2016. The year that Toblerone trimmed down their British chocolates. Donald Trump became president-elect. And bike shorts became a legitimate ‘fashion’ statement.

It’s also the year I learned how to treat a blind pimple (yes! There is a way…) and found the anyone-can-use brow product and the $3 lipstick that’s received more compliments than my $53 one.

See? It’s not all doom and gloom. Here are the biggest beauty lessons I’ve learned this year…

1. ‘Cheap’ is absolutely not synonymous with ‘crap’.

Image: Supplied.

It might not be quite as moisturising as your high-end brands, but it’s super pigmented,lasts,and it’s cruelty-free, which I think we can all agree more than makes up for it.

Image: Supplied.

2. There IS a way to deal with blind pimples.

Image: iStock.

3. If you’re over the age of 22, it’s time to stop using exfoliating scrubs on your face.

Image: Saya.

These usually come packaged in mask, cream or pad form (where the product is soaked in and just needs to be swiped over your face). All it involves is applying it as per the instructions to the areas of your face that need de-gunking (I stick to my problem spots - chin, lower cheeks and nose) and let it do its magic.

Dermalogica Daily resurfacer, $105 (for 35 pouches), is also a dummy-proof option. Containing AHAs, BHAs and enzymes, you use a little pouch that fits on your finger to distribute it over your face.

$105 for 30 pouches Available: Dermalogica Online

4. There’s only one brow product you actually need.

It’s the year our eyebrows took centre stage and anything less than ‘on fleek’ is unacceptable.

Image: Supplied. The 'Before' shot.

Image: Supplied. And... After.

5. There is a ‘right time’ of the day to moisturise.

The Glow's favourite glotions.