A short and sweet yearly beauty roundup
Hi everybody, I hope you’re healthy and safe and enjoying the holiday season. 2020 is a heartbreaking year; I do see hope on the horizon, and I’m optimistic next year will be better. Looking back, I was on a no-buy for most of the year. I wore very little makeup, which was nice. Unfortunately, I neglected the blog for obvious reasons. With so much sadness and uncertainty, it’s hard to talk about beauty.
When I got back into it, I realized it was a much-needed distraction, and working on my blog makes me happy. I want to thank you for taking the time to read it, it truly means the world. Today I’m sharing my favorite beauty discoveries of 2020. These are the products that stood out the most, and I loved the most. The best of the best!
Weleda Awakening Night Cream
My standout skincare product is the Weleda Awakening Night Cream. Not very exciting, I know. Hear me out, I discovered this cream through Katie Jane Hughes. She uses Weleda frequently in her videos, and in all honesty, Katie could sell me a fur coat in July. The Awakening Night Cream is a nighttime moisturizer geared towards mature skin. It smooths out fine lines while leaving the skin hydrated. It contains oil from pomegranate seeds, which helps with the production of collagen and elastin. I thought, “Why can’t I use it on my neck?” It worked! My neck feels firmer and tighter. Now it’s my current neck cream.
I’m over forty, and probably should’ve invested in a neck cream sooner. It’s important to strike early and target the area. Is a neck cream necessary? Maybe not, you can always use face products on your neck and décolletage. But it’s something I wanted to invest in this year. This cream has excellent reviews, and it’s made a real difference. If you read my previous posts, you know about my love for Skin Food. Weleda products are effective and affordable.
Victoria Beckham Lid Lustre in Mink
Masks have everyone focused on eye makeup, and I’m no exception. My favorite eye shadow of 2020, without a doubt, is the Victoria Beckham Lid Lustre in Mink. It’s such a distinctive shade. Sometimes it looks brown, sometimes silver, gold – it’s stunning! I have a full review of Victoria Beckham Beauty in a previous post.
I think fondly of it now because back in January and February (pre-Covid), I wore it to several events and received many compliments. People stared at my eyes, and some asked what shadow I was wearing. It looked like I spent hours on my makeup when it only took two minutes. Not only is the color beautiful, but it’s also effortless and easy to apply. The entire Victoria Beckham Beauty line is gorgeous. Mink is the standout.
Armani Neo Nude Foundation
It wouldn’t be a yearly favorites without me mentioning an Armani base product. I can’t help it, Armani makes the best foundations. Neo Nude Foundation is super lightweight, it doesn’t feel like a foundation at all. It makes my skin look dewy and hydrated. And any foundation infused with skincare is a bonus for me. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it plumps up the skin making it look healthy and glowy.
I haven’t worn foundation for most of the year. On the few occasions I do, or for zoom meetings, Neo Nude is my go-to. Does it have insane coverage? No. Is it the most long-lasting? Maybe not. What I love is that it doesn’t feel like makeup. It’s my skin, but better.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Poppet
Blush is the one makeup item I can’t give it up. It brings life to my face making my skin appear healthy and youthful. Mask and all, I won’t give up blush. The star of 2020 for me is the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Poppet. I discovered Westman Atelier makeup this year, I purchased the highlighter as well, and I’m obsessed with both.
Poppet is a vibrant fuchsia pink that makes me so happy. It glides easily on my skin and blends smoothly. Even though the color is bold, it looks natural. It’s a beautiful cream formula with skincare benefits like Jojoba oil. It even contains a youth-preserving active ingredient extracted from raspberry cells. I mean, come on. For more on blush, check out my Top 5 Cream Blushes post.
Olaplex Bonding Oil No.7
My hair MVP is the Olaplex Bonding Oil No.7. I’ve stopped using styling tools altogether, and I believe it’s because of this oil. It makes my hair silky-smooth and healthy. I only use 1 to 2 drops on damp hair and air dry. The next day my hair is soft and bouncy. It doesn’t weigh my hair down or make it look greasy. You only need a drop, so this tiny bottle will last forever.
Honorary Mention
Finally, I have to mention the Byredo Lipstick in Solid Ground. Byredo Beauty has to be one of the most exciting makeup releases of the year. When I saw this lipstick, I just had to have it. Did I buy it simply because of the packaging? Yes, and no shame. The packaging is a work of art. It reminds me of the 1920s and 30s era when makeup was sold in art deco packaging. It looks like a piece of jewelry, so it’s quite special, and I love having it in my bag.
The reviews I saw prior to buying were positive, and I can confirm it has a nice formula and great color payoff. Solid Ground is a vibrant, youthful pinky shade with a matte finish. I like to dab it on my lips with my finger to create a stain to prevent mask stains.
Those were my standout beauty products of 2020. Please tell me about your favorites, were you tempted by any new releases this year?
