Most loved beauty products that I am continuing in 2021

Like the majority of products in my life, I use them, use them, and use them before I recommend them to any one. I find this very important for myself and others because I want to make sure something is effective before I even think about recommending it. Not to mention, if anything is going on my skin, I do my research to ensure it is safe to use on sensitive skin and won't cause any skin issues. As you will read further down, my skin is sensitive. I turn red easy and even sunburn! Yes, Southeast Asian women do sunburn.

As 2020 was the year of stay at home, I became very close to the beauty products in my life. Not having to rush out the door or put on makeup everyday; made me realize I would love to go makeup free more frequently in 2021. I also got to stare at myself in the mirror quite a bit and noticed that at 35, I was developing forehead furrows and crows feet around my eyes. JOY! I blame all the sleepless nights and the hamster-wheel of a life chasing around two little loves all day.

Having said that, the products I am continuing to use in 2021 have been used by me for a full year! I have found the results of these products astonishing. Some of these products were recommended to me by my dermatologist, hairstylist or masseuse. I hope they bring you as much joy as they have to me, because after all; we all deserve nice things that make us feel good!

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Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own.This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

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Bring on self care 2021

For the love of skin!

1. Supergoop! Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40

I went my whole life thinking my skin was my nemesis. I had extremely bad acne as a teenager that left pits on my skin and uneven complexion. I spent endless hours on the beach in my twenties thinking somehow I could darken my complexion to look more ethnic. In my thirties, I developed cystic acne during my second pregnancy due to hormonal imbalance and Rosacea after giving birth. Through it all, I learned that the number one protection for my skin is simply a really good SPF. After consulting numerous dermatologist along the way, I learned that a zinc based SPF is the best way to protect your skin. Most Zinc based sunscreens are considered mineral based sunscreens that use minerals instead of chemicals to protect your skin. Zinc based sunscreens do not irritate the skin and are not absorbed by your body unlike some of the chemical sunscreens out there. Additionally, mineral based sunscreens will sit on top of your skin protecting it from a broad ray of UBV.

What I like about Supergoop! Zinc Sunscreen is it is slightly tinted so that it does not leave your face looking cakey but instead is lightweight and feels soothing to the skin . Since sunscreen should be reapplied 4-6 hours after the product has be applied if you are in direct sun exposure; I also recommend adding Supergoop! 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder that is easy to reapply to your face when you are on the go. These products combined will help protect your skin from the sun, prevent early signs of aging, and are cruelty free.

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Just want to Tatcha my face

2. Tatcha The Essence

3. Tatcha The Indigo Cream

4. Tatcha Radiant Mask

In 2020, when I visited my parents, my hairstylist and my doctors (because those where the only people I could see in person) I received comments that my skin was looking youthful, radiant and my complexion looked even. Those were all comments that made me knock on wood and kick my heels in the air. I owe somewhat good skin to a daily routine with these three products: Tatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softner, The Indigo Cream and Radiant Mask.

Tatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softner is a daily resurfacing softner with anti-aging Japanese superfoods that makes all Tatcha's products work together. With it you achieve all the best results from the rest of the line of products. The Essence will help with smoothing, resurfacing, hydration and overall skin performance. To apply this product be sure to pour it into your palm and pat into into your skin. You will magically see your skin brighten! No under eye concealer needed! Tatcha's Indigo Cream Soothing Skin Protectant is a fragrance free moisturizer that helps provide hydration and relief to sensitive skin. As I have mentioned previously, my skin is very sensitive and this cream is ideal for anyone who has or is experiencing sensitive skin, eczema, dermatitis, Rosacea or skin allergies. Tatcha's Violet- C Radiance Mask is a anti-aging mask that will provide the nourishment your skin needs. It will help with dullness, uneven texture, dark spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles.

I will note that Tatcha products do not work miracles over night; you will need to use their products collectively for at least 3 months to see any differences. For me, the impact to my skin was gradual, however I love the feeling these products give me. They are not heavy or irritating. In fact, they are quite the opposite. Soothing, delicate and lightweight. A definite recommendation for a women who wants to be confident in her own skin.

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Help me with my wrinkles and collagen

5. Belif Pore cleaner Bubble Foam

This gel-to-foam was-off mask is very effective at removing dead skin, evening out skin tone and bringing your skin to life. I use it prior to applying makeup to really smooth out my complexion and remove any dirt or debris from my pores. When I am not using makeup (which has been very often); I use this product every two days. It is important to remove dead skin from your face so that your pores remain clear and you have fresh cell turn over. One other reason why I love this product is that it makes my skin feel soft and supple after I use it. Belif Pore cleaner is free of mineral oils, synthetic preservatives, synthetic dyes, and synthetic fragrances.

6. Algenist GENIUS sleeping collagen

I've been all about boosting the collagen in my skin both topically and orally. My number one pick topical recommendation for helping with reducing fine lines, improving texture and reducing the appearance of wrinkles is none other than Algenist. I don't use this every night but usually every-other night. This vegan buttery collagen sleeping cream makes my skin feel supple and tight by morning time.

For best results, it is recommended to be used everyday and in conjunction with a retinoI. I asked my dermatologist to prescribe me a retinol creme which I can mix with the Algenist GENIUS creme. Since retinol is a pretty powerful product; it is only recommended to be used every other night to help with resurfacing your skin, treating wrinkles and uneven texture. If you don't see a dermatologist or are looking for an over the counter options; a product I use when I am out of my retinol is Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil. This product is amazing and doesn't irritate your skin as much as pure retinol creme. When I use Sunday Riley Luna Retinol; I apply three droplets to my skin and press in. Once my skin has absorbed the oil; I then I apply Algenist GENIUS. Together these two products work wonders and my skin looks healthy and glowing.

Please note: if you have sensitive skin like me please proceed with caution using any retinol products. You will likely need to apply the retinol every other day or just twice a week. Consult your dermatologist.

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Can I look glam at home?

Heck ya, I can look glam at home with a super simple makeup routine! I have seriously become so lazy working from home; that I literally roll out of bed with just enough time to get ready and get the girls ready before work starts. Things are going to get really tough for me once I have to work at office again. Having said that, last year, I realized I needed to look somewhat presentable on Zoom and Microsoft Teams calls and decided I should establish a simple make-up routine for the morning. This routine is aimed at making me look somewhat alive on camera at work and includes blush and lip products! I do not use a foundation or any bb or cc creams in this routine just the skincare mentioned above. During photo shoots, I will apply sparing amounts of foundation for a glam look... more to come on this in another blog post.

7. Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush

This trio-blush packed into a heart is so perfect it looks good on any skin color. I use the color Sparkling Bellini to quickly bring life to my cheeks.

8. Buxom Power-full Plump Lip Balm

Talk about getting your pout back! This product is amazing and will instantly give you those Botox filled lips you've been looking for. I love using this product in the morning because you can literally see your lips morph from being asleep to wide wake. I literally wear this on by itself because it comes in tinted shades and makes my lips look amazing. The texture is not sticky at all and leaves your lips feeling moisturized and nourished.

9. Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lip Gloss Moisturizing Glycerin

Yes a $6 lip gloss is totally my go to! When I was younger I didn't realize the importance of wearing sunblock on your lips until my lips were burned during a beach trip. I was mortified when my dermatologist told me that I would probably develop dark spots on my lips because of not wearing proper coverage. Now I swear by this product. I have a tube in my purse, in my WFH desk and of course right next to my toothbrush. This lip gloss has a SPF 20 and moisturizer which will keep your lips from getting chapped or burned throughout the day. This product does contain chemical SPF in it. I honestly have not been able to find a mineral based SPF lip gloss that I like. If you know of one, drop me an email!

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Make me feel like a million bucks

10. Everything Lalicious

I was introduced to Lalicious by my masseuse when I had a massage and pedicure. I instantly fell in love with the way the products are made from pure sugar, how they feel on my skin and the subtle scent that lingers through the day. Honestly, the entire line of products from Lalicious are nourishing and just good quality. They literally make me feel sexy and confident. I use their body whipped sugar scrub, shower oil, body butter, and body melt everyday. My favorite scent is Sugar Kiss.

All of the LALICIOUS products are made using high-quality and natural ingredients that are nourishing to the skin and body. They use ingredients such as Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E Oil that will give your skin the natural hydration it needs. None of the formulas include parabens or sulfates and are never tested on animals.

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Hair me right

11. AG Hair Smooth Firewall Argan Shine & Flat Iron Spray

In 2020, I was introduced to my fabulous hairstylist who taught me about taking care of my hair. I know; I am 35 and I am just learning. After assessing my hair and the damage done to it; he recommended the AG Hair Smooth Firewall Argan Shine and Flat Iron Spray to me. He asked me what I was using to protect my hair from heat and I told him... nothing. He explained that when I use a blow dryer, straightener or curling iron; I am damaging my hair. By using a protection on my hair it will prevent hair from falling out, breaking or frizzing... (ALL THINGS I EXPERIENCED). Since using this product, I have had less fall out, less frizz and if I look really close at my hair; it's thick. Why I like this specific hair protectant; It smells good, isn't greasy, is lightweight and has Argan oil to treat frizziness. If you color treat your hair like I do, a hair protectant like AG Firewall is a must. Any heat to your hair will make color fade fast. Not to mention, if you are any tone of blonde or have highlights; if you do not use a protectant your blonde will yellow FAST. This product will keep your tone longer and help your hair from getting brassy or yellow.

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That's all folks! My top products that I loved in 2020 and that I am happy to continue in 2021!

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a message!

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own.This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.