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2019 Skincare Favorites

And just like that, we’re in a new decade! Welcome to 2020 Skin-thusiasts! I instantly felt at ease when this new year and new decade began. I know we all talk about having a fresh start, and that’s usually an empty statement, but I feel like this year is going to be pivotal. Maybe or maybe not in what happens to me individually or the people around me, but rather the way I take things in and how I mentally process events. I’m actively working on slowing down in a time where everything moves too quickly. Savoring all the people and things I love.

In 2019, I experienced several losses, struggled with stress + anxiety and was put through new challenges, BUT I started a dream job in haircare, let pottery back into my life, took a course in ASL Interpreting Training, grew a little wiser financially, experienced growth in my relationship and fell more in love with skincare/skincare photography and the community–you guys! This year–this decade–I’m striving to contribute to this community in even BIGGER ways, travel abroad and open myself up to newness and change!

While 2019 put me through a lot of highs and lows, I got to try so many new skincare products. I even discovered some REVOLUTIONARY products that changed the game along the way! So FINALLY, here are my favorite products in all skincare categories from 2019. I hope you enjoy!

BEST OIL CLEANSER: Then I Met You, Living Cleansing Balm

$38

This cleansing balm is unmatched by any other oil cleanser! It cleans gently and effectively without stripping the skin, it’s soothing and has a beautiful persimmon aroma. Learn more about why I love it here!

BEST WATER CLEANSER: Then I Met You, Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel

$36

It was a close call between this and the Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser, but the TIMY water cleanser provides my skin with a softness and brightness that I’ve never seen before! The licorice scent is so delicious, not to mention I love that it doesn’t drip down my arms when I’m washing my face. Read on here!

BEST FACIAL PEEL: DECEIM The Ordinary, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

$7.20

Here’s another favorite that hasn’t changed! This product was highlighted in my Best of 2018 post too! It’s effective and offers you brightening and healing results very quickly, plus it’s extremely affordable! Check out my full review here!

BEST EXFOLIANT: DECEIM The Ordinary, Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

$6.80

I fell in love with this exfoliant because it’s so gentle, and works very well for people with darker skin tones. It’s really helped me heal my dark hyperpigmentation, and again, it’s very affordable! Learn more here!

BEST FACE MASK: DECEIM The Ordinary, Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

$12

This was a new mask that came out this year, and it really dominated! The charcoal and salicylic acid work tremendously to resurface the skin and purge the pores in a gentle way. Read my full review of it here!

BEST TONER: Isntree, Green Tea Fresh Toner

$20

I love this toner! It smells like real sweet tea, it’s extremely hydrating and soothing. I found it thoroughly plumped my skin and helped heal and prevent breakouts. Check out all my thoughts here!

BEST ESSENCE: Acwell X Sokoglam, Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist

$24

Anyone who follows me knows I obsess over this essence! She placed in Best of 2018 and she’s back to keep her crown! It’s convenient, calming, hydrating and healing. Read on about it here!

BEST SERUM: The Inkey List, Retinol Serum

$9.99

This was a tough one! I tried a lot of great serums this year, but I was most surprised by how amazing this retinol was! I’ve had bad luck with retinol in the past, so I was so happy that it didn’t break me out. The results were incredible too–always leaving me with brighter, resurfaced skin, while still hydrating! Learn more about it here!

BEST EYE CREAM: Elensilia-CPP, Collagen 80 Intensive Eye Cream

$20

I’ve been through a lot of eye creams, and this one is so hydrating without being too heavy. It brightens my dark circles and really tightens the skin around my eyes. The price is on point too! Visit this post to learn more!

BEST SHEET MASK: Mediheal, Hydro Advanced Capsule Hydration Treatment

$24.95 for 5

This sheet mask blows all the others out of the water! The two-step moisture recovery system brought my skin back to life, and made it look like a new born babe’s! Check out my full review here!

BEST MOISTURIZER: Vita Duo Cream [Joan Night] 

$32

I reviewed the Vita Duo when I first started my blog, so it has a special place in my heart, BUT Joan Night rightfully so was my favorite moisturizer this year! The gel texture and relaxing lavender aroma are like none other. It’s also ultra moisturizing and calming without feeling greasy! Learn more about it here!

BEST SLEEPING MASK: Youth to the People, Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

$48

This rich, creamy sleeping mask lasted me ALL year and it has been a godsend. It’s perfect for giving your skin a drink over night, or on those cold/dry days. I find it very moisturizing, plumping, firming and extremely brightening. Get the scoop here!

BEST FACIAL OIL: Woodlot, Nourishing Facial Oil

$39

Nourishing is an understatement! I love how this product seeps into my skin without feeling too oily. Not only does it lock in moisture, but it’s helps heal dark spots and scars over time. Read more about it in this post!

BEST ACNE TREATMENT: Mario Badescu, Special Healing Powder

$12

There are a few acne treatments that I really like, but this one does wonders for me every time! It’s great for drying out a mean breakout overnight, without stripping or hurting your skin. Get to know this product here!

BEST SUNSCREEN: Papa Recipe, Honey Moist Sun Essence 50+PA+++

$19

I got to explore a lot of popular sunscreens this year, but this one really takes the cake! There’s no white cast, it’s moisturizing, provides dewy skin and it doesn’t irritate the eye area. Not to mention the scent contains hints of honey! Check out my full review here!

BEST LIP BALM: Frank Body, Lip Balm

$11.95

This lip balm is second to none! It’s so rich and moisturizing, that my lips can go longer without needing reapplication. It’s especially saved my dry, winter lips! Learn all about it here!

I hope you’ll give some of these holy grails a try if you haven’t already! As for the New Year, Skin-wise I’m still working on acne and hyperpigmentation, but I’m adding anti-aging to the list! I’ve been incorporating peptides and retinol into my rotation for the past few months, and I’m really loving how youthful it’s keeping my skin, so why not see where it takes me? I’d love to know your skin goals AND what you’re looking forward to seeing from me this year!

I want to leave you with a huge THANK YOU for supporting me and making my first year in the skincare world fulfilling and super fun! I can’t wait to continue creating and sharing with you!

With lots of love and hydrated skin,

-SQ ❤