Happy New Year—we made it! Looking back on the whirlwind that was 2020, I’m filled with both relief and gratitude. While the year brought challenges none of us could have predicted, it also offered quiet moments of discovery, especially in the realm of beauty. From skincare saviors to makeup gems that sparked joy, these products became more than just things on my vanity; they became small rituals of comfort and creativity.
So, pour yourself something cozy—tea, wine, or even a frothy latte—and let’s dive into my month-by-month favorites of the past year.
January
The year began with a complexion staple: Chantecaille Powder in Camel. Lightweight yet powerful, it gave my skin the soft-focus finish I craved for fresh starts and new beginnings.
February
This month was about indulgence in ritual. The Ranavat Luminous Ceremony Cream Cleanser transformed cleansing into a spa-like experience, while Westman Atelier’s Lip Suede Les Rouges Compact delivered a swipe of bold, creamy color that lifted spirits even on gray days.
March
March reminded me of the joy in practical luxuries. KUSSHI Bags brought order to my beauty collection with their sleek, customizable storage. For self-care, the Oribe Gold Lust Mask revived my hair with its nourishing, salon-worthy formula.
April
A month of soft transitions. The Sisley Self Tanner Face gave me a believable, sun-kissed glow at a time when I was seeing little of the outdoors, while the Roen 11:11 Palette became a go-to for effortless washes of shimmer on my lids.
May
Romance arrived in fragrance form: Parfums de Marley Delina—a lush bouquet that’s equal parts feminine and modern. On the complexion front, the Au Naturale Foundation Stick offered portability and ease, perfect for quick, polished looks.
June
Mid-year called for radiance, and BY TERRY Eclat Opulent delivered with its luminous, skin-perfecting finish. Think glow in a jar.
July
This month became all about experimentation. Serucell supported skin health with its biotech-driven formula, while Lawless Make Me Blush added just the right flush of color. Rounding it out, Kosas Chemistry brought a fresh, innovative take on body care.
August
August belonged to true standouts. The Clé de Peau Beauté Foundation and Concealer set a new gold standard for flawless coverage, while the Wayne Goss Imperial Topaz Luxury Eye Palette celebrated wearable glamour with thoughtful shades that never overwhelm.
September
Fall’s arrival meant leaning into rich textures. SUQQU The Cream Foundation offered unmatched elegance with its dewy, second-skin finish, paired perfectly with SUQQU Comfort Lip Fluid Glow 02. Meanwhile, Supergoop! CC Cream proved indispensable for everyday wear, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray locked it all in. Skincare wasn’t forgotten: Augustinus Bader Oil became a nightly treat, and EM Cosmetics Pick Me Up Mascara lifted lashes with ease.
October
This was a month brimming with discoveries. OUAI Detox Shampoo reset my hair, while Sisley-Paris Lip Pencil in Beige Nature redefined my lip looks. La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer reminded me that luxury often lies in the details. For lips and eyes, Lawless Baby Lipstick, House of Sillage Nude Siren, and Lawless Baby One Palette offered versatility and polish, while Jouer Pink Champagne Shimmer Lip Liner added sparkle. And when I wanted pure radiance? Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Glow was my answer.
November
November felt personal with the launch of the BP x Au Naturale Collection—a project close to my heart. Alongside it, Chanel Sublimage Foundation brought timeless elegance to my makeup routine, a reminder that classics always endure.
December
Closing the year meant leaning into comfort. Resoré Towels elevated the everyday with their soft, skin-friendly design, and Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Lustre in Honey gave my eyes a subtle touch of gold. For skin, the ZIIP device continued to amaze with its at-home sculpting technology (BP20 saves 20%), and Agent Nateur Skincare grounded my routine with clean, effective formulas (code Agentrachel for 15% off).
Final Thoughts
If 2020 taught me anything, it’s that beauty isn’t frivolous—it’s a form of care, expression, and comfort. These products carried me through a year of uncertainty with their textures, scents, and small but meaningful impacts.
As we step into this new year, I carry these lessons—and some of these favorites—forward. Because sometimes, a little swipe of blush or a spritz of fragrance is exactly what we need to feel like ourselves again.
Here’s to more beauty, more joy, and more connection in the year ahead.
—The Beauty Professor