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Alex Malek

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21 Most Loved Purchases of 2021

I’m still very much in disbelief about this whole 2022 thing. I mean seriously, where did 2021 go?! That felt like the shortest year ever. Regardless, Happy new year! Do you have any resolutions? I’m still deciding on mine! but before we get to that, I wanted to round up my 21 most-loved most loved brands, products, and purchases from 2021!

Grab a drink and get comfy!

1. Equilibria CBD

This is one of the first things that came to mind when writing this post because it LITERALLY CHANGED MY LIFE. I’ve shared Equilibria CBD countless times on Instagram (see my CBD story highlights here)  but in short: started taking Equilibria CBD one year ago and this habit has helped me focus, manage stress and anxiety, and regulate my sleep. 

I am personally subscribed to the Essential+ bundle! It’s their top-selling bundle and the best place to start if you want to try it!! Keep in mind, every purchase includes unlimited Dosage Support. Meaning that you start with their recommended routine, and your dosage specialist will help you fine-tune as needed. Because consistency is key with CBD!! I noticed the best results after 3 months! 

Their subscription sale is live now through 1/13, where you can get up to 50% off your first month’s subscription with code ALEXVSTOUT50

2. Abercrombie

This year I re-fell in love with Abercrombie. Specifically, Abercrombie tops! While I’m still a forever lover of their jean shorts, this year I became obsessed with their tops! Their bodysuits, everyday tanks + tees have all become staples in my closet!

3. Varley activewear:

I feel like I heard so many people talk about Varley for SO long and I wish I had tried it sooner! I have so many good things to say! While the quality is amazing, I’m in love with the fact that it’s activewear without always looking like activewear. This pullover is one of my favorites because it’s so easy to style in different ways (work-out leggings, faux leather leggings, jeans, etc.) It’s the pieces you live in every day –  and perfect for kick-starting NY resolutions. 

4. Our Place Always Pan

I’ll be honest, I ordered this pan simply because everyone kept talking about it (I’m a sucker for a “cult-favorite” anything!) and had to know what the hype was about! The idea of the Always Pan is that it replaces 8 traditional pieces of cookware, so you can have less STUFF taking up space. And I seriously love this pan!! It’s non-toxic and truly non-stick, which makes it unbelievably easy to clean and can do EVERYTHING we need it to do. I have it in the color Spice and love it! The Perfect Pot is next on my list! 

5. Cropped Leather pants:

My favorite fashion trend of the year! No matter the brand, they are constantly selling out.  So this makes me think that this is a trend that is here to stay!

6. Kendra Scott:

I’ve been all about the new KS styles this year for everyday staples! In the past, I mostly just purchased Kendra Scott for “statement” pieces, but their new pieces have become my everyday go-to. A few pieces I find myself wearing on repeat:  

7. Steve Madden:

I did venture out in the shoe department this year and Steve Madden was my go-to all year long! For sure the best brand for fun on-trend shoes.

8. faux leather leggings:

These leggings have made my favorites list for 3 years now, and I think that’s saying something. I feel like I wear them with at least 75% of my fall + winter outfits! They are so flattering, comfortable, and the only leggings I’ve found that I can easily dress up.

Speaking of Spanx, I must mention this magical bralette!! Okay, seriously the only bralette I’ve ever found that is somehow MORE flattering than a regular bra. While I’m always here for the comfort of a bralette, I feel like the downside of all bralettes is that they don’t fit/look as good as a wired bra. But I’m telling you the Spanx bralette will change your mind! SO flattering.

9. Gucci Sunglasses

It’s no secret I have a major weakness for sunglasses. I don’t know what it is about them, but they always make me feel more put together and attractive even when I’m not feeling it. 😉 These Gucci Sunglasses were my most worn pair of 2021. A splurge for sure, but completely worth it!

10. Blank nyc jeans

These jeans from Nordstrom!!!! My most worn pair of the entire year because I love how they look in literally every outfit! I usually cuff the bottoms either I wear them with anything from sandals and heels, to flats or booties, and always love how it looks!! Super stretchy, soft, and under $100.

11. Nuface

Okay so a Nuface was the #1 thing on my Christmas list, so I ordered this for myself on Black Friday haha. So I JUST started using this a couple of weeks ago and can’t speak to the long-term results yet, but I am sorta in love with it already! It noticeably lifts and contours your face immediately when you use it. They say you get the best results after 12 weeks, but so far I would 100% recommend it. 

12. Capri Blue Candles

Not technically a NEW find, but Capri Blue candles are still hands down my favorite and the ones I purchase for our home!

13. Chanel foundation

THIS FOUNDATION BLEW ME AWAY YOU GUYS. Hands down the best I’ve tried in a minute. It’s full coverage but it feels like you’re wearing nothing! I’d say the finish is more on the matte side, but somehow doesn’t ever dry out my skin like most matte foundations. 

14. Cosmakery Sculpting sticks

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Now that I’ve added a cream contour to my makeup routine I feel like I can never go without it! I’ve tried a few, but I can honestly tell you that the Cosmakery sculpting sticks are for sure my favorite for this. (I like these better than the Chanel cream bronzer!) They blend so well and look so natural! My favorite shade is medium-deep.

 15. Iconic London Liquid Highlighter

Now that I’m typing this I’ve realized I changed a lot to my makeup routine, so I will share an updated list of favorite makeup products soon. But anyway, this highlighter you guys! I‘ve shared this on stories so many times because I can’t stop talking about it! Warning: Once you try it you will never use a powder highlighter again. The glow is UNREAL. All the heart eyes. Liquid gold.  

16. ICE ROLLER FOR FACE

I know I’ve talked about this A LOT but I literally can’t live without this thing now! I use it every single morning l READY to take on the day. If you ever wake up with puffy eyes, gently roll this under your eyes and the puffiness will go down immediately. Plus, the cooling sensation is so soothing. Grab it from Amazon for $12 HERE.

 17. ARTIS ELITE FOUNDATION BRUSH

I’ve never found a brush that applies foundation like this. It’s faster than anything I’ve used and it’ll have your foundation done in less than 30 seconds with the most beautiful finish! Plus, you end up using so much less product because of the coverage it provides. If I were to buy one brush and one brush only, it would be this one!

18. FLAMINGO DEEP NOURISHING CREAM

Hands down my most repurchased Target find and it’s under $10! It is lightly scented and contains an extract from white willow bark that helps to exfoliate dead cells and increase cell turnover, to make your skin smoother with time. It feels luxurious but sinks in quickly so it never feels heavy!

19. DYSON AIRWRAP

I purchased the Dyson Airwrap a few months back when it came back in stock, and it definitely did not disappoint. I use this thing every day!! It can just do SO many different things.

My favorite attachments: 

  • Firm smoothing brush: On the days I don’t wash my hair (day 3), I spray some dry shampoo at the roots and then brush it through with this attachment- could not be easier! 

20. Olaplex 

I try to use the entire olaplex system once a week and it feels like I’m restoring my hair to the way it felt before bleach and years of heat styling. It makes my hair feel like SILK and it doesn’t leave any residue at all! Their new no.8 hair mask is amazing and the perfect complement to the no.3!

21. Amazon Extensions

After having hand-tied extensions for almost 1 year, I truly felt depressed when I took them out over the summer, lol! (More on hand-tied extensions in THIS POST) so I decided to order the Amazon version of Halo Extensions to try it out and I can’t recommend more!! I did have to purchase and return a few different colors (my color is P8/60) but I ended up loving it so much that I purchased the original Halo Couture Extensions from a local stylist who carries them! The quality of the real thing doesn’t even compare to the Amazon version, but the Amazon version has incredible reviews and a great way to test it out to see if you like the concept of a Halo before you invest in one! 

While I am looking back on the most loved products from the year, this place is about so much more than shopping guides and top sellers. It’s about what we’ve created here; a place for you all to feel and become the best version of yourself. While I’m beyond honored and grateful to be a part of your life in that way- all of the glory goes to God. Thank you for being here and know that I’m praying for all of you every single day!

Here’s to another great year!

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