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Sharing all my absolute favorites and best cruelty free beauty products that I used in 2020! There were some new ones to me, and some oldies but goodies, and I’m sharing them all here below.
Now, 2020 wasn’t exactly the year I went and tried a whole bunch of new makeup. There wasn’t really much reason to, if we’re being honest here. Staying inside for the majority of the year definitely took the focus off of makeup! But I’m hopeful 2021 will change that, or if it doesn’t, that I’ll just start playing with makeup again because why NOT?!
Especially considering I now have a micro wedding in the spring where I’ll be doing my own makeup! No pressure or anything…
Anyways, let’s jump right in to the best of cruelty free beauty from 2020! PS – these are in no particular order!
Unseen Sunscreen
After using this facial sunscreen I can’t see myself ever using another one again! It’s completely clear, glides on, offers great protection, and isn’t greasy. Who knew that even existed in a sunscreen, right?! It also works great under makeup! Feels very similar to primer.
Supergoop has changed the game in sunscreen, and my skin is so thankful for it. Hiiiiighly highly recommend!
Read the Review / Shop Unseen Sunscreen
Athena Club Razor
2020 seemed to be the year where subscription razors exploded, right!? First came Billie, with the rest to follow. I’ve tried three now (one was just online, not subscription), and can tell you that Athena worked the best for me! I’m planning a thorough review sharing my thoughts on the three I tried (Billie, Flamingo, and Athena), but for now, trust me when I say Athena is the best!
Shop Athena Razor – Use IVY2622 for $5 off your order, meaning you could try this razor out for just $4 (free shipping).
Olaplex Shampoo & Conditioner
2020 was the year that I finally bit the bullet and tried a higher end shampoo and conditioner. I never have up until this point and maybe that’s because I knew once I had I might not be able to go back. But I had heard rave reviews about many products in the Olaplex line, so I tried out their shampoo & conditioner early in 2020. I truly went into trying them out with high expectations, since they come with a high price tag. I was skeptical that they could be worth it!
Unfortunately I love them. Which is awful because hellooooo pricey. But I noticed an immediate difference in my hair! I was honestly surprised it was so immediate. My hair was smoother, less frizzy, and just felt softer and healthier. My curls also seemed to respond well to these products!
At one point I ran out of the shampoo and switched to a cheaper one while just using the Olaplex conditioner, and I noticed a difference there as well. I love them both as a team and apologize to my wallet for being an Olaplex convert!
Review coming soon 🙂
Shop Olaplex Shampoo & Conditioner
Now Solutions Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Facial Mist
This was a new product to me this year, as well as a new release. I actually attended a weekend retreat with the brand last year and they mentioned this product was in the works. I was SO excited, and it 100% lived up to the hype.
Easily my favorite hydrating facial spray. Makes an incredible difference in my skin, and is a solid first layer of hydration to build upon. Affordable price point too! Lovvvvveeee this stuff.
Shop Now Solutions Facial Mist
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask
Another product I really need to write a full review on! This one was gifted by Drunk Elephant and verrrry quickly became a favorite. I typically use this as my nighttime moisturizer, and wake up with hydrated and moisturized skin. It’s the best! No weird film left on my skin in the morning, or feeling like the product had been sitting on top without sinking in. It’s thick enough to be really hydrating, but not so thick that it can’t absorb. My fellow dry skin peeps should definitely check this one out!
Shop Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask
Olive & June
Polish
Love love looove this cruelty free nail polish. From the color selection, to how long they last (5-6 days with no chips), to the bottle, it’s all SO good! Such beautiful neutral shades (my personal fave), but bolder and brighter colors as well.
Shop Olive & June Polish / more colors here
Top Coat
I never previously was a believer in top coats, and generally felt like they were more a gimmick more than anything else. I’m not quite sure why I felt that way tbh, but I did.
This top coat however immediately changed my opinion on that though. First, it makes the polish especially glossy and shiny. Definitely more professional looking! Also, it definitely helps with how they wear. The polish lasts 5-6 days with no chips. For an at home mani, that’s pretty dang good imo!
Nail Polish Remover
Such a random favorite from the year, but I was truly impressed with their nail polish remover! Comes in a bottle with the sponge inside so you just need to rub your nail in the sponge for the polish to be removed. It removed my nail polish SO so fast. I was shocked at how quick it was! They recently redesigned the sponge so you can easily use this on your toes as well now. Will be picking that one up when I’ve used up this first pot!
Shop Olive & June Nail Polish Remover Pot
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
I’ve yet to write a full review on this brow pencil, but really need to. I went through a period where I thought I didn’t like it, but then picked it up again and was confused how I could have ever felt that way. It’s so good! I think there is a bit of a learning curve to it though, but once I got the hang of this pencil, it quickly became my go-to. I’ll never be without one of these in my beauty collection! Highly hiiiiighly recommend!
Shop Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Thrive Causemetics Mascara
I am a big fan of tubing mascaras because I absolutely hate the mascara removal process, and tubing formulas make it so easy. I also love the fact that this mascara seriously lengthens my lashes and separates as well. Beautiful formula and easy to remove, what more could you want?!
Doesn’t flake at all on me either or smudge. But this is NOT waterproof in the slightest. If you cry, expect chunks of mascara to fall right alongside your tears lol. Currently on the hunt for a waterproof mascara to use for my wedding day!
Anyways, I love this mascara so much I have it on subscribe and save! That’s probably all you really need to know 😂 Such a good one.
Read the Review / Shop Thrive Causemetics Mascara
Lume Deodorant
I had been on the hunt for years for a solid cruelty free natural deodorant, and had tried quite a few that either didn’t work or caused irritation for me. Tbh, I had gotten to the point where I thought I would have to go back to regular deodorant, but a friend had told me Lume worked well for her so I decided to give it a go.
It quickly reached holy grail status for me! I absolutely love this deodorant and will never go back to using another (although of course I may try a few here and there to review 😉). Works so well, even when anxiety sweat happens (if you know, you know). I swear, it works better than any deodorant, natural or not, has ever worked for me!
I have the unscented, and it does have a kind of weird smell when you first apply, but that goes away really quick. Love this stuff!
Read the Review / Shop Lume Deodorant
Moroccanoil Treatment
Let’s be honest here, so much of the love for this product is from how absolutely AMAZING it smells. Can’t even describe it, but it’s one of my favorite scents ever!
The actual formula itself is also wonderful! Makes my hair silky and smooth. So so soft. And of course, smells really good. I typically use this on wet hair and notice a big difference in softness when I do!
It’s pricey for sure, but you only need a tiny amount so the bottle lasts you a really long time!
Read the Review / Shop Moroccanoil Treatment
Lots of good finds in here! Let’s cross our fingers that next year there will be a few more makeup products as well (and more reasons to wear makeup!!)
