2021 is almost over, and what a year it was! (I’m still processing 2020 but we’re not gonna talk about that 😬)
To celebrate the end of such a hectic year, I’ll be sharing some of my empties! I’ve got quite a solid list that includes some of my top affordable skincare products for 2021.
Let’s Go!!
Sunscreens
After spending 2020 in lockdown, like most of you, once we’ve been officially allowed to venture into the outside world again, I kinda went crazy 👀 But just because you’re wearing a mask and sunglasses doesn’t mean you get to skip on sunscreen!
I was an avid user of the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream pre-pandemic, but a national lockdown meant no more imported Korean skincare, even post lockdown.
This sunscreen is so good. Not only does it feel light and hydrating, but it doesn’t leave a white cast. It also layers beautifully with all my products and is the perfect base for a natural dewy look.
With online shopping put on hold, I had to turn to my local drugstores and try some new products.The first being La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch.
This is an oil free sunscreen formulated specially for oily skin. It actually does what it says, it keeps the skin dry all day.
Sadly it didn’t work so well for me; I don’t have oily skin but normal skin that tends to get oily throughout the day, so this dries me out unless I pair it with a moisturizer. It also didn’t layer so well with my Niacinamide serums (Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% & The INKEY List Niacinamide)
So if you use those products and aren’t particularly oily don’t get this, just don’t. But if you don’t care for Niacinamide and have excess sebum production then this will work for you.
I then discovered the Isdin Fotoprotector Fusion Water Oil Control. This is a light weight SPF that is hydrating and absorbs easily into the skin. It leaves my skin velvet smooth and layers amazingly with my skincare.
So clearly I’ll continue using the Isdin Fotoprotector Fusion Water Oil Control until I can get my hands on the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream again.
If you are wondering what sunscreen should you use and how to properly use it you can check this post on ” How to use sunscreen” from our skin care 101 series.
Cleansers
This year I discovered two of my all time favorite cleansers! No bad blood here.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. An all times fav! It just cleans my skin without stripping it of moisture. A simple reliable cleanser that is fragrance free and sensitive skin friendly 😉
Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm. This is great for double cleansing. It melts away my makeup and all impurities and leaves the skin feeling so hydrated!
Moisturizers
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane was one of my go-tos, especially when my skin would flare up or get hyper-sensitive. Very soothing and oh so hydrating.
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Yes, I know, this is a heavy moisturizer so going ham with it might cause breakouts. But here’s the thing, it never did.
Using a small amount helped moisturize my skin without any problems (obviously) but this month my skin had a major flare up and I’ve been using it generously twice a day. Not only did it not make things worst, it helped restore my skin with its 3 essential ceramides.
Plus it’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, fragrance free and so affordable!
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This one’s a staple I know. It delivers deep lasting hydration and offers visible plumping and moisture retention.
My skin looked (and felt) smoother, softer and healthier thanks to this bad boy. I usually use it under the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or the Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.
Treatments
This year I dove into Retinol aka vitamin A. I started with a mildest one and slowly built my tolerance.
This ingredient helped with my over all skin health, specifically with sebum production, texture, hyperpigmentation (and in the long run it’ll hopefully reduce the signs of aging 🤞)
Here is the holy trifecta of retinol :
Retacnyl.
(Depending where you are in the wold you may need a prescription to get this one)
I also love using AHAs and BHAs because… well it’s self explanatory isn’t it 😅
I really like the Mandelic acid 5% Skin prep water by Wishtrend. It’s a gentle daily exfoliator.
Mandelic Acid is less irritating compared to other AHA ingredients. Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, Centella Asiatica Extract and Beta-Glucan supply moisture to soothe skin after usage.
This one’s perfect for sensitive skin!
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Ha 2%. Lactic Acid exfoliates the skin. The 5% formulation offers very mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepper berry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation.
Think of it as a milder version of the next product.
The Ordinary Peeling Solution AHA 30% + BHA 2%. This viral exfoliator improves skin radiance and texture. It also reduces the look of fine lines.
I use this one approximately once every two weeks. It’s potent, but it works.
This is the end of my list, I hope you enjoyed reading about some of my favs. I would love to know what products YOU used up. And happy new year <3
See you on our next post!
xoxo
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