My Favorite Beauty + Skincare Discoveries of 2020

2020 might have disappointed many of us, but I sure did learn a lot about myself and the things that matter. I have always cared about beauty and skincare, especially as someone with eczema. I never really felt like I had a good handle on it all, though. I was always frustrated because some products just weren’t for me. Either they dried me out, or they were too complicated. I can now say I have a strong daily skincare routine and a strong daily make up routine that really works for me. While there are many deep lessons I learned in 2020, I value my favorite beauty and skincare discoveries of 2020. I highlighted my favorite skincare and beauty products and methods below. I hope you find a few helpful. As always, I’m just a DM or email away. I will look into any questions and ideas you have!

Illuminating Undereye Concealer

The first time I used this, my roommate would not stop showering compliments on me. For someone with dry skin, I basically had forgone undereye concealer. Everything eventually got dried out and cakey. I have dark circles, as does anyone with allergies and a penchant for parties. My father and cousins suffer, as well. This stuff WORKS. It stays on all day and not only doesn’t flake up, but it actually makes me look MORE moisturized. This is a miracle product, and I’ll never not have enough. The Bye Undereye Illumination Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer is $27 and will last you forever. I’m on month 3, and it still feels full.

Highlighter on my Cupid’s Bow + Nose

I can’t pinpoint the moment I started doing this, but I know I’ll never go back. I had always brushed highlighter on my cheekbones and eyelids (I only do eye makeup on special occasions!). I kept wondering why different girls looked so dewy. Now I feel like I achieve this look by swiping my nose and my cupid’s bow (the cute little divet above your lips). The effect is amazing. It’s almost as powerful as contouring with bronzer. I love this IBY Radiant Glow Highlighter I discovered thanks to IBY.

Toner Toner Toner

I feel like such a child that I didn’t use more toner before this year. As I wrote in this blog post, I thought toner was only for people with oily skin. I learned that toner could actually help people with eczema and dry skin, as well. The toner allows your serums and other moisturizers to sink in more efficiently. I spray this Mario Badescu Toner on every morning and every night. I find that it’s hydrating even when I spray it throughout the day.

The Best Lip Combo

I read once that your lip colors should be the color of your nipples. My nipples aren’t glossy, but I see what the professionals mean after investing in some Charlotte Tilbury and Buxom products. I finally got my lip color game together this year. I found these products because of some bloggers I follow religiously. Start with a liner close to the color of your lips but a little darker. Fill in with a gloss of a lighter color. DONE. I dropped my new favorite lip liners and colors below. I added in the Buxom Plump Lip Balm because sometimes you need something even easier.

My New Favorite Mascara(s)

If you follow me on Instagram Reels, you saw this video. I tried a new mascara every day for one week. The two reigning champions? The Beauty For Real High Def Mascara ($15) won because of the precise brush. Right next to it in the winner’s circle is the It Cosmetics Lash Blowout Mascara ($25). I did the research, folks! I really stand by these two beauty and skincare recommendations.

Lash Lift + Tint

While I love my lash extensions, the lash lift and tint are better suited for me on a long-term basis. After several months of no lash extensions, I tried a lash lift and tinted with Stephanie of Curly Willow Spa in Richmond, VA. The lift curled my lashes perfectly, and it held for more than 4 weeks. I would say it held up to 6 weeks, but a few lashes “fell” or lost the curl a bit. I was able to even them out every day with mascara, though! texting Stephanie now to see when I can get in…

I can wax myself (sort of!)

I detailed my waxing adventures in this blog post. This might not be my favorite beauty hack, but I was impressed with what I discovered. Once salons closed, more than a few of you messaged me to say you were nervous about your bikini lines. I, personally received a Brazillian monthly for the past few years. I had to see if we could manage the at-home beauty hack ourselves! I ordered up some of the best wax strips you can get online. I got advice from experts and tried it myself. It was not bad, ladies! It’s not the salon, but it did the trick.

Digital Eye Drops

This is a simple beauty hack that makes so much sense. I stare at my computer and phone all day. Even with my blue light glasses, I was beginning to wonder if my eyes would burn to a crisp and pop right out. Someone made eye drops for that! I really only need one drop in each eye of these Refresh Digital Eye Drops to either start the day or reset in the afternoon. Genius!