My Holy Grail Beauty Products For 2021

I love trying new beauty products but it can be hard to keep up with the multitude of brands available and their constant product launches for makeup, skincare, and haircare. With the amount of new releases every year and the time it takes to test a product out in order to see the benefits they promise, we won’t be able to get our hands on everything that launches. Plus, we want to spend our money on things that work for us and try to get it right the first time around, and not over-purchase. So this is where I come in and do my best to try it all out so you don’t have to!

This year, I was able to purchase and use a lot of new beauty products that have actually become a part of my permanent beauty collection and must-haves. Here is a full list of my holy grail beauty products for 2021 which have quickly become some of my favorites in makeup, skincare, and haircare this year. This will also make searching for a new product that much easier for you!

2021 Holy Grail Beauty: Makeup

Brows

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer – This retractable eyebrow pencil is triangular-tipped and covers a lot more ground than the regular pencil and makes your eyebrow look very natural. The 3 different-sized edges provides great definition and versatility as well. It also makes it much faster to fill in your brows and has a spoolie on the other end to blend out your final look. This is the easiest eyebrow pencil I’ve used and has quickly become my absolute favorite from ABH.

Eyes

1. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner – With over 1,000 bristles, this calligraphy-inspired liquid eyeliner glides on your lids smoothly, is waterproof, and allows for precision whether you want thin or thick lines. For more information on this eyeliner, I’ve done a review about the Best Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliners At Sephora and you can see why that this has become a holy grail beauty product for 2021 and beyond.
2. NYX Epic Ink Liner – Another great eyeliner that I’ve tried this year is surprisingly the NYX one. It’s very pigmented and waterproof, which is very important for me. It’s comparable to the KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner which used to be my all-time favorite until Rare Beauty took over. I’ve also wrote a very detailed review on the KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner Vs. NYX Epic Ink Liner and it’s easy to see who the winner is – plus, it’s less than half the price of KVD.  
3. Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara – I came late to the game with this mascara and unfortunately Marc Jacobs Beauty has shut down their business this year and are no longer selling item. It is literally the best mascara I’ve ever used. It’s so pigmented, makes my lashes super long and thick without it being clumpy and doesn’t give me raccoon eyes. I do have 2 backups in my collection for now, but I haven’t found a mascara that compares to this yet so I’ll be on the search.
4. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara – An Allure Beauty Award Winner, the Limitless Lash Mascara is a clean and natural mascara that is lightweight and conditions the lashes. I tend to like using fibre brushes more since I’ve never had a good experience with silicone brushes, but I was surprised to learn that this particular silicone brush actually works for me. The wand is actually dual-sided and where the shorter side helps with curl and volume, and the longer bristles lift, lengthen, and separate the lashes so it doesn’t look like spider legs. It makes my lashes longer and thicker, and more defined and it doesn’t smudge for the entire day! The only downside is, if you’re to cry with this mascara on, it does sting (I think I was watching a sad movie and realized this).
5. Kiss Lash Glue Liner – I purchased this eyelash glue because I wanted to see if there was an easier way to apply my false lashes. Normally, I use a lash glue that’s in a squeeze tube or a wand tube. With this lash glue, it doubles as an eyeliner and all you have to do is apply your lashes directly to the eyeliner. It kind of saves me an extra step and the glue is quite strong. However, if you want to remove this glue liner, you’ll want to use an oil-based makeup remover since it does have strong staying power. This felt tip lash glue is matte, smudge proof, and waterproof. But even though this lash glue doubles as an eyeliner, I like to apply my favorite eyeliner first before applying this since I prefer brush tips for a smoother application.
6. Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Eyeshadow Primer – This year, I’ve realized that I really need to use an eyeshadow primer before applying my eyeliner due to my hooded and watery eyes for extra staying power so I’ve tested quite a few. This Smashbox eyeshadow primer has become my 1 of my go-to’s. It is actually not as smooth as other creamier eyeshadow primers, which makes your eyeshadow and eyeliner last much longer, up to 24 hours. Although I haven’t used this for 24 hours straight, it made my eyeliner last the entire day I had this on. My eyeshadow and eyeliner doesn’t budge, and it also intensifies the colors of both.
7. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer – I love that this eyeshadow primer is easy to use and can be applied quickly with its wand. It is just slightly creamier than the Smashbox eyeshadow primer and is perfect for everyday use. It is light and prevents creases in your eyeshadow, and also makes my eyeshadow and eyeliner more vibrant and last all day. I like having options and backups and found that this is also an eyeshadow primer that will become a permanent holy grail beauty product for me.

Face

1. KVD True Portrait Medium Coverage Shake Foundation – I discovered this amazing foundation this year, but it’s been on sale for the longest time so I’m really hoping this won’t be discontinued although I am reading that it is. I haven’t used a foundation that feels like this texture, it’s just so smooth on the skin because it is a liquid to powder foundation. It’s formula allows for very flexible application and you only need about a dime size to cover the entire face. Although it says medium coverage, I found that it seems very full coverage for me and makes my skin look so beautiful. It is not heavy though and absorbs excess oil and provides an airy matte finish. This foundation also lasts all day, but if you wear a mask, you’ll need to use a setting powder and setting spray since the foundation is so smooth on the skin and can transfer.
2. It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray+ – This is 1 of the better setting sprays I’ve used this year since it protects my makeup and provides minimal transfer to my mask. My face makeup lasts all day. The scent is a light coconut and feels very refreshing and allows for up to 16 hours of wear and is able to control oil and shine. It also has hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract which helps with hydration.
3. One Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray and Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder – To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this brand since it was created by an influencer, but boy was I wrong. I’ve read really good reviews on these items and decided to try it for myself. A waterproof setting spray? That’s what sold me. I actually had applied both the setting spray and setting powder over my makeup prior to a visit to my dentist for a cleaning and thought this would be the ultimate test. Water definitely got on my face but after the session, my makeup was intact, there was no cracks or creases around my mouth or anywhere on my face even though it was opened for about an hour. The only time my foundation did come off a little bit was when my dental hygienist wiped the corner of my mouth with pressure, but I didn’t see much of a difference in my makeup since I applied it before leaving the house. Both products kept my face matte all day and still looking perfect when I came home. They have both become my holy grail beauty products not only for 2021, but probably forever.

Lips

1. Jaclyn Cosmetics Poutspoken Liquid Lipsticks – I used to be obsessed with the Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipsticks but Jaclyn Hill’s new Poutspoken collection has taken over easily and she’s made the greatest come back in 2021. I really like the colors and have purchased about 5 so far and it is also matte and long-wearing. Although it comes off slightly easier than the Kylie liquid lipsticks, I find it better because it is more hydrating and doesn’t make your lips look cracked. The scent is also lighter and easier to bare. I also love the packaging and how the color range can match a lot of skin tones. Jaclyn Cosmetics in general is unquestionably 1 of my favorite makeup brands for 2021 and the foreseeable future.

2021 Holy Grail Beauty: Skincare

Eyes

1. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème – This hydrating eye cream really brightens under-eye dark circles with its banana powder inspiration, it contains pigments that instantly color-corrects the eyes. It also helps with fine lines and wrinkles so it really does it all. I’ve purchased this eye cream a couple times this year and I’ve done a full review of the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème to help you decide if it’s the one for you and why it really works.
2. Dime Beauty Eyelash Boost Serum – I used to use the Grande Cosmetics GrandLash MD Lash Enhancing Serum and although it worked, I think I had some kind of reaction to it where it made my under-eye dry and patchy. I switched to Dime Beauty since it is clean, is even safe for pregnant women, and doesn’t change the color of your eyes. It is gentle and it works with its proprietary amino acids and peptides! You can start seeing results in a few weeks and 1 tube has lasted me 9 months so far. I think this might be the only lash serum I’ll stick to. Plus the price is very reasonable, especially when there are sales and discounts available!

Face

1. Tatcha The Rich Wash Cleanser and Dewy Skin Cream – I’ve always loved the Tatcha brand since it looks so luxurious and I love what it represents in terms of harmony with skincare and wellness. This year, I finally got to use the Tatcha Rice Wash Cleanser and Dewy Skin Cream and it has easily become my favorite cleanser and moisturizer combo. It works great for the skin all year round and isn’t heavy. Also, the cleanser doesn’t dry your skin out or make it feel tight after use. I’ve also done a very comprehensive review of the Tatcha Rice Wash Cleanser and Dewy Skin Cream to help you out. Overall, I found that I can’t go wrong with any Tatcha products I’ve tried so far and it’s one of my top favorite skincare brands that I love.
2. Wishful Honey Balm Jelly Moisturizer – I’ve used this at the beginning of the year in the dead of winter, and it’s 1 of the only products that helped me combat dry skin from the cold winter air. Although it’s a balm, this moisturizer is not heavy or oily on the skin, but very nourishing and is infused with honey to lock in moisture for 24 hours. It also helps with hyperpigmentation and pores. The soft lavender scent also calms and soothes the senses as well as enhance your self care routine.
3. Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial – Although this scrub is a bit on the pricey side, it is basically a 2 minute microdermabrasion facial you can do at home. The physical, chemical, and enzymatic exfoliants helps with ridding your skin of dead skin cells, makes your face much smoother, and instantly brightens up your skin tone. You only need this about once a week, but I prefer to use this every other week in between of using a different scrub just to be able to conserve it more.
4. Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner – This toner is perfect for all skin types, and especially so for sensitive skin. It is also very refreshing on the skin and helps clean up any leftover residue or makeup that was not taken away with cleansing. This is great for daily use year round in between an occasional glycolic acid toner. Read more about The Cleanser And Toner Duo You Need For Dry And Sensitive Skin here.
5. Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel – A very pleasant surprise and a 2021 holy grail beauty product I can’t go without since using this! The scent is delicious, but light and works within 10 minutes to show beautiful, glowing skin and even a huge reduction in blemishes. This luxury skincare brand really makes skincare at home feel like a spa day. I use this about once a week and have incorporated it into a part of my skincare routine permanently. Who doesn’t love a product that works fast, especially when you want to see skincare results right away in the case of an emergency? You can also read my full review on the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel.
6. Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment – This resurfacing treatment has come in so handy this year and have saved my skin when I accidentally incorporated retinol into my routine a little too quickly. I explain the details of what I went through when I had negative side effects on my skin and had to clear it up quickly in this review on the Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate Tripe Acid Resurfacing Treatment. You just apply it like you do toner, which makes this treatment so much easier to use!
7. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum – This 2021 holy grail beauty product is a must-have and after using 1 bottle, I already purchased a few more to have in my overstock collection. If you want glass skin, this is exactly how you can achieve it. It’s the serum that does it all, and it very likely can be the only one you need. You can read all about it in my review on the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum.

Lips

1. La Neige Lip Sleeping Mask – My lips often get dry and chapped, and sometimes the corner of my lips even rip which gets quite painful. I found that this lip sleeping mask quickly heals my lips overnight so that I can have healthy lips again. My go-to flavor is Gummy Bear which smells like how my favorite Japanese grape soda tastes. I’ve also done a review on the La Neige Lip Sleeping Mask Vs. Their New Lip Treatment Balm – which are both amazing actually.
2. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 – For everyday use, I prefer my lip balm to have sun protection and I’ve quite enjoyed the Jack Black lip balm. It’s in a squeezable tube, super easy to apply and lasts longer than other lip balms. There’s several different scents you can choose from and it’s great for both men and women. I also carry this in My Everyday Makeup Bag.
3. Frank Body Lip Scrub – This year, I’ve realized that a lip scrub really does wonder and I don’t know how I’ve went without one for so long. A lip scrub has now become a beauty product I have to use in my skincare routine. I’ve tried a couple different lip scrubs this year but my favorite so far has been the Frank Body Lip Scrub. The exfoliating sugar and coffee grinds aren’t too harsh on the lips, it smells like coffee, and gets rid of dead skin cells and moisturizes. It is actually much like their Body Scrub which I’ve used when the brand first launched years ago, but much gentler.

2021 Holy Grail Beauty: Haircare

1. Ouai Leave-In Conditioner – I’ve always needed a hair detangling spray, but I found that the Ouai Leave-In Conditioner works the best for me and I’ve purchased a few bottles already. I just brush through my hair with my Wet Brush and it easily detangles my very knotty hair after a shower. It smells amazing and helps with moisturizing, de-frizzing, and even heat protection.
2. Olaplex No. 4, 5, and 6 – Olaplex in general has become another favorite brand of mine that doesn’t go wrong with any products they have. I especially like the No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, and No. 6 Bond Smoother that I’ve tried this year. It’s a haircare system that does it all and I’ve really seen the results on myself as well as my mom’s very damaged hair from years of weekly blow-dry sessions. You don’t need much of the shampoo or conditioner and you’re able to lather up quite nicely and I was surprised with the volume it gives my hair. The Bond Smoother is a leave in cream that fights frizz, protects your hair, and makes my hair so smooth and hydrated when dry.

To further help you with your haircare journey, here’s The Ultimate Guide To Getting Healthy Hair.

2021 Holy Grail Beauty: Perfume

I’m a perfume lover, especially for fruity and sweet scents and these are the 2 holy grail perfumes I’ve added to my collection this year:

1. Atelier Cologne Pacific Lime Pure Perfume – With notes of coconut from the Phillipines, eucalyptus from China, and lime from Mexico, this perfume really reminds me of a tropical getaway and it’s smells quite fresh. It is a unisex perfume and it’s made in France with high quality ingredients.
2. Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Garden Eau De Parfum – This perfume is a blend of citrus and cream and depicts a flower blossoming in the Sicilian gardens. It has notes of flowers (magnolia, frangipani), fruits (mandarin, neroli, coconut) , and almond milk, vanilla, and sandalwood.

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