Our top beauty finds of 2020
2020...what can we say?!
It's been a year like no other and has certainly taken its toll on us all. But at Verymakeupmad HQ, there's still been the Wonderful World of Beauty (our 'happy place'). And in 2020 we both discovered some great products that we now couldn't be without. Some are brand new, others have been around for even longer than we have, but all will be staying put in our beauty arsenals. Want to know what they are? Here we go...
V's fab finds of 2020
SARAH CHAPMAN RAPID RADIANCE CLEANSE, £36
So much more than a cleanser, this lightweight cream really preps my skin for the day and leaves it bright, smooth and radiant. And it smells amazing. I've been using it in the morning as a 2 minute mask whilst brushing my teeth.
EMBRYOLISSE LAIT-CREME CONCENTRE, £20 (£16 with VERYMAKEUPMAD20 discount)
I can't believe I've only just discovered this cult classic. A rich - but surprisingly light - moisturiser full of vitamins and fatty acids, it makes my skin feel baby soft and sits beautifully under my makeup. It also works as a primer and cleanser!
DCYPHER CUSTOM HIGH PIGMENT DROPS, £25 (CUSTOM FOUNDATION is £40.
Grab your sample for just £3.99)Of all the beauty discoveries we've made this year, Dcypher has been the most exciting. We're really impressed with this clever company which uses state-of-the-art scanning technology via your mobile, to create totally bespoke foundation, tinted moisturiser and concealer. Every product is made from scratch, just for YOU, to exactly match your own, unique skin tone. I've been loving the High Pigment Drops which I use as a concealer over spots and patches of redness. It's brilliant! Watch this space, as we'll be bringing you more Dcypher news very soon...
LANCER 3D HYALURONIC EYE SERUM, £86 (£68.81 WITH VERYMAKEUPMAD20 discount)
There's no denying this is a splurge. But I definitely think it's a splurge worth making! I love how deliciously cool the 'wand' feels on my skin and how it totally 'wakes up my eyes' in the morning. The gel absorbs quickly and has definitely softened my lines and hydrated this delicate area. M is not as big a fan as me... but she does prefer an eye cream to a gel.
CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE SHEERTINT HYDRATOR, £30 (£24 with VMMBE discount)
For days when foundation has seemed too heavy, I've reached for this fab skin tint, which hydrates and gives my face an instant glow, evens my skin tone and protects too with SPF25. It's fab!
HOURGLASS UNLOCKED MASCARA, £29
As far as I'm concerned, this has been the best luxury mascara launch in years. I fell for it straight away. It instantly lengthens and separates my lashes and never smudges or flakes. And I love that it comes off so easily with just warm water. It's worth the price tag, seeing as I no longer need a specific eye make up remover.
M’s fab finds of 2020
LANCER ACTIVE REJUVENATION SERUM, £136 (£108.83 with VERYMAKEUPMAD20 discount)
I love using this serum after washing my face in the morning - its satiny texture feels lovely first thing, and I really enjoy massaging it into my face. The dry down is quick and the serum leaves no sticky residue. It’s a potent anti-ageing start to your day. Yes, it's eye-wateringly expensive... but definitely cheaper than jumping on a plane to LA to meet Dr Lancer himself. Or at least, that's how I justify it!
PAULA’S CHOICE 1% RETINOL TREATMENT, £12 for trial size... which we think is a great idea!
We get asked a lot about retinol - when to start using it, how to use it and so on. This lightweight retinol cream is a really nice intro to this ingredient. I started by using it every other night and then increased it to every night. Using it nightly for over 6 weeks, I can definitely say that my fine lines are not getting any worse or deeper.... We’re yet to find the cream that turns back time but we’re always hopeful and this is a good halfway house till we find it
RODIAL PINK DIAMOND MAGIC NIGHT GEL, £75 (£60 with VERYMAKEUPMAD20 discount)
A cool, smooth gel that makes my skin feel encased with silky comfort. From application to its quick dry down, it’s a real night time treat. Will most definitely be using in 2021!
L'ORÉAL TELESCOPIC MAGNETIC MASCARA, £10.99 (£8.79 with VERYMAKEUPMAD20 discount code)
My favourite find of 2020 is this mascara... the wand strokes my lashes to perfection. My 16 year old daughter made the intro and although I've tried others from the Telescopic range, I’ve never used, “the silver one”. And I now love the stuff! This inky black “magical mascara” separates, defines and lengthens, and the price is the icing on the cake - £10.99 ordinarily, and only £8.79 with our discount. Got to be worth a try if you’re in the business of buying a new mascara.
BECCA UNDER EYE BRIGHTENING CORRECTOR, £21 (£16.79 with VERYMAKEUPMAD20 discount)
This is honestly a game changer for anyone looking to use a light reflective, under eye concealer. We don't generally use 'dedicated concealers' in our daytime makeup routines, as they can make us look older (in daylight) and invariably show up our fine lines. So we tend to use light blurring products that give a natural, flawless look. This wonder product can be used alone, on top of your makeup, or concealer and it’s great for a makeup refresh during the day. Hydrating the under eye area is so important when using this cream, and applying with a stippling effect with your ring finger does the trick. And with us all wearing masks, it's now 'all about the eyes', so it's a great product to get your hands on for 2021!!
MAC STROBE CREAM, £25 (£19.99 with our VERYMAKEUPMAD20 discount code)
Temporarily forgot how much I love this highlighting bad boy. Use on high points over your makeup or mix with your moisturiser. Press under your eyes to create light reflection and hydration before using the Becca under eye highlighter - I've been obsessed with using this combo to create a super dewy, natural look with a blurring effect.
As ever, please do get in touch for bespoke skincare and makeup suggestions - we're always here to answer your queries.Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2021 and thank you for your continued support this year!!
Love & good vibes only,
Vikki & Mala xx