Highlights of 2021
Lots of great skincare was released in 2021 and I also discovered several products that aren’t new but were new to me. The best of these follow. You can find reviews on my Instagram page and some in more depth right here on the blog.
cleansers
It was a great year for cleansers. Being in a face mask for most of the year and experiencing long lockdowns meant I really didn’t wear any make up in 2021. I only use balms for makeup removal and as such, didn’t even open any let alone discover any great ones this year. However, I oil cleanse every night and the Urang Natural Cleansing Oil was a standout in 2021. Left my skin soft and supple and my pores clear.
It was definitely a fabulous year for second step cleansers, (all reviewed on my Instagram page). My absolute favourite would have to the Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser which more than lived up tot the hype.
toners
Similarly, lots of great toners came onto the scene in 2021, including the ultra nourishing Thank You Farmer Rice Toner, the perfect winter starter or dry skin accompaniment. Adored the Banobagi and Fresh toners which I found ideal year round. The former is simply beautiful, a comforting first layer while the latter offers an excellent hydration boost to commence the routine.
essence
Two special essences came into my routine too. The I’m From Mugwort Toner and the Neogen Cica Repair Snail Essence, both soothers, both hydrators and both so luxurious on the skin.
masks
Masks are such a luxury and mood lifter. The Isntree Real Mygwort Clay Mask was my favourite clay discovery of the year and the tube packaging is such a bonus. It’s beautifully creamy and the perfect weekly detoxifier!
For plump softness, I really appreciated the prowess of the Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple Super Bounce Mask. This jelly like mask left my skin refreshed, visibly brighter and bouncy. Hydrating sheets come no better than the Pyunkang Yul Calming Pack. Although my skin generally doesn’t need calming, the balance, hydration and tone brightening these delivered was outstanding. I achieved similar results with the AXIS-Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask which was both fun to use and delivered fabulous results.
serums
I tried a lot of great serums in 2021 and these three were standouts. The unique formulation of the Founder’s Formula Phyto-A+ was so interesting and effective. The hero, natural tobacco, combines with peptides to offer an excellent option for those with fine lines looking for anti-aging solutions.
Meanwhile, the Herb Note Propolis Aqua Glow Ampoule is a stunner to look at and a luxury to apply. One of the best propolis serums I’ve had the privilege of trying, glow is an understatement! I adore a good vitamin C serum and I often reach for high concentration L-Ascorbic-Acids so wasn’t expecting to be wowed by Luminosity by Ocinium. But boy did it impress.
moisturisers
I tried a lot of good creams in 2021 and for the body, my favourite was the Illiyoon Ceramide ATO Concentrate (which many also use as a face moisturizer). I love how quickly it absorbs and locks in moisture to keep skin supple between applications.
For the face, I was spoiled for choice. My normal to combo skin type really enjoyed the ByWishtrend Pro-Biome Balance Cream,and I would particularly recommend this lightweight gel cream to those on the oilier side of the scale or as the perfect day cream in summer. Meanwhile the Cosrx Porpolis Light Cream gave me everything I seek in a moisturiser, and I could see this one working year round for my skin. A bit of sensory delight thrown in with the subtly fragrant Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream whose medium density and luxury feel made it a beautiful finisher for day or night routines.
eye creams
Together with the Innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Eye Cream, this duo made an impressive impact. I adore EVERYTHING from the Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex line and this eye cream is certainly no exception. The Ellus & Krue Cellular Eye Repair is the first (and hopefully not last) product that I have tried by this Australian brand. Perfectly formulated to help iron out those delicate lines, it was an absolute treat to have this in my PM routine for a few months.
facial oils
A category of skincare that I have grown to enjoy all year round, facial oils are a step that is quickly becoming my favourite (essence look out!) This trio was magnificent, each offering luxury in scent, texture, application and suppleness. Love them all, BAO Laboratory Midnight Mirage Antioxidant Facial Oil, Ocinium Papaya & Pomegranate Facial Oil and Urang Glow Oil Serum and would highly recommend you check them out.
sunscreens
Sunscreen is a must and although they’re not as sexy as other options, they are critical to keeping skin healthy and protected from environmental damage and even skin cancer. This trio applies magnificently, each with perfect slip, no white cast and comfortable layering.
These days, following the Korean sunscreen debacle of a couple of years ago, I tend to reach more for Australian approved solutions when it comes to sun care but I still have a soft spot the beautifully formulated Korean variety. I tend to just use these under less potent UV exposure. This trio all offer 50+ protection and would suit any skin type and includes the Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser, Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel and the Make P:rem UV Defense Me Watery Sun Gel .
