Welcome back to another edition of my yearly Beauty Awards!
For background, when I was a magazine editor we used to do beauty awards and I really wanted to find a way to incorporate that concept into my own content creation.
I hosted my first Beauty Awards three years ago on my YouTube channel but since I’ve changed my YouTube content to focus primarily on creator tips, I thought it’d be fun to bring the beauty awards over to the blog.
I’m a full-time beauty and fashion content creator and part of my job is testing products and reviewing them all so you don’t have to.
As a reminder that means that often I am gifted products from brands but I am under no obligation to give them a positive review, recommend them, or even talk about them at all unless I choose to do so at my own editorial discretion. Like right now!
So, with that being said every product I’m sharing here are products I genuinely love and recommend that you check out. As you’ll see there are some products that are even two or three time winners, so pay extra close attention to those.
I am the one and only judge here, so keep in mind if I’m recommending a shade of a certain product that that is the shade I use and may not be the shade that would work best for you.
Also I have straight hair and normal/dry skin if that helps you decide if a product is worth checking out.
Alright, enough chatter. Without further ado, presenting the 62 best beauty products of 2021 according to, well, me!
best of beauty 2021: Skin
I have to say that overall, this has been one of the best years for my skin so far! I feel like I’ve found a rhythm with days were I do a more treatment-heavy routine and a more moisturizing routine. See below for my top skin products of this year!
best of beauty 2021: Hair
As a beauty creator, I get sent tons of hair products to try, but it’s amazing how many drugstore favorites always end up back on the rack in my shower (with one splurge exception that I think you’ll know when you see.) See below for my top hair products of the year!
Best of beauty 2021: Lips
When it comes to lip care, my products are typically tried and true favorites. But for lip color, I love playing around and testing new products! You know, on days when I’m not wearing a mask. See below for my top lip products of the year!
best of beauty 2021: Face
This category was heavy on repeat favorites that I really feel stand the test of time, but I also got to try some new products that quickly found their way to the front of my makeup drawer in 2021. See below for my top face products of the year!
Best of beauty 2021: eyes
The eyes have it! My eye routine now is one that I feel super comfortable with and I know I’ve truly got some 10/10 products in this category that have wow-ed me. See below for my top eye products of the year!
Best of Beauty 2021: Nails
Sometimes, two simple products is all you need. See below for my top nail products of the year!
Best Polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in Buff and Tumble
Best Remover: Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover (Two Time Winner)
Best of beauty 2021: body
Body is another category where I believe you don’t need to splurge to have high impact. We place so much focus on skincare, but caring for your skin from the neck down is key. See below for my top body products of the year!
Best of beauty 2021: fragrance
Well, I really am a creature of habit when it comes to fragrance. I know what I like and I stick with it. See below for my top fragrance products of the year!
Best Perfume: Olfactory Custom Austen Scent (Three Time Winner) and use code AUSTEN20 for 20% off
Best Rollerball: Fresh Rose Morning Eau de Parfum Rollerball (Three Time Winner)
Best of beauty 2021: Product of the year
I thought long and hard about what to crown my favorite product of 2021, and while I am still convinced Ultralip is one of the best products Glossier has EVER released and that Eaze Drop will be my staple skin tint for everyday looks, I knew that this Kiehl’s Retinol Serum was going to take home the prize.
It contains pure retinol in its most potent form, but the low dosage makes it tolerable even for sensitive skin. I’ve loved how my skin looks after using this product and it’s safe to say it’s become a staple in my evening skincare routine.
Best of beauty 2021: best new brand launch
The first IRL event I attended after almost a year and a half on the bench due to Covid, was on a rooftop in Manhattan at sunset for the launch of Darya Hope.
Not only did I get to meet the wicked smart chemists and female founders at the event, but wow do I love these products. I use the three step cleansing system in the shower when I want to feel extra fancy. It’s a bit of a splurge compared to my other recommendations, but if you’re going to drop $$ on anything, let it be this.
Winner: Darya Hope Skincare
