| Loves | Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

| Loves | Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Skincare was a huge part of maintaining my sanity over the past year. The selfcare process of skincare is so soothing and relaxing. I definitely had some skincare epiphanies last year about my skin and it made me shift the products I use on a regular basis. I think I've really come into a comfortable place with my skincare routine and understanding my skin's needs. These are all my very well-loved skincare essentials from 2020. 


CLEANSERS

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Makeup Removing Meltaway Cleanser - This cleansing balm feels delightfully fresh and feels more like a moisturizer than a balm. It surprisingly has no greasy or oily texture but it still breakdown makeup beautifully. It is incredibly gentle and doesn't irritate the eyes when removing makeup. The gel-cream texture is so unique and feels wonderful on the skin. 

HoliFrog Kissimmee Vitamin F Therapy Balmy Wash - This creamy balm melts away makeup so beautifully and the texture is very creamy, easy to move around the skin. It isn't overly greasy or too thick, it has a nice balmy and medium viscous consistency. I used almost my entire tube throughout the year and this is a cleansing balm I would repurchase again. 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Emgergising Marine Cleanser - The latest addition to the Pro-Collagen range, this cleanser is a refreshing gel texture that removes all dirt, makeup, and impurities. The gel texture feels bouncy and cushiony on the skin as it begins to lightly foam. It feels so gentle but cleanses so well! Massaging this gel into my skin feels so delightful and leaves my skin so clean. My skin feels softer, smoother, and refreshed after using this cleanser. It has become my new favorite cleanser from the Elemis range. 

Derma-E Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash - I actually finished a bottle of this cleanser this past year. This cleanser always lives in my shower and it is so great for preventing and reducing acne. I use it after I work out to prevent acne and I use it when I have broken out. It is so great for gently cleansing the skin and targeting acne. I don't break out often so, I mostly use this for preventing acne and it works like a dream! 

Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel - This luxurious cream-gel cleanser feels so gentle and luxurious on the skin. It feels a lot like the Augustinus Bader creams, just gentle and nourishing. It very lightly foams and it has a creamy texture that melts into the skin. It's great for cleansing and helping remove makeup. I love how this cleanser feels more like a treatment than a cleanser. It's such a beautiful texture and it actually softens the skin immediately! You can read more about this formula in my review

Omorovicza Cleansing Foam - This cleanser has a wonderfully luxurious creamy texture that feels so gentle and nourishing on the skin. This cleanser starts out as a soft cream and very quickly turns into a comforting foaming cleanser. This formula foams very easily, so a little goes a very long way. As someone with dry skin, I appreciate a cream and hydrating cleanser. 

Dr. Zenovia Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser - This creamy gel cleanser is light, refreshing, and nourishing. This cleanser lightly foams and feels so creamy on the skin. It feels very luxurious, comforting, and hydrating. If you have dry skin, like me, you'll love this refreshing and hydrating formula. It leaves your skin feeling very clean but also soft and plump. 


MASKS & PEELS 

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Elemis Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel - This gentle peel is extremely effective and intense with a blend of three effective acids to exfoliate and treat the skin. What's impressive about this formula is that it helps treat lines and wrinkles on top of brightening pigmentation and age spots! This formula is very hydrating and it really makes your skin so incredibly soft! I love how smooth and plump my skin feels after using this peel. Also, it really helps make all your skincare more effective by helping them absorb into the skin. 

Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C™ Dark Spot Correcting Peel - This blue peel is very intense and while you can use it up to two times a week, I find that a little too intense for me. I like to use it once a week for a really deep peel treatment. It contains a ton of ingredients for reducing hyper-pigmentation and it really does help reduce the pigmentation, along with smoothing and softening the skin. It has a nice cooling sensation on the skin and leaves your skin completely renewed. 

Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel Mask - This mask is so incredibly unique, it is a blend between a peel, exfoliator, and mask. This glorious pink paste has very fine and larger exfoliating particles that allow you to get deep into the pores and really smooth the surface of the skin. The product is packed with fruit enzymes to soften, smooth, and brightens the skin. This product gives me a true glass-skin look without any makeup! It is stunning! I can't rave about it enough so, check out my review here

TonyMoly Sheet Masks - I love sheet masking at least once a week, if not multiple times a week. I don't believe in spending a lot on sheet masks because sheet masks in the lower-mid price range are just as good as the high-end ones. I discovered these sheet masks this year and I couldn't be happier. I have enjoyed just about every variety they have available. A full review of all these sheet masks is to come. 


TONER, MISTS, & ESSENCES 

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Augustinus Bader The Essence - This thick and rich formula is very hydrating and almost feels like a serum on the skin. I find that on top of the gentle exfoliating effect, this formula really nourishes, hydrates, and plumps the skin. Like all of the Augustinus Bader products, this essence really softens and smooths the skin texture. It makes your skin supple and increases elasticity. You can learn more about this formula here

Sunday Riley Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence - This essence and face mist hybrid has a truly impressive formula! This essence does so much more than provide gentle exfoliation. It hydrates, plumps out line, softens, smooths texture, increases elasticity, and increases luminosity! I notice a significant glow to my skin when using this product and it works so well with other products. It contains amazing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides. You can read more about it in my review.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench® Hyaluronic Cloud Hydrating Toner Mist - This mist is extremely refreshing and hydrating. I love using this in the mornings to wake my skin up and provide a lot of hydration. I spritz it on before and after my serum for maximum hydration. This is one that I have used so much this year, I am already halfway through the bottle. 

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum - This dual-phase serum has a small layer of oil floating on top and the liquid serum at the bottom. This liquid serum format has become an increasingly popular formula over the years and I can see why. It is a quick and easy means to get a lot of product and nourishment absorbed into the skin. The addition of the oil doesn't make this greasy, it just adds a lot of extra hydration. The real rose fragrance is light, beautiful, and luxurious. This really is a skin treat!

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Mist - This dual-phase serum mist provides so much hydration and a healthy glow to the skin. The luxurious serum mist hydrates, plumps, increases elasticity and makes the skin really supple. Packed with a blend of medicinal herbs, this formula doesn't just noticeably hydrate the skin but also softens and treats the skin. It is a truly beautiful soothing formula that will suit all skin types. You can read more about this formula in my review here

Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Toner + Serum - This hybrid product leans more serum than toner with a thicker viscous gel texture. The gel quickly melts into the skin, like water, hydrating the skin and exfoliating the skin on a deeper level with BHA and witch hazel to tone. Plus, niacinamide to minimize pores, zinc pca to control oil, and cica to calm and soothe the skin. I really feel that this formula does all of this and feels hydrating on the skin. I have quickly gone through half the bottle and the price is extremely affordable! 

Dr. Zenovia Vitamin C Brightening Toner  - Unlike old school toners, this one isn't packed full of alcohol and astringent ingredients. This toner feels very refreshing, lightly cleansing, but also, nourishing. This toner really balances and hydrates the skin without any oils. The addition of vitamins for brightening the skin is wonderful. It is also packed with antioxidants for a more youthful complexion. I wound myself reaching for this often to prevent and treat any breakouts on my skin. 

Derma-E Anti-Blemish Clarifying Bi-Phase Toner - This bi-phase toner not only helps treat and reduce acne but prevents the skin from drying out and helps nourish the skin. The biggest issue I have with this product is the packaging because you need to shake the bottle but some of the product will get into the lid and when you open the bottle it leaks all over. It is slightly messy but the formula is so good that I continue to reach for it every time I break out. Plus, this product is extremely affordable and effective on acne. 


SERUMS

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Victoria Beckham by Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Serum - This pricey serum really surprised me! It really does work miracles on the skin and it delivers results quickly! Overnight, this serum made my skin significantly softer and smoother. It really refines the skin, making it look poreless. Additionally, it helps increase the elasticity of the skin and the suppleness of the skin. The only downside is that you do have to use a fair amount of product, about a nickel-size, to cover the whole face and neck. You can learn more about this formula in my thorough review here

Elemis Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice Moisturizer - I actually finished a bottle of this product and bought a new one this year because I love this moisturizer so much! Now, it's called a moisturizer but I use it more like a serum because of its very lightweight gel-texture. What I love about this moisturizer is that it feels super refreshing and hydrating. It also gives my skin a very juicy, youthful, and plump look. The soothing ingredients are so great for claiming irritated and inflamed skin. 

Joanna Vargas Super Nova Serum - This retinol serum is extremely pricey but if you can find it on sale like I did, it is well worth it! This serum really potent yet gentle and it just makes your skin glow! This serum makes my skin softer, smoother, plump, and wonderfully luminous! This formula stimulates skin cell renewal, collagen production, and brightens the skin. It is a lovely and luxurious retinol serum.  

SkinCeuticals C & E Ferulic - I almost finished this vitamin c serum this past year and I noticed such a huge difference in my skin! I haven't had much success or results with many vitamin c serums in the past but this one actually delivers results! It brightens the skin, softens it, and delivers an instant glow to the skin! I feel like this serum made my skin very healthy and this serum works so well with other skincare products. 

Derma E Acne Control Treatment Serum - This serum has been well used the past year for preventing and treating breakouts. This is a great formula with salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acid for fighting acne. When I feel a breakout coming on or I currently have a breakout, I will use the serum for a few days and it will help greatly diminish the spots. It works really well with other acne products and other skincare products. It is a very gentle and hydrating serum that can be used daily without drying out the skin. 

Herbal Face Food Serum I - This extremely potent antioxidant serum is made of only plant extracts and is the most potent anti-aging formula I have come across! The highly concentrated antioxidants in this serum have proven to reverse skin damage and skin disorders! I have seen incredible improvement in the texture, suppleness, and elasticity of my skin. This formula is incredibly unique and advanced, the most potent serum I have ever tried. There is a lot of say about this formula so, I highly recommend reading my review here

Herbal Face Food Serum X - This is the complementing spot treatment to the Herbal Face Food Serum I and I put it under the serum category because it has a serum texture and I always use them together. This is the highest concentration of antioxidants that Herbal Face Food has to offer and it is a potent miracle worker! I have used it to eliminate my milia, fade my old discoloration, and fade my sunspots. I would never have thought I would be able to get rid of some of the milia and large texture on my skin but this spot treatment did it! Head to my full review of this treatment here

Dr. Zenovia Inflam-Aging Night Repair Treatment - This unique serum reduces inflammation, minimizes pores, brightens the skin, increases elasticity, and minimizes wrinkles. It seems too good to be true but it really works! It is shockingly an all-in-one serum that feels very light and hydrating. I noticed very quickly the reduction in my pore size, particularly on my nose. It helped reduce the inflammation and itchiness from my allergies. In the mornings, I've noticed my skin was glowing, plump, and bouncy. I'm very impressed with this formula. 


MOISTURIZERS 

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Augustinus Bader The Cream & The Rich Cream - Do you even want to hear me rave about this formula anymore? I mean, I think this formula has to be my all-time favorite moisturizer formula ever! After trying one sample of this cream, I continued to buy the entire range of Augustinus Bader products. I am hooked! You can read my rave reviews on these moisturizers here

Natura Bisse The Cure - Another expensive habit, Natura Bisse, has some beautiful and very luxurious skincare products. This cream is phenomenal! This cream makes my skin feel so hydrated, soft, supple, and completely renewed! This cream definitely helps plump and smooth out lines on the skin. It gives the skin an incredible glow and the formula is just very comforting on the skin. It feels very nourishing and is a transformative moisturizer! I will definitely be repurchasing this cream despite its high price tag. 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix - This is an old reliable anti-aging evening moisturizer. I just can't seem to go wrong with this cream, even when my skin is acting up. This moisturizer is rich and hydrating but also feels refreshing and light on the skin. It glides on with a richer gel-cream texture and leaves my skin so plump, smooth, and supple in the mornings. I'm always very pleased with my skin in the mornings every time I go back to using this moisturizer. 

Laneige Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask - I got this cream later in the year but I just love it so much! I have been reaching for it since I got it and it's been essential since the weather started to get colder. The sleeping mask is fairly thick and creamy but it also feels light, non-greasy, and a little balmy. It creates a wonderfully soothing veil over the skin. The formula is extremely nourishing, hydrating, and soothing for inflamed, dry, or itchy skin. This is an excellent formula and I highly recommend it.

Dr. Zenovia Peptide + Ceramide Repairing Moisturizer - This rich balmy formula feels soothing and hydrating on the skin. This moisturizer has a lightweight and balmy texture that seals in moisture on the skin. While it feels hydrating on the skin, it doesn't feel greasy or oily on the skin. This is a moisturizer I use both day and night. It really does make my skin look and feel so healthy! It smooths out the skin, plumps, and makes the skin glow. 


DAYTIME MOISTURIZERS & SPF

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench® Hyaluronic Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 45 - I got a sample of this product and after trying it, I was smitten. This moisturizer gives the skin a beautiful healthy glass-skin glow, which is what made me fall in love with this formula. The moisturizer is very hydrating, feels comforting on the skin, and provides strong sun protection. This moisturizer is so beautiful on its own but it also works very well under makeup. 

Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - I love a good lightweight SPF and this one is fantastic! It feels light and hydrating on the skin. It is hydrating enough that I don't feel the need to use a moisturizer underneath. It also works beautifully under makeup and has a nice skin-smoothing texture. I love that this formula has a high protection factor but it doesn't leave a white cast at all! It just blends into the skin without a trace. This a formula I would purchase again and again. 

Victoria Beckham Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer - I included this moisturizer in my makeup favorites too because I often use it as primer and daytime moisturizer. This moisturizer contains the iconic Augustinus Bader TFC8 technology and it has a beautiful glow to it. I love an illuminating moisturizer and since I wore so little makeup this year, this product was the best of both worlds. Adding a little color and illuminating but also providing treatment for my skin. While this product is pricey, I really do enjoy it. You can read my review of the original here and the golden hour shade here

Supergoop Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ - This glowing sunscreen has a beautiful universal warm champagne pearl to add a fresh glow to the skin. The pearl is ultra-fine and isn't too strong so, it doesn't emphasize texture on the skin. It looks beautiful alone or under makeup for more glow. I appreciate the high protection factor for daily use and it never leaves a white cast on the skin. This formula is light and can even be mixed with your bases and foundations.  


EYE TREATMENTS 

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Elemis Pro-Collagen Revive Eye Mask - This super lightweight gel offers refreshing hydration to the delicate under-eye skin. A very little goes a very long way with this eye mask! The smallest dot will be enough to cover and hydrate the eye area. It has this very unique jelly texture that melts into the skin and makes the skin feel refreshed! The eye mask really helps depuff, smooth, and plump out the skin in that area. You can read more about this formula in my review here

Dr. Zenovia Retinol Recovery Eye Cream - This eye cream has a lightweight but hydrating cream formula. A little goes a very long way and it instantly smooths the eye area. This eye cream has just enough hydration but doesn't cause me to develop milia. In the morning, my eye area looks smoother, it feels softer, and the skin looks plump. This eye cream really helps treat and prevent fine lines. It is great for reducing swelling and puffiness around the eye area. This really does make my under eyes look very youthful. 


LIP TREATMENTS 

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm - This clear and silky lip balm leaves the lips feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated instantly. Over time, this balm deeply nourishes, plumps out lines on the lips, smooths texture, and leaves lips leaving extremely soft. Using the famous and potent Augustinus Bader TFC8 complex, this formula truly treats the skin on the lips. You will not find a more nourishing and more potent lip treatment. Learn more about this lip treatment in my review

By Terry Baume de Rose - This lip balm is nourishing, soft, and hydrating. This soft creamy texture glides over the lips, smoothing out texture, and leaving my lips hydrated. After some time, my lips feel so incredibly soft and smooth. The rose fragrance is so soft and luxurious. A little bit of this balm goes a long way and this jar lasts for so long. 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask - This is my go-to evening lip treatment because it leaves my lips completely smooth, soft, and refreshed in the morning. I find I need a thick and heavy-duty lip treatment for evenings because I find my lips need extra hydration during the evenings. This thick balm ensures that it won't fade from my lips quickly and nourishes my lips all night long. There are so many tasty fragrances to choose from. This is one I have repurchased again and again! 


SKINCARE DEVICES 

Best of Beauty 2020 - Skincare

NuFace Mini Facial Toning Device - I have been using this device for a year and a half now and I love it! It truly works to enhance the contours of the face and reduce lines. This device works best when you use it consistently and it really does feel like a treat every time you use it. It massages your face while giving your skin a much-needed workout! The device not only enhances the contours and reduces the appearance of lines, it helps stimulate blood circulation, making the skin glow! This is the one device that actually delivers visible results and I will continue to use this device for a long time for wrinkle prevention and treatment!

DermaFlash ONE Exfoliation & Peach Fuzz Removal Device - If you're not shaving your face, you're missing out! I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a fuzzy person and while I used to go and get my face threaded, things have changed dramatically in the past year. This little device so easily removes peach fuzz and dead skin cells from the surface of the face. You will be shocked at how smooth and soft your skin will feel after a few quick minutes! Also, removing the hairs off your face makes your skincare penetrate much deeper and your makeup apply flawlessly. I only have to do this once and month and it is worth the few minutes it takes! 


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