Slightly Belated 2020 Favorites

Sometimes expectations fall flat. Take, for example, the absolute dumpster-fire-shit-show that was 2020. What was supposed to set the tone for a new decade quickly derailed into a universal crisis the likes of which had never been seen before. What fun.

Luckily, there were some bright spots this year. I won’t bore you with my own personal wins, because I know you don’t care (though not to brag, there were quite a few). Instead, I’ve rounded up the beauty products that brought me a little bit (a whole lot) of happiness this past year.

Here’s to old favorites, new finds, and absolutely never speaking of 2020 ever again.

Rapid Response Detox Cleanser, Renée Rouleau; $41.50

I panic-purchased this cleanser at the beginning of the quarantine, while experiencing one of the worst breakouts I’ve ever had. Within a week, my skin had dramatically improved—I haven’t stopped using it since. Hands down one of the most life-changing products I’ve tried this year, if not ever.

CC Me Vitamin C Serum*, Summer Fridays; $64

I’m weird when it comes to vitamin C. I definitely need it—hyperpigmentation is one of the issues I struggle with most. But my skin doesn’t seem to actually like it all that much; I think a lot of vitamin C serums are just too much for my sensitive, baby skin. Enter Summer Fridays’ CC Me serum. My skin loves its oh-so-gentle, yet seriously effective formula. I’m on my second bottle and already have an extra one waiting.

Great Barrier Relief, Krave; $28

I will not shut up about this product. I really, truly believe everyone can benefit from it—it can be used as a serum, moisturizer, even a spot treatment for acne. As someone with a seriously compromised skin barrier (and related acne issues), this serum transformed my skin. Trust me, you will not be dissapointed.

D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, Drunk Elephant; $36

This is by no means a new product for me (I’ve used every single day for the last three years,) but I’ve found myself loving it in a different way lately. Since my skin is finally in a good place, I’m wearing far less makeup and I love the slight tint and glow this gives me. I mix it with my sunscreen (and another product we’ll get to later,) and it leaves my skin slightly blurred and perfectly dewy.

Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream*, Youth to the People; $58

This is another product I’ve had for a while, but I actually didn’t pay it much attention until this year. I love this hydrating, gentle moisturizer—it’s rich, but not too rich for oilier skin types.

Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen*, Kinship; $25

I find myself reaching for this sunscreen every single day. It’s a sheer, lightweight, reef-safe, mineral sunscreen that leaves skin protected and glowing. It smells amazing without breaking me out (huge win), and is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin.

Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots, Peace Out; $19

My personal choice when it comes to pimple patches. I rarely stop moving, including when I’m asleep, so I need a pimple patch with some serious staying power—otherwise I’ll end up finding half-used pimple patches in my hair the following day (which has happened far too many times). These are both sticky and effective.

Wonderglow Face Primer*, Charlotte Tilbury; $55

I didn’t use this much until recently, when I started mixing it in with my sunscreen and D-Bronzi drops. It gives evens out my complexion and slightly blurs any imperfections without making it look like I’m actually wearing any makeup.

Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer, Armani Beauty; $38

If you’ve tried Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation, you probably have a good idea of how this concealer works. It’s creamy and highly pigmented (I use just a dot wherever I need coverage) and has some serious staying power. It blends into skin seamlessly and makes my skin look perfect without applying foundation.

Hollywood Flawless Filter*, Charlotte Tilbury; $44

Another product I feel like I need to shut up about. This is just so versatile and creates the most stunning, natural glow. I like to apply under my eyes and in a U-shape from my cheekbones to above my brows. I love how versatile it is (it can be used as a highlighter, primer, mixed in with foundation all over, etc.) and the product lasts shockingly long.

Double Take Contour Stick, Uoma; $40

I was so unsure about this product, especially when their website suggested I use the second lightest shade, but I’m consistently blown away by it. The contour shade is perfect and both sides are deliciously buttery and soft, seamlessly blending right into the skin. Plus, it’s almost always on sale.

Beach Please Tinted Lip + Cheek Balm*, Tower28; $20

2020 was the year of cream blush for me, and this was a definite standout. I apply it to my cheeks, lids, and lips, and I love the way the product truly melts into the skin and creates the perfect natural flush. The brand touts itself as a makeup line for sensitive skin, which means you definitely won’t get any irritation from their products. I’ve met the founder, and trust me when I say she knows what she’s doing here.

Lash Princess (Waterproof), Essence; $4.99

I feel like I’m on an eternal search for the perfect mascara. This is the closest I’ve found so far. It adds length and volume to my lashes without weighing them down and seems to hold a curl longer than most others. Did I mention it’s all of $5?

The Body Wash (Eucalyptus), Nécessaire; $25

Nécessaire’s Eucalyptus body wash is it, you guys. It’s jam-packed with good-for-you ingredients and leaves my entire shower smelling like a luxurious spa. It makes showering just a little bit more fun.

Super Dry Shampoo, Ouai; $24

This might be the best dry shampoo on the market, and I feel like I know what I’m talking about, given my seriously oily scalp. Ouai’s formula sucks up oil in seconds without making my hair feel dry and rigid, and it smells amazing. It lets me rock a blowout just one more day, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

Silk Pillowcase, Slip; $89

I know a silk pillowcase sounds ridiculous, but it is such a wonderful luxury—even my uncle is into it. It keeps the pillow feeling cold all night long, reduces hair breakage and wrinkles, and makes you look so damn fancy. Is it a need? No. But it will drastically improve the quality of your life, that I can guarantee. I’m also a huge fan of Slip’s silk eye masks and scrunchies.

Mini Facial Toning Device, NuFACE; $199

I finally bit the bullet and got myself the mini NuFACE, and I’m beyond impressed. I’ve noticed definite definition in my usually shapeless face, and I really do enjoy the routine of doing it every single day. The electrical current not only shapes and tones my face, it’s also great for dealing with acne (a major bonus for my pimply little face).