As we turn the page on another year, I am looking back at some of the best products that I discovered in 2021.
As an editor, I was fortunate enough to experience lots of new products this year and definitely acquired some new favourites. When it comes to my skincare routine and overall health and wellness, I make it a priority. Here are my 8 favourite products of 2021, that I found to be most effective and impactful.
When it comes to finding a great wellness and beauty brand, it all comes down to quality! Age Quencher became a quick favourite this year, offering a range of products that are non-gmo, soy free, ethically-sourced, antiobiotic free, sugar-free and dye-free. AQ products cover all of my skin, hair and body needs from the inside-out. For the past four months I have been taking HYDRATE Electrolyte and the AGELESS Antioxidant Vitamin and it has made a huge difference. Since taking the AQ Electrolytes my skin has been smooth and supple and winter dryness has been kept at bay. It’s also a game changer after a tough workout or after a night of a little too much wine. Proper hydration is the key to great skin, hair and feeling your best so this is an essential for me that I’ll be taking with me into 2022. The AGELESS Antioxidant Vitamin combines plenty of beauty heroes in one capsule like Hyaluronic acid, Resveratrol, Pomegranate Seed Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Co-Q-10, Zinc and Vitamin C. This supplement targets your skin, hair and nails from the inside out and supports collagen production and absorption offering full-body support. My skin has never looked better!
At the start of this year, my skin was experiencing some texture issues. As someone who has always had relatively smooth skin, I struggled with getting to the bottom of it. Then I discovered Bliss and became particularly obsessed with their Clear Genius Toner + Serum and the Bright Idea Moisturizer. The serum and toner was a great addition to my nighttime routine and actively helped to purify my pores and tone my skin. It is clinically proven to deliver clear, calm skin in 14 days and I truly felt the difference when I started using it. The Bright Idea Moisturizer also became my go-to morning moisturizer. The Vitamin C and Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting and Brightening Moisturizer is a game-changer! The combo of clinical-grade Vitamin C and tai-peptides, brightens the skin and offers intense hydration; the two pillars of smooth and youthful looking skin! If you haven’t tried this brand yet, it’s definitely worth checking out because they offer an array of effective products.
When it comes to my skincare and body care routine, it’s important for me to integrate products that support each other. So in addition to using great products on the outside of my skin, I place a heavy focus on taking products internally that will also support me. The Dose & Co Collagen powders have been a wonderful addition to my morning routine. I typically place the unflavoured Pure Collagen into my blender in the morning creating two smoothies for my fiancé and I. Then around mid-morning I add a teaspoon of the Vanilla Collagen Creamer to my coffee for added benefit. It tastes delicious and I know I’m starting my day off on the right foot by making sure I get a much-needed collagen boost. The powder has 20 grams of sustainably sourced bovine collagen per serving and it’s bioavailable making it easier for the body to absorb. I can definitely confirm that after consuming it for 4 weeks, I have noticed how quickly my hair is growing and my skin just overall looks healthier. User trials also showed that 83% of people noticed that their skin’s appearance improved after 1 month.
Omorovizca Midnight Renewal Serum
I cannot stress enough how incredible this serum is before bed. No matter how tired I am, I refuse to go to sleep before applying this potent serum that’s designed to help stimulate skin’s optimal repair while you sleep. It applies nice and smoothly on your face under a moisturizer and I can just feel my skin drinking it up. As someone with typically sensitive skin, this is a serum that’s worked for me and has been super compatible with my skin. The ingredients in this formula work in harmony together to smooth your complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to prevent premature aging and shields the skin from the damaging effects of extra cortisol. With the year we’ve all had, it’s important to guard your skin against spikes in cortisol which are induced by stress. The formula contains so effective ingredients such as Retinal (a non irritating form of Vitamin A), Microalgae, Bifida and Lactococcus ferment lysate, which stimulates the skins self-renewal process and enhances cell DNA repair. So while you get your beauty sleep, you can rest assured that you’re in great hands with the Midnight Renewal Serum.
After a bad bleach job and some hormonal changes, my hair is not what it once was. But thankfully I discovered the Viviscal Extra Strength supplements and the Viviscal Densifying Shampoo. As mentioned, I’m a firm believer that to get the best results you need to use effective products both internally and externally and in conjunction with the other products I’ve been using, I’ve noticed great results. The supplements are super easy on the stomach and I have experienced way less hair shedding since using the shampoo and taking the supplements. The supplements contain a number of key ingredients for hair growth including AminoMar Marine complex which helps to regenerate new cell growth, while feeding existing cells. The shampoo acts as a gentle cleanser that promotes thicker looking hair with Ana:Tel™, a proprietary complex containing clinically tested ingredients derived from natural sources, such as pea sprouts and grape seeds. It also contains Biotin, Keratin and Zinc to nourish your hair and promote hair growth.
On top of using products for healthier hair and skin, one of the things that often goes overlooked is what we sleep on. I was thrilled when I got two SmartSilk pillowcases and a SmartSilk duvet cover to help protect my skin while I sleep. The bedding collection that SmartSilk offers is luxurious while being breathable and comfortable. I have previously struggled with a bit of a reaction to dust and when I did some more research I discovered that other types of bedding may harbour dust mites. So once I made the switch over to SmartSilk I instantly discovered that my previous issue with dust mites were a thing of the past. Prior to the switch I was waking up congested a lot but if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that you can’t put a price on your comfort and your health and a lot of that starts in the bedroom. As a side-sleeper who often tucks her head under the covers, I realized that having a bedding collection like this was key for me. Sleeping on silk is better for not only your internal health but it’s also great for your skin and can help keep acne at bay.
The Amika 3D Daily Thickening Treatment and the 3D Volume and Thickening Conditioner have also been great assets on my healthy hair journey. I simply spritz some of the thickening treatment into my hair after a shower and before bed and let it work its magic. The formula contains Redensyl™, a patented blend of ingredients that sets the foundation for hair growth. It also contains hydrolyzed Rice Protein which, improves hair volume and creates a natural shine and hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein that helps to thicken, volumize and moisturize the hair. I deal with dry ends in the winter time but so far it’s worked wonders to keep the dryness away. I’ve even been able to stop blow drying my hair as frequently since I started using this line and I find that my hair has been drying smoothly with no frizziness. The 3D Volume and Thickening conditioner has been very compatible with my fine hair and does not weight it down at all. The formula plumps the hair from the root to tip with a patented blend of ingredients designed to stimulate hair follicle regeneration.
One of the first things I notice on people is their smile, so I’m all about keeping my pearly whites, as white as can be. Crest has added a new innovative product to their lineup and I’m in love with the Crest Whitening Emulsions. This unique formula is enamel-safe and signifcantly cuts down the time needed to whiten your teeth. The package comes with a wand applicator so all you need to do is lightly brush the formula over your teeth with the wand and then go about your day. After applying, there is no need to rinse, brush or remove it so all it takes is a minute out of your day to apply and then it will continue to whiten long after. I usually do it after eating breakfast and post-morning coffee. The formula contains highly active peroxide droplets suspended in a water-resistant base that gives you the best teeth whitening results with virtually no sensitivity.