Here are some of my favorite beauty buys of 2020, including skincare products, makeup and beauty gadgets.
MAKEUP
1. Beauty Counter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer
For the past year or more, I have been using an SPF face cream that gives my face a white cast until I apply makeup. So I recently decided to find a cream that didn’t require me to apply makeup over it. That’s where Beauty Counter’s Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer comes in. I initially learned about it from my former co-worker Sonni Abatta (who has the best beauty buy recommendations). I purchased the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer in the light shade and it perfectly matches my skin tone. It offers very light coverage, so I do apply concealer as well (see below). Also, I love that Beauty Counter’s products are all clean and have the EWG’s Skin Deep seal of approval.
Buy at BeautyCounter.com for $45
2. Beauty Counter Touchup Skin Concealer Pen
This pen offers good coverage for my under eye bags and red areas of my face. I apply under my eyes and nose, on my chin, and between my eyebrows. My skin looks like and even afterwards.
Buy at BeautyCounter.com for $33
3. Physicians Formula Natural Defense Finishing Powder
I always like to finish my makeup off with a powder. I recently purchased Physicians Formula Natural Defense Powder and love it. It contains SPF 20 for an extra layer of protection from the sun’s damaging rays, while also blocking out blue light (RPF) and pollution (PPF).
4. Physicians Formula Organic Wear Brow Gel
I used to use clear mascara to get my eyebrows to stay in shape, but in recent years jumped on the brow gel train. Now I can’t go without it. I love the color of the Physicians Formula Organic Wear Brow Gel (I get soft brown), and I also love the super thin applicator brush.
HAIRCARE
5. Love, Beauty & Planet 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner Bar
I’ve tried other shampoo bars in the past but I really like this one by Love, Beauty & Planet. It smells good, it’s not over drying, and the best part is I don’t feel guilty about having to dispose of a plastic shampoo bottle. Even though this is a shampoo and conditioner in one, I do still use a separate conditioner (that unfortunately comes in traditional packaging.) If anyone out there knows of a conditioner bar that truly works, please send it my way!
CREAMS & MASKS
6. Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Cream
The active ingredient in Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Cream is bakuchiol, a plant derived retinol alternative. Interestingly, bakuchiol is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments. I apply this cream every night after I shower. According to Burt’s Bees, it improves texture and skintone, and is clinically shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. I have to say, my husband was looking at my face the other night and said, “Your skin is glowing!” So I’m not sure if it’s a combination of everything on this post, but I definitely think this firming cream has something to do with it.
7. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask
This mask has a cult following with almost 24,000 reviews on Amazon. The solo ingredient is natural bentonite clay, which helps rid the pores of buildup. To activate the mask, it’s recommended you mix it with apple cider vinegar before applying to the face. But fair warning: You might want to skip the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask if your skin is ultra dry or sensitive. Also, I recommend fully following the directions because if you overuse it, you risk stripping your skin of its natural oils. I left it on for too long once and I noticed I needed to apply extra cream at night.
GADGETS
8. PMD Personal Microderm Pro for Face & Body
Between lack of sleep and little time to dedicate to a beauty regimen, I feel like motherhood took a toll on my face and body. So when a friend recommended to me the PMD Personal Microdermabrasion device, I quickly bought it. It is definitely one of my most favorite beauty buys of 2020. It provides a professional quality microdermabrasion treatment at home and comes with attachments for both the face and body. You cam move up the different color coded heads as your skin adjusts to the treatment. The company says the device is good for fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and large pores — all of which I need help with. I use my PMD about once a week and follow up with a serum (my favorite right now is Burt’s Bees Renewal Intensive Firming Serum). My skin feels so soft afterwards and fingers crossed, these lines are diminishing.
Buy on Amazon for $199 (apply the coupon at this link to save 10%)
What are some of your favorite beauty products as of late? Leave a comment below. And bonus points if they’re clean!
