom Ford… I’m expecting a whole lot of excitement from Mr. Ford as he looks to ramp up his business from the current $300m to $3b!
Crème Simon is a newly revived brand with French historical origins but given a fresh lease of life thanks to a local team here in Singapore. If ever there was a micellar water out there to love, this would be it! The natural and organic-buff in me cheered the arrival of Neal’s Yard Remedies, an established brand from the UK. Everything that I’ve tried so far are excellent – stay tuned for reviews! Another similar but more niche find was May Lindstrom Skin. Everything is beautifully and tastefully done, and packed full of goodness.
Not everything revolves around new beauty discoveries of course. 2014 saw massive reformulations of eyeshadows across the industry. I particularly loved Chanel’s new Les 4 Ombres for the sublime textures, wonderful pigmentation and beautiful finishes. Cle de Peau too launched a whole new range of eyeshadow quads which were buttery soft and luxurious. I was less fond of YSL’s new Couture Palettes because they were a tad too soft and inconsistent across the range. Dior was a big disappointment as they raised prices and the quality was as abysmal as before. However, they did turn out some interesting color stories which managed to weasel some money out of me nonetheless.
Plenty of other new beauty innovations throughout the year – those lip / cheek duo thingys from YSL and Shu Uemura; beauty serums that promise to boost your skin’s immunity from Shiseido and Albion; my favorite new lipstick formulas were the NARS Audacious Lipsticks and Tom Ford Lip Color Matte. I’m doing a mini-series of my personal favorites in various categories on Instagram these couple of days, so feel free to hop on over there to join in the fun!
On a more personal note, I was very thankful to have been nominated and selected to be one of the finalists in the Singapore Blog Awards 2014 – Best Beauty Blog category. Shortly after that, I was also nominated for the B.Fab Awards – Best Beauty Blogger category in the US. More important than any of that, I’ve gotten to know some really great friends along the way who has made every step of this journey so much more fun than doing it alone. Of course, I’m truly grateful for all the love and support that you, my dear reader has shown me. So, cheers to a wonderful 2014, and here’s looking forward to even greater things in the coming year!
What a lovely review of the past year!
I hope this new year brings you much joy in everything, family, friends, work and blogging! 🙂
I always enjoy reading your reviews and seeing all the lovely pictures. I feel like you really enjoy blogging, and it comes across as truthful and fun, so thanks for all your hard work! 🙂
And I’m crossing my fingers for TF to get here!! lol
Thank you so much my lovely friend. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed reading my posts, and i hope to keep seeing you in the years forward. Yes, it’s been fun so far, and i hope it remains that way, if not more so! Have a beautiful year ahead, and yes…. TF needs to get to where you are!!!
Great recap of 2014! I’m so happy to have gotten to know your beautiful blog! It was a great year for makeup (or maybe every year was) and lots of new loves for me personally. Hope 2015 is as exciting!
Thank you so much Noodles. I’m so glad you stopped by this year, and I’m so happy to have gotten to know you a little bit more via your blog and IG!! Hope you’re having a beautiful start to the year, and yes, looking forward to many more exciting things!! :**
A great overview of 2014. I hope that 2015 brings us more make-up with innovative and great textures, interesting colors 😉
I loved to read your posts this year, I am hoping you go on with the same pace and enthusiasm in 2015 as well.
Xox
I’m so glad we got to be better friends over the past year, Sara. Loved reading your posts even though i’m not always the first to leave a comment. Thank you so much for always being such a loving supporter, and for helping me so much. :* Looking forward to even more great things in 2015!
Happy new year, Linda. Congratulations on your blog’s progress and may 2015 be even more eventful 🙂
Happy New Year Lily!! I’m so happy to see your lil bub is growing well, 2014 was such a major year for you! Thank you so much for your kindness, and i’m so touched that you’ve been stopping by this year and leaving me such sweet notes. Loved reading your skincare reviews, Lily, and I’m looking forward to more in this year!
Hey Linda, sounds like you had a beautiful and fruitful year! May 2015 bring you even more joy and success! xx
Thank you so much Sunny! And I’m very grateful for your friendship and advice throughout the year! Looking forward to even greater things in 2015!! :**
I love the look of the new Gucci makeup range although i haven’t had a chance to try out any of their products yet. Not sure if they have launched in UK. Chanel new formulation eyeshadows are a ‘must have’ in any ones collections. They are fabulous. Dior were; as you say, good with colour stories but their packaging has cheapened and i didn’t really see a huge difference in quality either, although i always love their holiday collection quints.
Although i do love the formulation of the NARS audacious lipsticks, i hated the shades. Really garish and not very classy. I do love their new dual single eyeshadows. Great post as ever.
Hi Mandy, I ordered those sight unseen, but that is the best kind of surprise. I’m so glad to see that we’re mostly aligned. I’m sure there are at least a couple of shades in the NARS Audacious range that are more muted and ladylike… they just all appear to look the same for some unfathomable reason. I have Natalie which looks almost the same as Grace in the tube, but it applies out to be a rather sweet peach pink. Do have another go at it if you can! But then again… i’m sure we’ll see even more interesting and newer things in 2015!