For a moment forget gift guides and let’s just concentrate on the wonderment that is all the beautiful beauty launches that have arrived just in time for the festive period. Sure some of these gift sets, palettes and more would make fantastic tokens of affection but they are also fantastic value should you wish to treat yourself. Here is a quick run down of some of my favourite finds:
1, If you invest in one thing this holiday season let it be the Artis Brush Elite Rose Gold Three Brush Set, not only are they utterly beautiful but they enhance make-up application tenfold. With the help of the densely packed brushes, liquid products simply glide onto the skin. In a word? Converted.
2, What is the festive period without a little glitter? For a grown up spin (and ease of application) stock up on the Pixi Glitter-y Eye Quads: bold yet coordinated glitter based eyeshadows that can be applied in all manner of ways.
3, Trust Benefit to nail the perfect gift with their nifty Benefit Mini Van set; loaded full of everyday essentials including Benefit Porefessional, Bad Gal Bang Lash Mascara and of course the ever iconic Gimme Brow.
4, Well all suffer from chapped lips every now and then but thanks to Burts Bees that need not be a problem, especially if you treat yourself to the Mistletoe Gift Set which contains not only a tinted lip balm, a lip crayon but also an everyday lip moisturiser too!
5, Now is the time to finally try those brands you have been meaning to and on my radar was the super handy Trinny Makeup stack-able pots. Not only is there several products and tones to chose from but a whole array of money-saving gift sets too!
6, Another brand I fully recommend trying especially during the gifting season is Delilah Cosmetics, from dinky yet perfectly formed lipsticks to brush kits and perfectly curated make-up bundles, this cruelty-free brand has it all.
7, This year make a little space on your tree for the New CID Ornaments, each beautifully designed bauble contains a full sized beauty product that include pretty lip glosses and even mascara. Not only are they ideal for events such as Secret Santa’s but they generally save on gift wrap and time.
8, In my opinion very few brands can touch Bobbi Brown at this time of the year and with their Love in the Afternoon Palette you can have the best of both worlds. A sultry assortment of nude eyeshadows, complimented with lots of glitter!
9, How to make someone’s Christmas the best ever? With the Too Faced Star Palette of course! This jumbo palette contains several eyeshadows, blushes and face powders all beautifully presented in a glorious gift box. If that is not enough it also comes with a dinky mascara and lip gloss too.
10, If you aren’t quite sure where to start this year but know you want to inject a little pizzazz into your beauty bag this festive season, then I suggest heading to Kiko and checking out the Magical Holiday collection. From glitter based shadows, highlighters and even lipsticks, to dinky tree baubles there is something for everyone’s taste and budget.
11, Sometimes less is more and for a refined yet treasured beauty gift may I suggest a shade or two from the Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream Lipstick range? Not only is the formula sheer perfection but the lipstick has been carved to represent a semi-precious gemstone.
12, Does any brand quite rival MAC in the festive nor beauty gift set stakes? I don’t think so but my top pick would be the MAC Lucky Stars Kit in the neutral shade option; three dinky yet well proportioned nude, pink and brown lipsticks that will be well received by any make-up fan.
13, Need to rebuild your entire make-up bag? Smashbox have you covered with their Cosmetic Party Gift set and then some. This blockbuster kit contains a pretty palette, mascara, primer and even a lip gloss to boot!
Now the tricky part, deciding what to gift and what to keep!
So it seems we have reached the final gift guide in my series and it is time we shed a little light on those who seemingly have it all. As someone who doesn’t know much about much, I have stuck with a somewhat lose beauty theme in that I have selected items that will add a little touch of glamour and relaxation within your loved ones life.
1, If there is one fail safe item that will put a smile on just about anyone’s face it has to be pyjamas, seriously who doesn’t love PJ’s? A new and exciting brand that has caught my attention is Chelsea Peers, not only are the designs beautiful but they are so well made and cut that you’d be forgiven should you attempt to go outside in the odd pair or two. I have the Chelsea Peers NYC Rose Gold Foil Star Pyjamas (£35) and have not taken them off since they arrived!
2, With the colder nights drawing in do your loved one a solid and treat them to the gift of warmth in the form of a pretty hot water bottle. Yes it is entirely practical but with the cute designs on offer at Chelsea Peers you’ll be counting down the hours until you can slink off to bed with a book. My personal favourite has to be the Chelsea Peers NYC Serial Chiller Gift Set (£22) that comes complete with a pretty eye mask for complete luxury.
3, Slippers! Who doesn’t need a pretty pair of slippers, oddly my new favourite pair are from Boots and are the Giovanna Fletcher Nap Queen Slippers, super soft and super affordable at just £7.
4, I can’t be the only one who drinks a whole lot more hot drinks in the colder weather? To make Hot Cocoa that little more prettier then may I suggest the Zoella Lifestyle Cup of Cheer Glass Mug – a beautiful and sizeable cup that will appeal to all ages – Zoella fan or otherwise.
5, New Years resolutions are right around the corner and for most, drinking more water and perhaps attending the gym will be front and centre on said list. A great way to look great and encourage someone to be more hydrated (as well as being environmentally sound) is by gifting any picky relative a Bewater water bottle. At the moment I am hooked on their unique gemstone bottles and have been constantly using my Tritan Belove Be Water Bottle (£25.95) – a pretty yet practical bottle adorned with real rose quartz!
6, Maybe I am in the minority here but I personally love a new make-up bag and with the new festive shades of the Space.NK Travel Bags (£24) recently hitting the shelves, there couldn’t be a more perfect time. Not only do these beautiful cases look the part but they are sized so that they travel well too – the easy to clean materials don’t hurt either.
7, As a beauty blogger and all round cosmetic pest it would be out of character if I didn’t mention at least one beauty product, wouldn’t it? Well I’m going to go a little left field and actually suggest the gift of a Beauty Pie subscription, not only is it affordable but by doing so you are creating a completely custom gift. At your desecration, each month your loved one can pick the products they want to try – who wouldn’t love that.
8, My go for broke beauty gift idea? The Hourglass Ambient Light Ghost Palette (£65) – 6 beautifully baked and presented powders that serve all manners of purpose, locked inside a pretty palette. You really can’t go too wrong with this.
9, Candles are such non-brainers aren’t they – they look great, they smell great and to a degree they are one size fits all. My current favourite has to be the utterly stunning MOR Northern Lights Candle, it is both sweetly scented and presented and one of those rare brands that manage to do luxury yet affordable without compromise. This may be new favourite home fragrance brand.
10, As skincare can be quite prescriptive, I suggest playing it safe and perhaps only gifting hand creams this festive season. My current favourite has to be the new Goutal Hand Balm range, not only do they smell incredible but they are fast acting and non-greasy.
A brand new awards season is about to begin—but before we get started, let’s reflect back on the beauty looks that blew us away in 2019!
Every December, I go through all my red carpet reports from the previous 12 months to choose the skin, hair and makeup moments that defined the year.
Compared to 2018, celebs were more experimental than ever, giving us runway-inspired eye makeup, unconventional hair colours and creative accessories.
Behold, the beauty moments of 2019 that we won’t soon forget:
Lupita Nyong’o at the Golden Globes
Lupita Nyong’o at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards.
Close-up of Lupita Nyong’o at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards.
Award season got off to an excellent start with Lupita Nyong’o’s electric blue lashes and matching eyeliner at the Golden Globes. She paired it with a futuristic hairstyle and rosy lipstick…and the glow emanating from her skin is just insane!
Close-up of Lady Gaga at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards.
Lady Gaga also wore blue at the Golden Globes, but in her hair instead of her makeup. The colourful streaks gave her Cinderella-esque updo and classic makeup an edgy spin (and from her, we’d expect nothing less!).
Close-up of Emmy Rossum at the 2019 Critics’ Choice Awards.
At the Critics’ Choice Awards, Emmy Rossum showed us how a blackberry lip is done. The dramatic hue was set off by her flawless skin, sleek updo and perfect set of cat eyes (notice how the liner is on the outer third of both her top and bottom lash lines).
Floating eyeliner is something you expect to see on the runways, not the red carpet. But Lucy Boynton pulled it off beautifully at the SAG Awards, pairing it with stained lips, a textured bob and a velvet ribbon.
Close-up of Jennifer Lopez at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Jennifer Lopez was the talk of the Grammys in an extra-long ponytail and a big, wide-brimmed hat. Yes, it looks like something she could have borrowed from Celine Dion’s closet, but the look certainly was memorable.
Irina Shayk at the Oscars
Irina Shayk at the 2019 Academy Awards.
Close-up of Irina Shayk at the 2019 Academy Awards.
The Oscars are never the most exciting night for beauty—celebs tend to play it too safe—but Irina Shayk’s look is still ingrained in my memory. It was all about her smooth, straight bob, barely-there makeup and turtleneck.
Emilia Clarke at the 2019 Season 8 premiere of ‘Game of Thrones.’
Close-up of Emilia Clarke at the 2019 Season 8 premiere of ‘Game of Thrones.’
For the final season premiere of Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke took a Goth-style look to the red carpet with dark vampy lips, pink eyeshadow and pale skin. Her hair was also braided at the back, as a nod to her character, Daenerys Targaryen.
At the Billboard Music Awards, the best beauty look belonged not to one person but an entire group: BTS, of course! Who wasn’t completely captivated by their flawless skin, rosy stained lips and (in the case of Jimin) pink hair?
Lily Collins at the Met Gala
Lily Collins at the 2019 Met Gala.
Close-up of Lily Collins at the 2019 Met Gala.
Lily Collins paid tribute to the 1960s at the Met Gala, flaunting a sky-high beehive hairdo adorned with white flowers and an oversized headband. The aesthetic extended to the makeup, with matte lilac eyeshadow, theatrical lashes and pale lips.
The biggest hair moment at the Met Gala was without a doubt Ciara’s afro. It was so voluminous, it couldn’t even fit in this photo! She wore it with forest green and gold smoky eyes (along with her signature chiseled cheekbones).
Gigi Hadid delivered on the Met Gala’s “camp” theme with a Liberace-inspired catsuit that covered up her signature long hair. But it was her avant garde white eyelashes that really took things to the next level.
Who knew that literal combs in your hair, along with exaggerated Drag Queen eye makeup, could look this chic on the red carpet? Lupita Nyong’o’s Met Gala ensemble was her most imaginative yet (and for her, that’s saying something!).
We’ve seen wet hair on the red carpet before, but not like Kim Kardashian did it at the Met Gala. Not only did her hair look dripping wet, but her dress was also covered in crystal water droplets, as if she emerged from the sea. (Somehow, her face remained matte, though!)
The final standout look from the Met Gala was of course Lady Gaga’s. Like Gigi Hadid, she wore a set of long, spiky lashes, this time in gold. She also brought back her iconic hair bows (remember them, circa 2008?) in miniature size.
Selena Gomez at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival Gala Dinner.
Close-up of Selena Gomez at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival Gala Dinner.
For her first-ever appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, Selena Gomez served up old Hollywood glamour. Her bold cat eyes, red lipstick and ballerina updo are a modern take on the classics.
Close-up of Shailene Woodley at the 2019 CFDA Fashion Awards.
Shailene Woodley lit up the CFDA Awards red carpet with these unexpected swipes of neon orange eyeshadow. I love that she pared back everything else, wearing just a slick of lip gloss and a sprinkling of faux freckles.
Katy Perry at the ‘Carnival Row’ Premiere
Katy Perry at the 2019 premiere of ‘Carnival Row.’
Close-up of Katy Perry at the 2019 premiere of ‘Carnival Row.’
After sporting the same short haircut for the last few years, there was a collective sigh of relief when Katy Perry stepped out in this chic platinum lob at the Carnival Row premiere. Matte rose lipstick and matching eyeshadow completed the look.
Halsey at the VMAs
Halsey at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.
Close-up of Halsey at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.
If anyone can rock rainbow hair, it’s Halsey, The singer showed up to the VMAs with not only a multi-coloured part, but also draped orange blush that was blended right up to her temples.
Jennifer Lopez at the 2019 Toronto premiere of ‘Hustlers.’
Close-up of Jennifer Lopez at the 2019 Toronto premiere of ‘Hustlers.’
Jennifer Lopez was like a ray of sunshine at the premiere of Hustlers. To go with her look-at-me yellow dress, she debuted a new sun-kissed blonde bob and orange-toned makeup.
Zendaya at the Emmys
Zendaya at the 2019 Emmy Awards.
Close-up of Zendaya at the 2019 Emmy Awards.
Zendaya is always switching up her hair, but one of her most surprising changes was the auburn shade she chose for the Emmys. (And it’s not a wig!) She looked every bit the screen siren in glam waves and sophisticated neutral makeup.
Close-up of Jessica Alba at the 2019 Baby2Baby Gala.
Padded headbands were the accessory of the year, and Jessica Alba’s pearly version at the Baby2Baby Gala was one of the best. There’s a lot going on (her hair was actually in a faux lob), so she wisely kept the makeup sheer and golden.
Katherine Langford at the 2019 American Music Awards.
Close-up of Katherine Langford at the 2019 American Music Awards.
I still can’t stop staring at Katherine Langford’s AMAs beauty look. The velvety red eyeshadow and flushed cheeks were so seamlessly blended, and her skin is just luminous. Gold beads along her hairline were the finishing touch.
Selena Gomez at the AMAs
Selena Gomez at the 2019 American Music Awards.
Close-up of Selena Gomez at the 2019 American Music Awards.
Love it or hate it, Selena’s shoulder-length, curled-under lob was the talk of the AMAs. (I personally love it.) With the matte skin, matte brown eyeshadow and nude lips, it’s all very ’90s.
Halsey at the AMAs
Halsey at the 2019 American Music Awards.
Close-up of Halsey at the 2019 American Music Awards.
Also at the AMAs, Halsey gave us her most over-the-top look to date. This time, the rainbow action was in her eye makeup and even through her (bleached) brows. As if that weren’t enough, her newly red hair was in a crimped updo.
Taylor Swift at the ‘Cats’ Premiere
Taylor Swift at the 2019 New York premiere of ‘Cats.’
Close-up of Taylor Swift at the 2019 New York premiere of ‘Cats.’
Finally, we ended the year on a high note with one of the prettiest looks I’ve ever seen on Taylor Swift, at the premiere of Cats. The combination of red lipstick, winged liner and an updo with bangs is very “her” (in the best possible way!).
Which celeb had your favourite beauty look of 2019?
What if you could get all your vitamins from just one serum?
No more wondering how to fit Vitamin A into your skincare routine so it won’t clash with your Vitamin C. You can use them all together and get on with your day (or night).
Meet Beautifully Nourished Vitamin ACE Facial Serum. It takes its name from all the vitamins it uses.
Is it really as ace as it claims? Let’s find out:
What’s In Beautifully Nourished Vitamin ACE Facial Serum?
VITAMIN A
Beautifully Nourished Vitamin ACE Facial Serum uses Retinyl Palmitate, the weakest form of Vitamin A.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant powerhouse that fights free radicals, boosts collagen production, and speeds up cellular turnover (the skin’s natural exfoliating process).
But Retinyl Palmitate is so weak (way weaker than retinol), you’ll hardly see any difference. This is a form of Vitamin A that I recommend only to people with very sensitive skin that can’t tolerate any other form.
On the plus side, Retinyl Palmitate is so gentle, it won’t irritate or dry out your skin like other forms of Vitamin A do.
Beautifully Nourished Vitamin ACE Facial Serum uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), a derivative of L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA, the pure form of Vitamin C).
Like LAA, SAP fights free radicals and boosts collagen production. It’s not as powerful, but it does convert to LAA in the skin, so you’ll see results (just more slowly).
So why use SAP instead than LAA? Let me count the reasons:
The catch? You’ll see SAP in the middle of the ingredient list. That means it’s present in a very low (1% or lower) concentration.
It’s not useless, but it can’t compete with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid serums like Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, know what I mean?
Thick and gel-like, it absorbs quickly without leaving a tacky residue behind.
Fragrance
Floral, with a hint of citrus. It’s lovely, but the essential oils used to make it smell so good can irritate sensitive skin.
How To Use It
Morning and/or night, after cleansing and exfoliation.
Performance & Personal Opinion
I use Beautifully Nourished Vitamin ACE Facial Serum in the morning right after cleansing to get the most from its antioxidant benefits.
Even the best sunscreens allow a tiny % (between 1 and 5%) of UV rays to get through the skin and generate free radicals. Antioxidants nip them in the bud before they can wreak their havoc on your skin.
Plus, I dig the texture. It glides on smoothly, sinks in quickly and doesn’t interfere with my sunscreen (the next step in my routine – yes, I skip moisturiser). No pilling or anything like that. Phew!
The serum instantly makes my skin softer and smoother. I can’t say it made my fine lines that much smaller, but then, that takes time.
I do wish Beautifully Nourished upper the concentration of its vitamins (or used more powerful forms), as that would speed up results.
As it is, this is more for women with sensitive skin who don’t tolerate high concentration of retinol or L-Ascorbic Acid, but still want to incorporate these vitamins in their skincare routine in a way that doesn’t irritate their skin.
The only thing to be wary of is the scent. The types of Vitamins A and C used here may not irritate sensitive skin, but the essential oils may trigger a negative reaction – if you’re allergic to them.
If you’re not, you can likely to use the serum without problems. It’s all about knowing what your triggers are, so you can build a skincare routine that works for your own unique needs.
Young women in their 20s who want to get started on their anti-aging journey
Women with sensitive skin who can’t tolerate high concentrations of Vitamin A and C (as long as they’re not allergic to essential oils)
Who Is This Not For?
If you’re already using high concentrations of retinoids or L-Ascorbic Acid, you don’t need this
Anyone who can’t tolerate essential oils
Packaging
Beautifully Nourished Vitamin ACE Facial Serum comes in a dark bottle with a pump dispenser that dispenses just the right amount of product you need for each application.
Does Beautifully Nourished Vitamin ACE Facial Serum Live Up To Its Claims?
CLAIM
TRUE?
Contains a multivitamin complex combining vitamins A, C & E that boosts the radiance and vitality of the skin.
It does contain all these vitamins and smoothens skin so it looks a little brighter.
The serum stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It contains ingredients that can stimulate collagen production, but in very low concentrations.
If you’re still young and want to dip your toes into antiaging skincare or have sensitive skin that can’t tolerate high concentrations of vitamins but is ok with essential oils, you may like this.
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Now that you’re up to speed on my favourite facial skincare of 2019, it’s time to share the rest—all the makeup, haircare, hair tools and bath and body products that I used and loved this year.
The Best Beauty Products of 2019
Best Primer
REN Perfect Canvas Clean Primer
I don’t use primer that often, but when I do, I reach for REN Perfect Canvas Clean Primer. I love that it’s silicone-free, feels fresh on your skin and helps to mattify the T-zone a little bit. The ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum is also great, but perhaps a tad more prone to pilling.
Best Sheer Foundation (Liquid)
Sappho New Paradigm Essential Foundation
I’ve never found a liquid foundation that I like better than Sappho New Paradigm Essential Foundation. (I wear the shade Leisha.) I hate the feel of most foundations on my skin, but not this one. It’s super light, with sheer coverage that’s buildable to a medium. I’m obsessed with the clean ingredients, fresh scent, and how it’s virtually undetectable on your skin. You need to try it!
Best Sheer Foundation (Cream)
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up
On a day-to-day basis, I almost always wear RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up in shade 00. It’s a hybrid concealer and sheer foundation, and I just find it easy and quick to use—and so natural-looking on my skin. (See my application tips here!) I love that it’s made with all-natural oils, which have never once broken me out.
Best High-Coverage Foundation
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation
I’m not a full-coverage or even medium-coverage foundation person, but I’ve been testing out the new RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation. If you like a really perfected skin look, this dense cream does the job without looking mask-like on the skin. I just find it leans a little more yellow than the original “Un” Cover-Up.
Best Tinted Moisturizer
Omorovicza Complexion Perfector
Even though I only wear it in the summer, since the shades run a bit dark for me, the Omorovicza Complexion Perfector is probably the best tinted moisturizer formula I’ve tried to date. It’s silicone-free, lightweight, and gives good light coverage (more than the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue, my other favourite).
Best BB/CC Cream
Sappho New Paradigm CC Cream
Just like the brand’s Foundation, Sappho New Paradigm CC Cream feels light and fresh on your skin. I think this one is best for oilier types, as it has more of a semi-matte finish. Despite the mousse-like texture, I’d describe the coverage level as light. The Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream, which I also wore quite a bit, is much more sheer and dewy.
Best Foundation Brush
RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush
The right foundation brush can make the difference between a streaky application and a flawless one. The best I’ve found is RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush, which I usually use with “Un” Cover-Up, but also works with liquid formulas. Something about the bristles buffs the product into your skin so it looks super natural!
The secret to concealing spots and blemishes is a tiny brush—that way, your concealer is only going on the discolouration, not the surrounding skin. I swear by Kevyn Aucoin The Concealer Brush.
Best Powder
ILIA Soft Focus Finishing Powder
To set my makeup and tame any excess shine (especially when I use “Un” Cover-Up), I love ILIA Soft Focus Finishing Powder. This is a cornstarch-based translucent powder that does a great job of mattifying, but doesn’t leave your skin dried out or weirdly slippery, like pure silica powders can. It’s also silicone-free and talc-free.
Best Cream Blush
Lilah B. Divine Duo Lip & Cheek
After trying and loving their Lip Balms, I bought a few shades of Lilah B. Divine Duo Lip & Cheek this year, and they’re equally good. Although the ingredients are not as natural as the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek collection (which I also wore a lot), the colours, texture and finish are beautiful. I also still use the Olio E Osso Balms (reviewed here).
Best Powder Blush
RMS Beauty Pressed Blush
It had been a while since I was wowed by a powder blush, until Rose-Marie Swift herself painted my face with RMS Beauty Pressed Blush back in the spring. I never would have chosen the shade Mooncry for my fair skin, but it creates a gorgeous realistic flush that will work on any skin tone (just vary the intensity of your application).
Best Bronzer
RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer
For bronzer, I find creams look a lot more natural than powders, so I like RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer for a sun-kissed glow. I also use RMS Beauty Contour Bronze, which is a little deeper and more brown-toned. With both, I just brush them across my nose and cheeks—I never contour!
Best Blush Brush
RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Blush Brush
I used to apply cream blushes and bronzers with my fingers, but the RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Blush Brush has made such a difference. You get a much more light and even diffusion of colour.
Best Luminizer
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer
For me, the OG luminizer, RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, is still the best for my skin tone. (And when I met Rose-Marie, she confirmed that it’s my perfect shade.) This stuff always gives my skin a healthy sheen that doesn’t look like makeup.
Best Freckle Pen
Freck OG The Original Freckle
I first heard about Freck OG The Original Freckle when the product was still in development, and have wanted one ever since! I finally got my hands on a tube in 2019, and I have to say, it really is the best for creating faux freckles. The only catch is that you need to take your time with it. When I’m in a rush and I still want that cute sun-kissed look, I use Stila All Day Waterproof Brow Color in the shade Light.
Best Eyeshadow
Kosas 10-Second Liquid Eyeshadow
The shade range needs expanding, but I was really impressed with Kosas 10-Second Liquid Eyeshadow this year. Even though it’s a clean formula, it doesn’t crease or slide around, and you can easily blend it with your fingers. I just think they need more neutrals, because I only like the shades Globe (champagne) and Astronaut (silver), and the latter is only available in the Mixed Metals Trio. In addition to this brand, I also wore a lot of RMS Beauty Eye Polish (evidently I’ve been more into cream eyeshadows than powders).
Best Eyeliner
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
In 2019, I started feeling like all my eyeliners were looking too dark and harsh—even the browns. But it’s not so easy finding lighter shades! Fortunately, a random Internet comment led me to Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish. It’s a metallic bronze, and a great choice for people with light skin, eyes and hair.
Lash Serum
neuLASH Lash Enhancing Serum
After finishing my last bottle of Latisse, I switched to neuLASH Lash Enhancing Serum this year. I don’t think the results are as dramatic, but I think it does the job just fine!
Best Eyelash Curler
Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler
I switched from Shu Uemura to the Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler, and it seems to fit my eyes better. It always captures all my lashes, never pulls or pinches, and the curl has a nice, gentle curve and is long-lasting.
Best Mascara
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
I hate looking in the mirror mid-day and seeing mascara smudged under my eyes, so now I only use tubing formulas that won’t budge. Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara is the ultimate—a shiny, jet-black formula that volumizes and lengthens without clumping, and stays put until you want to remove it (with just warm water).
Best Brow Mascara
Glossier Boy Brow
I don’t know if I’ve found the perfect brow mascara yet, but the one I used the most in 2019 was Glossier Boy Brow in Blond. I like the colour, which has the right amount of ashiness; I just wish it had more hold. Truthfully, I want to go back to Maybelline Brow Drama, but I can never find it here in Canada in Blonde (even though it’s still on the brand website).
The new Buxom Powerplump Lip Balm is the best colour-adjusting lip product I’ve tried (and I’ve tried a few—remember when they used to be a big thing?). Because it’s in a balm, it doesn’t dry your lips out like its predecessors. On my lips, it turns into a pretty sheer rose shade, which suits me perfectly because I don’t like to look too lipsticky. When I want a brighter pink, another good one is the Winky Lux Flower Balm.
Best Lipstick
Kosas Weightless Lip Color Lipstick
Just like I stopped wearing dark eyeliner, I’m also in a no-lipstick phase lately. Most of them just feel like too much—except for Kosas Weightless Lip Color Lipstick. The three lightest shades are the closest thing to “your lips, only better.” My favourite is Stardust!
Best Lip Liner
RMS Beauty Lip Liner
I rarely wear lip liner because I prefer my lip colour to look dabbed on, not so precise. But sometimes I like to build up my thinner top lip a bit with RMS Beauty Lip Liner in the shade Nighttime Nude (reviewed here). It’s the perfect match for my lip tone, and it has a lot of “grip.”
Out of the shower, I comb out my hair using the Mason Pearson Rake Comb. Supposedly, this is for “very thick, curly or tightly permed hair,” and mine is none of those things. But I like it because it’s so gentle on wet hair.
Usually, I let my hair air-dry, but when I do use a blowdryer, I protect my hair from the heat with the Philip Kingsley Perfecting Primer. It doesn’t have the cleanest ingredients (I’m still on the hunt for a more natural version), but I like that it leaves my hair soft and full of body.
I’m pretty sure the T3 PROi Professional Hair Dryer is being discontinued soon, but it sure has served me well these last few years! I’ve always trusted this brand’s hairdryers because they last forever and never damage your hair. This is the best dryer I’ve ever owned, so I can’t wait to see what they replace it with!
Best Flat Iron
Drybar The Tress Press
Meanwhile, the best flat iron I’ve ever owned is Drybar The Tress Press. I use this daily to touch up my bangs and the ends of my hair, and it takes literally two minutes. It never creates dents and always glides smoothly through my hair.
After looking for a cleaner, non-aerosol alternative to Dove, I settled on Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo this year. It’s not perfect (the packaging sucks), but I feel like it’s a lot better for my scalp and the environment!
Best Texturizing Spray
Playa Endless Summer Spray
For creating beachy texture, I bought Playa Endless Summer Spray, and I like it well enough. It’s made with natural ingredients like sea salt and aloe vera, and isn’t super moisturizing, which is a plus in my books. (I find some beach sprays weigh my hair down too much.)
Best Body Wash
REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash
Every few days, I buff away dry skin in the shower with Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub (reviewed here). Not only are the ingredients all-natural, but it’s so moisturizing, you can get away without body lotion.
Best Acid Exfoliant for Body
Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Body Spray
I invested in Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Body Spray to prevent sweat-induced body breakouts in the summertime. The spray makes it easy to reach your back, and it has two percent salicylic acid in a fast-absorbing liquid (so you can get dressed right away).
Best Body Lotion
Odacité Perfect Nutrients Body Lotion
I’m the pickiest person when it comes to body moisturizers, because there’s so much product being absorbed over a large surface area—so the ingredients need to be top-notch. Odacité Perfect Nutrients Body Lotion is basically perfect, because it’s a blend of aloe vera, coconut oil, glycerin and jojoba oil. If you need more moisture, I’d layer a body oil on top.
Best Body Oil
Monoï Tiki Tahiti Huile Parfumée
When I want to transport myself to the tropics, I slather on some Monoï Tiki Tahiti Huile Parfumée, a fragrant monoï oil made the traditional way by steeping tiare flowers in coconut oil. Otherwise, I just use plain Kopari Coconut Melt.
Best Body Sunscreen
Love Sun Body Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Fragrance-Free
The body sunscreen I was most impressed with this year was Love Sun Body Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Fragrance-Free. It’s waterproof, silicone-free and 100 percent natural, with 20.4 percent zinc oxide as the active ingredient. And unlike most mineral SPFs, it’s not whitening at all (even on darker skin)! You could use it on your face as well, it’s just a little on the dewy side.
If you’re a long-time reader, you might remember me gushing about Lush Sikkim Girls back in the day, when it first launched. I don’t know why I ever stopped wearing it, but this year I went back to it and realized it’s the closest thing I have to a signature scent. It’s frangipani and other white florals, but mixed with incense and vanilla. Very feminine, natural and Bohemian. I adore it!
Best Nail Buffer
Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffer
If you don’t have the time or inclination a manicure, Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffer is the best thing ever. It makes your nails so shiny, it looks like you’re wearing clear nail polish!
Best Nail Polish
Nails Inc. NailKale Nail Illuminator
I love a sheer pearly nail polish, like Nails Inc. NailKale Nail Illuminator, which I wore all through 2019. Unfortunately, it now seems to be discontinued… hopefully they bring it back!
Best Hand Lotion
Lano Coconutter Hand Cream Intense
Just like lanolin has healed my chapped lips, it’s also made a difference for my hands. I love all the Lano hand creams, especially Lano Coconutter Hand Cream Intense because it smells like coconut. And it doesn’t leave you greasy!
Best Cuticle Cream/Foot Cream
Lansinoh Lanolin Cream
I also use Lansinoh Lanolin Cream, which is a 100 percent lanolin ointment, to moisturize dry cuticles and even feet. It also doubles as a lip balm. (If you want cuter packaging, get the Lanolips 101 Ointment!)
Best Foot Peel
Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
Every couple months or so, I do a deep exfoliation using Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel (reviewed here). If you’re prone to calluses and thickened skin on your heels, nothing is more effective at getting it off!
Shop Editor’s Picks
Have you tried any of these products? What were your favourite beauty products of 2019?
I remember the days when I thought moisturiser wasn’t that important…
I was younger then and lived in sunny Italy, where the weather never got harsh enough to suck all the moisture out of my skin and wither it like an old prune.
That all changed when I moved to London. My first winter here, I was so unprepared, my skin cracked (literally!) at the first sign of winter.
Now, my priority when the temperatures start to get lower is to strengthen my skin’s protective barrier so that even the harshest winds won’t break it down.
You won’t find avocado oil in the ingredient list. It hides under the name Persea Gratissima oil (that’s how scientists call it).
Avocado oil is loaded with fatty acids, the building blocks of your skin’s protective barrier (together with ceramides, cholesterol and other stuff).
These fatty acids strengthen the skin’s protective barrier so that it can better withstand harsh weather and anything else that may irritate skin. Plus, they lock moisture in, where it needs to be to keep skin hydrated.
But what if your skin’s barrier is already broken? Fatty acids help fix it and nurse your dry, flaky skin back to health.
Avocado oil prevents moisture from evaporating out of your skin and drying it out. But what if your skin doesn’t have enough moisture of its own?
That’s where glycerin comes in. It draws moisture from the environment into the skin, binding it in. All that extra moisture plumps up your skin, makes it softer, and gives it a dewy glow.
Just slightly thick, but spreads easily and absorbs quickly.
Fragrance
Clean, slightly floral scent.
How To Use It
In the morning, after serums and before sunscreen.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Sebamed Anti-Dry Day Defence Cream is a no-frills moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin. It does what it says on the tin – and does it well.
I use it in between my vitamin C serum and sunscreen in the morning to up my defences against the harsher winter weather. The cream glides smoothly on the skin, and sinks in quickly – unless you use too much! A little goes a long way.
Upon application, my skin immediately feels softer and smoother. The moisturising effect last all day. Even after days of navigating through the streets of London, my skin shows no sign of cracking or flaking. No dryness, either.
My skin’s not that sensitive or prone to irritations. If yours is, Sebamed Anti-Dry Day Defence Cream can help relieve the symptoms and nurse your skin back to health.
But if you use it consistently, your skin is less likely to experience another flare-up. Phew!
Anyone with dry/sensitive skin, especially if you’re on a budget.
Who Is This Nor For?
Oily and acne-prone skin.
Packaging
Sebamed Anti-Dry Day Defence Cream comes in a sleek white jar. It’s not the most hygienic of packaging (wash your hands before you dip it in!), but there’s nothing here that will spoil when it contact with light and air.
Does Sebamed Anti-Dry Day Defence Cream Live Up To Its Claims?
CLAIM
TRUE?
Calms sensitive, dry skin, relieving tension and irritation.
Yes, it’s soothing.
Created with the same pH 5.5 value as healthy skin, it supports and protects the natural barrier function of the skin’s acid mantle, rapidly absorbs and leaves skin perceptibly smoother and suppler.
All true.
Vitamin E neutralizes free-radicals.
True. But you need more than one antioxidant to fight all free radicals. For better results, use the cream with an antioxidant serum.
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These handy exfoliating pads have a lot going for them: they smoothen out imperfections, brighten the complexion, and are super easy to travel with.
But at $44.00 for 16 single wipes, they’re not the most cost-effective option out there. Surely, there must be something else that does the same thing at a fraction of the cost.
What Key Ingredients Do Murad Rapid Resurfacing Peel & L’Oreal RevitaLift Bright Reveal Have In Common?
GLYCOLIC ACID
Glycolic acid is the star of the show here.
It’s the smallest member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) family, a group of exfoliants that dissolves the glue that holds skin cells together.
Once the old, damaged dead cells are off your skin, your complexion looks smoother, softer and brighter. Oh, glycolic acid hydrates skin, too. That’s what makes it the perfect exfoliant for dry skin. (Oily skin? Try salicylic acid instead).
At 10%+ concentrations, glycolic acid goes a step further: it also boosts the production of collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm. More collagen = firmer skin + fewer wrinkles.
I trust Murad when it says its Rapid Resurfacing Peel has 10% glycolic acid. It’s the 4th ingredient on the ingredient list, so there’s plenty of it.
Nope. L’Oreal claims the pads have a “10% Glycolic Complex.” Complex is the key word here. L’Oreal is counting both glycolic acid and some other ingredient (which it doesn’t mention) to reach that 10%…
Does that mean the L’Oreal pads are useless? Nope. They’re just for beginners. Glycolic acid is harsh. If you’ve never used it before, it can irritate and dry out your skin.
The best way to avoid its side effects? Start with a low concentration – like the one in the L’Oreal pads – and upgrade to a higher concentration later – hello, Murad!
Alcohol Denat is one of the most confusing ingredients in skincare. Some people swear it’s the devil incarnate while others think it’s totally fine.
Who’s right? Both. It all depends on how you use it. Let me explain…
Used alone, alcohol denat can be terribly drying and irritating. But add a few moisturising ingredients to the formula and voila, you counteract its side effects.
Murad uses Ascorbic Acid, the pure type of Vitamin C. It’s the most effective. It fights free radicals, boosts collagen production, and brightens the complexion, too.
L’Oreal uses Ascorbyl Glucoside, a derivative of Ascorbic Acid. It does the same job – just not as well. It’s less effective, but gentler on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, this is better for you.
Either way, neither exfoliant contains a huge amount of Vitamin C. I wouldn’t make my choice based only on this.
I don’t care what brands say. It’s NOT a good idea to exfoliate every day.
There’s a reason why you have dead cells: they protect the brighter skin underneath that’s not ready to come to the surface yet.
When you remove a couple of layers of dead cells, your skin becomes smoother and brighter. When you remove too many, your skin turns into a red, irritated mess.
So, how often should you exfoliate? Two or three nights a week, right after cleansing.
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
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Good morning! Good afternoon! Good evening! It’s a brand new year and that happy face up there is a lovely reminder that a new year can mean new beginnings full of discovery and fun.
What’s going on this year with you? Do you have a special plan or any special goals?
As we wrap up 2019—and the entire decade—I’m looking back at ALL the products I tried over the last 12 months to choose the absolute best of the best. (I think I’ve fallen in love with way too many products over the years to even attempt a 10-year retrospective!)
Since my 2018 list was practically a novel, I’m going to break this down into two parts.
First up is facial skincare (my favourite). From cleansers to serums to gadgets, I test-drove heaps of new launches this year, while remaining loyal to a few Holy Grail items.
Here are the highlights—and stay tuned for my makeup, haircare and bodycare picks, coming up next!
The Best Skincare Products of 2019
Two of my favourite skincare products of 2019: Summer Fridays CC Me Serum and A313 Vitamin A Pommade.
Best Makeup Remover
BIOeffect Micellar Cleansing Water
There’s nothing wrong with good ol’ Bioderma to remove makeup, but I do love my BIOeffect Micellar Cleansing Water even more. It’s fragrance-free, non-drying, and made with clean ingredients—and it’s every bit as effective. Plus, it doesn’t leave any residue on your skin afterward.
Best Cleansing Water
S.W. Basics Cleanser
S.W. Basics Cleanser is sort of like a micellar water, except it’s made with just three natural ingredients, and you do need to rinse it off. I love this one for an ultra-gentle morning cleanse.
Best Foaming Cleanser
Omorovicza Cleansing Foam
My favourite cleanser purchase of 2019 was definitely Omorovicza Cleansing Foam. Unlike most foaming cleansers, it has a luxurious creamy texture, yet it still rinses off clean (and won’t dry out your skin). Highly recommend! I also used the Indie Lee Purifying Face Wash this year, which is a good choice for oily skin.
Best Gel Cleanser
Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
I love the Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser so much, I went through more than half a bottle this year. Most gel cleansers tend to be a bit drying, but not this one—it never leaves my face feeling tight. In fact, it’s so gentle, any skin type can use it (even dry skin). The other gel cleansers I tested out were from Glow Recipe, Odacité and Indie Lee, and I’d recommend all of those, too!
Best Gel-Cream Cleanser
Lano Face Base Gelcream Cleanser
For a slightly more moisturizing cleanse, I enjoyed the new Lano Face Base Gelcream Cleanser. As a gel-cream, it has the cleansing power of a gel, but the gentleness of a cream. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser was also in my rotation and has a similar lotion-like texture. Both are nice!
Best Cream Cleanser
Dr Roebuck’s Noosa Nourishing Creme Cleanser
The best cream cleanser I used (and probably will go back to this winter) is Dr Roebuck’s Noosa Nourishing Creme Cleanser. It doesn’t lather, but still works perfectly to cleanse while leaving your skin soft and moisturized. I also appreciate that there’s no film left behind on your skin.
Best Cleansing Brush
Foreo Luna 2 for Combination Skin
I’ve remained loyal to my favourite cleansing brush, the Foreo Luna 2 for Combination Skin. I talk about it all the time because it really does deep-clean your skin (especially after sunscreen or heavy makeup), and is completely hygienic and non-irritating.
Best Face Wipes
Consonant Come Clean Anytime Natural Cleansing Cloths
I don’t use face wipes very often, but when I do, Consonant Come Clean Anytime Natural Cleansing Cloths (reviewed here, for those of us in Canada) are the best. I love the simple, natural ingredients and how they make my skin feel so fresh.
Best Astringent Toner
Pyunkang Yul Acne Toner
I got really into toners this year, with the purpose of ensuring that all traces of cleanser are removed from my skin. But since I use an acid twice daily, I needed to find a toner with compatible ingredients… like Pyunkang Yul Acne Toner! This is a slightly astringent toner that is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and surprisingly inexpensive. The Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner is a similar option, but more exfoliating (thanks to 0.5 percent salicylic acid).
Best Hydrating Toner
Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner
As a hydrating toner, Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner (reviewed here) is something I like to use when I need to freshen up my makeup before heading out for the evening. I simply swipe a saturated cotton pad over my skin and then re-apply my concealer or foundation. (Again, I avoid using hydrating toners before acids—in my experience, they cause a weird flushing reaction due to some incompatibility with the ingredients.)
Best Acid Exfoliant
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Is anyone surprised to see COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (reviewed here) on this list? I think not! I still faithfully use this beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) treatment every single morning and night, and it’s what keeps my skin clear, even and glowy. BHAs are so effective, I see no reason to use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) anymore.
Best Hydrating Serum
Consonant HydrExtreme
Another Canadian product to mention—as most of you know, Consonant HydrExtreme (reviewed here) has long been my favourite hydrating serum. This year, it was a godsend for repairing dry, irritated skin under my eyes. It has only two natural ingredients, and has been clinically proven to out-perform hyaluronic acid!
Best Calming Serum
GEORGANIC Propolis Acne Care Serum
I discovered GEORGANIC Propolis Acne Care Serum this year, and it has quickly become a new favourite. I’m calling it a “calming serum” because it contains 78 percent Centella Asiatica extract, 10 percent propolis and two percent niacinamide, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. It’s ideal for sensitive skin as well as acne-prone skin.
Best Niacinamide Serum
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
I’ve tried plenty of niacinamide serums, but I have to say, I’ve been most impressed by Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster. In addition to containing a high 10 percent concentration, it has a thin, watery and non-sticky texture that plays well with other products. Everyone can benefit from this stuff—as I explained in this tutorial, it treats dark spots, breakouts, wrinkles, dryness and so much more.
Best Brightening Serum
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
While niacinamide is great on its own for pigmentation, I also fell in love with SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense for an even more targeted treatment. Besides five percent niacinamide, it has tranexamic acid, kojic acid and HEPES, which work in tandem to fade brown spots and brighten dull skin.
Best Vitamin C Serum
Summer Fridays CC Me Serum
L-ascorbic acid serums and I don’t always get along, as per my bad experience with Drunk Elephant’s this year. So I was happy to discover Summer Fridays CC Me Serum, which combines two types of vitamin C derivatives with niacinamide and peptides. So it has some pretty powerful ingredients in a lightweight and stable formulation (which hasn’t broken me out!).
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Timeless Hyaluronic Acid Pure
I don’t apply Timeless Hyaluronic Acid Pure as a day-to-day serum (although you certainly could). Instead, I’ve been using it on my skin after I do a microneedling treatment. That’s because it contains high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid and a minimal ingredients list. Since microneedling significantly increases the penetration of topical products, you want to be careful to avoid anything that is potentially inflammatory.
Best Moisturizer
Truly Doll Skin Face Cream
One of the most incredible products I discovered this year has to be Truly Doll Skin Face Cream. Who knew you could make a moisturizer out of only a few simple ingredients, like soy lethicin, xanthan gum, aloe vera, coconut oil and cocoa butter?! It’s honestly perfect (and so inexpensive). I also used lots of Biologique Recherche La Grande Crème this year, which is equally wonderful… but that one’s $600+!
Best Moisture Stick
Cocokind MyMatcha All-Over Moisture Stick
In the colder months, I’ve been carrying Cocokind MyMatcha All-Over Moisture Stick in my handbag. It’s a blend of coconut oil, beeswax and matcha powder in a solid stick form. So it’s easy to swipe on any dry patches, such as around my nose or on my lips.
Best Face Oil
RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream
The face oil I used most this year was RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream, which is a high-quality, 100 percent virgin, raw coconut oil. My skin and coconut oil get along really well (even though I am acne-prone), so I use it as a final layer to seal in my serums and creams and even as an eye “cream.” (I still love squalane, by the way, even though I didn’t use my Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil as much this year!)
Best Eye Serum
Indie Lee I-Waken Eye Serum
Sometimes, you just want a light layer of moisture to wear during the day underneath your eye makeup. That’s where Indie Lee I-Waken Eye Serum (reviewed here) comes in. I love that it sinks in fast and is just hydrating enough, with zero greasiness. Best of all, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive eye area!
Best Eye Cream
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
I’m still searching for the perfect eye cream, but Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream (reviewed here) was one of the best I tried this year. Although I wish it was a little more stable, I love the texture, that it doesn’t cause irritation, and that it has so many actives. I feel the exact same way about Caudalie. But I may just go back to Dr Roebuck’s, which I initially found a bit too rich, and try applying less.
Best Sunscreen
Ava Isa Pure Untinted Ultra Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen
I was already a fan of Ava Isa Pure Untinted Ultra Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen when it launched in 2018, but after doing this tutorial, even more so! The fact that it gives you such high protection against UVA (the rays that cause skin aging and skin cancer) makes me not want to use anything else! I also loved REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 for its super lightweight texture, but how much UVA protection it offers is unknown.
Best Hydrating Mist
Dr Roebuck’s Bondi Hydrating Mist
I’m a total face mist junkie, and Dr Roebuck’s Bondi Hydrating Mist (reviewed here) was new to my collection this year. It’s got aloe vera, glycerin, niacinamide and cucumber extract for refreshing, hydrating and soothing your skin.
Best Mattifying Mist
Tatcha The Satin Skin Mist
In the warmer weather, I had Tatcha The Satin Skin Mist (reviewed here) on high rotation. This is such a unique mist—it’s actually a liquid powder that tames shine while it refreshes your skin. It could even replace the need for blotting papers or powder touch-ups.
Best Retinoid
A313 Vitamin A Pommade
The best retinoid I used in 2019 is one of France’s best-kept secrets: A313 Vitamin A Pommade (reviewed here). Even though it only contains retinol derivatives, it’s actually very strong—even stronger than some one percent retinols I’ve tried, like Lixirskin. The texture is not the best, but the results certainly are!
Best Lip Balm
Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm
I used to get chapped lips all the time, but never again after using Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm every night. As a 100 percent medical-grade lanolin ointment, it’s honestly the most healing thing you could ever use on your lips. (If you don’t care about cute packaging, Lansinoh Nipple Cream is the exact same thing!)
Best Purifying Mask
Indie Lee Clearing Mask
I didn’t have a lot of time for face masks in 2019, but I did use Indie Lee Clearing Mask (reviewed here) on occasion when my skin felt on the verge of breaking out. (This is nice to use premenstrually!) It has clay, zinc, sulfur, glycolic acid and salicylic acid—all the good stuff for acne-prone skin.
Best Brightening Mask
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask (reviewed here) is my “going out” mask—the treatment I like to use to quickly brighten and soften my skin before I apply my makeup for a night on the town. It’s a classic!
Best Hydrating Mask
Dr Roebuck’s Icebergs Hydrating Mask
Dr Roebuck’s Icebergs Hydrating Mask is unique among hydrating masks, because it’s oil-free and non-occlusive, with a light jelly texture. So I don’t have to worry about it clogging my pores, and it’s great year-round (not just when my skin is drier in the winter).
Best Balancing Mask
Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant
No matter what new mask I discover, I always come back to Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant (reviewed here). There’s just nothing else like it. No, it’s not pretty, and the smell can be off-putting, but the yeast, clay, vinegar and lactic acid work wonders.
Best Microneedling Device
BeautyBio GloPRO Microneedling Regeneration Tool
I experimented with microneedling this year (after not having done it for several years), and my tool of choice has been the BeautyBio GloPRO Microneedling Regeneration Tool. I like this one because the needles are only 0.3 mm, and it emits red light to enhance your results. You can also replace the head (rather than throwing out the whole thing), as well as switch it out for the body, eye and lip attachments.
Best Microcurrent Device
ZIIP Nano Current Device
Last year, my Christmas gift to me, from me, was the ZIIP Nano Current Device—and I haven’t regretted it! This sleek little gadget, which emits both microcurrent and nanocurrent, lets you target virtually any skin concern via its app and step-by-step videos. There are programs for lifting, calming, clearing, brightening and more. But I do still use the NuFace Trinity as well. That one is microcurrent only, and best for firming and anti-aging.
Best Red Light Therapy Device
Red Light Man Red Light Device
It’s no secret that I’m a huge proponent of red light therapy for all aspects of skin health. You won’t find a more powerful, effective device than the Red Light Man Red Light Device. I still use this several times a week (every night if I can!) to keep my skin firm, plump and clear. If you can only invest in one device, get this one. (Read more about its benefits here and here.)
Best Lip Plumper
PMD Kiss Lip Plumping System
Last but not least, we have the PMD Kiss Lip Plumping System (reviewed here). This suction device produces temporarily fuller lips, and is my alternative to lip injections and overlining. I don’t use it every day, but it’s a fun quick fix. (Not that thin lips need to be fixed!)
Shop Editor’s Picks
Have you tried any of these products? What were your favourite skincare products of 2019?
Here are my favourite skincare products of the year! For 2018 I went through my empties, but this year I didn’t actually use much up (too much product testing). I started making a list of products I loved, but it ended up really long, so I limited myself to products that I discovered in 2019,…
Here are my favourite skincare products of the year! For 2018 I went through my empties, but this year I didn’t actually use much up (too much product testing). I started making a list of products I loved, but it ended up really long, so I limited myself to products that I discovered in 2019,…
Dawn Siler 