The Best Beauty Products I Tried in 2020
I’m constantly sharing the products I like on LTK/Insta, but figured it was time to do a yearly round up of my all time favorite new products of this year. These products didn’t necessarily make their debut in 2020, however it was the first time I tried them out. I’m always testing new products, but not all of them make the cut - this list only has the new products that were truly amazing imo. Did you make any new beauty discoveries this year? Leave me a comment, so I can check ‘em out!
Makeup
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint Spf 40
As working from home became the new norm, I found myself not wearing nearly as much makeup. Basically just enough to not look like a slob on Zoom! This tinted moisturizer was such a good find. It’s lightweight, hydrating without feeling heavy and has SPF 40 (yes you need SPF even indoors!). They also have a wide shade range too, I wear shade 4 Formosa.
Chanel Healthy Glow Highlighting Drops
I lerrvee me some Chanel, which y’all already know. These drops come in two shades (pearl and bronze). I opted for the pearl since I primarily use it a highlighter on my cheekbones. You can also mix it with foundation if you want to add a subtle glow. As most of Chanel products, it smells amazing and goes on flawlessly. It’s definitely more of a subtle glow, so wouldn’t say it’s a full on highlight replacement if that’s your jam.
This was THE year of new mascaras for me. I used to be all about my strip lashes when I’d go out, but since that’s happened all of like 3x this year (lol, not exaggerating) I’ve been using more mascara than usual. I think I’ll do a separate mascara round up post, but hands down this was my favorite. When I first saw the brush I thought it would be pretty good for just length, but it really does it all. Definitely repurchasing and on heavy rotation in my arsenal.
One of the big hits from Glossier that really lives up to the hype! This will give you that freshly laminated brow look - I usually use the clear formula after I lightly fill in my brows. On my “no makeup” days this is also great by itself to give a fuller brow/more put together look.
Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Plumper
I’ve been super loyal to my Buxom plumping lip glosses, but this new formula might be able to give them a run for their money. I got the clear and Bright Cherry shades. They will definitely give you that fresh filler look ;)
Skincare
Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore Moisturizer
Love pretty much everything by Skinceuticals but this is definitely my favorite. I started using this early 2020, and went through multiple repurchases. Considering how many new products I’m constantly trying, that says a lot when I restock something multiple times. Definitely one of my cult favorites and worth every penny.
PCA Skin Exlinea Peptide Smoothing Serum
This was a new addition after pregnancy (I’ll actually do a pregnancy skincare round up next!). Since I’m not currently using retinol or botox, I’ve been spot treating my forehead and around my eyes with this. Peptides are 100% pregnancy safe and super effective for plumping fine lines and wrinkles. This paired with HA is the new power duo.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Mist
I keep this on my office desk for a mid day spritz. It’s the only facial mist I’ve used and had someone comment on how glowy my skin looked (and this was over Zoom, btw!). It smells so good and lightly hydrates, plus looks so cute on my desk.
Glossier Waterproof Makeup Remover
Another Glossier hit! This is the best makeup remover I’ve tried…ever. It glides on so smooth and instantly dissolves all makeup including waterproof mascara and lash glue. Time to ditch those makeup wipes! 10/10 recommend.
Body
Ever wonder how to get that fresh, bright eyed look? These drops will give you “doll eyes” by brightening the whites of eyes temporarily. I love it because they start to work instantly and last all day.
Necessaire Eucalyptus Body Scrub
It can be so hard to find a scrub that’s scrubby enough without being abrasive, ya know? I love the texture of this body scrub and the scent is so relaxing. Highly recommend!
Paula’s Choice 10% AHA Body Lotion
I was using this pre-pregnancy to help with gentle exfoliation all over and can’t wait till I can use it again. If you have keratosis pilaris (aka chicken skin) this will help to fade the spots as well as leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
As a self proclaimed tanning connoisseur, I’ve tried SO many different tanners. Even though Tan Luxe is usually really good, I was skeptical to try due to the price tag. Finally decided to bite the bullet and so glad I did. This oil is my new favorite, but I try to use it sparingly! After one use you’ll get a great color pay off. I’m super fair and use the Med/Dark formula (because ya know, I’m all about efficiency). I recommend using gloves to rub it in, or just make sure to wash your hands right after.
This was a recent find (as soon as I found out I was pregnant!). I started using it about 4 months ago, and still on my first bottle. I use it religiously after every shower. It smells so good (like a spa) and makes my skin feel smooth, never greasy. It’s meant to help tighten and prevent stretch marks. It has so many positive reviews and can totally see why.
Hair
Love this product so much. It’s thick, but not too thick to the point where it’s hard to work with. I like to mix it with my purple conditioner most times for an added boost of hydration. I can tell a difference after I use it - my hair stays smoother longer post wash, without being weighed down.
Ouai Dry Shampoo - Mojave Ghost
The regular formula of their dry shampoo has been a long time staple in my routine, but when they launched the collab with Byredo for the Mojave Ghost fragrance I just had to have it. I stocked up on so many bottles - hopefully they bring it back!
Never again will I use a normal towel to dry my hair! Microfiber is more absorbent than normal towels and find this wrap is way better at drying my hair. Plus it’s less bulky and stays put, so you can multi task much easier.
Kerastase Overnight Recovery Treatment for Lightened Hair
Ever find that your hair feels drier a few days post wash? Between styling, cold weather, and not washing it as much my hair usually needs a boost of moisture between washes. This overnight treatment is my new favorite and is great for blonde/processed hair. All you do is leave it in overnight (no need to rinse) and you wake up to moisturized hair! They also make other formulas for non colored treated hair as well.
This is my new favorite post hair wash oil. I use it on damp hair and work through, focusing on the ends. It smells luxurious and definitely one of the better hair oils I’ve tried. I find some of the really intense ones can almost be too heavy and leave my hair overly moisturized, but not this one.