'I'm a beauty writer. Here's what I really think about 10 of this year's most hyped products.'

As a beauty writer for Mamamia, I have the absolute dingin' pleasure of trying a whole heap of snazzy new launches before they even hit the shelves.

It's fun! Weird! Exciting! A massive perk!

And look, while I'm the first person to jump on a hyped up new product with some big fat claims and swanky packaging - the truth is, it doesn't always work out. Sure, there are some I've grown intensely fond of - but not all of them served me well. 

There's been flare-ups. Breakouts. Tantrums. Flaky skin. Irritation. The whole works. And it can SUCK - but it's all worth it when it comes to cutting out the noise and figuring out what's really worth your money.

Watch: Speaking of putting your face on the line for beauty... I tried the lube makeup trick. And the results kinda surprised me. Post continues below.

So, because everyone (mum) has asked me to share some of the new beauty gear I tried and loved in 2021, I've pulled together a list.

Here are some of the most hyped beauty products that launched in 2021 - and which ones are worth having on your face. 

Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Foundation, $46.

Image: Sephora 

I'm going to be 100 per cent honest with you here, friend. This would have to be one of my absolute favourite beauty launches of the year. Big call, I know - but it's true. I even wrote a whole article on it because it's THAT good (you can read it here).

If you haven't tried it, you simply must. Especially if you have dry skin and find the whole foundation thing difficult and flaky. 

The formula is so incredibly hydrating and lightweight and it gives this beautiful sheer coverage (light to medium to be precise), but it's totally buildable and won't go all patchy and gross if you want to add another layer.

My favourite part? You can still see my freckles underneath - so my skin still looks like skin.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $24.95.

Image: Adore Beauty 

In case you missed it (where were you?), everyone absolutely lost their s**t earlier this year when Maybelline dropped the new Sky High Mascara. It went viral on TikTok and ended up being 2021's highest selling mascara. No big deal.

But is it actually good? 

First off, I'm not usually a fan of rubber wands (I like the fat brushes) - but this flexy, tapered version manages to coat each and every lash. And the formula? It's pretty impressive.

You do need a few coats to achieve that super dramatic, spidery look, but I'm usually a fan of the triple swipe, anyway. I rate it.

Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Sunscreen, $34.95.

Image: Mecca  

If you're a lass with a phone, chances are you've seen Naked Sundays doing the rounds on Instagram. It's everywhere. And yes, it's good.

I love a lot of things about this sunscreen, but mostly how hydrating it is. It feels like a normal moisturiser and gives your skin one big drink of water, making it look glowy and healthy. 

It also sits VERY well under makeup, which can be tricky. I use it most mornings and bloody love it.

11/10.

Go-To Skincare Much Brighter Skin, $59.

Image: Mecca  

In one of the biggest Aussie launches this year, Go-To debuted a new brightening vitamin C serum. Generally whenever Go-To drops a new product, people lose their minds. 

So, what's this newbie really like?

Formulated with a non-irritating form of vitamin C, niacinamide and kakadu plum, this serum is one that suits every skin type - especially those with sensitive skin.

I prefer vitamin C serums that are more on the highly concentrated side of town (GIMME THAT GLOW), but I think this is a great beginner serum if you haven't tried vitamin C before, or if you struggle to work the ingredient into your routine without burning your face off.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer, $54.

Image: Adore Beauty  

In another highly anticipated launch, this year Anastasia Beverly Hills released a cream bronzer - touted to be a dupe of the cult Chanel Tan De Soleil.

Now, I'm not huge on bronzers - mostly because they scare me and I'm terribly lazy with my makeup. But these formulas promised to be creamy and easy to use - so I was quite excited to give 'em a whirl.

I found it to be pigmented but easily blendable with fingers or a brush - it had a beautiful buttery consistency. However, I feel the shade I was using was not quite right for me - so it ended up looking a little... splotchy. And while it is suitable for dry skin types, I just don't love a matte finish.

While it didn't work for me, if you find a shade that works for you and use it more as a bronzer as opposed to a contour - you might like it! Just wasn't my jam, y'know.

For more, check out our You Beauty Collective's Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer reviews.

Ultra Violette Dream Screen SPF 50 Tinted Veil, $55.

Image: Ultra Violette 

When I heard Ultra Violette was launching a new tinted formula, I couldn't wait to slap it on my face. I love the Ultra Violette range, so I had pretty high expectations. And I wasn't disappointed.

This super light, tinted skin serum is legit. It has the same silky consistency as Queen Screen (she's pretty runny, so be careful!), but offers a sheer to medium coverage. Perfect for everyday wear, it's soft and weightless, yet blurs redness and imperfections while making my skin look dewy, healthy and fresh. It's my skin, but better.

Want to find out more? Read Leigh Campbelll's Ultra Violette Dream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil review.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $34.

Image: Sephora  

This year, Selena Gomez's new makeup range Rare Beauty dropped in Australia. And the hype was REAL. One of the most talked about products in the range? The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush - it was all over TikTok.

And for good reason. The colour and consistency is insane. Available in eight shades, a little goes a long way with these liquid formulas, but they blend effortlessly for a seamless long-lasting flush. Available in either a matte or dewy finish, I prefer the dewy ones for a soft, natural look.

Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, $74.

Image: Sephora 

Mario Dedivanovic's Master Eyeshadow Palette launched in Sephora this year - and honestly, I feel sad I didn't have this in my makeup kit sooner. Really! It's a good time.

I suck at eyeshadow (like... heaps), but I find this is the perfect base palette to create both natural and more dramatic eye looks. It has a selection of different nude shades, along with deeper shades if you want to go for a little more definition.

The formulas are lightweight, buttery and long-lasting and blend like a dream. Overall, it's a super versatile eyeshadow palette and my new go-to for a quick eye look with minimal effort.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $28.

Image: Adore Beauty  

If there's one product that kept popped up on your feed this year, it would be the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. Buzzy as hell, this lip balm sold out a bunch of times at Sephora. 

And while the newly launched Gummy Bear flavour IS utterly delightful, it is pretty pricey for a lip product. However! It does leave your lips feeling smooth and moisturised for more than like five minutes, which is more than I can say for a lot of other lip products on the market. 

While it's technically a 'night mask', I slather it on my lips throughout the day and it keeps things feeling comfy and nice. Just be wary if you are using it overnight, though - you'll get a couple of cute purple patches on your pillow case if you're prone to sleeping on your face (ME).

No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum, $61.99.

Image: Supplied by brand  

Have you tried any of the above products before? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Mamamia; Getty; Ultra Violette; Adore Beauty; Mecca