Oprah has her list and so do I. You'll find most of mine live in a more affordable price point for the most part. Please note that this is not a list of my favorite products released in 2021, rather a list of the favorite things I've used, worn, or had during the last 12 months.
First and foremost
Rakuten* is how I save money year round on my purchases, but especially at the holidays. From cash back to discount codes, this is my favorite shopping tool. Every quarter you get a check in the mail for doing the shopping you're already doing.
Make-up: While this has historically been my FAVORITE category- the continued masking of 2021 means that I haven't been wearing a lot of make up, so this list is shorter than normal.
Foundation:
KVD Beauty Good Apple Foundation I've only had this one a few months and I only wear foundation a few times a month so I almost didn't include it in this list, but my skin loves this. I use so little and can easily buff it in with any buffing brush. It only takes a few minutes for a flawless look. I use shade 010 Light
Brows- Benefit Precisely, My Brow - I used up a full pencil this year and am half way through another one. I'm not fully put together without brows filled in. I use shade 3.5
Eyes- Viseart - Paris Edit I love to play with eye looks. During a time when my eyes are all anyone sees, it's even more important. This is my every day choice. I can make so many different looks with it, it's small and easy to travel with (47 days this summer) and are all colors I reach for. Everything goes on effortlessly and blends nicely.
Honorable Mention goes to Viseart Petit Pro 4- Apricotine which is what I reach for if I'm feeling warmer tones.
__________________________________________________________
Skin and Hair care: As my love of makeup has been forced to move to the back burner I've taken the opportunity to fall in love with skincare and more recently hair care.
Face Wash: Tatcha Rice Wash I know I can find rice washes for far less than this, but I truly enjoy the smell- which is rare for me and it makes me feel like I'm at the spa every night, so for me it's worth it.
Soap: Goat Milk Soap- From Ivory Oak Heritage Farm This was given to me as a gift, and I just ordered more for stocking stuffers. This goat milk soap is made in small batches in Austin, Minnesota. I fell in love with the Eucalyptus Mint scent (which of course was out of stock at the time of posting) but the goats milk soap leaves my skin feeling nourished and moisturized. Plus, you know you are supporting a small family farm.
Shampoo: I've been using the same shampoo and conditioner for almost 2 years now but over the last few months, I've felt like the shampoo isn't getting my scalp clean. So I pulled out Gisou, a Honey Hair Wash I was gifted from a student last year and OMG it's amazing. I still love my conditioner by Living Proof (PhD) and will finish up what I have, but the Gisou leaves my scalp feeling clean in a way that Phd does not.
Body Lotion: Hempz Original Lotion. This smell transports me back to high school. But I found it at a TJ Maxx a few months ago and fell back in love with the way it makes my legs feel. I put this on right after I get out of the shower and just on my legs. The scent can be overwhelming if I have it closer to my nose, but it leaves my skin feeling so smooth- even on days I don't shave, which is a bonus.
Retinol: CeraVe. I've used $200 Retinol and I've used $20 retinol, and for something that comes in below the $20 mark it's just as good if not better than the more expensive products I've tried. This is a lower dose daily retinol. I experienced no retinol "uglies" with this, I was able to use it every day from the start (though if you have really sensitive skin you should start with every other). I notice an improvement in my skin's texture and moisture retention when I use this product.
Day Serum: Marina- Earth Harbor This ampoule product is the best offense against mask mandate dry skin. It also smells great, which is great for someone who spends hours a day in a mask. This serum helps my skin stay hydrated under the mask, even when I don't drink all the water I should each day.
Night Serum: Ordinary This Niacinamide serum from the Ordinary helps to combat the acne that masking has brought back into my life. As a 30 something who only stopped breaking out in 2018, this development is not one that I've enjoyed, but thankfully this serum helps keep my skin healthy and breakout free. I put it around my jaw line at night.
_______________________________________________________________
Clothing and Accessories: This year I've tried to shift into more "adult" fashion, as I often find myself blending into a sea of teenagers at work. This has been a slower shift than I'd hoped this year as I often find I'm exhausted and leggings and an oversized sweatshirt are just easier. ( I am super grateful that I work in a school where what I wear isn't critiqued)
Clothing:
- Jeans Levi's 311 I still love a good skinny jean and these fit my body so well. I'd consider them mid-rise and I always feel confident stepping out of the house in these. I have them in blue and black denim.
- Dress Geometric Dress I love this because I can dress it up or down, it packs without wrinkling and is the perfect length for work (just past the knee).
- Leggings Old Navy Powersoft So soft and stretchy. They hold me in but are still comfortable to wear all day on hikes and activities. I was on the road all summer and lived out of these. The length is perfect just above the ankle and the pockets make them perfect for a day outside.
- Socks Bombas These are more than I would normally every spend on socks. But as someone who spends all day on here feet, I can tell the difference that these make. They are cushy and support each step. I'm not sore at the end of the days that I wear these.
- Bras True & Co If I could not wear a bra I would choose that option, but most days and with most outfits that's not a choice I can make, so, I wear true and co. I have tried their line for target, which is about half the price, but I find the fit isn't as comfortable or as close fitting as I like. I am a true lover of wireless, which I'm thankful I can do, I know not all tatas are made alike and that may not be an option for you, but if it is, I strongly encourage you to try out any of the bras by True and co. The one linked is my favorite, "The body V neck".
- Shoes Teva Sanborn Sandals I lived almost exclusively out of these for 47 days this summer. I hiked, walked on the beach, went to Disney, climbed mountains, mall walked, explored cities and national parks, and drove thousands of miles in these sandals. I love the support that the extra straps provide. I do recommend a 5 mile per day limit, as the days I did more than that, I got blisters and friction burns.
Accessories:
- Wallet: Small RFID wallet I've now had 2 of these after losing the first one this fall. The size is perfect, it fits in all of my purses-even the smallest ones and can easily be carried in a coat pocket as well. There is plenty of room for cards, ID and cash. The only downside is no room for change or Covid proof.
- Back Pack: 35 L Bag This was the perfect size for this summer. It fit everything I needed and then some. The straps were comfortable to carry all day around cities and parks. I look forward to bringing this on many adventures in the future.
- Glasses: My favorite pair just recently broke - so I ordered the exact same ones with a lens upgrade. All without breaking the bank. This is because my favorite glasses are from Eye Buy Direct*. My favorite pair is call Ghostwriter. They are large dark teal frames that suit my face and don't leave me with a head ache at the end of the day.
- Honorable mention for 2021 goes to a pair of sunglasses called Dutchess that I got in light blue with blue tinted lenses. I previously bought a pink pair of Dutchess glasses in 2020 so I knew I liked the shape, feel and size.
- As some one who is use to getting a new pair of glasses every 2 years, the affordability of Eye Buy Direct* has been a blessing. I am able to change my glasses with my style and the seasons.
- Scarf: Kifuyas from Hebron Arts, a store based in Hebron Palestine. They support Palestinian artists and crafts people to ensure that their traditions are carried forward.
________________________________________________________________
HOME: Many of the products I purchased for my home this year are on back order, and will likely never be in this home as we have to move in Feb. So below are the things I've actually enjoyed:
Bedding: Grey Microfiber Duvet Is so soft and warm and cozy. We paired ours with a
Yellow Quilt from Project 62 by Nate Berkus which provides an added layer and weight in the winter months. We tuck it away in storage in the warmer months.
Heating Pad:This is a product I cannot live without. I love curling up with something warm at the end of the day and this is the perfect treat. I appreciate it has an auto shut-off incase I fall asleep when its on. It is the perfect size for the length of my back or for my stomach or lower back on cramp days.
Squatty Potty No home should be without one! Seriously it helps put your body in better alignment. Your gut will thank you.
___________________________________________________________
Grocery Store Finds:
*This is a referral link- if you sign up using this link you get $10 and I get $10
