An empties round-up feels so early aughts and also perfectly apropos as 2021 comes to a close. This was the year dedicated in earnest to exhaust—not add to—my beauty stash, and I must say: a serious dent was, in fact, made. Normal people would just toss the used-up goods but no, not I, a beauty writer and products of those early YouTube beauty guru days. Instead, I’ve accumulated a tote bag full of finished skincare and makeup products—and rather than just pat myself on the back for a job well done, I’ve taken it upon myself to share unsolicited thoughts. Perhaps you’ll indulge me with this end-of-year review?

If yes, some context to start (which I find crucial for skincare conversations):

• Skin type: combo/oily and now super dehydrated (the result of LA air and water)
• Concerns: blackheads, T-zone shine, tightness on the cheeks (from aforementioned dryness), the occasional whitehead or under-the-surface blemish, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (from said spots)
• Favorites that consistently play well with my skin: Cetaphil-type cleansers (the original formulation and Glossier Milky Jelly, for example), acid toners, Sunday Riley Good Genes, Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar, Hero Mighty Patches
• Variables that are forever on rotation: light to midweight moisturizers, dark spot treatments, sunscreen

And now, without further ado: highlights from the pile of beauty products emptied this year.

SKINCARE

Etude House SoonJung 5.5 Foam Cleanser: A gentle cream-to-lightly-foaming face wash that I’m comfortable attributing as the product that helped rebalance my skin. It’s simple, straightforward, and moisturizing in finish. Love. Though this may be a discontinued formula, I’m just as happy to try the whipped version.

Biologique Recherche P50: I’ve finished two bottles already and am emotionally attached. Are the results as transformative as people have romanticized? No, not if you regularly incorporate acids and/or facials in your regimen—but like I said, I’m committed to the P50 cult and will always have this toner within reach.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: Another product I’ve gone through a second bottle of. This, too, isn’t some miracle-working, instant gratification solution as some reviews will lead you to believe, but this is one that delivers results with consistent use. I realized what a difference it made in my T-zone after a year without it in my regimen; now, it’s a mainstay.

Etude House SoonJung 10-Free Moist Emulsion: More so a light, milky serum than a lightweight moisturizer (as it’s sometimes described), I find. But tomayto, tomahto; my skin loved it, period. Wear it alone, under a creamier SPF moisturizer in summer, or layered beneath any face cream for an extra dose of hydration.

Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant: If you aren’t regular with your masking routine, you’ll be impressed. If you’re diligent with your clarifying and resurfacing products, less so. It’s fine. A little too indulgent in price point; but effective enough if you love a medicine cabinet full of Biologique Recherche.

Herbal Face Food The Serum: Another bottle down. If you’re interested in learning more about it, I have an entire post dedicated to reviewing this multi-correctional serum. Now this, for my skin type, has been transformative. Truly.

innisfree Pore Cleansing Clay Mask 2X: Nothing beats a homemade concoction made with Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, but the older I get, the more reactive my skin has gotten—and sometimes I just need a gentler (or a less messy) option. Of all the clay masks I’ve tried yet, this Jeju Super Volcanic Clusters™ and AHA formulation is solid. (Bonus points because my boyfriend actually discovered this before me. I’m a convert.)

BODYCARE

Nécessaire Sandalwood The Body Wash: An easy favorite in terms of formula. I’ve gone through a few bottles of the eucalyptus-scented one and prefer it to the sandalwood (the former is more sensorial, I find.).

Nécessaire Sandalwood The Body Exfoliator: I’ve also gone through a few of Nécessaire’s body scrubs (namely because I have a (toxic?) habit of buying things in matching sets), but if you—like me—prefer the aggression of an exfoliating washcloth or a heartier scrub, this might not be for you. (Instead, try using this traditional Korean towel with your shower gel.) Still, it’s beautiful in texture, more moisturizing than scrubbing, and perfect for drier or more sensitive skin types.

Nécessaire The Body Lotion: Yes, yes, a million times yes. This body lotion delivers on all fronts and every claim; I’ve gone through countless bottles and continue to repurchase this for myself or to gift.

Londontown Whipped Frosting Body Butter: Kiehl’s’ whipped Creme de Corps is the industry standard, but this one is superior. (Take it from me: I’m from Jersey suburbia, which means I basically have a Ph.D in body butters.) The base is decadent, rich—then whipped for maximum fluff and fullness—and designed to melt as you massage the cream into skin. Couple perfect texture and finish with a hint of gourmand sweetness and voila: you have a dream body cream.

W. Dressroom No. 49 Peach Blossom Moisturizing Perfume Hand Cream: If you’re as obsessed with peach as I am, consider your search for the perfect one complete. Don’t expect miracles in terms of moisturization—if you have dry or winter-parched hands, look elsewhere—but do expect to fall in love with the scent. It’s light, juicy, addicting. Leaves hands silky, never sticky, too. Great for typers (hi) or chronic scrollers (also, hi).

Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum: Soft. Powdery. A hint of woodiness, maybe a distinct juniper, but that’s all; none of the other notes seem to reveal themselves. I prefer Gypsy Water as a room scent to be honest, and found myself spritzing this on my sheets religiously instead of key pulse points. It’s comforting and cozy, like a Sunday morning spent in bed to reread a favorite book.

MAKEUP

Marc Jacobs Cocoa Gel Highliner: I’m salty that this is discontinued—especially since this is the best and only gel pencil liner that actually deserves its smudge-proof, water-resistant claims.

Merit Clean Lash Mascara: I adore this. I’ve been loyal to Glossier Lash Slick since the millennial-pink brand first debuted the film-form mascara, and because I’ve seen some comparisons between the two in beauty space, here are my two cents. They’re different (and not in the Devil-Wears-Prada-cerulean-blue-belt kind of way: Lash Slick enhances your natural lashes (it separates beautifully and adds a hint of length), whereas Clean Lash offers more volume and inky blackness. Both are considered essentials in my book; they’re suitable for varying occasions and moods.

Tower28 Chill ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss: This is the first non-care lip product I’ve finished within a year—and the only clear, non-sticky lip gloss that matters. It’s juicy, nourishing, and deliciously plush on lips. A must if you’re after the perfect clear gloss. (You’re welcome.)

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xx