After such a bleak 2020, I thought I’d write a roundup of the beauty products I’ve had positive experiences with this year.
Some products are longtime favourites, and others are new discoveries. None of the products listed here are sponsored, just what I’d recommend!
Please keep in mind these product reviews are based on my own personal experience, and therefore may differ vastly from what you experience. Always take necessary precautions (as advised on product packaging/by the manufacturer) if you’re considering trying any of these products – especially if you have skin complaints or allergies.
Affordable liquid eyeliner that doesn’t transfer
Collection’s Fast Stroke Eye Liner is long lasting, pigmented & my absolute favourite liquid eyeliner. As someone with hooded eyes, this is the best eyeliner I’ve used (so far) for not transferring on the crease of the eye, after it’s dried. Great for everyday wear.
In the past, it’s been unforgiving on my sensitive eyes & burned a little while drying. That’s no longer been an issue within recent years (maybe due to a change in formula). But, please do keep this in mind if you have sensitive eyes.
Moisturiser & sunblock that isn’t greasy
No matter what time of the year, sunscreen is an essential part of your skincare to ensure protection. A big problem is finding products that aren’t greasy, & easy to wear under makeup.
A moisturiser and heavy duty sunblock in one, Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser (SPF50) is what I’ve been using for most of this year. Both great on it’s own and underneath makeup, it absorbs easily & doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily. For an even more lightweight solution (if you’re not going outside much) is Nivea’s Nourishing Day Cream (SPF 15).
My only complaint with the Cetaphil Daily Defence moisturiser is it’s more recently began to irritate my eyes. So, I’m still looking for another high factor sunscreen/moisturiser.
*The* perfect liquid lipstick…
Goes by the name of NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede liquid lipsticks.
No matter what liquid lipsticks I try out – without fail, I return to NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede. The shade I most often wear is “Sandstorm”, however I own this product in several different shades.
It has every attribute you could need in a liquid lipstick; durable, perfect matte finish, beautiful colour & virtually no bleeding. Most importantly, it’s not drying on the lips at all. The formula is amazing!
Super pigmented budget eyeshadows
While the selection can be limited for individual eyeshadows, Primark’s eyeshadows & eyeshadow palettes are often overlooked. Certain palettes can be hit and miss with different eyeshadow shades, but for the affordable prices – you can’t really fault them.
While I’m always on the lookout for pigmented palettes, the Primark Shadow & Shade palette has been my go-to for years now.
Another honourable mention is Kiko Milano, who make one of the most beautiful and pigmented eyeshadows I’ve bought. (Above is a short video using one of their eyeshadows!).
Stunning iridescent nail polish
In all my years of buying nail polish, Barry M have always been a go to for fantastic & affordable nail polishes. I’m a sucker for iridescent colours, and Barry M have always delivered a stunning range. Plus, their products are both vegan & cruelty free!
Skincare products that aren’t dehydrating
Recently I’ve paid more attention to my skincare routine. A few products have really stood out for keeping my skin (relatively) under control. Primark’s Gentle Face Wash has been good for daily use (& doesn’t leave my face feeling dehydrated).
Occasionally I use face scrubs; either St Ives’s Radiant Skin Pink Mango and Orange Face Scrub (moderately exfoliating) or St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub (deeply exfoliating). St Ives’ products have always been fantastic for leaving my face feeling smooth.
However, neither of these products are recommended for daily use – overuse of exfoliating products can actually leave your skin more oily.
In addition to this, I’ve also tried out Simple’s Daily Skin Detox Pore Polishing Face Scrub which claims to be more gentle on the skin (as it’s designed for daily use). Unfortunately, as is the case for several of Simple’s products, this did not suit my skin and I am happy to stick to exfoliating less frequently.
What beauty products have you tried out this year? Have you folks found any new favourites?
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