My Favourite Beauty Products: Skincare & Makeup

If you read my Reflecting on 2021 blog post, you’ll know that I had a bit of a spending problem in 2021, and beauty products were not excluded from that. But, I did find beauty products that my skin liked in 2021.

These are the products I WILL be repurchasing after they’re empty. They’re beauty products that helped me get my skin in shape and helped me feel put together daily.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

I’ve been a fan of Biossance’s Squalane products for a long time now. I liked their 100% Squalane Oil product. But, I wanted to try their other beauty products, especially the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil. Vitamin C clears up acne scars and evens your skin tone. It took 3 months for me to realize how dependant I was on this product daily. It’s made a difference in the texture of my skin, as well as the elasticity and plumpness of my skin. Overall, my skin looks more firm and even. I would say if you’re looking to firm up your face, this works wonders and it feels great without feeling overly oily. A little goes a long way!

→ $95.00 for 30ml on Sephora

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CORSX Good Morning Gel Cleanser

I was looking for a simple, and affordable cleanser that was strong enough to manage breakouts, but not too strong as to dry my skin out. I’ve used CORSX products in the past, particularly the COSRX Full-Fit Propolis Light Cream. So, I already had a feeling I’d like the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. This cleanser is affordable with salicylic acid (which helps prevent new breakouts) and it overall aids in the maintenance of less problematic skin on a daily basis. It can be used both morning and night.  

→ $13.97 for 150ml on Amazon

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The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm

I mean it when I say The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft like butter. It won’t dry your skin out either. I use it on heavy makeup days to remove my makeup. All in all, it’s affordable and super gentle as well.  

→ $12.99 for 150ml on Sephora

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M.A.C Candy Yum-Yum Perfume

I wish this scent lingered a bit longer for the price, but it has a sweet fruity scent, almost like candy. It’s a nice pick me up when you need to feel refreshed.  

→ $67.00 for 50ml on MAC Cosmetics

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REPLICA By the Fireplace Perfume

I love the scent of By the Fireplace, but my nose is so used to the smell that I barely notice it anymore, so I want to try their other scents. To be honest, I’d love to own the TOM FORD Tobacco Vanille scent since I enjoyed the tester, but it’s crazy expensive.  

→ $85.00 for 30ml on Sephora

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Moon Prism Power Glitter Gel

I always get compliments on this cute Sailor Moon-inspired eyelid glitter by ColourPop Cosmetics. It’s so unique to have literal moons and stars on your eyelids and elevates your eye makeup to the next level. I’m a bit obsessed with it now.  

→ $10.00 on ColourPop 

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Paula’s Choice

I’m interested in exploring more of Paula’s Choice’s products. The Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser and Enriching Calming Toner are great. Unfortunately, the USD to CAD conversion rate and the shipping fees make repurchasing their products unlikely. I would definitely repurchase these beauty products if I could buy them in my local city (so I can avoid the shipping fees).

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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

I just bought this moisturizer a month ago and MY SKIN HAS BEEN ELEVATED ever since. I feel healed. Wow. It comes in a huge container and keeps me moisturized all day, even on the driest, coldest winter days. I love it. Using it gives my skin such a smooth, plump, and healthy look that makes me feel confident even without makeup.  

→ $25.00 for 539ml on Amazon

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CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

This year I’m going to be more committed to using fragrance-free and gentle skin products to hopefully minimize my acne scars. I think fragrance in beauty products irritates my skin, thus causing keratosis pilaris and other skin conditions.

While I love a nice smelling body wash, my body doesn’t like it. I’m going to try clean and sensitive products for 12 weeks this year to see how my body responds to them. One of those products I’ll be using will be the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, which I’ve used before and it really reduced my keratosis pilaris. Particularly when combined with Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA. I’m also gonna try CeraVe and Cetaphil body washes. 

→ $19.99 for 473ml on Amazon

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I’m From, Mugwort Mask

I love this mask. I use it weekly to detoxify my face. While it does have an earthy smell (which I like), the cooling sensation you get when you apply it to your face is unmatched.

I get why it’s overhyped on Instagram because it really does leave your face smooth and refreshed.

→ $44.00 for 110ml on Amazon

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Great Barrier Relief Serum

This serum isn’t cheap, but it lasts a long time. A little goes a long way. The brand is Krave Beauty, created by YouTuber Liah Yoo.

The Greater Barrier Relief serum has been a nice addition for those days when my skin is super dry or irritated and I don’t know what else to put on it. After I discovered the CeraVe moisturizer, this serum may not be restocked anytime soon, but it’s worth trying if you want to treat yourself.

→ $28.00 USD for 45ml on Krave Beauty

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Fenty Beauty Matte Foundation

I’ve been using this foundation for years. I used to buy dewy foundations, but since I have oily/combination skin, it never looked right. There’s nothing more unattractive than a foundation that looks like you painted it on. Ugh.

Then, I discovered matte foundations. A good matte foundation should look like your skin, but better without drying your skin out. That’s why I love Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Foundation. Also, if you have a hard time finding your correct foundation shade, I recommend this brand because they have so many shades you can choose from.

→ $50.00 for 32ml on Sephora

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Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

There was a time in 2019 when I wore foundation daily to work, and by the end of the workday, my foundation would look patchy and like it had melted off.

Until then, I had never paid attention to primers. But, a primer is like insurance that your makeup will last and look good all day.

I walked into my local Sephora and asked what primer I should buy and the staff member said that most employees in their store raves about Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer. I gave it a try, and I’ve never looked back.

Pro tip: Buy the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip & Setting Spray gift set during the holidays to save money.

→ $44.00 for 45ml on Sephora

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SOL Shimmering Dry Oil vs. Fenty Beauty Body Sauce

I like the SOL Shimmering Dry Oil so much better than Fenty Beauty’s Body Sauce. Essentially, they’re both supposed to give your skin a glow. The difference is that the Body Sauce is pretty much make-up for your body whereas the SOL Shimmering Dry Oil is just skin oil with glitter.   

Essentially, the SOL Shimmering Dry Oil is just oil with glitter. It dries quickly and doesn’t transfer to your clothes, unlike Fenty Beauty’s Body Sauce. I find it makes me feel more feminine and put together.

Compared to the Dry Oil, which is almost empty now, I’ve only used the Body Sauce a handful of times. Clearly, I prefer the former. It’s worth it, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing.

→ $16.00 USD for 90ml on ColourPop

What are your go-to favourite beauty products? Let me know in the comments below.