2020 was *quite* a whirlwind. It changed a lot of our routines, including how we take care of ourselves—which totally impacts my go-to products from this year. Better beauty brands knocked it out of the park in 2020, and these are my favorites from what will definitely be a year to remember.
By: Lisa Fennessy
Truth: I try A LOT of products. But it’s rare when they make it into my daily routine or onto my “repurchase” list. These top beauty products are the winners of 2020, and I can’t wait to shower one of you with ALL 10. Get it, girl!
RELATED: Check out my 2019, 2018 and 2017 picks to build your better beauty routine!
The New Knew’s Top 10 Clean Beauty Picks from 2020
Muki 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser | $64
Kinda obsessed is an understatement when it comes to Mukti’s 2-in-1 Resurfacing Exfoliant. I use this as needed; sometimes once a week, sometimes 5 days a week. On a day that I want to exfoliate, I will remove my makeup with an oil and then go in for my second cleanse with this.
This is actually an acid + manual exfoliator (my favorite kind) meaning it exfoliates in two ways: fruit acids dissolve intercellular bonds while particles gently eliminate dead cells.
I originally discovered this line thanks to Beauty Heroes, the killer better beauty subscription box that provides FULL-SIZED products each month. They’re on the cutting edge of healthy beauty and actively work as contributors to the movement by continuing to raise the bar and challenge expectations.
Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil | $72
What? You said you want a face oil that’s moisturizing, uber sustainable, reparative, balancing, effective, affordable, certified organic twice over and smells amazing?! Well girl, let me introduce you to Le Prunier’s Plum Beauty Oil.
This oil BLEW UP in late 2020 because Chrissy Teigan named it one of her faves, but I actually got to talk to the brand’s founders when I reviewed it way back in July, and I’ve fallen deeper in love with the oil as time goes on. Definitely a top pick.
Maya Chia The Straight A | $125
The Straight A is my #1 product pick of 2020. If you want a brighter complexion, more even skin tone, are looking to fade hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines…this is it, girl. This is it. I saw results in just DAYS! Read more about my experience with The Straight A here!
ILIA Beauty Limitless Mascara | $28
I tried ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara for the first time in 2020 and it’s goooood. What stands out to me here is this formula is uber buildable. One coat, two coats, three coats…I mean, you can just keep going and going!
This mascara really does it all. I love the dual-sided brush too. Use the shorter side to curl and create volume, then the longer bristles to lift, lengthen and separate. Lashes feel light and flexible.
Honua MALU SPF 30 | $42
A huge winner of 2020 is the Malu Protecting Day Cream with SPF 30. It soaks in beautifully, without feeling too heavy for everyday wear.
EVOLVh SuperFinish Polishing Balm | $32
This defrizzes, adds moisture, softness, shine, strength, prevents breakage, splitting AND provides UV and heat protection. I know. I KNOW!
But the best part, and why I love this formula so much, is it does all of this without adding weight or texture to my hair. This is a water-based formula that you layer in before blowdrying that just disappears into my strands. In some ways it’s like adding everything and in other ways it’s like adding nothing. More on why I love it here.
Code NEWKNEW15 will save first-time buyers 15% on EVOLVh’s Finishing Balm!
Ayuna Terra Bella | $455
Another Beauty Heroes Discovery! Beauty Heroes promises a $100+ value each month with their subscription box, but with this December Discovery, they KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK. Beauty Heroes often launches new releases before anyone else which means Beauty Heroes subscribers are often first to try the new new, and this was no exception—it’s a limited-edition, incredible cream from Ayuna.
According to the brand, applying this cream moisturizer can help replicate feel-good vibes from the inside out, thanks to the first-ever topical application of cannabis sativa cell cultures. They say these cells “unlock [y]our skin’s endocannabinoid receptors to stimulate the epidermal neuroendocrine cascade, increasing oxytocin in the skin.” I love the creamy texture, light scent and uber-hydration it provides.
It’s an indulgent experience in a keepsake clay jar, and if you’re interested in a very special splurge, I recommend giving it a go.
KURE BAZAAR Nail Polish Remover | $38
KURE BAZAAR’s Nail Polish Remover is INSANE. I never thought I would be in love with a nail polish remover but this has got me wrapped around its little finger. First of all, it’s packaged in glass (SOLD). The bottle is LARGE and beautiful and sits heavy in your hand. The branding bold, edgy and TDF. And most importantly the ingredients are LEGIT off the chain.
Save: Code THENEWKNEW15 will save you 15% on your first order.
Free + True Bright Side | $72
This potent vitamin C treatment is formulated with TWO clinically proven, powerhouse forms of stable, non-irritating vitamin C, plus niacinamide, which strengthens skin and packs a punch against breakouts (even us over the age of puberty get those, you know).
I love how this serum targets uneven skin tone, sunspots, acne scars and discoloration, while increasing ceramides in the skin to plump the appearance. It’s even safe for sensitive skin!
BONUS Picks for 2020
Fitglow Beauty Correct+ | $42
The dark horse of the Fitglow line, Correct + in Peach is a concealer formulated to counter dark circles and imperfections around the eyes. In perfect color wheel theory, peach tones correct blue tones creating a brighter, more balanced base for your eye look.
Get the Correct+ in my EXCLUSIVE collab with Fitglow Beauty here!
Province Apothecary Facial Cups | $29
I’m a convert, ever since I tried this facial cupping set from Province Apothecary. IT’S SO EASY AND SO AMAZING FOR FACIAL TENSION. Here’s how I use it, but I’m a long way from being an expert. I don’t know where I’ve been because cupping has been used as a healing modality for thousands of years—turns out, people are on to something 😂.
This practice gently pulls the skin away from deeper layers of fascia, and actually gives INSTANT results. Take a look here.
Are any of these on your list for the best of 2020?
TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
The top beauty products for 2020 include the Fitglow Beauty Correct + Concealer, ILIA Limitless Mascara, Kure Bazaar nail polish remover.
The top skincare products for 2020 include the Le Prunier Beauty Oil, Maya Chia Straight A, Ayuna Terra Bella, Honua Malu SPF30, EVOLVh SuperFinish Polish Balm.
Amy Tong
January 15, 2021Wow, this is an amazing giveaway! So many wonderful clean Beauty products.
Barbara
January 15, 2021Thank you for sharing your top beauty products for 2020. I am a newbie in clean beauty and currently building my regimen and beauty stash. This is very helpful. More power to you!
Lisa
January 27, 2021Thanks for reading Barbara! So glad you are here! xo, Lisa
gayle sheck
January 15, 2021What a great group of products !! Someone will be very lucky .
Illy
January 15, 2021Wow, this giveaway is epic. I really want to try the facial cup. I love gua sha tool and I really see the benefit
Lisa
January 27, 2021Facial cupping is LIFE!!! ; ) Lisa
Kelly
January 15, 2021Oooh! This is soo good! I.would.DIE!! So generous Lisa!
Lisa
January 27, 2021🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Edelin
January 15, 2021This giveaway would mean everything! Thank you so much for all the content, love educating myself on clean products, and trust you to educate me.
Lisa
January 27, 2021Thanks for being here Edelin! Good luck! xo, Lisa
Denise
January 16, 2021I really have wanted to try the Honua SPF. Thank you for hosting such an amazing giveaway!!! 🤞🍀🪴
Lisa J
January 16, 2021I’m just getting started switching to clean products, so fingers crossed I win these awesome products. And btw, I think I may go gray! You’ve inspired me!
Lisa
January 27, 2021YASSSSS LISA! Going gray is where it’s at – lol. xo, Lisa
Patricia
January 17, 2021Amazing products and amazing giveaway
Valerie
January 28, 2021Did someone win this giveaway?