Best Beauty Products of 2021

2020 was a year that we were all lucky to survive. 2021 was too.

I hope I’m not saying that about 2022, but based on what I’ve seen? Honey, I will be.

I’ve noticed that tragedy often creates gratitude, as an unexpected side effect.

Trust me when I say that I am grateful for every single day that I had this year.

I am grateful because I was here. I was healthy. My family, my cats, my friends and my business are still here.

I am grateful to my makeup artistry clients, who became more important to me than perhaps they knew.

55 wedding clients later and I still want to do makeup for a job.

My carpal tunnel got really bad this year and yet I still want to do a job that makes it worse.

I either find some sick pleasure in the pain, or I really love this?!

Even when things are stressful, beauty products remain my favorite distraction.

Here are the best beauty products I distracted myself with in 2021.

Jason Wu Flora 9 Matte Agave Palette

I am crowning this the best drugstore matte palette. It’s full of flattering shades and performs high end, but it costs $14.99. It’s just really great. Don’t believe me yet? See for yourself in my video.

Smashbox Halo Tinted Moisturizer

In the past year and then some, my own makeup become more efficient than ever. This new simple, bare bones routine did not include foundation, but almost always this tinted moisturizer. It has more coverage than the average tinted moisturizer, primer already incorporated, SPF 25, and a satin finish that is just right.

Lano Lips Golden Salve

I love all of Lano’s products but the Golden Salve stood out to me this year. I use it as a lip mask overnight but you can also use this on any dry patches or rough spots. It has a really nice scent that I can’t quite explain, but I love.

Nails.Inc Naked in Neon Nail Polish

I realized this year that bright, cheery nails make me smile when I caught a glimpse. I love all of these Nails Inc. and the formula is excellent and long wearing too.

Glossier Ultralip

Glossier knocked it out of the park with this launch. It isn’t lipstick and it isn’t lip balm, but somehow both, in the best way. Villa is the shade I use on almost everyone. If you want to wear some color on you lips, but can’t stand the thought of an opaque lipstick, I think you’d really enjoy Glossier Ultralip.

Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara

Last year, the original Essence Lash Princess made best beauty products of the year post. This year, I’m here to report that I like the Curl & Volume version even better! I love the way the hourglass brush better hugs the lashes and it seems to be easier to work with, not depositing too much product onto the lashes all at once.

Replenix Tinted Brightening Eye Cream

If we’re giving out awards, this eye cream is the coolest product I tried this year. It reminds me a lot of the Colorescience Total Eye but it’s $19 cheaper, you get slightly more with the Replenix version and I feel like this one is easier to blend. #gifted

I love a lip oil, especially because to me, it smells like funnel cakes and stays on a bit longer than most. My absolute favorite shade is the one pictured above, Jaws, because it’s a beautiful red orange that lights up any yellow undertone complexion.

Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette

This was the eyeshadow palette I ended up reaching for most in 2021, and for good reason. It’s just so easy to work with. With zero fallout and all matte shades inspired by real world skin tones, it creates a flattering look every time. It’s a workhorse palette that will remain in my collection for a long time to come. Read more about this eyeshadow palette in my review HERE.