Before we get too deep into 2022, Marcia and I thought we would share our favorite facial skincare products that we first tried in 2021. Rather than overwhelm you, we’re each limiting our list to our top 5 faves from the past year even though it’s tough to settle on just a few. There seem to be so many stars when it comes to facial skincare products these days. Here are my 5 facial skincare faves, and Marcia will post hers tomorrow.
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Allison’s 5 Faves
There were so many facial skincare products that I tried in 2021 that were real winners. I had intended to select my favorite in each of several facial skincare categories: eye cream, facial oil, cleanser, serum, and anti-aging cream. But I had two eye creams that I really love and so many serums that I couldn’t choose just one, so this is what I ended up with:
- City Beauty Lid Lifting Eye Treatment: I know I have mentioned my adoration for this new City Beauty eye cream many times. But if I had to choose my favorite of my favorites for 2021, it would be City Beauty Lid Lifting Eye Treatment. This upper eye/crease spackle has been a game changer for me. It’s been the eye cream that I have been searching for for years. Because it’s pricey, I use it only in and above the crease, and I use a more affordable eye cream under my eyes, on my dry lid, and on my crow’s feet. I hope City Beauty never discontinues this eye treatment because I am a customer for life!! (Code: NEVERSAYDIEBEAUTY gets you 15% off anything from City Beauty when they don’t have a sale)
- Typology Firming Night Serum Botanical Blend with Nopal: Nopal is a cactus plant, and we all know that cacti are masters at retaining moisture under harsh conditions. So what better ingredient in a facial oil than a plant known for keeping itself hydrated! The French clean beauty brand Typology was one of my best skincare brand discoveries in 2021, and I would say that their facial oil Firming Botanical Blend with Nopal is my favorite of the products I have tried so far. When my skin feels dry or sensitive or sore, Firming Botanical Blend with Nopal is the facial oil I reach for most often. Affordable, cruelty-free, the entire brand is one you should try.
- First Aid Beauty Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser: I already loved FAB’s iconic Gentle Cleanser, a cream facial cleanser, so I was really surprised when I fell so hard for FAB Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser. This cleanser comes in a pump bottle, and I try to pump out just a little bit because the thick gel cleanser goes a loooooong way. When combined with a little water, the translucent gel-cream turns into a white cream that foams up after a minute or two and then begins to disappear. It’s like magic! Its key ingredients are amino acids that are supposed to help with dryness and uneven skin tone. I can definitely say that it helps with dryness. At the time I am writing this, it is on sale for 50% off on the FAB website! I bought another one to add to my stash.
- DHC Astaxanthin Collagen All-in-One Gel: I tried two terrific anti-aging gel-creams in 2021: REPLENIX Age-Restore Nighttime Therapy and DHC Astaxanthin Collagen All-in-One Gel, and I loved them both. Moisturizing, soothing, rich but not at all greasy, firming. Dermatologist-created REPLENIX Nighttime Therapy is must “lust” product (it’s kind of pricey), and DHC Astaxanthin Collagen Gel is my “must” because it’s excellent and still affordable. One thing I love about DHC’s well made skincare products is that they are affordable. DHC Astaxanthin Collagen All-in-One Gel is an orange – yes, orange because astaxanthin is an antioxidant that’s waaaaay more powerful than vitamin C – gel-cream that goes on easily and dries to a matte finish while making skin feel like it’s had a drink of water, while brightening and shielding my skin at the same time. And the jar of gel-cream seems to lasts forever. It’s easier to shop DHC these days because it’s also sold on Ulta.com, Target.com, Amazon as well as the DHC website. But as of this writing, Astaxanthin Collagen All-in-One Gel is $10 off on the DHC website.
- Derma E Stem Cell Eye Lifting Treatment: I use this eye cream on my dry lids and crease, to soften my crow’s feet as well as on the skin under my eyes. It is gentle, non-irritating, and firming. I have bought two tubes since using up the first tube that Derma E sent me to try out.
So these are my skincare faves from 2021, and Marcia will share hers tomorrow. What are your favorite skincare products from 2021?
What fantastic picks, Allison! I LOVE Typology and would have trouble picking a favorite from them! I agree with you about that Derma E eye cream, and use it just last night!
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I really love Typology, and I was delighted by everything I tried. Glad you’re a fan of the Derma E Firming Eye Treatment too!
I bought the City Lid Lifting Treatment based on your recommendation, and I love it! As you point out, not as much for moisturizing as for “spackle” power. And I didn’t know or remember about the NSDB 15% discount–thank you!
I’m so glad that CB Lid Lifting is working out for you too, Kim! It’s always dicey to make a recommendation to someone else. And yes, you can always get 15% off CB if they don’t have a sale. But I just took a survey from City Beauty and they asked what we’d like to see from them going forward, and I asked for more across the brand sales. We’ll see 😉
It’s so hard to narrow it down to just 5. The only item I have from your list is the Derma E Stem Cell eye treatment based on your recommendation and it’s a winner. The City Beauty would be one I’d want to try for sure.
I am going to be buying that Derma e Eye Treatment!
30% off everything on dermae.com now, but unfortunately not free shipping
Thanks!