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7 Products You Need in Your 2021 Skincare Haul
New year, new you! While it might seem cliché at this point, there’s no better time than the start of a new year to have some resolutions ready. I know I’ve written mine down, and after such a tough year where most of our plans were put on halt by the crisis, having a few clear goals to start the decade isn’t so bad. Be it self-care, beauty, or other areas of our life, these resolutions may be just what we need to kick off the year with hope and motivation.
It’s an understatement to say that in 2020, we had our fair share of ups and downs. When it came to beauty and skincare, staying at home meant less chances to show off our new beauty buys IRL. But of course, as Filipinas, we learn to adapt!
In 2021, we’re not making the same mistakes that we did last year. As a matter of fact, this year is all about clean beauty and sustainable products that will last long, have less damage on our environment, and help us look amazing in front of a camera. No more looking haggard during that Zoom meeting, because this year’s beauty trends are about to make you look your best self, indoors or out.
What are the essential skin care products?
We’ve covered the essential products for a beginner’s makeup routine. But what about the essentials for building a skincare regimen? Let’s tackle the basics of skin care and what makes a good routine.
First up, diagnosis: check if you have oily, dry, dehydrated, combination, acne-prone, or normal skin.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Symptoms of oily skin include, well, constant oiliness. If you find yourself constantly reaching for a blotting sheet throughout the day to reduce some of the shine on your face, especially on your T-Zone, then you most likely have an oily skin type. Oftentimes, oily skin types will also be acne-prone.
However, we classified that as a separate skin type because it is possible to be acne-prone without having oily skin. In fact, this can happen to anyone of any skin type. If this sounds like you, you may want to try gentle cleansers, light moisturizers, and avoid products that can cause oil to build up such as essential oils and heavy moisturizers.
Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Dry and dehydrated skin may sound like the same thing at first blush. However, there are a few patent differences between the two. For one, dry skin is usually followed by flakiness, cracks, sensitivity, and itching. Dry skin may be because of environmental factors such as the weather, or because of a chronic condition like eczema.
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, means the skin is unable to retain moisture as well as it should. Symptoms include a papery appearance or tight lines whenever pinched together. For these skin types, you may want to focus on hydration and moisture in each step of your routine.
Combination Skin
If you can relate to having an oily T-zone and dry or dehydrated skin everywhere else on the face, then you probably have combination skin. This skin condition is fairly common and requires just a little bit more attention in terms of skincare and beauty products to apply, because you may want to try different products for different parts of your face.
It’s a little high maintenance, but trust us, that attention to detail will pay off in the long run. Thanks to the Internet, we have access to a wide variety of skincare info that’ll save us some beauty mishaps. So don’t be afraid to delve into some research before getting the products for your combination skin.
Normal Skin
If you’re lucky, you’ll have a normal skin type. This means the skin doesn’t negatively react to new products, overproduce oil, or is sensitive. You’ll also have firm and plump skin. But this doesn’t mean you can skip having a skincare routine entirely! With the right products, you can help your face look even better than before.
Now that you’ve determined your skin type, you’re ready to create the perfect skin care routine! This guide will help you determine the types of products to look for and what order to use them. Tweak it as you see fit, and remember to choose products that are made for your specific skin type. For example, some cleansers are more clarifying and stripping than others because they’re made for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, steer clear of these and opt for gentle washes instead. Also, be aware that this route takes longer than what skincare rejuvenation sets promise, but trust us when we say this is the healthier option.
Cleanser
This is usually the first step to any routine, both day and night. Many people only cleanse once a day, but those who need it may try cleansing twice. I personally cleanse at night so I go to bed without any dirt and pollutants sticking to my face while I sleep, but I avoid doing it twice a day unless necessary so I don’t strip my sensitive skin of too much moisture.
Serum/Treatment
This part is usually for those who are prone to breakouts or have inflammatory acne. If you have the latter, you’ll already be familiar with different types of treatments and acne-fighting ingredients. Some of these include niacinamide, retinols, and acids.
I have dry/sensitive skin, but I also use a niacinamide serum to get rid of acne marks. If you have a similar skin type, I’d say trial and error is the best measure here because you never know what might trigger a negative reaction. And stay away from harsh chemicals!
Moisturizer
A good moisturizer is the key to keeping one’s skin youthful and vibrant. It’s also a great way to prevent any fine lines and wrinkling caused by skin dehydration. So if you want plump and bright skin, don’t skip out on moisturizer! Aside from making your face feel smooth and luxurious, you’re also getting the hydration you deserve. Oily skin types may think that this step will only make their skin greasier, but it actually helps balance out the oiliness in your pores that is caused by dryness. Lightweight moisturizers might be the best fit for you if this is the case. Overall, this step is an important part of keeping the skin healthy and balanced.
Sunscreen (Day Use)
Good old sunscreen! If you think our parents overemphasized the importance of using sunscreen when we were kids, they didn’t. In fact, many skincare gurus recommend the religious use of sunscreen. This product helps prevent sun damage which can cause early signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines — even when we’re staying indoors! Darker skin is also caused by UV damage, so if you want to go back to your original skin tone or even out some dark spots, this product is your best friend.
As a gal with sensitive skin, finding the right sunscreen has been tricky; most sunscreens tended to break me out due to the chemicals or high alcohol content. But part of crafting the perfect routine is trial and error, and beauty always comes with a little sacrifice.
Our tip? Don’t settle for less! Eventually, you’ll find a product that will treat your skin right, and it’s worth holding out for.
Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the perfect skincare regimen. Don’t be frustrated when the first products you try aren’t a perfect match. Instead, do more research, find out why those products didn’t work for you, and take notes.
Was there an ingredient you’re allergic to? Avoid it in the future. Did you misdiagnose your skin type? Switch your routine accordingly. The skincare and beauty journey is a long one, and even when you get it right, your skin’s needs can change over time. The best part of the beauty world is finding out what works for us and what doesn’t, and getting to know our skin better so we can give it the TLC it deserves!
What are trending in the beauty and skincare industry?
With the beauty industry being affected by the global health crisis, brands are learning to adapt to different beauty trends and needs. Now that we’re encouraged to stay indoors, the emphasis has been less on extravagant makeup and more on maintaining natural beauty through cleaner products, a.k.a. organic and sustainable ones.
Read on to find out the biggest trends for skin care and beauty in 2021.
Clean beauty
We’ve seen the rise of organic skin care over time. But in 2021, it’s predicted to be one of the biggest trends in the beauty world. Needless to say, people have become, more than ever, concerned with how their lifestyle affects the environment.
For the year, we’re seeing a rise in natural beauty products and organic skincare. Similarly, many have been promoting conscious buying in an effort to keep overbuying and therefore, waste, at a minimum. If you’re one to spend too much on skin care and cosmetics only to end up not using them too much, take this as a sign! Skip the hauls and online shopping sprees and opt to buy quality products that are absolute essentials. Trust me, your wallet and skin will thank you.
All eyes on you
Face masks aren’t going away anytime soon, so we might as well beautify the area that everyone gets to see: the eyes! Since many of us will be putting makeup on this area, it’s vital that we keep it hydrated and healthy at all times.
While they’re not exactly a new trend, night creams, eye creams, and other natural solutions to prevent dark under eyes and puffy bags will be all the rage this year. Stock up on your favorite eye cream pronto because we predict they’re going to be constantly out of stock soon.
Keep it natural
Even though most people are only going to see us through their phone screens, many beauty gurus still anticipate a resurgence in the natural look. Skip out on the over-contouring or Insta-glam makeup and instead focus on glowy healthy skin, vibrant hair, and a cleaner diet. Plenty of natural and organic products are already available on the market and this time, the spotlight will be on them!
Anti-maskne
If you’ve never heard of or experienced “mask”-ne before, consider yourself lucky! “Mask”-ne is basically the phenomenon of breaking out due to the constant use of face masks and even face shields, an unfortunate side effect of this protective measure against the coronavirus.
Ditching the masks is NOT an option (and we mean it!), but thankfully, there are a number of ways to prevent maskne from affecting our everyday lives. Soothing face sprays, calming creams, and blemish balms will be the star of this year’s beauty hauls, focusing on keeping our skin calm and smooth.
What are some of the products I should be using for skin care?
Now that you have a rough idea of what the ideal routine should look like, you’re ready to fill in the gaps with some new products! Here are the 7 skin and beauty products you need in your skincare routine for the year.
L’Oreal Paris White Perfect Night Cream
L’oréal has been a mainstay when it comes to the beauty world, and it’s no surprise they still manage to create some of the most long-lasting and effective beauty products out there. One of the latest trends in the past few years is night creams. If staying up late at night is unavoidable, it’s only fitting that we take the best care of our skin possible.
The L’Oreal Paris White Perfect Night Cream is a great way to keep our face plump, radiant, and healthy-looking so we wake up feeling fresher than ever, even on tired days! Whether you’re staying up all night to catch up on homework, working a night shift, or watching that K-Drama, you’ll still be able to give your face the care it deserves. With this cream, not even a bad webcam can stop you from looking radiant.
Kose CoenRich Medicated Whitening Hand Cream
In 2020, we’ve had to adjust our lifestyle to accommodate the new normal. This means face masks, face shields, sanitizers, and alcohol. We know you’ve been following health protocols, and because of all that sanitizer, you may have earned some dry spots and skin dehydration, particularly on our hands. Starting now, make it a habit to moisturize them.
If you’re on the lookout for a good hand cream, the Kose CoenRich Medicated Whitening Hand Cream is a power-packed product that hydrates and brightens our hands, keeping it smooth even after the sixth time you’ve washed it. The brand is little-known, but from the rave reviews to the stellar ingredients list, we love every bit about this product enough to recommend it.
I’m From Rice Mask
The product has star-studded reviews for a reason, and it’s why we’ve decided to include it in our must-have products of the year. I’m From is a relatively new beauty brand originating in Korea that boasts of ethically sourced ingredients from trustworthy farmers, guaranteeing clean and guilt-free products.
We’ve established the shift to more natural skincare products, and the brand’s philosophy definitely fits the bill. Plus, opting for a wash-on mask instead of the more popular sheet masks is a great way to reduce one’s personal waste! If you have a heart for taking care of our environment, this is a great start to a zero-waste journey.
The rice mask is designed for those who have a tired complexion. And I don’t know about you, but the past year has tired me out. Restoring your natural radiance, the I’m From Rice Mask uses rice derivatives to remove dead skin cells and clear out clogged pores, giving them a smaller appearance. It’s a perfect way to keep the skin looking fresh amidst all that quarantine stress.
Rohto Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence
I can’t stress the importance of sunscreen enough. Not many of us realize how much damage harmful UV rays actually cause, myself included. I’ve made the mistake of exposing myself to the sun without any form of protection, for months on end. Don’t be like me!
Start using sunscreen religiously and you’ll see improvements in no time, from brighter skin to fewer wrinkles, dark spots, and more. The Rohto Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence is a product from a famed Japanese beauty brand, and there’s more than enough positive reviews to keep this product in our list of the latest products to buy. It includes SP50+ as well as PA++++, which means it protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
CosRx Pimple Master Patch
A beloved product, the CosRx Pimple Master Patch is a super-affordable way to keep pimples at bay. Simply put a patch over the problem area overnight for instant relief. The product’s intensive healing properties will bring out any bacteria that’s clogging up your pores, making way for clear and blemish-free skin.
Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
Prone to maskne? The Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream might be just the product to keep the skin feeling luxurious and smooth no matter what. Infused with guaiazulene and centella asiatica, ingredients notable for keeping the skin calm, this night cream can reduce redness and inflammation that may be caused by wearing a mask all day. Just take a small amount and massage it onto the face as the last step in your night skincare routine, and you’ll wake up feeling more relaxed than ever. Great for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin types, this cream might just be your next splurge!
CosRX Centella Blemish Cream
Our final product is a more budget-friendly alternative to the Klairs night cream, the CosRx Centella Blemish Cream. If you’re a fan of Korean beauty and skincare products, you’ll know that CosRX is a powerhouse. The brand is known in the beauty industry for creating essences, toners, and cleansers that are effective as well as super affordable.
The star of this cream is centella asiatica leaf water, an ingredient that helps relieve skin inflammation and redness. Fans of tea tree oil will be happy to know that this product has that, too. In order to reap its benefits, use the cream after you dab on your acids and other hydrating products.
The latest trends in the beauty industry focus more on natural beauty, so it’s only fitting that we’re looking at improving our skin first! Thanks to beauty gurus, social media, and beauty blogs, we’re able to access a boatload of information pertaining to beauty and skincare.
With the pandemic, we may not be out and about all the time. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take care of ourselves when at home. With the right products and beauty regimen, you won’t need to use a cute Instagram filter for your next selfie, because you’ll be glowing on your own!
Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.