We’re well on our way into 2021 now, but what were the best beauty products of 2020? The other day I sat down and thought about the products I reached for the most during last year, and have put together my ultimate list of makeup I used in 2020. All the way from foundation, to lipstick, I’ve got all your beauty needs covered. So if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next beauty buy, just keep reading!
The Foundation of 2020
I’m constantly trying out new foundations, in particular I try to reach for ones that give me enough coverage to cover acne scars and blemishes. However many I try, I always come back L’Oreal’s Infallible 24 Hr Matte Cover foundation. It gives me the coverage I want, conceals imperfections, and doesn’t wear throughout the day.
In 2020 I really struggled with my foundation breaking up on my face throughout the day. I’ve never really had this issue before and I’m still not entirely sure what was causing it (possible being in a heated home all day? Instead of my usual out and about like I would have been at uni). But this L’Oreal foundation was the only one that didn’t leave me with this problem. It’s a products I’ve rebought countless times and I know I’ll keep buying it well into 2021.
Rediscovering a Concealer Favourite
Like foundation, I struggle finding a concealer that provides the coverage I want. But when I saw someone on YouTube (I can’t remember who it was now) talking about Collection’s new packaging for their classic Lasting Perfection Concealer, I know I just had to try it again. This was a staple in my makeup bag as a teen, and with it’s creamy full-coverage abilities I can see why!
I really enjoyed picking this concealer back up again in 2020 and although I may test out new concealers throughout the year, this is definitely one I’ll be sticking to for the most part.
The Powder I Reached for in 2020
Powder is another strange one for me, I always struggle to find one that works.. I fell in love with this Becca Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh powder when I received it in a BoxyCharm at the end of 2019. This lightweight power is exactly what it says on the tin, holding water within the fine milled power, it feels like a cool spritz of water as you apply it. I really don’t understand how Becca managed to get this texture into a powder but I’m so glad they did! I used this powder throughout the year and shall be repurchasing when it runs out (which will be very soon – I’ve been trying to savour it however).
Holiday Tan without the Travel
I’m one for self-tan, but not being able to go anywhere meant I really didn’t reach for it throughout the year. In fact I think I self-tanned a maximum of three times in 2020! But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t want a healthy glow. When I wanted that sun-kissed look I reached for Urban Decay’s Beach Bronzer.
I’m a sucker for pretty packaging and I’ll confess that was the primary reason behind this purchase. However, I love the bronzer inside. It doesn’t leave me orange, and I can use it for both bronzing and contouring!
The Battle of the Blushes
I really fell more in love with blushers last year. They used to be something I avoided but I loved 2020’s trend of having blusher across your nose bridge. I couldn’t pick just one favourite so I decided I’d show you both my favourite cream blush and favourite powder.
These two contenders are staples in so many people’s makeup bags. For cream blush I always used Glossier’s Cloud Paint in ‘Beam.’ I love this formula as it’s so easy to blend. I personally take a small amount on my finger and tap three dots onto my cheeks and then one on my nose. I then take a dense foundation brush and blend those dots out.
However, if I was a little more stretched for time I’d grab my Nars ‘Orgasm’ blush. This is a cult classic and I still use it on a weekly basis, it adds a healthy flush and glow to the cheeks – what more could you want?
The Highlight of 2020
(See what I did with that heading there?) I love highlighters, but I can’t say I used them too much in 2020. For me, they’re more of an evening essential and what with not being able to go out anywhere I didn’t have much use for them.
Despite this, the one I used the most was definitely this one from Laura Geller. I received this in my September Boxycharm in 2019, and really love it! This is another great product for adding a healthy glow to your face!
Eyebrows Made Simple in 2020
For years now I’ve exclusively used NYX’s eyebrow pomade, but at the end of 2020 I made a cheeky Glossier order and decided to try out Boy Brow. I know I’m late to the party on this one, but this product has taken minutes off my morning routine!
I now just use this alone and I’m good to go!
2020’s Most Reached for Eyeshadow
I really am one for a cult classic product, and for eyes I have another. I bought the first Naked palette right before it was discontinued and I’m so glad I did. These cool everyday tones are perfect for my Zoom makeup! I use every single colour in this palette and it lets me create so many looks that are great for all my daily routines! Do you still use your Naked palettes? For me they’re the one makeup item I’d consider myself a collector of, I’m still missing a few but would love to have the whole collection one day!
Let’s Flick Our Way Out of 2020
I love winged liner, in fact I wear it everyday in one form or another. This year I discovered Glossier’s Pro Tip Liquid Liner. I’ve been a convert to KVD’s Tattoo Liner ever since I bought one in San Francisco back in 2017. But I think Glossier’s liquid liner is my new favourite.
I hate when eyeliner transfers or moves around as the night goes on, and let me tell you, this will not happen with the Pro Tip Liner! This one takes some serious cleansing to get off in the evening so be prepared to triple cleanse! Obviously this staying power isn’t for everyone, but I know I’ll appreciate it as soon as I can get back to the bars and enjoying cocktails again!
The Mascara That Always Stays
How long have we been hearing about Maybeline’s Lash Sensational mascara now? Years right? I’m one of those people that still reaches for it everyday, even in 2020! I’ve tried other mascaras and I’ve loved other mascaras too. But nothing I’ve tried has managed to be such a great price, as well as such an effective product. So for the time being, this one is staying in my permanent makeup bag!
The Perfect Glossy Lip
I love Glossier (if you couldn’t already tell), I love their aesthetic and I read for this particular product almost every day. Named simply ‘Lip Gloss’ I have this Glossier must have in the shade ‘clear.’ As you can tell from my photo, it does have a slight pink tint to it but I don’t think this shows up at all. It gives a really nice shine and sits comfortable on the lips. This lip gloss actually has jojoba oil and vitamin E in its ingredients, which is why it feels so nice on the lips! This is definitely a lip product I’ll be using for a long time!
The Fancy Lipstick
My final beauty favourite of 2020 is a lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury. This gorgeous product is one of Charlotte Tilbury’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in the shade The Duchess. This is a lovely rosy pink shade and is perfect for day to day wear. Unfortunately, this shade how now been discontinued, but my eyes are definitely on the classic Pillow Talk shade for my next order!
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing what my favourite makeup products of 2020 were! I’d love to know your top products too so leave a comment down below!
Love
xxx
Aw, great post! NYX eyebrow promade is my fav too and I’ve been using the Maybelline Lash Sensation for what feels like ages! When I was in high school, I bought it for the cute pink packaging haha My fav make up product from 2020 was my ELF highlighter. I found it discounted at my drugstore for like $2 CAD. Was delighted and surprised at the quality and pigment. A little goes a long way! Thanks for sharing xx
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Thank you! Omg yes I’ve been using that mascara for years now (since I was also in high school!). There’s so many good products at the drugstore, always worth hunting for a good bargain! Thank you for reading xx