As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to stop and reflect. To take a minute to look back and give thanks to the people and things that changed our year for the better.

The ones who made getting out of bed at 6am that little bit easier, who picked us up when we were feeling down and made us look like we actually took an hour to get ready instead of two minutes.

Yes, we’re talking about our favourite makeup discoveries of 2016.

From the mascara that’s better than sex to the brow product you’ll never want to leave the house without, here are the 18 beauty products under $50 that changed the lives of the Mamamia team this year.

1. MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle Highlighter, $48

Meet the gorgeous highlighter anyone can use.

“I love it because I’m lazy when it comes to make-up and I realised putting a little bit of foundation on with this over the top makes me feel fresh and awake and bright,” says Zara.

Image: MAC

2. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $33

It may have mixed reviews, but this is the mascara not one, not two but THREE staff members now couldn't live without.

"It just blew me away from the first application. Usually I am reluctant to wear mascara without eyeliner, but this one does all the heavy lifting by itself," says Kahla.

"It has everything - great texture, consistency, and just gives beautiful long lashes," says Mary.

Image: Supplied

3. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $24

Pimples stand no chance against this bad boy.

"It's a a straight up MIRACLE in a bottle and I'll body block the fool who gets in between me and it," says Ally.

Image: Mecca

Watch: Zoe Foster Blake shares her best beauty tips ever - grab a pen and paper. Post continues after video.

4. Kylie Jenner Lip Kit in Mary Jo K, around $40

Arguably one of the most hyped up beauty releases of the year - that actually lives up and delivers on it's promise.

"The lip pencil is pigmented, creamy and glides on like a dream. Mary Jo K is my dream red and the consistency is Ah. Mazing. It's nowhere near as drying as other matte liquid lipsticks and genuinely stays on the whole day, night and beyond without budging or smudging," says Brittany.

5. Nars Illuminator, $44

"This liquid illuminator from NARS changed my life. It's the best, you can put it on your cheeks for a bit of colour and it doubles as a colour corrector under your concealer. You can even wear it as an eyeshadow," says Valentina.

Image: Mecca

The perfumes that always get us compliments. (Post continues after gallery.)

6. Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx™ Peeling Gel, $40.10

It's the skincare product you'll actually enjoy using.

"Your skin feels so good after. When you apply and start rubbing you can feel it sloughing off dead skin it’s very satisfying. You actually feel like it’s working. It sounds gross but I don’t care. I did it to my daughter and she was so grossed out by it she won’t let me do it to her again but I WANT TO SO BAD," says Rebecca.

Image: Beauty Bay

7. Benefit Gimme Brow Volumising Eyebrow Gel, $39

A new release this year, it's the brow product not one, not two but THREE Mamamia staffers use every single day.

"Unlike a lot of other brow products, it is SO easy to use and offers the kind of daily coverage that sits somewhere between nothing at all to extreme Hollywood-level brows, which is perfect for days in the office or afternoons at the pool!" says Katy.

Image: Myer

8. Mode Matte Lip Cream in Hottie, $3.

Yes, you read that right - $3, available at your local supermarket and it's a favourite of Mamamia's beauty editor Edwina Carr Barraclough.

"It's so pigmented, one swipe is all you need and when it's dry this stuff does not budge. As someone who is constantly cursing my l