The last thing I wanted to look back on from 2020, was beauty. And what I considered to be the best of beauty, of all the products I tried.
In previous years, I approached this by choosing my favourite product per category. But I realised, that’s not really how we look at the products we use or have stashed in our vanity. We have a handful of favourites. Sometimes we switch between brands, depending on the season or what we’re trying to achieve.
Below you’ll find mini-reviews for all the products I absolutely loved in 2020. Some new, some old.
MAKE UP
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer (also here [US] and here [EU/UK])
What you apply under your makeup is just as important as the makeup you use, so primer (or at least a decent skincare routine) is paramount. While I didn’t wear foundation much during 2020, on the days that I did, this was my go to. It added an extra hydration boost after my skincare, and created a smooth canvas for makeup.
Clarins SOS Primer in 06 Bronze (also here [AU])
My most used primer was the Clarins SOS Primer, which I grew to absolutely love for the warmth it added to my complexion. There aren’t any shiny, shimmery pigments which I’m thankful for. Instead, it just adds a natural looking glow to the face. I’d often use this in place of any other base products. It would even out my skin tone, and never seemed apparent that I had product on my face.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer (also here [UK])
I remember having mixed feelings when I bought this earlier on in the year. I don’t love the sponge applicator (doesn’t seem the most sanitary), and wasn’t quite so sure about the finish. But it’s turned out to be a brilliant concealer; great for hiding the visible tiredness I often have under my eyes, and it’s lightweight too. If I go heavy on the product I do find it has a tendency to crease or settle into my fine lines, so I use a light hand. I also use this as a cover up for spots, and redness around my mouth.
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (also here [US])
My eyelids are ridiculously oily, so some sort of eyeshadow base is a must for me. I’d been using a different brand, which is pretty much on par, but I have to say, the NARS eyeshadow primer is the one for me. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t leave any visible product on the lid, and my makeup literally doesn’t move. If you have oily eyelids, this is worth adding to your beauty routine.
Madison Beer X Morphe Eyeshadow Palette [AU] (also here [US/CAN])
There are so many great eyeshadow palettes out there right now, that I don’t really thing you can go wrong. I’ve got a few on rotation which I’ve shared in previous years; Tarte in particular is one of my favourite go-to’s. In terms of palettes which have “wowed” me in 2020, the only one which really comes to mind it the Madison Beer X Morphe palette. It has a good colour story, the shadows are all very pigmented, and easy to blend out.
Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Eyeliner
I tried out a few new eyeliners, but honestly, for ease of use nothing really compares to this. I love the fine tip nib, which allows you to get a super sharp wing or cat eye flick. It’s not as smudgeproof as one I’ve used from NYX, but the upside being that it isn’t a total pain to remove.
Benefit Gimme Brow [AU] (also here [US])
No matter how many other brow products I try, I always, always come back to Gimme Brow. It’s a classic, and there’s a reason why it’s a cult favourite. Easy to apply, I like to brush this through my brows for a subtle look. It makes them fuller, in a natural way. They stay put too.
Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in Coromandel [UK]
I tend to gravitate between the same handful of lipsticks. If you’re after a good red, it doesn’t really get much better than this. Creamy, richly pigmented, and a nice smooth finish. Not shiny but not matte. It’s a slightly deep, vibrant red, that to me feels relatively neutral. Not quite warm, but not cool either. The one I go to when I want a catch-all shade that’ll work with any makeup look.
Clarins Natural Lip Perfector in shade 16 & Velvet Lip Perfector in shade 1 [AU] (also here [US])
Another classic are the Clarins Lip Perfectors. I love that they’ve continued to release this in different finishes. The Natural Lip Perfector has been one I pop on when I want some nourishment, shine, and a wash of colour. The Velvet Lip Perfector is matte, but feels silky and smooth on the lips – very comfortable and one I got for when I want more of an opaque option.
Jo Malone Vetiver and Golden Vanilla Cologne Intense [AU] (also here [US] or here [UK/EU])
I always find it a challenge to pick a favourite fragrance. Nine times out of ten, if I spritz one on, it’ll be from Jo Malone. Because I spent so much time at home this year, I had less reason to reach for fragrances, but the one that gave me the most joy to wear was this sexy, deep, intoxicating scent; Vetiver and Golden Vanilla. This is the kind of fragrance you wear in the evening for a date. And I love that it’s unisex too.
SKINCARE
Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser [AU] (also here [US] or here [EU/UK])
2020 was the year of cleansers, and after trying so many, I’ve come to the realisation that there’s just one for me. The Drunk Elephant Beste No. Jelly Cleanser. To me, it’s pretty reasonably price (lasts quite a few months), and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I feel like my skin is clean but not stripped after use, and I always appreciate when my cleansers foam up. Does a pretty excellent job of removing my makeup too!
Bioeffect EGF Day Serum (also here [US] and here [EU/UK])
A brand that I’ve consistently gone back to for a super-hydrating serum that does wonders for my complexion is Bioeffect. They have this magic ingredient – epidermal growth factor – which helps to improve cell growth and skin elasticity. Yes please. One pump of this is enough to cover my entire face, and I always notice a positive change in my skin when I have this on rotation.
Biossance Squalane + Phtyo-Retinol Serum (also here [UK])
I’ve been pretty vocal about just how much I’ve missed retinol. It’s another one of those powerhouse ingredients which has a noticeable effect on your complexion. Brighter skin, fine lines appear softened, skin pigmentation reduced. This is the next best thing. Using a phyto-retinol (derived from plants), my skin laps this up. The biggest change I noticed when I added this into my routine was that the fine lines on my forehead appeared less prominent. Oh, and it’s pregnancy and breast-feeding friendly, too!
Tarte Deep Sea Collagen Super Serum (also here)
When I need a big hydration boost, this super serum from Tarte is my go-to. It’s a bi-phase serum, so you can see the oil floating on top. The feel on the skin is slippery, but I find it penetrates the epidermal barrier quickly, giving your complexion a big drink of water. An excellent one to add to the AM skincare routine, as it sets a solid foundation for the rest of your makeup. This is one of the few skincare products I can reliably use year round.
Clarins Plant Gold Nutri-Revitalising Oil Emulsion [US]
Speaking of seasonal skincare staples, the Plant Gold Oil Emulsion from Clarins is one of my winter-time favourites. Another bi-phase serum, the two canisters combine for an ultra-rich, ultra-moisturing serum. One half is milky, the other quite oily, so I do find that this feels a little heavier – hence why I tend to reserve it for the winter months when my complexion is feeling parched. Also love that most of the ingredients are derived from nature. Another Clarins favourite is their Double Serum – one I find tends to work for me year round.
Drunk Elephant Framboos Glycolic Night Serum [AU] (also available here [US] and here [UK/EU])
For my bad skin days, this is what I reach for. It calms down spots and redness, and leaves my complexion looking bright and shiny. I tend to limit how frequently I apply this, opting to reach for it a maximum of once or twice a week.
Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Eye Cream (also available here)
There aren’t that many skincare products out there that instantly wow me. It’s a slow burn; I use them religiously for at least three weeks before passing judgement. This eye cream though. Boy oh boy is it good. The moment I’ve applied a touch of this under the eyes I notice an instant brightening effect. It has kiwi in it which is loaded with Vitamin C, as well as one of my favourite skincare ingredients: Manuka honey.
Antipodes Manuka Honey Light Brightening Day Cream
I’ll typically use this day cream in combination with the eye cream, and I have to say, it’s equally as good. My complexion feels brighter when I apply this. And super nourished. The Manuka honey has a slightly tacky feel to it, so I like to leave it ten minutes before applying any other base products. Oh, and it smells delicious.
Avene Hydrance Aqua Gel Night Hydrating Sleeping Mask
If you can’t tell yet, there’s one key thing I look for in my skincare: hydration. And this “overnight mask” from Avene is one of the best of the bunch. The formula is jelly-like and cooling, which makes this one that I tend to favour during the warmer months. If my skin is feeling just a touch dry, I’ll apply a nice thick layer before bed. Sometimes I’ll even use this as a day moisturiser, though I’ll go in with a very light hand. A little goes a long way.
HAIR & BODY
Nécessaire Natural Deodorant (also here)
I started using natural deodorants in 2019, but have to say that it’s tricky tacking down one that is really good. Given that they don’t have all those chemical nasties in them, it does mean that you will need to reapply over the course of the day. But some are better than others. This natural deodorant from Necessaire ticks the box of being much better. I love the scent, the wind up applicator (it’s more of a cream than anything), and it’s got pretty good staying power too.
Corpus Naturals Deodorant
Another natural deodorant that I’ve really enjoyed using is this one from Corpus Naturals. It has a beautiful botanical scent, and this is a stick applicator rather than a cream. This doesn’t quite have the same staying power as the Necessaire one does, but I love it all the same. The other thing I forgot to mention? Neither of these two deodorants “sour” after a few hours wear.
Nécessaire Body Wash (also here)
Confession here, I’m a big fan of the entire Necessaire range. I love that it’s unisex, and for all ages. And a number of their products are unscented too. Probably little surprise that this would be a favourite for me, as I love a bougie body wash. Foams up beautifully and has that classic eucalyptus scent – but it doesn’t come on too strong.
Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner [AU] (also available here)
You’ll have heard me mention a hundred times (at least) how Aveda was really what transformed my hair. Before moving to Australia, it was dry, scraggly, and wirey. But multiple treatments later and a loyal cult-like obsession with Aveda’s shampoo and conditioners, it was completely transformed. And I’ve been hooked ever since. I particularly love their new Botanical Repair range. Smells like a tropical holiday, and my locks were so shiny and lush after using.
EVO Easy Tiger Smoothing Balm
For smoothing down flyaways, it doesn’t get better than this smoothing balm from EVO. I have frizzy-ish hair, and this does an incredibly job of taming any little scraggly bits along my hairline. I’ll apply it while my hair is damp, before blowdrying.
Schwarzkopf Hair Mascara
I’ve been getting greys since I was 21. The odd one here or there that I’d quickly tweeze. And honestly, I never really gave dyeing my hair a second thought. But since giving birth, it feels like almost all of my postpartum hair growth has been greys. There has been a serious abundance; not just along my parting, but scattered all throughout. Front, sides, back. And you know, I’m still scarred after trying to go blonde a few years back, so I’ve been on the hunt for a less permanent solution. And this is it. I love how easy it is to apply to my roots, and it doesn’t leave any “unwanted” texture. The bonus is that it stays put and lasts until my next wash. Usually I’ll just do a top up to cover any stray hairs that have slipped out from my “bed head”.
Klorane Dry Shampoo (also available here [US])
There are two dry shampoos which take the cake for me. In the powder arena, it’s the Aveda Dry Shampoo for me. And when it comes to aerosols, there is always, always, a canister stashed away in our bathroom vanity. I tend to opt for the oat milk version, specifically formulated for dark hair. This doesn’t leave a white cast (like other dry shampoos do), and the formula adds a subtle touch of grit at the roots, and removes shine and greasiness. I usually spray it where I need some “help”, leave it two minutes, then work it in with my fingers. The aquatic mint variant is also a delight – smells like a cocktail!
ghd Platinum + Hair Styler (also available here)
My final beauty favourite of 2020 was my hair styler. I’ve been a ghd loyalist since I was a teenager, and there really isn’t anything better than this. I can usually do my entire head of hair in under ten minutes. Five minutes in a pinch. My usual trick is to add some soft waves, alternating the direction I twist the styler with each “curl”. After more than 15 years, it’s become second nature! One of those ride or die beauty staples that I’ll never be without.
That’s a wrap; my best of beauty for 2020. Would love to know if you had any particular staple beauty favourites which you think are worth trying. Let me know in the comments below! xx
