This year has been rough, to say the least. We all spent a lot of time indoors and if you were like me, you also spent a lot of time on self-care. I tried to distract myself and calm my nerves by building the perfect skincare routines, testing out skincare products, and multi-masking. 

After testing different skincare products from toners to moisturizers as well as trying new brands to cult classics, the twelve products below are my favorite this year!

12. REN - Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser

I learned the importance of double cleansing last year. I have been sticking to doing it daily on the days I wear makeup. This cleanser is particularly interesting because of how the formula changes. First, warm the jelly cleanser in your fingertips until it turns to an oily substance. Then, gently rub it into your face and watch the makeup glide off. When water hits the product, it turns creamy and rubs off. The best part is that Ren is a clean brand that does not use harmful chemicals. 

11. Sulwhasoo - Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water

It’s true, K-Beauty (Korean beauty) has created some of the most interesting and effective products! This ginseng renewing water moisturizes and firms the appearance of skin. Plus, the smell of this product smells amazing. After cleansing skin, drop the product into your palms and gently apply in the direction of the skin texture.

10. Dermadoctor 0.5Oz Kakadu C Eye Souffle

The under-eye area is a super-sensitive spot and one of the most important areas to take care of. I fell in love with the light souffle-like texture of the Dermadoctor Kakadu eye cream. This product hydrates, smoothes, and firms delicate skin. This cream is made out of Kakadu plums which contain vitamin C that helps with brightening. 

9. Paula's Choice -10% Niacinamide Booster

If you have oily skin, this is a product you have to try! Niacinamide protects the outer surface of the skin and balances the amount of oil production. Niacinamide also helps minimize the appearance of pores. This ingredient is a miracle worker! 

8. Trilogy - Vitamin C Booster Treatment

Vitamin C is one of my all-time favorite skin ingredients in all of skincare! This vitamin c booster from Trilogy is nice, lightweight, and effective. It comes with a boost of hyaluronic that you add into the vitamin c. Apply this in the mornings and apply sunscreen afterward to protect your skin from sun damage and to lighten dark age spots. 

7. Paula's Choice - Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

If you have oily skin or aren’t a fan of how heavy sunscreen feels, this is the SPF for you. The ultra-light formula of Paula’s choice feels like you have nothing on your skin. It is perfect for layering skincare ingredients before and applying makeup on top. Even with a full day of running around, you won’t feel sticky or oily at the end of the day with this SPF.

6. The Ordinary - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

I heard people rave about this product and I finally got my hands on it in March. When I first applied the product on, I felt a stinging sensation and immediately got scared. My first time, I only left the product on for 3 minutes. Even after such a short period, my skin felt skin firm and my pores felt clean. This is a great exfoliant that gets deeper than the surface level. I only use it once a week or once every two weeks because of its high potency/ strength. If you have super sensitive skin, this may not be the best product for you.

5. Patchology- Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit

If you get pimples or whiteheads and want it gone overnight, this is the one product you should buy immediately! I was quite hesitant to believe the claims of making a pimple disappear overnight until I saw hard proof with my own eyes. When you get a pimple or whitehead, pop on a sticker and go to sleep. The next morning, when you peel the sticker off, you will see the gunk the sticker soaked up. It's quite fascinating to watch as well. The best part is that it will not leave any acne scars!

4. Paula's Choice - 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

I discovered this product towards the end of 2018 but began using it religiously in 2020 and saw miraculous results. If you have acne-prone skin or oily skin, this product is a great exfoliant that gets deep into your skin to clean out pores. It also helps fine lines and wrinkles less visible, truly helps improve the overall skin tone and texture too. I went through a whole bottle of this product quite quickly because it works and loved seeing the results!

3. L'Oreal- Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol

The L'Oreal- Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol was a product that surprised me this year! I was quite doubtful about how effective it would be because it's a drugstore product. Because it's 0.3% Pure Retinol, this formula is quite strong. It felt comparable to prescription retinol. Overnight, my skin felt firmer, plump, and rejuvenated. For its price, I highly recommend trying this!

2. Trilogy - Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+

The holy grail of face oils! Talk about hydrating the skin, reducing dark spots, and correcting pigmentation- this product works and does what the box says. I love incorporating this into my facial massages.

1. First Aid Beauty- Ultra Repair Cream

And last but not least, my favorite new product I tried this year- the First Aid Beauty- Ultra Repair Cream. When I initially tried this product, I felt that it was too heavy. But after trying it again, I saw just how nourishing and hydrating this product truly is. It is also really great for multi-use from on your face to your body. 

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity 

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