These are the 10 best-selling beauty products of 2020, so how many do you own?
No one can deny that 2020 has completely transformed the way we live, the way we work, and how we connect. One thing that has remained the same, however, is our love for beauty. Not only has beauty become a beacon of joy and excitement among an often dreary reality, but it has also served as some absolutely essential self-care. While the way we consume beauty has had to change at times - namely, the months where salons, spas and cosmetic clinics have had to close - we've found alternative ways to enjoy what the beauty world has to offer, and have relished the opportunity to resume professional services at the first possible chance.
When hairdressers shut their doors in March, many of us discovered at-home hair colour, either using it to tide us over until our next appointment, or else experimenting with a whole new look in the safety of lockdown. While nail salons were closed, we collectively unleashed our creativity, trying our hand at nail art designs and at-home gel manicures.
Many people had to cancel holidays abroad, and with it, the chance to their yearly dose of sunshine. Instead, we relied on self-tanners and luminous body oils to mimic a sun-kissed glow. We embraced at-home facials, DIY face masks, and some even braved cutting their own hair.
Makeup also played a vital role throughout lockdown, even though we weren't leaving the house or meeting up with friends. A slick of lipstick boosted our confidence and transformed our mood, as well as making us look presentable for morning Zoom meetings in a flash (even though we had just rolled out of bed).
Plus, innovation within beauty has never ceased. Between new formulas that instantly impressed, to the tried-and-tested classics, here are the best-selling beauty products that saw us through this difficult year...
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, £26.50, John Lewis
With the largest shade range out of all the mainstream makeup brands (a whopping 61 shades), it make sense that this cult foundation is a favourite for many. Plus, the formula has 24-hour wear, is waterproof, transfer-proof, oil-free and humidity-resistant, with medium-to-full buildable coverage and beautifully natural matte finish.
Olaplex No.3 Hair Protector, £24, John Lewis
Renowned for its repairing formulas, John Lewis sold over 4,000 bottles of Olaplex during 2020, which is enough to fill 5.2 bathtubs. ASOS also saw startling figures, selling 35,000 bottles of Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector.
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, £27, John Lewis
Hand sanitisers and soaps were undoubtedly going to be among of the 2020 best sellers, but this botanical liquid soap from Aesop elevated the experience for many, making washing our hands a moment of luxury, which might be why John Lewis sold enough of the stuff to fill 285 bathroom sinks.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, £67, Cult Beauty
Drunk Elephant has reached cult status since its launch into the UK, with one of the most popular products being this brightening, protecting Vitamin C enriched serum. With Drunk Elephant's hero serum BabyFacial launching very soon, we expect to see the brand on next year's list, too.
The Inkey List Retinol Serum, £9.99, Cult Beauty
Retinol is one of the most efficacious skincare ingredients available when it comes to preventing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as clearing the complexion. The Inkey List makes it accessible to all with their impressively low price points, while never compromising on the quality.
MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy, £17.50, ASOS
This creamy, matte formula provides ultimate colour pay off that lasts all day, which you'll definitely desire if you're wearing the best-selling shade Velvet Teddy - a pinky beige shade that suits an impressively wide range of skin tones.
Chanel Healthy Glow Soleil de Tan Bronzing Cream, £42, John Lewis
With a reformulation in the summer of 2020 that made this cult bronzer even easier to blend, John Lewis sold enough of these bronzers to fill 17,000 2.55 Chanel bags.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, £5, ASOS
The Ordinary's affordable, targeted skincare solutions are always high on our must-have product lists. This potent serum helps to regulate oil production to prevent the formation of blemishes and has proved a 2020 essential to ward off maskne, so much so, that it's topped ASOS's best sellers list from their Face + Body selection.
MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device Five-Coloured Light Treatment, £385, John Lewis
Since launching their Beauty Tech hub online earlier this year, the MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device continues to be a John Lewis best seller thanks to its ability to provide a five-coloured light treatment to soothe, calm, clear and firm skin. We've rounded up more of the best LED face masks here.
Huda Beauty The New Nude Eye Shadow Palette, £56, Cult Beauty
With a combination of shimmers, glitters and velvety mattes across a range of elevated everyday shades, it's hardly surprising that this palette has become a permanent fixture on Cult Beauty's best-sellers list.
