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A little later than planned, it’s January after all, but here is one of my most enjoyable (albeit difficult) posts to collate; beauty favourites of the last year! I love thinking back over which skincare products have really hit the mark and which makeup I have reached for time and time again! Let’s get into it!
Beauty Favourites 2021 – Makeup
Skin Tint
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Eaze Drop was an early entry in 2021 with a Spring launch but goodness she was love at first application. While it is tricky to find a perfect match online (unless you already know your Fenty shade in other ranges) the formula is beautiful. Think lightweight, effortless, enhanced skin, everyday base.
Perfectly featherweight in feel; provides lightweight coverage and looks beautiful.
My full review can be read here
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint £25.00 32ml available here
Foundation
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation
The opposite to the above, Seamless Skin was a late entry in the year. Launching in November, this base offering from Lisa Eldridge was eagerly awaited.
Seamless Skin is a medium coverage foundation that can be adapted to the level of coverage the user prefers, simply via the application. Apply more for heavier coverage, sparingly for a more lightweight one. This foundation truly does ‘perfect’ the skin. I find I can cover all areas and any imperfections I want to while still allowing my skin to show through. The skin simply looks perfected, seamless. It is a foundation that looks better as it wears. A satin finish, that gives a flattering look while being long-wearing.
Seamless Skin launched with 40 shades and swatch cards are available.
I’m wearing shade 07 in this image on instagram.
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation £44.00 30ml available here
Concealer
Fenty Beauty Bright Fix
Another entry from Fenty and it is the Bright Fix! I actually have this in two shades. One to correct and another to conceal. It is such a lightweight formula, yet offers coverage and longevity without settling into fine lines or causing caking. It layers well allowing you to play with the coverage and to also play around with tones; such as applying a corrector shade first before following with a concealer shade.
You can read my full review here and watch it in action here!
Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener £18.00 10ml available here
Bronzer
Vieve Modern Bronzer
My bronzer of choice is the Modern Bronzer from Vieve. Jamie Genevieve’s brand seems to be going from strength to strength with rave reviews with each product launch; Modern Bronzer was no different.
A duo powder bronzer available in 4 shades Light, Medium, Tan, Deep. The bronzer compacts allow you to cater to your personal needs, adding a touch more depth with the slightly deeper tone or a subtle bronze with the lighter shade or mix to your heart’s content.
It contains a slight shimmer but one that leaves a healthy, radiant finish – there is no glitz to be found here.
The formula itself is lightweight, finely milled, a ‘barely there’ feeling yet it lasts and has the desired pigment.
I have the bronzer in ‘Light’ and it has been a welcome addition to the beauty kit. I’m using it in this reel!
Vieve Moder Bronzer £31.00 available here
Blusher
Lisa Eldridge Enlivening Blusher
Enlivening Blush by Lisa Eldridge. A true artists product in feel (they even look like little tubes of paint!) but a makeup product that can be used by anyone; be that a makeup beginner or pro.
The blush, while pigmented, blends seamlessly into the skin and/or makeup with a simple patting motion, leaving behind an effortless, natural flush.
Sadly they aren’t available at present due to stock issues, keep an eye on Lisa’s social media for updates!
I’m wearing a mix of ‘Pink Soap’ and ‘Pink Poetry’ blushes in this image.
Lisa Eldridge Social Media & Website
Danessa Myricks Vision Flush
Vision Flush is the liquid blush that takes the top spot (I’m giving you two options as the Lisa Eldridge is currently out of stock). It’s such a great multi-use product and one I reached for a lot in 2021.
It is a multi-purpose product that can be used on the cheeks, eyes and lips! Go easy though as it is very pigmented, a little goes a long way. It pays to work in one area at a time and work quickly as they dry down fast – which is a beauty as their longevity is incredible!
I reach for the shade ‘Bread n Butter’ a lot and am wearing it here!
Available in 12 shades for all skin tones. Cruelty-free and vegan friendly.
Danessa Myricks Vision Flush £18.00 available here
Highlighter
Lisa Eldridge Elevated Glow
I think it will come as no surprise to many of you that Elevated Glow was my favourite in this category. I have worn this highlighter a lot. It truly is everything I want in a highlighting product.
A skincare-makeup hybrid, Elevated Glow infuses skin with goodness, has a lifting and brightening effect on the areas to which you apply and adds a beautiful, ethereal glow. What’s not to love?
The effect is customisable too. Apply a tiny amount to bare skin, or amp up the glow with layers of product. Whichever way you chose to wear it, a beautiful highlight is achieved.
I have never found it to be unsightly or for my fine lines to be enhanced and that’s a big win when you’re en route to your 40’s!
Available in 4 shades. Cruelty-free and vegan. I have the shade ‘Crystal Nebula‘ and am wearing it here.
Lisa Eldridge Elevated Glow Highlighter 13ml £27.00 available here
Mascara
Revlon So Fierce Big Bad Lash Mascara
This mascara from Revlon was such a welcome find! It adds volume and thickness to the lashes quickly, without making them thick or clumpy. I find my lashes stay put all day and don’t get weighed down by the product quickly. It’s a winner in my eyes!
The brush while excellent for volume is a tad big and can lead to mascara transfer, particularly if like me, you like to wiggle mascara at the roots! Apart from that, it’s fab.
It’s available in waterproof and non-waterproof and it doesn’t smudge on my eyes (which nearly everything does!).
Revlon So fierce Mascara Big Bad Lash £9.99 available here*
Eyeliner
Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen
Not an ‘eye pen’ but kohl, this eyeliner from Pixi Beauty is the eyeliner I have reached for the most this year (it’s not a new launch, however). If you’re looking for a liner that glides easily, one that smoothes and smudges with minimal effort then this might be worth checking out.
Better still, once dry it stays put.
Available in a variety of shades and currently in the sale!
Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen £12.00 (currently reduced £10.80) available here*
Eyeshadow
Natasha Denona Glam Palette
The Glam Palette is one of the mid-sized palettes on offer from Natasha Denona. It is the cool-toned palette of dreams! With shades in matte, shimmer and chrome finishes, it is ideal to perfect both a smokey eye or a neutral look.
Another fabulous palette from Natasha Denona! Heavenly textures and shadows that apply beautifully. It is well worth looking out when discount codes work on this brand! I’ll pop mine at the end for reference!
Natasha Denona Glam Palette £60 Available here*
Brow
Refy Brow Gel and Pencil
The Refy Brow Gel is an easy favourite. A gel that once combed through truly does hold pesky brows in place all day. The packaging is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, with the gel in one end and a comb in the lid.
Refy Brow pencil is a very fine-tipped colour pencil that enables you to create hair-like strokes throughout your brow. Adding depth and enhancing the natural shape. I find that the shade I have (medium) is good and it appears to last throughout the day.
Refy Brows, available separately or as a kit, here
Lipstick
Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent: Kitten Mischief and True Velvet: Velvet Cinnabar
Predictable much? 😁
In truth, both of these are formula’s I’ve tried and loved before, so technically not much is new, right? Wrong. The truth is, another lipstick didn’t surpass either of these in 2021, therefore they had to be declared as my favourites.
And, I got to have two because of course you need a nude and a bold shade right?!
So here’s the how’s and why’s these two came up trumps.
Kitten Mischief
Quite simply a perfect everyday nude for me. It suits my complexion and brightens my eyes. A peachy, caramel toned pink that is sheer yet pigmented in an easy to wear formula that hydrates and nourishes the lips.
It is a lipstick that enhances the lips. Lisa called it her ‘my lips but better’ lipstick and that truly is what it is. It’s simple but effective and perfect for every day or to pair with a daring eye.
I’m wearing Kitten Mischief here.
Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent: Kitten Mischief £26.00 available here
Velvet Cinnabar
Cinnabar won my makeup artist heart as Lisa explained its history, its inspiration and more in her pre-launch video. Cinnabar won my personal beauty heart when I first tried her on.
Lisa describes it as “Velvet Cinnabar is the deepest, richest, most powerful burnt ochre warm brown red imaginable.”
There is something so very special and unique about the shade, something I’ve never seen before. Cinnabar commands attention and invokes power.
I absolutely love her and the funny thing? I don’t suit warm-toned lipsticks as much as cool-toned but with Cinnabar, well she just works.
It is the classic True Velvet formula, a hydrating, comfortable, long-wearing matte lipstick that is densely pigmented.
You can read lots about True Velvet Lipsticks in my reviews here and you’ll find an image of me wearing Cinnabar here.
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Cinnabar Lipstick Available Here
Skincare favourites 2021
Cleanser
Whind Oasis Jelly Cleanser £32
Whind The jelly cleanser from Whind was a delightful find this year and I’m so thankful to have been introduced. The cleanser feels luxurious and moisturising as it is massaged in and emulsifies well with warm water. One of my favourite things is that it rinses away completely without the need for a cloth; something that I find particularly helpful when skin is being a tad sensitive. Its surfactants are sugar-based and it uses a combination of vitamin C and niacinamide to cleanse and brighten with glycerin to hydrate.
Whind Oasis Jelly Cleanser available here £32
Youth To The People
Formulated with superfood antioxidants from kale, spinach, and green tea the Superfood cleanser is a thick gel that wonderfully cleans skin without stripping. It feels caring and hydrating to the skin. Youth To The People is an eco-conscious, philanthropic brand that truly made a splash in the market in 2021. It is quite simply a beautiful gel cleanser!
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser from £12 available here
Toner
Laneige Essential Power Skin Toner
2021 was the year I fell back in love with toners and the Essential Power Skin Toner was a hit! This is a hydrating toner for oily-combination skins but Laneige also offer one for normal-dry skins too! It is lightweight, non-greasy and does what it says on the tin, well bottle!
The Toner is filled with “moisture-enhancing minerals zinc, manganese, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium – to replenish and retain skins ideal moisture levels, while vitamin B3 gently refines skin for a visibly smoother and supple complexion.”
Laneige Essential Power Skin Toner available here £22.50
Serum
Dr Sam Bunting Brightly Serum
This one will come as no surprise to many of you! I have raved about the Brightly serum a lot on my insta. It is a product I have been gifted but also purchased numerous times. Brightly Serum is a brilliant all-rounder for a daytime serum.
A combination of azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, bakuchiol, formulated with glycerin and hyaluronic acid; this serum works to protect skin from daily aggressors, provides anti-inflammatory benefits and gives gently exfoliated skin glowing skin.
I first tried this serum to help my Rosacea and I have never looked back. I use it daily without fail. It truly helps calm red, angry skin. Blemishes are easier to tackle and my skin is extra glowy.
I chat about it in this insta video here.
Dr Sam Bunting Brightly Serum £44 available here
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
A PM serum, with encapsulated retinol, powered by “Retinol Tri-Active Technology: a fast-acting Retinoid, a time-released Retinol and a Retinol booster.” It is a lightweight serum that aids in cell turnover and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines. I’ve really enjoyed this retinol and found no irritation using it. It provides hydration (many retinols can be dehydrating to the skin) but I still follow with a gentle moisturiser after use.
Although not a new launch last year, it was my most favoured PM serum.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum Available here*
Moisturiser
Matis City Mood Moisturising Balm
This is more akin to a gel moisturiser. It’s not like a balm texture-if you were to think of a lip or cleansing balm- at all, more like a gel. It’s very lightweight but packed with hydrating ingredients so those with dehydrated skin (most of us) who don’t care for heavier textures will love this one. It also contains some antioxidant properties and Matis Paris’ PM03 system which aims to help repel free radicals.
We all know how much of an antioxidant fan I am! I loved this cream! My skin truly feels nourished and looks so incredibly glowy! It became an easy beauty favourite!
You can read more details about it in my review here!
Matis City Mood Moisturising Balm £63.20 currently on offer £50.56 available here
Eyecream
L’occitane Overnight Reset Eye Serum
Overnight Rest Serum helps to repair skin from harmful aggressors and stress of the day. It contains the Immortelle extract L’occitane is famous for, caffeine to aid in depuffing heavy and tired eyes.
I have found this an absolute pleasure to use. It is a lovely serum that sinks quickly into the delicate eye area, perfectly hydrating the skin.
L’occitane Overnight Reset Eye Serum £45 available here
Eyelash Serum
NYK1 Lash Force Lash Growth Serum
A lash growth serum that both promises and delivers? Trust me, this stuff is excellent! The serum is formulated with a combination of ingredients specifically designed to help to stimulate and activate lash growth and aid in both length and thickness. It is delivered in an easy-to-use eyeliner style wand. Simply swipe across the lash line, at the roots of your lashes, morning and night, and wait for fabulously, fluttery lashes to appear!
I cannot speak highly enough about this serum and now don’t want to be without it! My lashes have grown in both length and thickness and I even get compliments without mascara.
My before and after results can be viewed in this post!
I’m currently trying out the Brow Force Serum, so keep an eye out for my results!
NYK1 Lash Force Lash Growth Serum available here
I have a 10% discount code for NYK1: AMY10
Lips
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir
I am a lip balm addict. There, we’ve got that out of the way! I have chronically dry lips thanks to an immune system that, quite frankly, is a bit rubbish. Therefore, I am always on the hunt for the best lip balm, out there. I am never without a balm, oil, or tint on my person, pocket or bag.
I didn’t try this when it first launched, simply because of the price point. But in a low mood, when my sickly body was making my lips continually peel I caved and Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil came into my life; and thank god for it (the oil part, I’d rather my body behaved 😉).
Magic Lip Oil is, the best lip oil I have tried thus far. It’s that simple. It is not overly tacky, which I like (equally I don’t mind it when a balm or all is), it’s a pleasure to apply with a stainless steel roller ball which feels cooling to the lip. My lips feel truly cared for and hydrated when I use it. Love! Just not in love with the price point.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir £28 available here
Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of my beauty favourites 2021! It has been fun to look back over the year and choose the products that truly stood out, albeit incredibly difficult to choose at times (picking favourite lipsticks is hell for me if you hadn’t noticed 😁).
Here’s to a year of beauty to discover my fellow addicts!
Discount codes:
20% Look Fantastic: LFTFAMYSCHAPTER
(some brand exclusions apply)
10% NYK1: AMY10
