We’re counting down the days to 2020 with something special. This is “20 Before 2020”: a series of 20 stories and listicles in celebration of 2019 and anticipation of 2020. We’re going to take a look back at fashion and beauty trends we loved, the moments that made us click “Share” and the other newsmakers that kept the group chats buzzing. Plus, we’re predicting what 2020 will bring us. Watch this space!
A year-end round-up must always include something about beauty. 2019 was a colorful year filled with so many new brands. Hello Haus Laboratories and Victoria Beckham Beauty!
It also got us re-thinking our skincare routines. Sure, we still loved our masks and our 10-step routines. But we also incorporated new (and unlikely) ingredients. We saw a million collabs, including a sold-out makeup line from Shane Dawson. On the other hand, we welcomed more products from makeup artists, local and international. All to be able either look like our best self or to be able to copy our beauty idols.
Wonder what 2020 will bring? But before that, let’s see what 2019 brought to our vanities.
Crystals, tarot cards, and horoscopes
In 2019, we tapped into powers beyond the physical. Smashbox came out with a Crystalized Collection with Hoodwitch while K-beauty icon Pony created a tarot-inspired collab with MAC. Jill Stuart Beauty released a Birth Gem Gloss line as we picked up a gua sha or a face roller in tune with our intentions. Even Mari Kondo couldn’t resist hawking crystal water bottles while Kim Kardashian grew her fragrance line with a Diamonds collection featuring sister Kourtney and Khloe.
Bakuchiol
When 2018 introduced us to bakuchiol, some of us were skeptical. 2019, on the other hand, made us into bakuchiol fans. Tagged as the gentle alternative to retinol, it found a place on our shelves in the form of serums and creams. If you’re looking for something to gift the skincare junkie in your group, pick up the Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Alternative Smoothing Serum. The Inkey List Bakuchiol Cream is also a good gateway item, it’s one-fifth the price of the Herbivore one with added squalane and omega-3-packed Sacha Inchi oil.
The new lipstick
I noticed that we never got over a matte lipstick. What we did is find a way to achieve the opaque color sans the drying effect. L’Oreal introduced Rouge Signature which had the intense pigment in a lip stain consistency. Maybelline produced a remix of their Superstay lipsticks via the Superstay Crayon and also presented the Sensational Liquid Matte Lipstick. On the other hand, those non-matte fans found the perfect middle ground with satin finishes via launches like the Makeup Forever Artist Nude Creme.
Billie Eilish’s slime green hair
It needs its own mention because the Grammy-nominated singer made sure it was a statement-making hair hue for the year. It matched fashion’s obsession over the traffic-stopping shade but also got us re-thinking our roots. Maybe it even got us a bit more excited than 2018’s “Cold Brew Hair.”
Blinged out nails
I remember how the Star Magic Ball left me with the desire to head on over to the nearest nail salon and get some serious nail extensions. Gel nails, which are reportedly more durable than the usual acrylics, dominated our tips. It also gave us a way to play around with more designs, including some serious stones.
Buzzed
CBD was, well, the buzz of the beauty industry this year. Milk Makeup introduced the Kush Mascara and soon it was infused into every other product. Lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, more brands jumped on it. Kiehl’s carries the Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate while a popular pick among editors is the Lord Jones High CBD Pain & Wellness Body Cream.
Ultherapy
For those who had some extra funds, the best non-surgical treatment of the year was Ultherapy. It’s the instant way to reverse the clock as it lifts and tightens the skin on the neck, chin, and brow. Celebrities weren’t shy about booking their Ultherapy sessions and showed off the results on their social media.
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