Best, Most, and Worst [2021 Edition]

[makeitup305]

Another year has passed so figured I'd keep my tradition going and post my Best, Most, and Worst thread. Can't wait to read everyone's replies!

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why?

2) A purchase you regret- why?

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? 

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it?

5) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? 

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries

7) A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way?

9) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year?

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance?

Here are my answers!

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why? It's like trying to pick a favorite child. I picked up so many good products this year. Top 5, I would say NATASHA DENONA Retro Eyeshadow Palette PAT McGRATH LABS Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream, the Vanity Makeup Cosmetics Signature Palette, and NARS Bijoux and Climax palettes. I had some really cool purchases over Black Friday but I haven't tried them enough to make them favorites just yet. For non-makeup, I bought myself a Coach bag on sale and have no regrets. The outlet is where it's at. 

2) A purchase you regret- why? I don't regret them so much so that I wish they were better formulated: the Melt Cosmetics Mary Jane Eyeshadow Palette and Melt Cosmetics Brunet Eyeshadow Palette . I love the color stories but have issues with the shimmers.

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? Sonia G Sky Face Set, totally worth it for me.

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it? I would say the Rephr brushes lived up to the hype for me. I haven't washed them all just yet and I'm not sure how well they hold up over time but I was very happy with how they feel and how the apply color.  Another overhyped product I bought is the Thrive mascara, it's just ok for me.

5) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? I'm not sure. My purchases over the first half of the year were pretty minimal but I went all out during Black Friday and all the sales, so maybe about the same?

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries Rose Inc blushes, MUFE cream blushes, Roen quads

7) A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want the Victoria Beckham Bronzer in #2 and the Rephr 22 Brush (the large bronzer one).

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way? During the first half of the year I didn't use that much makeup but being back on BIC definitely reignited my love for doing full looks. 

9) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year? I think we're still going to see lots of cream products and light bases.

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance? CLEAN RESERVE Skin Eau de Parfum with Musk and Vanilla 3.4 oz/100ml is still one of my favorites for every day. For body, I recently discovered the Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil 3.4 oz / 100 mL thanks to a few BIC members and it's a game changer for me. 

Tagging @itsfi @Sunnysmom @faeriegirl @eshoe @Ispend2much6 @curlychiquita @ather @SportyGirly125 @lmaster @haleyvvvv @heavyhedon @RGbrown @sister13 @CookieGirl1 @greeneyedgirl107 @AznAngelLiz @Kim888 @Titian06 

[WinglessOne]

@danielledanielle  I think waiting til Ulta has one in stock—especially if you can hold out til the next 20% prestige coupon that includes Dyson—and using points is a very good plan. That's how I bought mine and the one I bought for my mother. (I bought hers first, then bought one for myself a year later.) You'll get one, eventually! 

[itsfi]

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why?

LANEIGE Radian-C Cream with Vitamin C 1.0 oz/ 30 mL - this moisturizer has worked really well for evening my skin tone and helping to reduce discoloration and  hyperpigmentation from maskne and acne and giving my complexion an overall brightness. For me the results really were apparent when I stopped using it for a while. Needless to say, I'm stocked up now. 😉

2) A purchase you regret- why?

MILK MAKEUP Electric Glossy Lip Plumper Amped  - the color is great, but the tingling was not comfortable to put it mildly, and persisted a lot longer than I thought it would - in one instance, for half an hour! It definitely lived up to its name "electric". I was fortunately able to re-home it.

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? 

My most expensive purchase doesn't look like it will arrive until sometime next month. My second most expensive purchases were gifts (Dyson Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer ) - they were worth the money to treat loved ones. 

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it?

Hermes blush; it's not a favorite (or even a like) for everyone, but I really like the color and formula on the one I picked up. Until this year, I hadn't been into blush for years but this and a few other cream blushes (Westman Atelier, Sephora Collection) have changed that.

5) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? 

Overall, I spent less. I *think* I spent less on beauty products (as well as purchases at Sephora), but I won't be doing a count to confirm. 😂🤣😂

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries

SEPHORA COLLECTION Jelly Melt Glossy Lip Tint - the cushiony, gel/jelly texture glides on easily and it feels hydrating and comfortable on the lips. I received the shade SEPHORA COLLECTION Jelly Melt Glossy Lip Tint Cha Cha Cha, a pretty rust color, as part of a Valentine's gratis last year (thank you again,  @TeamBIC!) and rediscovered it earlier this year. While orangey-reds are not shades I often gravitate to, this is one that works for me, and I've been reaching for it at least a few times a month since rediscovering it. I've also picked up other shades and may pick up some more since they are on sale for $5! 🛍 

7) A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want

Tom Ford Extreme Bada*s Eye Quad in Metal Lust. This is definitely a "want", as I really don't need another brown and neutral eye shadow palette (or do I?!) @makeitup305, I think you posted that it will restock next month. We shall see if I end up picking it up or getting distracted by something else. Or, maybe both. 😆

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way?

My base makeup remained relatively on the lighter coverage side which isn't new, but there were more days when I just used concealer. I also wore more products on my eyes. Pre-covid, workdays were primarily CC cream, concealer, curling my lashes and adding a wash of color on the lids, and something for the lips. For the last two years now, that's stayed pretty much the same but on days when video conferences make up the bulk of my schedule, I'll add eyeliner, blush, and occasionally, heavier coverage or longer-wearing foundation. 

9) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year?

More sheer, barely there foundation. Soft, lit-from-within glow. The eyes still have it, but lips back in focus too. Liner for both eyes and lips. Sustainable, refillable packaging (not just a trend but here to stay 👍). 

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance?

Body oils, for cleansing and keeping body moisturized. Some products that I loved this year were L'Occitane Cleansing And Softening Refillable Shower Oil With Almond Oil 8.4/250 , SEPHORA COLLECTION Multi-Purpose Oil (the jojoba oil has sold out), #Ellis Brooklyn MYTH Spectacular Scented Body Oil 3.2 fl oz / 95 mL Body Oil #Ellis Brooklyn Marvelous CBD Massage and Body Oil 1.0oz/ 30mL Pump L'Occitane Smoothing and Firming Almond Supple Skin Body Oil 3.3 oz/100 mL 

Oh goodness, how to even pick a favorite fragrance? I picked up a sample set of Killian's Liquor Collection and my favorite from that set are KILIAN Paris Angels Share Eau de Parfum with Tonka Bean & Cinnamon 1.7 oz / 50 mL eau de parfum spray KILIAN Paris Apple Brandy Eau de Parfum 1.7oz/50ml Eau de Parfum Spray (gratis) Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Extreme Jo Malone London Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense Diptyque Orpheon (gratis) - oops, that's more than just one favorite. 😬

[makeitup305]

@itsfi from what I've seen of swatches of the TF, it looks like it's worth the wait! I rarely buy TF at full price but for this one I might make an exception.

[itsfi]

Me too, @makeitup305!! Even if I have “a few” other similar palettes to it. 😂 

[LCResz]

@makeitup305 Great tradition to keep alive!

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why? JM Rose & Magnolia, 2021 packaging. I already loved the scent and seeing it come back in such an elegant bottle made me feel better about dousing myself with abandon!

2) A purchase you regret- why? Honestly nothing. I think everyone has been way more deliberate these last couple of years with purchases, so I didn’t get anything I didn’t really need/want.  There’s a reason I didn’t hit Rouge this year, and I can’t say I regret it.

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? Makeup: Louboutin lipstick. Fragrance: D.S. & Durga, Durga. Love both, so totally worth it for me.

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it? I don’t usually know what’s being hyped these days, I don’t have any social media. I get emails from my favorite stores and brands, so I know what’s coming out, and then I look for reviews here and on Temptalia, sources I trust.

5) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? I have spent less overall at places like Sephora and Ulta, and I’ve definitely gone for quality over quantity.

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries. I wasn’t wearing any makeup at all while working from home, so I fell in love all over again with Sisley-Paris So Intense Mascara when I did start wearing mascara again, and I love it so much. Since I still have to wear a mask I love how this mascara makes my eyes pop.

7) A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want. I didn’t get any of the metallic mini lipsticks Tom Ford put out, and I wish I had because I love metallic reds and I love TF, but since I’m still wearing a mask to work I didn’t go for it. 

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way? This year pretty much followed last year in that I don’t wear much makeup these days, but since returning to teaching in person I have been having fun with my eyes again, yay!

9) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year? As mask wearing becomes less prevalent, dramatic/fun/bold lip looks will come back in a huge way.

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance? Byredo Mumbai Noise. I love wearing it and catching whiffs of it throughout the day, like being in a bustling city filled with olfactory adventures that are interesting yet familiar all at once. 

[AznAngelLiz]

Thanks for the tag @makeitup305 

I love reading everyone's responses and I've taken notes on a few products to look into. Here are my answers.

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why?

The best investment I made this year was on my brush collection. I had a lot already but they’re more lux ones that I rarely use because I spent so much on them (is anyone else like this?). This year I bought a whole bunch of Rephr brushes and Morphe brushes as well. I am really impressed by Morphe brushes! A couple are slightly scratchy but most are good. They are my go-to travel brushes because they do the job and if I lose one, I won’t feel too bad. 

2) A purchase you regret- why?

My only “regret” is buying Natasha Denona palettes full priced instead of waiting for Black Friday and getting them at a discount, although I didn’t know the sale would be so good. I’ll have to keep that in mind for next year.

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? 

Most expensive single item was the SK-II SKINPOWER Cream 2.7 oz/ 80 mL but I did get it during a 20% sale so it was a little better. I’m still undecided on whether it’s worth it because while it works, I don’t know that it made my skin any better than when I was using the Tatcha The Silk Cream 1.7 / 50 moisturizer which is almost 50% cheaper

My most expensive purchase(s) would have to be all the Natasha Denona palettes I got this year because I got into ND at the beginning of the year and had to have them all (minus a few really bold ones like Circo Loco, Triochrome, Tropical).

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it?

I’m not sure if these were really hyped or not, but I did purchases a bunch of Rephr brushes because of Michelle Wang and OMG I love them. They have slowly become my everyday brushes (Sephora brushes were my daily before). I feel like the quality is almost up there with the few Sonia G’s I have. 

5) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? 

I know I’ve spent more this year than 2020. I don’t know by how much but I hit Rouge at Sephora and Diamond at Ulta organically vs. them extending the status in 2020. Plus all the little purchases at Nordstrom, Beautylish, CCO’s, etc.

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries. 

The whole Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench line. It’s part of my morning routine before putting on makeup and I find my makeup doesn’t look quite as good if I deviate. 

7) A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want.

PAT McGRATH LABS Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream and HUDA BEAUTY Rose Quartz Eyeshadow Palette. I’m only holding out because I’m waiting for a sale. I missed out the first couple times because they were sold out when there was a sale.

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way?

Changed : I’m doing my makeup more now than I was last year. The foundations I’m using are different too. I was using full coverage but since my skin has improved, I’m using light to medium coverage bases now. 

Same : The way I do my brows and eyes. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 

9) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year?

Light foundation, more natural looks, lipglosses, fluffy brows.

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance?

Current faves : Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum with Pear and Brown Sugar (thanks TeamBIC for this!!) and DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY Drunk On Youth 1.7 oz/ 50 mL Eau de Parfum Spray 

[makeitup305]

@AznAngelLiz I'm the same way about ND. Once I got on that train, I never got off. I'm with you on the Rephr brushes. I bought a bunch over BF and think they're great quality. For full price I'd rather spend more and get Sonia G but at that discount it was an awesome purchase.

[Samtian]

@AznAngelLiz The Huda looks so pretty ❤️

[makeitup305]

@AznAngelLiz Yes to the Rose Quartz and Huetopian palettes! some of my favorite releases this year.

[QueenMarceline]

@AznAngelLiz Gucci Flora is definitely a great release! I want to get my hands on it ASAP 🙂

[WinglessOne]

@AznAngelLiz  Psst: Mothership IX is 30% off at PMG direct right now (making it $87.50 USD) and in stock. I don't know the sitewide sale's end date and PMG doesn't state it in their offer terms... I'll drop the terms from one of the promo emails here: 

Spoiler

30% off automatically applied at checkout; no code required. Exclusions apply; XCLUSIV OFFERS are exempt from the END-OF-YEAR VIP SALE. 

Offer valid at [PMG website] while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer and is not retroactive. Offers apply to authorised purchases only; only authorised orders will be processed and shipped. Orders may take several days of processing before shipment. We reserve the right to cancel any order due to unauthorised, altered or ineligible use of offer, and to modify or cancel the promotion at any time. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply and are subject to change without notice. 

Not sure if that palette will ever be available from PMG direct at a lower price... it'll be interesting to see how it does next year. Not many Motherships get marked below 30% unless they're in a bundle that's on sale. 

[AznAngelLiz]

@WinglessOne Shut the front door! 🤣 Grabbing it now, thank you!!!

[WinglessOne]

@AznAngelLiz  Glad I could enable  help! 😂

[Mellmars1185]

1) Your favorite purchase of the year- why?

My favourite purchase would be my Dyson Blow Dryer. I use it at least 2 times per week. It saves me a lot of time blow drying my hair and it makes my hair feel and look smoother than any other blow dryer.

2) A purchase you regret- why?

I regret purchasing the Rare Beauty Foundation because the colour match was off. I tried getting colour matched through the Rare Beauty website and that was off also. Even if i mix the 2 shades together they do not work.

3) Most expensive purchase- was it worth the money? 

My Dyson blow dryer was 100 % worth the money to me

4) Most hyped product you bought- was it worth it?

I discovered the KVD foundation balm on Instagram by an Influencer because it went viral. I have been using it everyday since i purchased it. It does not make my skin look cakey. It is blendable and matches my skin perfectly

5) Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years? 

I spent more this year for sure. Too much.

6) Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries

I really enjoy the SEPHORA COLLECTION Melting Lip Clicks Lip Balm 

It is comparable to the Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow i have with the same colour payoff

7) A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want

I want to buy the Dyson Airwrap but will need to save up for this one!

8 ) Did your makeup routine change in any way?

Yes i started wearing less lipstick due to wearing masks. I started up again because i have so many i need to try out still

9) What makeup trend do you think will be big next year?

I think thata natural lip, bold eye look might be more practical with mask wearing

10) What was your favorite body product or fragrance?

I really enjoy Moroccanoil Mini Dry Body Oil 1.7 oz/ 50 mL . It smells so fresh and luscious. I apply it to my arms and legs after a shower and the scent is not too strong but long lasting and it is moisturizing.

[Samtian]

@Mellmars1185 The KVD balm sounds interesting. I'm also glad you've been posting in the 100 Days of Lipstick Challenge ! 

[Mellmars1185]

@Samtian Thanks! It has been fun! I need to do a count but i have hundreds of lipsticks and nowhere to go (except work). So it is fun to at least have a reason to put on lipstick in the morning for the thread!

[QueenMarceline]

@Mellmars1185 I'm so glad you like the Dyson air dryer! I want it but at the same time I don't blow dry my hair anymore enough to justify it, maybe if I start doing some blow-out hair styles at home or find myself reaching for my barely functioning hair dryer a lot more often in 2022, I'll finally splurge. 🙂

[Mellmars1185]

@QueenMarceline  Good point. I was debating on buyng this blow dryer for years. I wish i was able to use it more.

[makeitup305]

@Mellmars1185 Glad to hear the Dyson was such a good purchase for you ! I’ve been eyeing the Air Wrap for a while but it’s been OOS at Ulta for a while. 

[Mellmars1185]

@makeitup305 I hope you can get it when it is in stock! 

[WinglessOne]

Thanks for the tag, @itscarin and @itsfi ! 

1. Your favorite purchase of the year - I’ll split this into categories and keep my answers to new-to-me products or shades: 

• Makeup - PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish: Sublime Skin Highlighter Lunar Nude; Shu Umuera Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil; Lisa Eldridge Liquid Lurex Eyeshadow 
• Tools - Rephr brushes #23 detailed pencil and #5 cheek; Sonia G. Lotus Set 
• Nails - Cupcake Polish shades Moongate and Keratoconus Awareness 2021; Mooncat shades Mercury's Tears and Rue Morgue 
• Skincare - Hyper Skin Mini Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum 0.5 oz/ 15 mL (love it mostly for its kojic acid, alpha arbutin, and turmeric); Avene Solaire UV Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ 
• Fragrance - Zoologist Sloth; OTHERLAND Matchpoint Vegan Candle 8 oz/ 227 g 1-wick candle 
• Wellness - Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask; Sleep&Glow Omnia Pillow (hate the included pillowcase though, so I use my own silk cases instead) 
• Haircare - PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Mini Shower Detangling Brush (the full size brush isn't new to me, but the mini is, and it's easier for my little hands to hold in the shower) 

EDIT: I forgot the haircare category! I can't name any new-to-me products (that aren't tools) because I've been using older faves all year. 

2. A purchase you regret - Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick Poppet—or as I call it, "$48 of Why, Just Why." Love the shade, but hate all aspects of this cream blush's performance. Cannot get an even application no matter what method or tool (including my fingers) I use. I missed the return window because I stupidly gave this product too many chances, so I'm stuck with it. 

3. Most expensive purchase - Sonia G. Lotus Set. I talked myself into 5 brushes just so I could get the one brush I really wanted (since Sonia doesn't plan to make it a permanent brush shape). Luckily I wound up loving all 6 brushes, especially the Detail angled brush and Soft Definer "baby Blender Pro" brush (the one that made me buy the set). 

4. Most hyped* product you bought - PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish: Divine Powder Blush. I'm happy with all 5 shades I bought. 

* I see a couple different approaches to this question: either “I bought [product] because of the hype” or “I bought [product] which just happened to be hyped, and the hype was inconsequential to me.” Both approaches are totally valid. My approach is closer to the latter: those blushes were hyped like crazy—just like all other PMG products (especially any of her Motherships)—but I’d have bought a couple shades even if no one was talking about them. 

5. Did you spend less, the same, or more than other years - Less, I think. I haven't estimated this year's total beauty spend so I don't really know. But it seems I spent less overall. I've definitely spent less at Nordstrom, Beautylish, SkinStore/LookFantastic, and elsewhere this year than usual. I didn't re-Diamond at Ulta til just a couple days ago, and I’m very surprised I got there. 

6. Rediscovered loves or underrated/underhyped makeup discoveries - Rephr is a discovery: I looked at their brushes last year but resisted trying any until this year. I’ve built almost a full travel kit of their brushes, so I can leave all my Chikuhodos and other brushes at home. I like or love all but 2 of the Rephrs I bought this year. 

My rediscovered love is Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence. I loved it when I first started using it a year or 2 ago. Then I stopped using it so I could test a few other products. I brought it back into my PM routine this summer, and I'm convinced it's one of the reasons I wake up with soft skin. 

7. A product you missed out on or haven't bought yet but really want - Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Volume III - Infinite Light Eye & Face Palette. Still kicking myself for not buying it as soon as I noticed it was in stock at 3 different sites. Sigh... I hope Danessa decides to re-release it someday. 

8. Did your makeup routine change in any way - Not really. I think it was mid or late last year when I started wearing lipstick under KN95s, so I could finally use all my hoarded preciouses again. 🖤 My makeup usage is generally the same as it was in 2020. 

9. What makeup trend do you think will be big next year - Not sure. Hell, I’m not even sure what this year’s biggest trend was. 😂 

10. What was your favorite body product or fragrance - New to me this year: KILIAN Paris Apple Brandy Eau de Parfum 1.7oz/50ml Eau de Parfum Spray (product tag should include "OTR" or "On the Rocks" since this isn't the original Kilian Apple Brandy)—thanks again for the gift, @TeamBIC!—and Zoologist Sloth. Older faves I still loved this year: Papillon Anubis and Zoologist Tyrannosaurus Rex, the latter of which is not at all for the fainthearted.