2021 Favorites

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As we say goodbye to another year, I wanted to share my favorites from 2021. I know this post may seem premature, but as Black Friday sales start to roll in and supply chains continue to be stressed, I figured it would be ok.

I had trouble trying to narrow down my list, so I decided to limit myself to products that I purchased in 2021. I have already posted reviews for all of these products, so the original reviews and swatches will be linked. There are some included affiliate links (marked with **), in those instances, there is a separate link designated for the actual review post. Let’s get into it, my friends.

Sigma Warm Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette** – Click here for my full review

I love a buildable matte and I typically apply lid colors with my fingers, so the Sigma formula really works well for me. The warm neutrals palette is my favorite in terms of color selection, but the ambiance palette is a close runner-up.

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Highlighter (back ordered)** – Click here for my full review

While I do have to be careful with this, I still love it.  If I apply too much it can start to look icy, but it never accentuates texture on me. As of November 12, 2021, this is still available for purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue. You can also purchase it from Bergdorf Goodman, but it is on backorder.

Sephora Microsmooth Multi-Tasking Baked Face Palette (Captivate)** – Click here for my full review

This palette is a little dark for me, but it blends so easily that I can work with it. The powders melt into the skin as promised. Check this one out for sure. I hope it sells well enough that they can expand the shade range, although there is also a lighter version.

It is currently sold out online likely because it is 30% off during the VIB sale that ends on November 15th. But you may be able to find it in your local Sephora if you’re interested.

Coloured Raine Bronzer (Cinna-Bae)

This bronzer really impressed me. Cinna-bae is very pigmented, but the ease of blending means I don’t have to be careful with it. This is a bit darker than it appears in the image below. It can be hard to color balance a group shot correctly for each product. I love Coloured Raine and hope they continue to release products as great as this one. I’m still hoping for single blushes since their highlighter formula is too much for my taste.

Sonia G Builder Pro

The tapered shape of this brush allows me to get into the inner corner of my eye and as the names suggest it builds pigment easily.  Check out my original post for more details and comparisons to some other flat shader brush shapes.

Covergirl Trublend Blush (Sweet Seduction)** – Click here for my full review

Covergirl also makes two other shades in this line, but they really should expand the shade range even more. Sweet seduction is a beautiful color and the formula is easy to use with a nice satin finish.

Sonia Kashuk Medium Powder Brush

I love this brush for setting powder. The shape is versatile for different application styles since you can use the side of the brush to pat the powder on for more coverage or use the fluffiness of the brush in more of a sweeping motion for lighter coverage.

Huda Beauty Cream Lipstick (Money Maker)** – Click here for my full review

This was a pleasant surprise for me. I have heard rave reviews about Huda Beauty, but this was the first product that I’ve tried from the brand. The lipstick formula is moisturizing and very comfortable to wear. While it is a cream lipstick, it does not feather outside of my lip lines and manages to stay put. I am definitely interested in checking out more products from Huda Beauty in the future.

Pat McGrath Divine Blush (Paradise Venus)** – Click here for my full review

This formula is very pigmented, so I always use a fluffy brush to apply to prevent going overboard. Paradise Venus is matte, but it is not a flat matte. There is no discernible shimmer on the skin, but there is a slight healthy looking sheen. This was an exciting release from Pat McGrath and it has definitely been a highlight from the brand for me.

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I had a lot of fun writing blog posts this year. Thank you so much to all of you that have either started following me or have continued to follow me in 2021.

I love talking about makeup, so I truly appreciate the time you take out of your day to visit my website. For those that don’t comment, I want to thank you for taking the time to like my posts and most importantly for being here regularly. For those of you that do comment, thank you so much for sharing your insight and your kindness with me.

I’ll be responding to comments and emails (editor.nikkifromhr@gmail.com), but this will be my last post for the year. I wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope that 2022 brings you health and happiness.

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