2021 is almost over, and what a year it was! (Iโm still processing 2020 but weโre not gonna talk about that ๐ฌ)
To celebrate the end of such a hectic year, Iโll be sharing some of my empties! Iโve got quite a solid list that includes some of my top affordable skincare products for 2021.
Letโs Go!!
Sunscreens
After spending 2020 in lockdown, like most of you, once weโve been officially allowed to venture into the outside world again, I kinda went crazy ๐ But just because youโre wearing a mask and sunglasses doesnโt 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 doesnโt 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 didnโt work so well for me; I donโt 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 didnโt layer so well with my Niacinamide serums (Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%ย & The INKEY List Niacinamide)
So if you use those products and arenโt particularly oily donโt get this, just donโt. But if you donโt 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 Iโll 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 โ How to use sunscreenโ 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 ๐
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 hereโs 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 Iโve 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 itโs non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, fragrance free and so affordable!
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This oneโs a staple I know. It delivers deepย lasting hydrationย 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 itโll hopefully reduce the signs of aging ๐ค)
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 becauseโฆ well itโs self explanatory isnโt it ๐
I really like the Mandelic acid 5% Skin prep water by Wishtrend. Itโs 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 oneโs 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 exfoliatorย improves skin radiance and texture. It also reduces the look of fine lines.
I use this one approximately once every two weeks. Itโs 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
Leave a Reply