Best Beauty Products Editors Discovered in 2020
10 Beauty Discoveries Our Editors Leaned On the Most in 2020
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We can't say this year will be getting any rave reviews from us, but if there's anything we'd be willing to give a gold star to in 2020, it's the handful of beauty and self-care products out there that have helped us cut through the chaos. While social distancing and staying indoors more than ever before, our editors were able to maximise their time at home with a few beauty discoveries — or, simply put, products they might not have used under any other circumstances — that have changed their lives for the better. Now, with just a few weeks left in the year, they're not turning back.
From fancy at-home manicure kits to skin-care gadgets, read ahead for the beauty products our editors leaned on the most this year (and now don't want to be without).
Kiara Sky Dipping Powders Essentials Kit
"Despite how many steps there are in the Kiara Sky Dipping Powders Essentials Kit ($88), I preferred the process to a gel manicure because there are no sticky polishes or bulky UV lamps involved. Not only was I satisfied, but I was weirdly looking forward to doing my nails again." — Maggie Panos, senior editor, POPSUGAR voices
Kérastase Huile De Parfum Fragrance-In-Oil Hair Perfume
"The Kérastase Huile De Parfum Fragrance-In-Oil Hair Perfume ($72) has been the little bit of luxury that has made all the difference to my stay-at-home sanity. Sometimes it really is the little things, but the smell and texture of my hair after using it makes me feel like I just came from a salon. Plus, it makes my pillowcase smell great!" — Charisandra Perez, social and partnerships coordinator
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
"I've been using the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation ($46) because I wanted a product to wear at home that has SPF and is tinted, and leaves my skin protected, even-looking, and glowing." — Stephanie Nguyen, senior editor, branded content
Oui the People Patriarchy Candle
"This Oui the People Patriarchy Candle ($38) serves as a reminder of what we should really burn in 2020." — Kelsey Castañon, beauty director
OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Hair Mask
"Seeing as I haven't gotten a haircut all year and I've been too scared to give myself one at home, the ends of my hair have gotten pretty darn dry. I've been using the OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Hair Mask ($6) every now and then to provide some much-needed hydration because it's affordable, easy to find at any drugstore, and smells divine. This year has definitely made me hop on the hair mask bandwagon for good." — Victoria Messina, associate editor, trending & viral features
Foreo Luna Play
"I was gifted a Foreo Luna Play ($39) what feels like forever ago, but it sat in my drawer untouched until a mid-pandemic cleanout of my beauty stash. I decided it was time to give it a try, and I truly can't believe I ignored her for so long — I was hooked immediately. My skin feels SO soft after just a one-minute session, making it a game-changer for my nightly routine. I'm definitely planning to level up to one of the rechargeable models once the battery on this little one runs out." — Becky Kirsch, manageing editor
Tweezerman Neon Hot 4-in-1 File, Smooth, & Shine Block
"This Tweezerman Neon Hot 4-in-1 File, Smooth, & Shine Block ($10) is a major key for at-home nail maintenance." — Perri Konecky, editor, trending & viral features
Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
"I always dread washing my hair, mainly because having wet hair outside of a swimming situation is my biggest pet peeve and blow drying takes me absolute ages. The Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer ($57) completely changed the game for me — it's easy to use, extremely fast, eliminates the need to use a brush, and leaves my long hair smooth, silky, and frizz-free. Bonus: I no longer have to buy a brush every two months due to my old hair dryer melting the bristles." — Alessia Santoro, editor, family & pets
La Mer The Eye Balm Intense
"My mom gave me a small jar of the La Mer The Eye Balm Intense ($235) for my birthday (the best birthday gift you can get in your 30s, TBH), and I love how it feels under my eyes: it goes on smoothly and gives my dry undereyes a boost of hydration. It pairs well under my concealer and helps reduce some puffiness in the morning. A little goes a long way." — Christina Stiehl, senior editor, fitness
Image Skincare Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque
"I've developed a double-masking routine every Sunday morning with two masks from Imagine Skincare (a brand I learned about from facials at Heyday, which I miss):
the Image Skincare Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque ($36) and the Vital C Enzyme Mask ($36)." — Alessandra Foresto, deputy editor
