As I sit down to reflect on my most-loved makeup discoveries of the past year, I can’t help but pause and take in the milestone this week represents—10 years of Beauty Professor. What began as a personal passion project has blossomed into a thriving community and business, one I never could have envisioned in those early days of sharing swatches and reviews. My heart is deeply grateful for every one of you who has read, commented, and followed along on this journey. Truly, the Beauty Professor community is the reason this space continues to grow, and I am endlessly excited for the next chapter.
But before we look forward, let’s look back. The past year brought a treasure trove of beauty finds—some you’ll recognize from frequent mentions here, and others that might be a pleasant surprise. From radiant foundations to indispensable lipsticks, these products defined my makeup routine in 2021.
Complexion: Foundations That Raise the Bar
If there’s one category I could happily test forever, it’s foundation. This year, the lineup was especially rich in formulas that delivered skin-like radiance and versatile coverage.
- Clé de Peau Radiant Cream Foundation remains a gold standard for luminous, perfected skin.
- Lawless Conseal the Deal offered weightless, buildable coverage for everyday wear.
- Sisley-Paris Phyto-Teint Nude Foundation impressed with its featherlight texture and natural finish.
- Lisa Eldridge Foundation and Valentino Foundation each brought artistry and innovation, with flattering undertones and modern wear.
- Stick formats like Westman Atelier’s Foundation Stick and Monika Blunder’s Blunder Cover made touch-ups effortless.
- For tinted moisturizers, I found myself reaching often for Yibu Beauty Mooncast and Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge, both providing skincare benefits alongside sheer coverage.
Each of these formulas had its moment in my routine, proving that there is no single “perfect” foundation—just the right one for the right day.
Blush and Bronzer: Dimension and Glow
Adding warmth and color is where the fun begins.
- Saint’s Sunkissed Bronzer and Sisley Phyto-Touche brought believable sunlit radiance.
- For blush, The Saint Frosé, Chantecaille Cheek Gelee in Happy, and Le Métier de Beauté’s Creme Fresh Tint in Toujours never failed to enliven my complexion.
- Natasha Denona Glam Face Palette and EM Cosmetics So Soft Stick in Summer proved to be travel-friendly multitaskers, blending seamlessly for a fresh finish.
Each of these formulas carried me from minimal makeup days to full-glam evenings.
Highlighters + Illuminators: Lit From Within
I’ve always believed a good highlighter is less about shimmer and more about radiance.
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter remains a staple for that soft-focus glow.
- Iconic London Illuminator in Original and Girlactik Glow on the Go added a touch more drama when the occasion called for it.
- Armani Luminous Silk Powder was the perfect finishing touch, setting makeup while keeping a natural sheen.
Eyes: From Everyday Neutrals to Statement Shades
This was the year of versatile eye products that worked just as well for a five-minute look as they did for a full smoky eye.
- Palettes like Wayne Goss Luxury in Tourmaline and Charlotte Tilbury Celestial Pearl provided richly pigmented, wearable shades.
- For a wash of color, I adored Chantecaille Mermaid Eye in Copper, Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Nude Rose, and BY TERRY Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon.
- Liner standouts included Victoria Beckham’s Ash Eyeliner, Byredo Liquid Eyeliner, and Jillian Dempsey’s Burgundy Kohl, each with its own personality.
- On the mascara front, Lawless One and Done and Kosas The Big Clean offered fluttery, dramatic lashes without compromise.
Brows: The Final Frame
A polished brow can transform the face, and this year, Anastasia Brow Freeze stood out as a game-changer. Lightweight but strong, it kept brows lifted and shaped all day long.
Lips: My Most-Worn Shades
No roundup would be complete without lips—arguably the most expressive part of a makeup look.
- Nudes and neutrals reigned supreme: Lancome Mars, Huda Beauty Lip Liners in Sandy Beige and Muted Pink, and Beauty Pie’s Vanilla Nude were constant companions.
- For lipstick, I alternated between timeless pinks like Tom Ford’s Pink Charade, bold corals like Dona Massa Southern Belle, and rich tones like Estée Lauder’s Seduce.
- Sheer, glossy finishes came courtesy of Bobbi Brown Bare Truth and Armani Lip Power 103 Androginon.
- And, of course, Christian Audette, Lawless Platinum, and Nude Envie collaborations added a touch of luxury to my collection.
Tools + Extras
Every artist needs great tools, and this year, the Surratt Artistique Cheek Brush was a standout for seamless blending. For quick cleanups, I relied on Koh Gen Do Spa Water Wipes, a longtime favorite. And for setting everything in place, Lawless Glam Guard Setting Spray sealed the deal.
Bottom Line
Looking back on this year’s favorites, I’m reminded that beauty isn’t just about products—it’s about moments. The ritual of applying foundation before a big day, the swipe of lipstick that boosts your confidence, the mascara that makes your eyes sparkle a little brighter. These products have been with me through it all, and I’m so happy to share them with you.
To everyone who has supported Beauty Professor over the past decade, thank you. Your encouragement and engagement have made this journey what it is today. Here’s to another year of discoveries, conversations, and, yes, many more swatches.
Stay strong, seek wisdom, and much love—always.