My top picks: best skin care products of 2020

Yes I realize we’re half way into January 2021 already but it’s never too late to review some of my favorites from last year! If you’ve been following my blog or Instagram, none of these should come as a surprise to you.

Selection criteria: I’m including at max two products from each category, and they were all discovered last year. Scroll to the end if you want to see favorites from previous years!

2020 Skincare Favorites

H2O+ Hydration Sensitive Gel Cleanser

A low pH cleanser that actually leaves your skin feeling hydrated afterwards? Yes please! The gel texture feels comfortable on the skin, it cleans well and doesn't leave any film or residue. A must try if most cleansers leave your skin feeling dry!

→ Instagram review here
→ $28 for 120ml at Amazon, H2O+

Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Rose Edition

Raved about this in my best facial essences roundup, this is definitely my favorite essence that I discovered last year, mainly because it works so well despite being so affordable. Looking to try an essence for the first time? You can't go wrong with this one!

→ Full review here
→ $16 for 150ml on YesStyle (get 5% off with code GEEKYPOSH), $21 on Amazon, $28 on StyleKorean

Photo Credit: rstyle.me

Caudalie Grape Water

One of the finest mist I've tried, and the simple 98% grape water + 2% grape juice ingredient makes it perfect for layering. I prefer this more than my old favorite, the La Roche-Posay Thermal Water due to the addition of moisturizing polysaccharides from the grape water.

→ Instagram review here
→ $18 for 200ml at Dermstore, Skinstore, Beautylish, Sephora

Neogen Real Ferment Micro Serum

Absolutely obsessed with how well this serum brightens my skin tone! Plus it's got great ingredients overall and layers well under other products. This is a serum that would work well for all skin types (except those with fungal acne)!

→ Full review here
→ $32 for 30ml on YesStyle (get 5% off with code GEEKYPOSH), $38 on StyleKorean, Soko Glam, and Amazon

Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment

Together with a BHA toner, I saw incredible improvements in the appearances of my pores. As in they were barely noticeable anymore! The results reminded me of my post-Picoway Laser skin, but at a fraction of the cost.

→ Full review here
→ $48 for 20ml at Paula’s Choice, Amazon, and Nordstrom

Peter Thomas Roth Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream

Eye bags, fine lines, I don't know them anymore, thanks to this eye cream! It also has a lovely, non-oily balm like texture, so those who hate heavy eye creams will appreciate how comfortable this feels. Plus it has blue light protection too!

→ Full review here
→ $55 for 15ml on Sephora, Ulta, and Peter Thomas Roth

Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream

If you want to splurge on a moisturizer that feels luxurious, smells beautiful, and gives you plump glowing skin, this is it. You all know how much I love my Nivea Creme but I'd gladly pay the premium for how good this makes my skin look.

→ Full review here
→ $120 for 30ml or $212 for 60ml from Lancome (multiple BOGO sales per year), Harrods, and LookFantastic; $180 for 60ml from Nordstrom

Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel N

No white cast, stable filters, lightweight texture, slight dewy finish, no pilling, and excellent proven sun protection. This sunscreen has it all. It's a bit hard to find but your skin will thank you in the long run. Make sure you buy the latest version which shows 3.0 on the packaging!

→ Full review here
→ $28 for 90g on Amazon; $30 on eBay

Innisfree Coffee Jelly Mask

Smells like a hot cup of latte while gently deep cleaning + exfoliating your skin. The skintertainment value is off the charts with this one, and I look forward to treating my face to a coffee masking session every Saturday morning now.

→ Instagram review here
→ $13 for 8ml on eBay, $16 on Kpop Town

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

A mask that lives up to its name! Skin instantly looks brighter and just feels smoother and more hydrated after using this. The results are on par with a good sheet mask, but you don't have to worry about fit or the essence dripping all over the place.

→ Instagram review here
→ $92 for 100ml on Sephora, Blue Mercury, Nordstrom, and CultBeauty

Tripollar Stop X

Hands down the best skincare tool, more so than the NuFace if I say so myself! If you're looking for plumping, minimizing fine lines, and a general collagen boost, give this tool a try. Plus it's like giving yourself a warm facial massage every time you use it!

→ Full review here
→ $399 for the tool + preparation gel at SkinStore and CurrentBody.

Obviously best skin care products is highly subjective, and what works for me might not work for you. I highly recommend reading more reviews if you plan on buying any of the above, especially the high ticket items!

Past favorites

I still love and use a lot of these products regularly, and would recommend them just as much as what’s listed above.

This list features pr products but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links, and each purchase helps cover the cost of running this blog at no extra cost to you! Full disclosure policy