2021 is finally here, and if you’re like me you’re trying to find small ways to improve your long, hard days. I’ve found that making small beauty upgrades makes me feel beautiful, and at times even productive. If I don’t do anything for myself for the day (because you know, kids rule my life), I’m certain putting on a coat of mascara or eyeliner will make me feel so good about myself. That’s why I caught up with a few pros in the beauty industry to get the scoop on what we should look out for in the new year.
Ready for better skin in 2021? Dr. Stacy Chimento of Riverchase Dermatology offers three beauty tips every mama should consider in the new year:
1. Don’t over-exfoliate your skin.
“Exfoliate one to two times per week—start on the lower end and increase frequency as needed,” she says. “Any more than that can result in irritation or throw off your skin’s pH balance.” bottom line: too much exfoliating will do more harm than good.
2. Don’t pick pimples.
“It’s virtually human nature to see a pimple and want to squeeze it,” she says. “But there is a medical art to doing it the right way that dermatologists and aestheticians are trained in so as not to leave pockmarks in the skin. In addition, more deep-rooted acne such as comedones (under the skin) requires the tools and skills of a dermatologist.”
3. Don’t trust everything you see on TikTok.
“Some of these wacky ideas have included using glue to remove blackheads, making your own eyelash serum, fixing self-tanning streaks with a magic eraser, treating skin cancer with black salve, and the list goes on,” she says. “Consult a dermatologist before practicing anything in your skin that seems unorthodox.”
Here are the top beauty products every mama should try in 2021 according to Jamie Dorman, a celebrity makeup artist in NYC:
Embryolisse radiant eye
Swipe this around each eye while you wait in the pickup line at school to feel instantly refreshed and revived. “This stick is a game-changer for tired under eyes,” says Dorman. “A quick swipe and soon eyes look alive.”
The Kari Gran Skin Care essential tinted SPF 28
“I love that it combines moisturizing oils with zinc sunscreen to give a glow with reliable sun protection,” says Dorman. We couldn’t agree more. This powerhouse also works to improve skin tone and leaves you with a dewy finish that lasts for hours.
Crabtree & Evelyn sunbeam glow drops
Craving a beachy glow, but can’t go on vacation? Use this liquid shimmer alone or mix with your favorite moisturizer for a subtle glow. “I use this liquid highlighter for [long-lasting] shimmer and I love that the oils moisturize the skin. It makes skin look healthy while actually improving its texture,” says Dorman.
Paula’s Choice water-infusing electrolyte moisturizer
“This moisturizer maintains your moisture balance—it’s the perfect product to use after traveling or too much environmental exposure,” says Dorman. We’re also big fans of this unscented moisturizer for all the right reasons. According to Paula’s Choice research and education manager, Desiree Stordahl, you should eliminate fragranced skin care products from your routine. “Research shows fragrant ingredients (whether synthetic or natural) trigger a chronic sensitizing reaction that leads to all kinds of skin problems, including disrupting skin’s barrier, worsening dryness, increasing redness, and generally preventing skin from looking healthy,” she says.
Doll 10 T.C.E super coverage treatment concealer
If you’re a mama struggling to look like you’ve had a full night’s rest, this concealer has your name all over it. “This is my new favorite concealer because it has a thin texture but a lot of coverage,” says Dorman. “I love the finish and it lasts for a long time.”
Buxom Full-On Plumping lip polish
“This isn’t your typical gloss, it has a peptide complex to plump your pout,” says Dorman. And if you didn’t know, mama—glossy lips are very on trend and will likely be for some time.
Wonderskin wonder blading brow kit
“The Wonderskin wonder blading brow masque and applicator is like a stain for your brows,” says Dorman. Here’s how it works—after applying the shape you want with the masque, spritz with the applicator spray and wipe to reveal a natural texture brow that lasts for up to 48 hours.
Trinnny London eyetallics metallic eyeshadow
“This easy to use shadow has a thin texture that creates the perfect sheen-y smoky eye with just one product,” says Dorman. It’s perfect when you need to quickly throw yourself together for zoom calls.
Bobbi Brown vitamin enriched eye base
Formulated with a nourishing blend of vitamins B3, B5, B6, B9, and B plus sodium hyaluronate and shea butter, this cream awakens and replenishes the tired skin under your eyes. “This is the perfect eye cream for under makeup,” says Dorman. “It skinks into the skin readily, doesn’t cause eyeshadow and concealer creasing, and keeps the product from sinking into lines.”
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