Forgive me for stating the obvious, but wow this year went by fast. Usually time flies because there’s a lot going on, and that could definitely be said about 2017, in both good and bad ways. Today’s post is a reflection of these events, an overview of some of my favorite beauty discoveries, and really just a giant post of appreciation with a surprise at the end ;)
To understand why 2017 has been such an eventful year for me (blog-wise specifically), I have to compare it to previous years, like when I just started Geeky Posh in 2012 (I actually started blogging back in 2002, but that’s a whole other story for another day). For several years I just did my own thing, never got involved in the beauty blogging community or really any community, and after a while I started questioning: why am I even blogging? It can feel overwhelming and lonely when you don’t have a community to support you, so to my fellow beauty bloggers + Instagrammers:
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
And not just them, but all my readers, whether you’re following me, commenting, or just quietly reading and supporting this blog, you are the reason why I keep blogging even when times get tough. I don’t say this enough, but your support means more than you can imagine. I was especially moved by the outpouring of love and well wishes when Cooper got sick this summer, I know most you didn’t sign up for details about my cat, but you cared anyways, and I’m so grateful for that (so is Cooper, he feels very loved).
Favorite Beauty Discoveries of 2017
Because of your continuous support this past year, I feel like this blog really took off. I’ve had the chance to work with some incredible brands, opportunities I would’ve never had if it weren’t for you guys. A few of my favorites from this past year are:
- Instytutum: First introduced by the lovely Anne, I can see why she raves about them after trying their products myself. Their sheet masks gives me chok-chok skin and their eye cream is a holy grail for me.
- Activist Skincare: I can’t say enough wonderful things about their bespoke products, brand ethos, and incredible customer service. They actually added 2 cleansers to their product line, both of which I’m testing out now and will be reviewing soon!
- Marc Jobs: I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved their products, especially their eyeliner and mascara, two things I’m usually very finicky with!
- Skin Actives: Technically discovered in 2016, but I had the opportunity to work with them this year and try out more of their fantastic products – their ELS serum, cranberry moisturizing serum, and collagen serum are some of my favorites to date, and I have a review of their day cream with SPF30 coming very soon!
- Althea Korea: This k-beauty retailer stands out with their low prices, free + fast shipping, and their curation of niche brands, including some fantastic sheet masks and an amazing mattifying powder!
- Tom Ford: What the hell is wrong with me, how did I forget TF? Yes their products are expensive af, but ugh I honestly love everything I’ve gotten from them so far – eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, all incredible.
If you’re a regular reader, you’re probably wondering why a certain brand was left out, and that’s because I save the best for last ;)
2017 brand of the year: Klairs
Klairs has consistently been one of my favorite brands ever since I bought their products on a whim in 2015. Since then I’ve gotten the chance to try their new products as they released them, and this year in particular they released two outstanding products: the Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drops and the Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask, both of which are now staples in my routine.
Then this past October, I received one of the best blog-related news to date: I was selected to be Klair’s brand ambassador. I don’t have a huge following on social media, nor do I think I have a big reader base, so to be selected among all these more popular and established beauty bloggers was almost surreal – I started yelling and flailing incoherently as soon as I got the email that my husband was legitimately concerned for my sanity.
Again, I feel like I owe this accomplishment to you guys. What I lack in numbers is more than made up in by how engaged you guys are, whether it’s through blog/Instagram comments or messages, your support has made amazing opportunities like this possible for me. So I’ll spare you the any further mushiness and get on to the good part…a giveaway of my favorite products!
because you guys really are awesome, also this basket is too small to fit all the goodies
This giveaway is open internationally and will be open until 01/01/2018. Here’s what you’ll win:
- Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner – reviewed here.
Klairs Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drops– Unfortunately there is a crystallization issue with the most recent batch of the drops, so I’m going to remove this from the giveaway. Instead, you can pick between the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drops, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream, or the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum. Or if after reading the Wishtrend notice, you still want to take the chance with the Youth Activating Drops, let me know and I can send it to you. Again, I’m very sorry about this, but until Klairs sorts out their manufacturing issues, the Youth Activating Drops are temporarily discontinued :(- Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream – reviewed here
- Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask – reviewed here
- A selection of my favorite sheet masks, including the ones pictured above.
- Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara – an HG mascara, thank you Shireen for the recommendation! <3
- Diptyque Baies candle (1.23oz) – one of my favorite candle scents, and this batch as a much better throw than the dud I bought previously
- Aritaum Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Mask – thick and yummy, excellent for dry lips
Enter using the form below, or if it’s not showing up, click here for the giveaway page:
Again, thank you for all the love this year, and I apologize if this post seemed like a lot of semi-incoherent rambling. This was literally me while writing the post:
I enjoy most makeup and beauty reviews on your blog.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Marc Jacob’s products as well, but so far most of them have been a hit for me, even when it comes to mascaras which I’m super picky with!
Thanks for the year in review for beauty products.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sounds like an awesome year for you! I hope your cat is doing much better too!
Thank you, Cooper is all better now! ????
I am so glad that 2017 was a good (for the most part) year for you in terms of blogging. I think it’s fabulous you were asked to be Klairs brand ambassador. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and neither did your love for the brand. I hope 2018 will be a good year for you! Keep on blogging, Jenny ^^
Thank you so much Tara! I’m hoping 2018 will be an even better year for everyone as well. For me as long as my fur babies are healthy that’ll be a good year for me! ????
So glad to hear that an emotional year is coming to a good end :) I hope Copper will recover completely and will continue to make your and your readers’ life brighter for a long time and that you’ll be able to to keep up the amazing work with your blog!
Indeed! It couldn’t have ended on a better note :) Cooper is all better now, and yes, I do hope he’ll be around for many, MANY more years to brighten my photos with his fluffy presence. Thank you so much!
This post was amazing to read. I am so proud of you on how far you have come and the posts that you have brought. I always love reading your reviews and seeing your honest opinions. Keep it up, and hope next year goes just as well.
Thank you so much for the kind words and for all the support over the years! This blog has gone through huge transition since its early days but I’m glad you stuck around! ❤️
Awww this was such a sweet post to read, Jenny! I agree, the community that comes from blogging is definitely the best part. I love building friendships with my fellow bloggers :) I’m glad I discovered your blog within the past year (or maybe it was 2016 I don’t remember lol.) Thanks for the generous giveaway and good luck to everyone who enters :) I’m tempted but I already have too much stuff XD
Mili | sharmtoaster
Aw thank you Mili! I’m so glad I found your blog too, I don’t remember how (I blame my old person brain) but your posts are #goals – always so informative and entertaining!
Great picks! I never heard of a lip mask, but I definitely want to try that some day!
Marije | thegfguide.com
Thank you!
And hai to Cooper ????????
Cooper says hi back! ???????? ????
Yay for a great year! Your blog has a lot of time and heart put into it, and it shows. ???? -Angela
Aww thank you Angela! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
You’re amazing, lady! I always love coming to your blog and reading your posts. I know basically nothing about beauty related things or products, but always find myself more informed (and with new brands to look into) after reading. Also, this is the perfect use of that GIF lol. Thanks for such a rad giveaway, too!
Kathryn • simplykk.com
Aw thanks so much for the kind words Kathryn! I’m so glad to hear that you find my posts informative, yay!!
Wow! Becoming an ambassador for a brand you truly love is amazing!!! Congratulations ???? and your cat is so adorable, so glad to hear that he’s doing better ♥️
http://www.sustainablysavvy.ca
Thank you so much Lindsey! I can’t imagine not having Cooper around, and I’m so grateful we got a second chance with him ????
Ahhh this is an awesome giveaway! I remember you mentioning this brand a few times. Would love to try it! I never do these but I am totally entering. The posts I enjoy the most from you are just undiscovered brands. I always find new brands because of you!
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
Yay so glad to hear that Emily! I do love sharing new brands with you guys, hopefully 2018 will be a year of even more discoveries!
Oh wow! What a year you have :) You prove that it’s not about the quantity, it’s the quality. It’s not about how many followers you have, it’s about how many genuinely engage with your posts. Your product reviews are so thorough and informative as well plus you accompany them with clear and well-styled photos so I’m not surprised you were selected to be one of Klairs ambassador :) keep up the good work!
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY | Worldwide K-Beauty Giveaway!
Thank you so much for the kind words Alyssa! I really do hope more brands will recognize quality > quantity, as there are so many smaller blogs out there with fantastic content!
What a beautiful and thoughtful post Jenny! I remember keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for Cooper’s recovery, that photo of him is just too precious. You should frame it (if you haven’t already!). Also congratulations on being selected as a brand ambassador! Smart brands see quality, not quantity and there is plenty of it on this website! Hugs xx
Thank you so much Naya! You guys were so sweet and supportive throughout the Cooper’s sickness, I can’t express my gratitude enough. And yes, I really should print out some photos of him and Shelly to frame!
Beautiful post Jenny! I love this year in review, so many great highlights!
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
Thank you so much Sonia!
I love your skincare reviews. Have been a silent reader for quite some time. Not that I follow your blog but it always appear when I search for skincare reviews lol. I like your review on Skin Actives: http://geekyposh.nogbcgugjh-eqg35pyl14xn.p.runcloud.link/5-top-picks-from-skin-actives/. I’m interested in the ELS serum but it seems to have comedogenic oils. Do you use it every day? Are you prone to clogging?
Thank you Melody, I’m always happy to hear from readers! Hopefully my response to your question on the Skin Actives post answered your concerns!
Love reading your year end recaps. I hope you will continue with your blog. While I like Instagram, I thoroughly enjoy reading blog posts…maybe I’m just old school. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway.
So glad to hear that Sarah! I will definitely continue with my blog as I enjoy writing long posts (I’m quite opinionated as you can tell..haha ???? ), so I’m glad you guys like reading them!
Ook! Everyone is going on about Klairs. What am i missing? Really need to get onto the train. Haha
http://www.glitsxgrace.com
For me Klairs hits the sweet spot of being affordable, but effective – especially if you’re looking for something gentle and hydrating! I’ve had really good experiences with most of their products and repurchased some of them several times!
Wow, that a lovely giveaway! I would love to get my hands on these goodies. <3 Thank you so much for sharing it with us! Also, I agree with you, 2017 went by so quickly! It has been a good year though, I think. Also, I have to say I absolutely love the aesthetics of your blog. Your layout and photos are so gorgeous, neat and very inspiring. xoxo
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.com
Aww thank you so much Kay, that means a lot! I do think in spite of a few hard moments, 2017 has been a good year overall, and hopefully 2018 will be even better!
Congratulations, and a happy 2017 ending to you too. I love coming here to read your reviews and reflections (and to check out the pretty pictures :) ) Thank you for spreading positivity, yet keeping things honest. Keep it up, and have a fruitful 2018!
Thank you so much for your kind words! So glad you like the reviews and the photos!
Klairs is an outstanding brand that has a lot of great feedbacks. Great discoveries of amazing brands. 2017 has been so good to you.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
Klairs really is a great brand, I hope to see their line expand more in the future! 2017 had its ups and downs, but overall I can’t complain!
I love the sentiment behind this post and am so happy to hear that 2017 has been such a special year for you. I’m also happy to hear that Cooper is better! There is nothing worse than a furry friend going through something scary medically!
Thank you so much Kasie! Yes, Cooper being sick was definitely one of the toughest periods in my life, and I’m just so glad for a second chance with him ❤️
Such a great post Jenny. Indeed this year seems to have flown by way quicker than others. Perhaps it’s just me, I’m just getting older.
I remember the time when Cooper got sick and I am SO happy that he made a fast recovery and is back to 100%. I really enjoy connecting with you here and on Instagram. Your posts are very inspiring and I always learn something new from you. Excited to see what the future holds.
~ Cat L
http://www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Thank you so much for your kind words Cat! That period was definitely one of the toughest of my life and I’m grateful for all the support from you guys during that time. For me this wonderful community is really the most rewarding part of blogging!
This is a beautiful post Jenny! I just started following you, the middle of this year and I’m always so impressed with your reviews. Congratulations on being a Klairs Ambassador. I’ve learned a lot about them through you. I definitely want to try them and the Instytutum line. Your Instytutum reviews really impressed me.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Aww thank you, so glad you enjoy the reviews, I’m always worried if people would find them too long and wordy ???? I can’t recommend the Instytutum line enough, I’ve really enjoyed all of their products so far!
Congratulations on everything, and I can’t believe you have been blogging since 2002! I’m happy you kept with it and started Geeky Posh, as I’ve learnt so much from you. I hope everything with Cooper is okay now too, he is adorable! A huge congratulations on being appointed as Klair’s brand ambassador too, that’s massive!xx
Hannah | luxuryblush
Thank you so much Hannah! Haha, I can’t believe how long it’s been either, and it’s been fascinating just seeing how blogs went from personal journals to become what they are today. Cooper is all better now, and we couldn’t be more grateful for a second chance with him :)
Such a lovely post. And yes the year has gone by so quickly but in some ways I’m glad. 2017 was a mixed bag and a lot of clearing out the old. I’m looking forward to the fact that in 2018 some things in my life that just weren’t serving me are well and truly gone. x
franklyflawless.com
Thank you! And I agree, a new year is a new beginning without the baggages of the past year!
congrats on being appointed as klair’s brand ambassador! you really deserve it! also, i’ve said this before and i’ll say it again: thank YOU for geeky posh because i learned a lot of skincare stuff from you and i get to know indie brands too. i am also thankful that you managed to convert me to use sunscreen religiously ♥
Thank you!! It always makes me so happy when I hear that you guys have learned something helpful from me haha. And YAY for using sunscreen religiously!!
Congrats on everything, girl! This post was so refreshing to read and thanks for introducing so many new products I’ve never heard of!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Aw thank you so much Katherine! ???? Like they say, good things are meant to be shared!
jenny!!! i only wish i discovered your blog sooner! you’re literally the definition of geeky posh, i’ve learned so much from you in the short time we’ve been friends!
HAHAHA i was actually surprised that klairs “wasn’t” on the list at first! so happy you’re a brand ambassador for a brand you truly enjoy – there needs to be more things like this! people should be brand ambassadors because they truly love the products, not because they have millions of followers, you know?
my sis loves the marc jacobs pencil liners too, i’ve tried them (never shelled out the $$ for em though) and they’re even more creamy than the urban decay ones, but they set so nicely too.
thanks so much for the giveaway! can i give a copout answer and say all of your posts are my favorites?! but hmmm, if i had to narrow down, i’d say something that reviews a product in depth – i don’t have an understanding of *everything* you write about, but i enjoy learning little things and about the ingredients!
becky @ star violet
Ahh thank you so much for the sweet comment Becky, especially that part about me being geeky posh! ????❤️ I totally agree with you on the brand ambassador thing, and I do think more brands are starting to realize that number isn’t everything, so we’re making progress!
Also thank you for your feedback on the post! It’s always helpful to learn what you guys actually enjoy so I’ll know what to write more of in the future. And please don’t feel bad about following for entries, I listed them as options on rafflecoptor for a reason! ????
ALSO sorry i tend to forget that bloggers have instagrams too LOL i feel kinda bad because it feels like i’m following you purely for the giveaway .___.
Aww I loved this post, I could tell it was so heart felt and I loved reading it. Congratulations on becoming a Klairs Brand Ambassador, very well deserved. I will have to check out these brands, especially that Instytutum Eye Cream you’ve been raving about! I hope you do continue to blog as the years go on regardless of the numbers, as I, for one, take great joy in reading your posts!!
Sam Hodgett || Beauty, Food & Lifestyle
Aww thank you so much for the kind words Sam! ❤️ And yes definitely check out Instytutum, they’re on the pricier end but their products are fantastic, they’re also having a 30% off sale now!
I love your reviews. They’ve helped me make quite a few purchasing decisions.
Aww I’m so glad to hear that, yay! ????
I have enjoyed every Klairs product I have purchased. Thank-you for the opportunity to try even more Klairs products! Congratulations upon being named the brand ambassador for Klairs. That’s a lovely accomplishment.
Happy holidays!
Thank you so much Helene, and I’m so glad to hear that! I feel the same way about my Klair purchases as well ???? Happy holidays to you too!
I really like your skincare post .. my fav is : My skin brightening routine
Yay so glad to hear that! Thanks for letting me know! ????
Congratulation on your achievement! Thanks for the introduction of Klairs cosmetics. First time I’m hearing of this brand!
xo Yvonne
http://www.aproposh.com
Thanks so much Yvonne! I can’t recommend Klairs enough, they carry some fantastic products!
Girl you should be proud of your accomplishments. I kept smiling as I read through this posts and I commend you for being in the blogging girl till now and never giving up. God knows its not easy. Congratulations on all your accomplishments.
http://www.stephylately.com
Aww thank you so much!???? I’m definitely happy with how far this blog has come, but I know it wasn’t something that I could’ve done alone ????
What a lovely giveaway. I really trust your reviews and I like your writing style and the science :) Haven’t been reading that long, only a few months, but this one is becoming one of my favorites!
Yay, so glad to hear that!! Thank you so much Chrystal!
Aww congratulations on becoming a brand ambassador Jenny, that’s awesome. Thank you for all your lovely posts and recommendations, hope 2018 is an even better year for you :)
Coco Bella Blog
Aww thank you so much Demilade! ???? It always makes me so happy to hear you guys like my post/recommendations ???? Hope you have an amazing 2018 as well! ????????
Aw this is such a sweet retrospective on this past year Jenny. I was the same way when I first started blogging but discovering and becoming part of the fabric of the blogging community has really taken it to the next level for me and that’s what really makes the whole process so gratifying and rewarding. Congratulations on still blogging after all these years and thank you for this lovely giveaway. I always enjoy your skincare reviews but one post which particularly stuck out to me of lats is the one you did on spending wisely during the holiday sales season because cutting down on blind consumerism has been a huge goal for me this year.
Thank you so much Rowena! ❤️ I agree, I feel like the relationships we build, whether it’s with other bloggers or readers or even brands, are the most rewarding part of blogging. Living more minimally and being more mindful of my spendings were 2 of my goals this year, so that post was sort of like a summary of what I had learned in 2017. So glad you enjoyed it! ????
Aw I am so happy to have come across your blog. Your pics are stunning and your cat is beyond gorgeous! ;) I love the Klairs toner and its definitely one of my fave discoveries this year too. I am so excited for you that you’re an ambassador. You go girl! XXX
UmmBabyBeauty
Aw thanks so much Sal! I’d love to include more of my cat in my photos, but he can be so uncooperative sometimes! ???? I remember reallu liking the Klairs toner a lot when I first used it in 2015, but their recent reformulation made it even better!
I heard it was reformulated and I was happy to hear this newer version is so much more appealing. And yes, please! We want to see him more. He looks exactly like my sister’s cat who I looked after for 3 weeks – he slept next to me and followed me around and everything. As soon as he got home, he threatens me to stay away from him. I love him even though he hates me lol! xxx
I prefer skincare reviews (no surprises here), but in general i just love reading your blog and am grateful that i discovered it through Shireen in 2017.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
Aw thanks so much Anne! So glad I found your blog too, I’ve learned so much from you!
Such a refreshing post Jenny and congratulations on being selected as the brand ambassador for Klairs! It’s so kind of you to include your readers in such a momentous occasion and wishing you a very festive holiday season <3
Aww thank you Stephanie! Gotta give credit where credit is due ☺️ Wishing you all the best this holiday season as well!
Oh congratulations on becoming an ambassador, that’s so exciting! :) It’s sweet that you thank your readers and followers too, but the brand picked you for you, make sure to give yourself a big pat on the back for that!
Thanks for the giveaway! :)
Hope you are having a great start to the week and all your Christmas preparation is going well! I’m hoping to wrap some more presents today!
Away From The Blue Blog
Aww thank you so much Mica! I feel like the ambassador opportunity was a result of multiple things, one of them being you guys’ support, so I had to give a shout out and credit where credit is due ????
Speaking of Christmas preparations, I still need to decorate my tree! I’m so behind this year, haha ???? Hope you have a great rest of the week!
Congratulations, Klairs ambassador sounds good. I do not comment often, but I always read your blog.
Thank you so much Lorena, always happy to hear from my reader! ????
Yaym it’s so exciting that you’re a klairs ambassador! You really deserve it; your content is something I always look forward to reading, especially that body care post! All of your reviews are amazing though, I learn so much from you!
Sam / My Beauty Cloud
Aww thank you so much Sam, I’m so glad to hear that! I was surprised by the amount of positive feedback on the body care post, but it’s so encouraging to know that you guys enjoyed it ???? Thank you again!! ❤️
Hugs! I love you and all your hard work here and I know many will echo the same sentiment as me. I might not be your longest readers or followers but I am loyally reading and following for all the years to come. I learned much from you and you pretty much have been my guide in my foray into the AB world so I thank you for that.
I don’t have a favourite post from you, as cliche as it sounds I love them all equally. And congratulations again on being chosen as Klairs brand ambassador, they could not have chosen a better person. xx
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
*Hugs back!* Ahh this comment gives me all the warm and fuzzies, thank you so much for the kind words! I’m so glad we became friends and I’ve discovered so many amazing products from you as well <3 Not sure my wallet appreciate it but I definitely do! ????????