This list is a response to a reader request and I’ll do vol 2 next week, about non-beauty stuff. I love Best Of lists, but they are a pain to put together. To make any progress at all, I had to lay down some ground rules: only things that I bought for the first time this year are included, and it has to be either good value (it’s relative, of course) or something I don’t want to be without, ever. Ideally both.

1. Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil. I have tried over 20 cleansers this year and I could go until the end of 2016 without buying any new ones, as my reserves are plentiful. But I will repurchase this as soon as it runs out, which will happen in two-three weeks. Love the performance, the price and the smell. Full review here.

2. Pixi Glow Tonic. This is one of those items that never seems quite glamorous or interesting enough to merit its own post. But from all the everyday acid toners, this is my favourite. And while not cheap, it’s reasonably priced and the bottle is big. Also, Caroline Hirons is a fan. Enough said.

3. Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment. OK, I cannot sell this one with the price argument, but this Glamglow mask (the white one) is my favourite thing when I need some serious cleansing and exfoliation. I also like that they do mini sizes (spotted in Sephora) and generous samples, so you can try before you commit. If you have sensitive skin, definitely try first, this isn’t gentle.

4. Neela Vermeire discovery set. I bought quite a lot of perfume this year and was happy with all of it, but I cannot recommend this set highly enough. From one of the most distinctive, high quality niche lines operating today, it’s good value (if you consider the price of the perfumes themselves) and you get enough juice to make absolutely sure if you need a full bottle of any of the four.

5. Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom candle. Mimosa & Cardamom was my favourite casual scent launch of the year and I’ve written about it already. I wear the perfume a lot, but I might like it even more as a candle: it just works so well in this format and doesn’t annoy anyone. Lovely stuff.

6. Clarins Instant Concealer. I tried and bought so many foundations this year that it’s somewhat worrying (btw, the one I wear the most is Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation – so easy to apply in a rush and perfect colour match for me in 52). But I only bought one concealer and never felt the need to try another. The Clarins is creamy and good coverage and just works.

6. Suqqu Brow Pen in Moss. We have been there already, but this is still the only brow product I use and I’m afraid I need to buy another one soon. It’s unfortunately very expensive, but I love it.

7. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Gilded Gold. I’m a fan of eye shadow sticks in general and Laura Mercier ones is particular. She does many beautiful everyday shades like Rosegold and Khaki that I use regularly, but I turn to Gilded Gold when I crave some glamour. I line my upper lids with this, apply lots of mascara, paint my lips red and that’s it – result.

8. Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara. Speaking of mascara… I like tubing mascaras for everyday, as they don’t smudge and are easy to remove with warm water. This Kevin Aucoin one is my favourite (although misnamed, I think) – it gives such beautiful, elegant lashes. Not one for drama, but perfect for work.

9. Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care in Baby Blond. It was extremely difficult to select the hair products for this piece, as I liked almost everything I bought this year. Most of the stuff from this post could have been included. But if I had to choose one thing in addition to ordinary shampoo, Shade Variation Care would be it, as it really does make my colour stay beautiful for longer.

10. R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray. I have already raved about this one too, but nothing has changed. It’s still great, I still need the full size product – I finished the trial version yesterday and I’m devastated.

11. Sunday Riley Disrobe Body Lotion. Oh, I really would have loved to pick something less expensive for the body, but the truth is that nothing I’ve tried works as well as this. The good news is that if you just want moisturizing action, you don’t need Disrobe, it only makes sense to buy it if you have serious texture issues (these horrible little bumps and cellulite). And I guess it’s kind of good news that it works better than the even more expensive Juno body oil, so no reason to buy that one.