Our editor's best beauty picks for 2021

If you keep up with beauty trends and launches, it felt a bit relaxed in 2021 when it came to new beauty on the shelves. This might have been due to factory shutdowns and slower production due to COVID-19. This year, I decided to focus on my skincare routine, wear less makeup, and appreciate my natural beauty (most of the time!). I focused my shopping on staple products rather than wasting money on trendy palettes and sets that pile up and create more bathroom clutter. I also looked for brands that were eco-friendly and helped create less waste for the planet. For this best beauty list, I collaborated with fellow beauty enthusiast, Courtnei Lee, who loves a good beauty find just as much as I do! We've rounded up our top beauty products of the year that we just couldn't live without!

Krista's Top Beauty Picks

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum - Travel Size Atomizer $65

Tom Fordoz bottle

Natasha Denona Macro Tech Eyeliner Crayon $24

Natasha Denona Eyeliner PencilFindingliners

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Diamonds Lipstick $34

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Diamondslipstick

Drybar Double-Shot Blow-Dryer Brush $150

Drybar Double Shot Dryer BrushWith hairbrush dries

Makeup Eraser Puff 5-Piece Exfoliator Set $15

MakeUp Eraser PuffsThis next item may seem very simple, but these MakeUp Eraser Puffs are little life savers and are my green pick of the list! I use these puffs to remove my makeup (works with or without soap), exfoliate and you can also apply toner with these! These puffs do so many things, there is no need to buy cotton balls or makeup rounds ever again. Each puff has lasted me a few months with proper care, and my trash can is no longer piling up with cotton waste. The set of 5 comes with a laundry bag so you can toss your puffs into your wash with ease. These should be part of any makeup lover's skincare kit! Ok, Courtnei, it's your turn! I'll turn it over to her to share her can't live without' products for the year!

Courtnei Lee's Top Beauty Picks

It was a year of chaos for all of us, and it was definitely a challenge to stay on top of beauty, especially working from home! These are my top 4 beauty products that saved me in 2021!

Jubel Naturals Daily Dew Moisturizing Oil $34

I actually found out about the Jubel Naturals brand through a collaboration, and I'm so glad I did! This all natural, vegan, cruelty-free skincare is incredible! I have dry/combo skin and this beauty oil brings back moisture in such a gentle soothing way. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated, repaired, and ready for the day!

Tria 4x Hair Removal Laser $459

I honestly can't say enough about this powerhouse device. As a trans woman, lockdown was extra scary as my laser appointments were shut down as well. Thank God for Tria and this amazing device coming to my rescue! It's so simple, so convenient, and the only form of basically painless hair removal I have found.

CL Essentials Cover Your Sins Foundation - C$39.99 - in Canada

This foundation formula is one of my greatest possessions. Whether you're having an unexpected Zoom call, or need to run out to get groceries after a day of drinking, this foundation has you covered. It's moisturizing, full coverage, is smooth as silk, and never leaves you feeling caked. Best of all, I offer worldwide shipping on my website!

Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment $28

Olaplex No. 0 TreatmentWe all had our quarantine hair moments whether it was a touch up dye job, full bleach out, or a regrettable bang experience. We all tried to be our own stylist and our hair is feeling it! I was dyeing my own hair constantly, and this product was my life saver. I'm pretty confident I would be rocking Charlie Brown bald right now if it weren't for the bond building treatment. This product is easily applied via spray bottle, and completely saved my hair structure. 10/10 would recommend.

Well, that about wraps up all of our best of beauty products for 2021! We hope you have an amazing New Year and stay safe!