Just 5 Unexpected Beauty Products We Didn't Know We'd Need in 2020

Updated:

1 Feb 2023

Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.

Well, 2020 has been A YEAR, hasn't it?

If you'd told us in 2019 we'd be spending a large part of this year talking about maskne and mask sanitiser, and learning how to cut our own hair and do our own manis, we probably wouldn't have believed you.

Almost everything about our lives has changed (some for better, some for worse), including the products we've been adding to cart lately.

So, we asked five Adore Beauties to share the utterly unexpected beauty products they didn't know they'd need in 2020, and how they helped them get through this year in some small way.

1. SENSORI+ Freshield Mask Sanitiser.

sensori mask sano

What: SENSORI+ FRESHIELD MASK SANITISER 30ml

Why it's so great:

"I mean, the fact mask sanitiser even exists pretty much sums up 2020, right? But seriously, this product is a game-changer and makes wearing a mask for the greater good a tiny bit more bearable."

"The formula contains 75 per cent Sugarcane distilled alcohol to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria that might be living in your mask between washes, and salicylic acid and aloe vera to help treat and prevent maskne around the chin, cheeks, jaw and mouth. But the best bit? Peppermint, lime and cedarwood essential oils mask the smell of your own breath." - Amy Clark (me!), Senior Editor.

shop sensori+ mask sanitiser here

2. Mr Bright Whitening Kit With LED.

mr bright LED

What: Mr Bright Whitening Kit With LED (2 Weekly Supply)

Why it's so great:

"I've tried a couple of at-home teeth whitening tools in the past but the only thing I noticed was how much they made me drool, yuck! Being a black coffee and red wine drinker, I thought this year would be the year I'd finally get my teeth professionally whitened. Enter COVID to mess with those plans, but also to lead me to the Mr Bright at-home teeth whitening kit."

"The LED Kit is super easy and comfy to use (no drool!). After the first week of using, I noticed a distinct difference in the colour of my teeth, and after two weeks, they were brighter and whiter than ever. Now, I just purchase the refills and will do a couple of sessions during the week any time my teeth need a boost." - Ellie Morrow, Assistant Brand Marketing Manager – Skincare & Wellness.

Shop Mr Bright LED teeth Whitening kit here

3. PMD Beauty Personal Microderm Pro.

PMD beauty microderm pro

What: PMD Beauty Personal Microderm Pro

Why it's so great:

"I’m a hard core active skincare enthusiast - gimme all the Retinols! - and love getting skin treatments. The PMD Beauty Pro was a godsend in lockdown while I couldn't get to my routine quarterly Hydrafacial. I battle with congestion and need help improving clarity and skin texture, and the PMD Beauty Pro has done just that for me."

"I use the tool once every two weeks, starting with a clean face and following with soothing and hydrating serums and a moisturiser. (Make sure you don't use hard core actives before or after the treatment.) I've noticed doing this has kept congestion at bay, especially around my chin and cheek area, which I’ve been particularly concerned with due to all the mask-wearing." - Danii Chee, Senior Category Manager - Skincare & Wellness.

shop pmd beauty microderm pro here

You can learn more about at-home microdermabrasion in our YouTube tutorial below!

4. BaBylissPRO Nose and Ear Trimmer.

nose trimmer

What: BaBylissPRO Nose & Ear Trimmer

Why it's so great:

"I'm quite paranoid about my nose hairs - I feel like when you're looking at my side profile, you can see black hairs sticking out of my nose. I usually trim them because I'm not game to wax them myself at home, and this tool is a game-changer if you've got a hairy nose."

"It's really easy to use and comes with a battery (once it runs out, you replace it with a new AA battery). The tip of the tool is detachable, so when you're done, you can empty out the hair and clean it ready for next time." - Joanna Fleming, Digital Content Manager.

shop babyliss nose trimmer here

5. Keeko Morning Mint Oil Pulling Sachets.

keeko oil pulling sachets

What: Keeko Morning Mint Oil Pulling Sachets

Why they're so great:

"Working from home for the last six months has given me a lot more time for my morning routine. As well being able to layer on some extra serums, I've now become addicted to oil pulling. Let me explain. Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic technique for removing toxins from your body and bacteria from your mouth. It's like the OG mouthwash."

"But what I really love about oil pulling is it's a moment of calm every morning to focus on my energy and think about clearing my mind and body. If you've tried (and hated) oil pulling before, these Keeko sachets have a delicious mint flavour, so they leave you feeling refreshed and ready tackle the day!" - Sam McLaren , Junior Category Manager - Skincare & Wellness.