Over the past year I have tried a lot of different skincare products as my blog and Instagram profile have grown, and I’ve collaborated with many brands. I’ve had the opportunity to try out some fantastic skincare goodies from around the world that have really helped my skin, and while I could sing the praises of so many of these, I have picked out my favourite products from 2021.
These products are ones I have reviewed this year that are now core items in my daily skincare routine. They have helped my skin the most out of the skincare I have tried this year and have really impressed me.
Some of the products mentioned in this blog were previously gifted to me as part of a brand collaboration, but that does not have an impact on my inclusion of them; I would repurchase every single one of these with my own money.
Best Cleanser of 2021: Typology Purifying Cleansing Bar With Nettle
I’ve tried a lot of cleansers this year, but the stand out for me was the Typology Purifying Cleansing Bar. This product really impressed me and I have used it time and time again since receiving it from Typology. After using, my skin feel soft, clear, and nourished. It rebalances oily skin, regulating sebum production and soothing redness.
It’s a brilliant choice for those looking for more eco-friendly products in 2022, as it is a bar that comes packaged in recyclable cardboard, is 100% natural and contains organic ingredients.
I’d also like to give praise to the rest of the Typology products for oily skin that I tried; they were all absolutely fantastic for my skin and I highly recommend them. If I had to pick my favourites, it would be the Micellar Water and the Purifying Moisturiser.
Best Toner of 2021: Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner
The toner is called Blemish Busting and it really lives up to this name. This is the product I reach for first when I get breakouts or uneven skin tone as it has been the best for me at quickly fixing the problem. It’s really hydrating for my skin and makes it feel so healthy and nourished, without leaving me sticky or shiny. I’ve almost finished this bottle and I would love to get my hands on another! The toner accompanied other Peach Slices Snail Rescue products I tried this year, including a mask and moisturiser.
Best Serum of 2021 (Daytime): Frudia Green Grape Pore Control Serum
This product became a go-to this year, and I’ve already finished one bottle of it. The Frudia Grape Serum is one I purchased myself, and I chose it because it sounded ideal for my oily skin. It contains 81% green grape extract, which helps to moisturise skin, reduce sebum production, and make pores look less visible.
It has quite a soothing texture and absorbs really quickly, leaving my skin smooth and soft. When using this serum, I see a really noticeable decrease in sebum and oiliness on my face, making this a staple in my routine, particularly in the summer.
Best Serum of 2021 (Night): Beautaniq Beauty Encapsulated Retinol Serum
In 2021, I was lucky enough to be able to try the Beautaniq Beauty skincare collection, and the real stand-out product for me was their Encapsulated Retinol Serum. Until trying this product, I hadn’t found a retinol that really worked for my skin. But this serum contains microencapsulated active retinol which slowly releases overnight, making it less irritating than some retinol serums.
After one night using this serum, it was like I had brand new skin; it was soft, plumped and smooth. It really helped to even my skin texture and diminish the milia and bumps I experience on my skin. I had no sensitivity or irritation from this product, which is great for a retinol!
Best Ampoule of 2021: Rovectin Clean Forever Young Biome Ampoule
The Rovectin Clean Skincare line is one of the newest additions to my skincare collection, but this ampoule has quickly made its way into my favourites.
The Forever Young Biome Ampoule contains pre and probiotics, that help to restore the skin barrier, moisturise and smooth skin. It’s oil-free and easily absorbed, which is a bonus for my oily/combination skin type.
One of the best ampoules I’ve tried all year, it completely changes and improves the texture and feel of my skin, hydrating to the point of perfectly smoothing and softening my skin. My skin feels so plump and healthy after using it.
Best Moisturiser of 2021: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream
This product is an absolute game changer for people with oily skin, especially if you suffer from dehydrated inner skin. Seconds after applying my skin is so soft and smooth – it feels plumped and properly hydrated! The immediate difference is amazing and you’ll notice an improvement in your skin straight away.
It’s a gel texture that sinks in quickly without leaving your skin sticky or shiny. A little goes a long way and it’s really easy to layer. It contains hyaluronic acid, squalane, and centella asiatica to hydrate, refine, and smooth skin.
Best SPF of 2021: Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sun Screen
I’ve tried quite a few different SPF and sun protection products this year, and the Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sun Screen has definitely been the best for me. It’s an SPF 50 PA+++, with no whitecast, no stickiness, and no greasiness.
The Neogen SPF offers great coverage, and has a matte finish and feel, so it could also be used as a makeup base.
What’s your favourite product of 2021? I’d love to know which skincare you’ve enjoyed this year, so drop me a comment down below!