Top 10 Beauty Products of 2021
These are products that I’ve purchased multiple times during the year or will repurchase once I finish them. I try a lot of products throughout the year and there’s not many that wow me til the holy grail status.
Makeup Favorites
1- Hourglass Veil™ Translucent Setting Powder
Price: $46 for standard and $20 for mini
The Hourglass Translucent Setting powder is a ultra fine loose powder formula that is said to give the skin a flawless finish.
I can attest to this statement 100%! I originally purchased my first powder in the mini size back in 2020 and used it on and off and the second was purchased in 2021. Prior to the Hourglass powder, I was using the Laura Mercier one, which everyone raves about. I always thought the LM powder was too heavy for my dry under eyes. The Hourglass powder is super lightweight and I find it great for setting my under eyes and whole face when needed. There’s been times I’ve added just a light dab of powder and other times I’ve added more than I intended to, but each time the powder gave my under-eyes an airbrushed finish.
I know some powders claim that they’re translucent and still leave behind some type of color – I find that this one does not. I know the full price of $46 is definitely pricey, but being that I only use it only under eyes and lightly on my t-zone, each mini lasted me about a year!
2- Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer
Price: $4.99
The Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer is said to instantly increase the volume of any mascara.
And yes, it does! The Essence Lash Primer is formulated with Acai Oil and Mango Butter. It primes your lashes to help prepare them for your mascara application and adds volume. Over the years I’ve tried many different high end formulas. Many of them work and many dried out pretty quickly. I bought this one on a whim and I’m so happy I gave it a try. This is the least expensive lash primer that I’ve tried and it performs just as well if it not better than some of the formulas I’ve tried that range from $12-$30! I find that the majority of the lash primers that I have tried throughout the years incorporate ingredients to help nourish the lashes. This is probably one of the reasons why my lashes are the longer side and shedding is not a problem for me. When I use the Essence primer, my lashes appear longer and the primer really helps with volume.
I would say I’ve gone through 2-3 tubes throughout this year. At this point, I’m purchasing them in two’s since they can be a little difficult to find. My go to places for purchasing them are Ulta and Target (online).
3- Nars ORGASM ON THE BEACH CHEEK PALETTE
Price: $59
Hands down one of the best palettes that I’ve purchased this year! As someone with a deeper skin complexion, I’m happy to say I can use each and every shade in this palette. I usually steer away from big palettes because there’s usually a few colors that don’t suit me or colors I just don’t like. Throughout the year I brought this palette on several trips and it easily served as my highlighter, highlighter topper, blush and bronzer. I can’t say enough great things about this palette!
I can’t say if this palette will remain in Nar’s permanent collection, so if you’re thinking of purchasing it I would advise sooner than later.
Body Care Favorites
4- Le Labo - The Noir 29 Eau de Parfum
Price: $196 for 1.7oz
I smelled The Noir 29 one day in early 2020 while I was browsing through Nordstrom. I sprayed The Noir on one wrist and Santal 33 on the other wrist. Throughout the day I was mesmerized by the Noir scent. After purchasing it, I wore it all through the lockdown - this includes days I was going out and even some days when I stayed in. I very much associate The Noir scent with happy feelings and the unique scent. The scent blend is nothing like anything that I’ve tried before. The blend incorporates all scents that I enjoy, but prior to this I never tried them blended in this way.
I get more of a fall/wintery scent mix from this blend, but it never stopped me from wearing it in the summer. I also think this scent blend is a true definition of a unisex scent. I don’t find it to be overly masculine or feminine. I know the price tag is towards the higher end range, but the perfume is very concentrated. The scent lasts very long on my skin and my clothing.
If you’re able to purchase a Le Labo scent, I would highly recommend doing it in person if you can. I say that because the scent is blended and poured right in front of you. Also you can add a personalized message touch to the bottle. Lastly, I was informed by a Le Labo rep that if you bring back an empty bottle to have it refilled, you’ll receive a savings of 20%. Being that I love this scent so much, I fully intend on doing this whenever I finish this current bottle.
Scent Breakdown:
- Top: bergamot, bay leaves, black tea, fig.
- Middle: hay, tobacco.
- Base: cedarwood, vetiver, musk.
5- Eucerin Daily Hydration SPF 30 Cream
Price : Varies from $7-$14 for 8oz.
I tried this on a whim and it’s been one of the best drugstore sunscreens that I’ve purchased thus far. It’s described as a 2 in 1 formula that provides SPF protection while also moisturizing the skin.
This a great chemical sunscreen option that can be used on the body and the face. I’ve always known and associated Eucerin for their great moisturizers and this combination didn’t let me down.
Being that this a thicker formula, I do think it would be ideal for dry and normal skin types - if using this on the face. I have a normal-oily skin type and I prefer this one for cooler/dryer temperatures. I love this one for both my face and body, but if you’re using it on your face try not to get this too close to your eyes. Some days I notice sensitivity/tearing up while using it and other days I have no issues at all.
6- First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
Price: $28 for 8oz
The First Aid Beauty KP Eraser has been a staple in my body care routine this year. Before claiming this as my holy grail I did try out other scrubs that claim perform as a chemical and physical exfoliation scrub that helps to eliminate keratosis pilaris, but nothing has compared to this one.
If you’re not exactly sure how the KP Eraser Scrub performs or what it’s supposed to do, it’s a body scrub that offers both physical and chemical exfoliation with the use of Lactic and Glycolic acids to help eliminate Keratosis Pilaris. Just remember to follow-up with a body sunscreen.
Check out some of my previous reviews on it:
Blog Post Review: KP Body Routine
Video Review: TikTok
Haircare Favorites
7-Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo
Price: $28 for 8.5oz
In the previous years I ranted and raved about the Olaplex No.3 Bond Treatment. I was able to try out both the Shampoo and Conditioner and I was so impressed with the Shampoo. I find most shampoos to be very drying and stripping to my hair. But the Olaplex No 4 Shampoo was super moisturizing and really cleansed my hair without making it feel dry.
If you’re interested in trying out the shampoo, it’s great for all hair types- especially those that have damaged hair, color-treated hair and chemical-treated hair. I'm on my second bottle of the shampoo and I love that it’s also available in a mini size.
Previous Review: Olaplex 0, 3, 4 and 5 Review
Facial care Favorites
8- Water Drench® Hyaluronic Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 45
Price: $52 for 1.7 oz
Buttery smooth! I think that may be the best way to describe the texture of this moisturizer sunscreen duo. The PTR Water Drench Moisturizing SPF is described as water resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen. This is a chemical based sunscreen that feels like a moisturizer. I love that it absorbs well and doesn’t leave my skin looking or feeling oily after its been applied.
Unlike other sunscreens, this one does not have a scent and does not burn my eyes. The only con is the price. This is a 2 in 1 product, so while using it you shouldn’t need to use a moisturizer with it.
I love that the Water Drench SPF now comes in a mini size. It’s perfect for travel or to add in your bag to apply on the go. If you’re thinking of trying it out, maybe pick up the mini size to test it out.
9- Laneige Cream Skin Mist
Price: $27 for 2.54 oz
It’s safe to say, this is one the most hydrating mists that I’ve tried! The mist sprays pretty fine and only a few spritzes are needed. The cream skin mist is very similar to the Original Cream Skin Toner. As someone with combo skin, I can easily use this at the end of my skincare routine in place of a moisturizer during the warmer months.
Being that it’s multi-functional, I would recommend this to all skin types. Those with dry to normal skin types, would likely enjoy this as a refresher and in between different steps of their skincare routines. For those that have a skin type similar to mine, this is great to use a hydrating toner/mist or at the end of a routine or even as a lightweight moisturizer. I still have about 1/3 left of my bottle and I fully intend on repurchasing it when it’s finished.
If you’re interested in seeing some of the other mists in my collection and that enjoy using, check out this Reels Post from my Instagram.
10- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner
Price: $24 for 6oz
If you have dry, sensitive, sensitized skin or just looking for something super hydrating, this is one to check out. I love using this during my PM Retinol/Tretinoin Routines and during my winter routines when my skin can use extra moisture. The toner has a milky consistency and absorbs into my skin without making it look or feel oily.
I prefer to use this toner by just patting it into my skin with my fingertips. You could use this with a cotton round, but I think if you’re using it for hydrating purposes, patting it directly into the skin is the best option. Also by patting the toner in and not using a cotton round, less products is getting wasted or being absorbed into cotton that will be thrown out. This is a toner I would recommend for all skin types. I have a backup of this one and I fully intend to keep this in my routine.