In terms of music, 2013 was a year of many new discoveries for me.

As with the other things in this 2013 roundup (my top beauty products / nail polishes), these are not all new releases, but are albums that are new to me.

I'm an album person. I like to discover a new artist, listen to and appreciate their full body of work.

Here's the albums I loved this year!

Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

Before this year, I was sure I didn't like Lana's music at all, but out of nowhere I listened to the album and actually found that I liked it a lot. It's very hard to choose a favourite from it - I'd say they're all favourites except for National Anthem which I admit to skipping a lot. But that's the only one! If I could compare this album to a food item, it would be luxury white chocolate mousse topped with exotic fruits. 

Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg

This was the album I was listening to the night before my Art GCSE when I was cramming as much work in as possible. I got an A so I guess I owe it this mention! His unique voice layered over great guitar melodies works a treat, especially as his lyrics are so honest.

Cast of Lions - Eyes Wide To New Places

Cast of Lions are made up of members of various bands, namely The Midnight Beast, Hadouken and Limb. The result is a wonderful mix of sounds, my favourites being Masks, Jigsaws and Night Worries. I first heard of this band because I'm a big fan of The Midnight Beast, and Stef's vocals are just gorgeous. I think that anyone could like this album so why not give it a listen!

Bring Me The Horizon - Sempiternal

This year signalled a big turning point in my music taste, I opened up to more variety and I think it started with this album. I liked this so much I tried listening to their other albums but to be honest, wasn't really bothered with them. Sempiternal however is loud, angry but at other times softer and caters to my mood when I need those things and that's why I liked it so much at one point this year.

Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP 2

This album was only released in November this year but it didn't take long for me to love it. It's packed with songs that show off Eminem's skills as a rapper and a comedian. Berzerk, Evil Twin, Brainless and Love Game are some of my favourites. 

AlunaGeorge - Body Music

Again this album is filled with tunes, this time of the electro music variety, guaranteed to be stuck in your head. Aluna provides the unusual but wonderful vocals while George gives the catchy electronics. If you like this sort of thing or are willing to try something new, I recommend We Are Chosen, Superstar, Your Drums Your Love and Friends To Lovers.

The Great Gatsby Soundtrack

I went to see Gatsby in the cinema with my sister when it came out and loved it (and not just because Leo is one of my favourite actors). The soundtrack that accompanies it is a fantastic mix of sounds - if you're a hip-hop/rap fan then you'll like Jay Z and Kanye's offerings, if you prefer reflective female vocals then opt for Florence or Lana's. And it's definitely worthwhile giving a listen to Emeli Sande's version of Crazy In Love and Beyonce's take on Back To Black. I love how there's such a variety in the album but each fits in with the feel that was tried to create in the film.

Pierce The Veil - Collide With The Sky

PTV fast became one of my favourite bands with all three of their albums being delightful to listen to. They play post-hardcore with a little influence from their Mexican origins, making the guitar riffs fantastic. A little screaming but not so much your ear drums break, and Vic has a beautiful singing voice too. 

The 1975 - The 1975

In my opinion, I've saved the best til last. The 1975 are my favourite band as of this year and I missed out on tickets for their concerts twice because they sold out so quickly! You've probably heard the fun, catchy beat of Chocolate on the radio and hummed along but they have a whole album full of other great songs. They take 80's pop and a little R'n'B amongst other things with Matty Healy's unmistakable accent and in a way that only they know how, completely make it recognisably 'The 1975 sound'. Pressure, Settle Down, Girls and Menswear are all great to listen to if you want some pointers.

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So those were some of the albums I've been loving in 2013, hopefully 2014 will be even more rewarding!

I eagerly anticipate Nicki Minaj and Ed Sheeran's next albums and hope The 1975 bring out another one.

Do you like any of these albums?

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What have been your favourites this year?

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Maeve

x

Why hello there!

Today I thought I'd share with you my favourite beauty products of the year before we launch into a new one.

Let me know if you've tried some of the same items!

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L'Oreal Paris Infallible Foundation

I dabbled in some other foundations this year but the one that stood out for me was this. It's great in that it's got a buildable coverage so gives me what I need, whether it's a good or bad skin day. Plus, I love embracing my pale so this shade gets an A+ in itself! It claims to last 16 hours but personally, I've never wore it that long so I can't vouch for that. And honestly, I doubt it actually does. However, for daily use I apply a bit of powder on top and it stays put until I want to take it off in the evening. 

Maybelline Baby Lips

What a year for these lipbalms! They received a whole lot of hype when they launched in the UK during the Summer but truth be told, I only bought into that in December. Despite that, I'd still say they were one of my favourite products of 2013. I first bought Hydrate and told myself I wouldn't get any of the others, but I was so impressed I had to get two more! (Cherry Me and Pink Punch) I'm eyeing up the others now, and not just because they look cute lined up on my dressing table or in my makeup bag - they work. Hydrate is definitely the most moisturising but for days when I want a splash of colour I can pop on either of the other two and still confide in the fact that my lips will stay soft.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Another very much hyped product in the blogging world that I told myself I didn't need, until this year. I can most definitely promise that it deserves the hype. I use it under my eyes and a little on my nose and chin and it simply makes gives these areas more coverage and concealing. A great little bargain, especially when Boots usually have an offer on where if you spend over £x on Collection, you get a free nail polish, mascara etc. I don't think I could be convinced that another concealer could be better!

MAC Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick

I got this last Christmas and throughout 2013 it's been a wonderful addition to my lipstick collection - especially as it was my first MAC product! I wore it to a wedding, to a night out and more. What I love is that you can dab just a little touch on for a more subtle approach, or go all out popping pink if you dare. 

L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara

2013 was the year I put my holy grail mascara (Benefit's They're Real!) on hold in search of something new. I'd been wanting to try Volume Million for a while, the brush seemed just right for me and having quite long eyelashes anyway means I look more for volume in a mascara. This gives me both. At £10.99 it probably has the average drugstore mascara price, and I guess that's a reasonable amount to part with every few months but I have tried cheaper mascaras that can do almost as good a job. It's price is it's only slight downfall for me but luckily my favourite man in the big red jacket brought me They're Real this Christmas which I'll use when Volume Million dries out. 

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So there you have it, my favourite 5 beauty products of the year. They may not all be brand new releases this year, but they are all new discoveries for me. 

In 2014 I hope to find some new favourites, especially extend my MAC collection and try some other high end products. What do you recommend?

Also, I noticed Boots currently have a few offers on some of these:

- get a free gift box when you spend at least £15 on selected L'Oreal Paris

- get a free mascara when you spend at least £5 on selected Collection

- 3 for 2 on selected Maybelline

Before this year is out I'll be posting my favourite albums, nail polishes and blogs of 2013 so keep your eyes open for those!

Have you written a similar post?

Link it in the the comments below so I can have a wee nosy! 

...........

Maeve

x

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Disclaimer:

The fact that 4/5 of these products are on offer in Boots is purely coincidental (and Boots are always having offers on anyway). This post was not sponsored by Boots or by anyone (and neither are any of my posts so far). So far my blog isn't that big a deal yet for any brand or company to ask me to do so. I just thought I'd point out these offers as they may be helpful to someone! :)