• About
  • Press & Features
  • Contact Me
    • Contact Me
    • Work with Me
  • Shop My Faves
  • About
    • About Me
    • Press & Features
  • Beauty
    • All Beauty Posts
    • Drugstore & Dupes
  • Videos
    • Posts with Video
    • Meg O. on YouTube
  • Mom Life
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Style
    • Gifts & Shopping
    • Parties & Events
    • Home
    • Food / Recipes
    • Blogging & Biz
  • Contact
    • Contact Me
    • Work with Me
  • Shop My Faves

Meg O. on the Go

Houston Beauty, Mommy, and Lifestyle Blogger

  • Beauty
    • All Beauty Posts
    • Drugstore & Dupes
  • Videos
    • Posts with Video
    • Meg O. on YouTube
  • Motherhood
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
    • Style
    • Home
    • Food/Recipes
    • Gift Ideas & Shopping
    • Events & Parties
You are here: Home / Beauty / My Favorite Things I Discovered in 2020 (Non-Makeup)

January 13, 2021

My Favorite Things I Discovered in 2020 (Non-Makeup)

This post contains affiliate links. View my full disclosure policy for more information.


  • FACEBOOK
  • TWITTER
  • EMAIL

Updated January 14, 2021

Buckle up, friends! I have got a doozy of a post today. I am chatting about all of the non-makeup items that I discovered in 2020. We’ve got some beauty items, fashion, home, kids, and more.

With a year of being home, there was a lot of online shopping. I realize that not everyone has this luxury to have a “fun” budget, so that’s why I make it my mission to tell you all of the things that are 100% worth the purchase (and things that are not).

I’ll keep the blabbing to a minimum, and let’s just go through all of my favorites!

My Favorite Things I Discovered in 2020

You can skip around in this post if you want to see my favorites in different categories. Click on the links below to take you to everything from that category.

BEAUTY
FASHION & ACCESSORIES
KIDS
HOME
TECH & OFFICE

I hope you find something and love it as much as I do!


Beauty

Powder Puff

This year, I became a huge fan of using a powder puff to set the under eye area (and sometimes the face). I find that it’s a much more flawless approach than a makeup sponge. If you want to see my technique, check out this IGTV.

SHOP NOW

Scalp Scrubber

If you aren’t using a scalp scrubber when you wash your hair, you’re missing out. It’s almost as good as getting your hair washed at the salon.

SHOP NOW

Purple Hair Mask

If you really want a great toning hair mask, this is the ticket. It’s very pigmented, and also moisturizing. I personally like this so much better than purple shampoo. I leave it on for about 5-10 minutes and it neutralizes all brassy tones. Great for blonde or gray hair!

SHOP NOW

Foot Peel Masks

Staying home has been a great time to do beauty treatments, especially these foot peel masks. They’re an identical dupe to baby foot, but half the price for 3 of them.

SHOP NOW

Flat Top Foundation Brush

I kept seeing lots of Facebook ads for a “magic” foundation brush, but was able to find an identical one on Amazon for under $10 (the sketch sites were selling this for close to $30). It’s a great little foundation brush! Gives a lovely flawless finish.

SHOP NOW

25-Piece Makeup Brush Set

I’ve made it my mission to find an affordable brush set that has everything I would need/use. This has proven hard to find until now. Most brush sets have a lot of brushes I don’t like/use, or not everything I would want. This one has literally everything, and I am so glad it’s affordable. I’m very picky with quality. and these feel very soft/luxurious and have held up so well. Highly recommend!

SHOP NOW

6-Piece Makeup Sponge Set

These are the best beauty blender dupes I have found (and I have tried a lot). A 6-pack of them is under 10. Make sure to use my code megsave20 at Amazon checkout for another 20% off.

SHOP NOW

Lash Comb

Something I never realized I liked to have on hand. I don’t use this every time I apply mascara, but I definitely use it if I have clumps or things are looking a little wonky. I like that this one folds and is very compact.

SHOP NOW

Lash Liner Glue

This is an end-of-year discovery, but I have to mention it. If you’ve struggled with lash glue, you need to give this a try. It applies like a liquid liner and then you just set your false lash on top of it. I have the clear one and love it.

SHOP NOW

Bed Head Little Tease

This was a game-changing hair tool for me this year. If you have fine, flat hair – you need this in your life! It creates volume and texture at the root. Love this thing so so much. If you want to see it in action, make sure you check out this demo.

SHOP NOW

Bondi Boost Wave Wand

I loved the wave hair trend, and went through a couple of hair tools trying to find the perfect one. Ultimately, this one is my favorite. The large barrels, nice temperature control, and the experience gives me the best result.

SHOP NOW

Olive & June Nail Products

I was doing my own gel manicures at home, but my hands really started reacting to them in the summer. My fingers were red, swollen, and itchy. I developed some sort of hand contact dermatitis (not 100% confirmed but I am fairly certain) due to the gel manis. I switched to non-toxic nail polishes, and then I was able to use whatever regular nail polish without any issues. I discovered Olive & June in the fall – they sent me their fall collection and tools. I immediately fell in love and purchased a few more shades. O&J makes at home manis so easy, their polishes are amazing (last me a full week no issues), and they’re 7-free.

SHOP NOW

Pimple Patches

These little patches are miracle workers! They’re a hydrocolloid sticker that you can just place over any pimple. They suck out all the yucky gunk overnight. I even put these on popped pimples. Can’t live without them anymore!

SHOP NOW

Self Tanner Back Applicator

You don’t need a spouse or friend to help you with the self tanner on your back if you have one of these! Seems gimmicky but I LOVE this thing.

SHOP NOW

Silicone Bath Loofah

This is so much better than the traditional loofah. Stays cleaner, and everything lathers up the same way.

SHOP NOW

Advanced Clinicals Products

I was introduced to this affordable skincare brand this year, and I have been so impressed! I love the Bulgarian Rose Cream, the Hyaluronic Acid, their mists, and more. Their products are affordable with great ingredients!

SHOP NOW

Curology

After I weaned Logan from breastfeeding, I wanted to get back on a Tretinoin prescription (otherwise known as Retin-A). I found Curology and it’s awesome! You go through a dermatology provider and they prescribe you a custom formula. Mine contains Tretinoin, Niacinimide, and Tranexamic Acid.

SHOP NOW

Fashion & Accessories

5-Pack of Cloth Masks

Wouldn’t be a 2020-related post without mentioning masks! These are my favorite brand of cloth masks for myself and my kids. They’re the most comfortable, adjustable, and don’t feel gross on your face.

SHOP NOW

Gold Chain Mask Lanyard

This little lanyard is great. I love that it’s a stylish gold chain.

SHOP NOW

Bike Shorts

Absolutely love these for hot Texas summers. Long enough and compressive, but not restrictive and sweaty. Love the side pockets, too.

SHOP NOW

Seamless Slip Shorts

Ever want a pair of shorts to wear under dresses, but don’t want to wear Spanx? These are the BEST! I loved wearing them under dresses around Disney because I was doing a lot of walking and this really helped with the thigh chafe. They are not super compressive, but they do provide a bit of smoothing. You can wear them in place of underwear or wear them over underwear.

SHOP NOW

Swiss Dot Faux Wrap Dress

Not many fancy clothing items in this post, as you’ll see, but I had to mention this dress! I got it for our family photos, and I could not be happier.

SHOP NOW

Cozy Tie Waist Jumpsuit

I lived in this cozy jumpsuit in summer, and will definitely pull it out again when the weather gets warm agin. It’s so incredibly soft and comfortable. I love the cropped leg, and you can wear a regular bra with it no issues. Feels like wearing pajamas!

SHOP NOW

Super Soft Joggers

These are truly the best joggers I’ve found, and they’re $15! I live in these year round. They’re super soft and comfortable, and are high waist.

SHOP NOW

Relaxed V-Neck

This relaxed v-neck is super soft and comfortable. Pairs well with jeans (if you even wear real pants) and is long enough to wear with leggings. I want to get lots of colors! True to size with an oversized slouchy fit (I have it in a small)

SHOP NOW

Leopard Cardi

This is my favorite open-front cardigan that I purchased this past year. It’s so cute and comfy. I own the color “BKhaki.” True to size.

SHOP NOW

Core 10 7/8 Crop Legging

Super impressed with this brand’s activewear, and I really loved these leggings. I don’t like my leggings to be too “busy” but I like the pretty deep jewel tones. These provide mild compression but nothing too tight. I have these in Ruby in Medium, but could’ve easily done a small.

SHOP NOW

Colorfulkoala 7/8 Crop Legging

This legging brand is super popular among Instagram and I am so glad I bought a pair. I love the super soft seamless waistband. They provide mild compression. I love the size pocket, as well! I have these in a size small in the gray camo. They run true to size.

SHOP NOW

Fleece Hoodie Pullover

This hoodie is so warm and cozy! I don’t really need a heavy coat in Houston but this is great to have. I sized up and bought a medium for some extra slouch, but it runs true to size.

SHOP NOW

Open Toed Fuzzy Slides

I love house shoes, but I don’t love it when they get gunky. These are awesome because they have a rubber sole with arch support. It’s like a slipper/sandal hybrid.

SHOP NOW

14K Gold Plated Hoop Earrings

I was on the hunt for cute jewelry on Amazon, but I didn’t want junk that would tarnish. I started searching for gold plated stuff and found a gold mine of cute affordable stuff. First up, these hoops! Lightweight and love them.

SHOP NOW

18K Gold Plated Circle & Bar Front Hoop Earrings

These are smaller hoops that have a different style to them, and they’re so chic.

SHOP NOW

14K Gold Plated Beaded Bracelets

Obsessed with these beaded gold stretchy bracelets! Awesome to add to a stack or wear alone.

SHOP NOW

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

I love blue light glasses, but these have to be the CUTEST ones I own. They’re so flattering, comfortable, and fun.

SHOP NOW

Kids

5-Pack of Cloth Masks

The girls are going to school in person and wear a mask all day. Out of all the cloth masks we own, these are their favorites. They’re adjustable, comfortable, and fit the best. My girls are 6 and 9, for reference!

SHOP NOW

Custom Mask Lanyard

My friend Taylor makes these custom lanyards (sold out now but follow her on IG for updates!). The girls wear these with their masks every day to school, and they like having them.

SHOP NOW

14-ft Trampoline

I don’t want to post toys and gifts on this list, but I felt like I had to mention this trampoline. Best thing we got the girls for Christmas, and something they play on nearly every day.

SHOP NOW

Water Bottles

The girls take these water bottles to school every day. The reason why I like them so much is it’s a screw top lid with no straw. I hate how gross straw water bottles can get, and this is easy to clean and keeps the water really cold. Cute colors, too!

SHOP NOW

Tutu Tank Dress & Skirt Set

I grabbed these for the girls for our Disney trip (right before the world shut down), and they are the cutest! Also super affordable.

SHOP NOW

Her Body Can Book

One of my best friends wrote a body positive childrens’ book! It’s super empowering for young girls, and a great addition to your book collection.

SHOP NOW

Baby Boy Swimsuit

This cute swimsuit fit Logan from 6 months til past 12 months! (Got the 6-12 month size.) It is perfect affordable little swimsuit.

SHOP NOW

Home

Leopard Fleece Blanket

This blanket is seriously so cozy, warm, and amazing. Honestly feels super luxe and high end, but it’s under $25! I have the gray leopard in the twin size, and it’s a perfect throw blanket for the couch.

SHOP NOW

Air Fryer

I’m sure you’ve seen all the memes about people and their air fryers, and I suppose I’ve become that person. I love my air fryer and use it all the time!

SHOP NOW

Silk Pillowcase

I started using a silk pillowcase (Greg has one too), and I am never going back! They’re cooling, keep hair free of tangles, and are good for your skin. Highly recommend you treat yourself to one.

SHOP NOW

Sheet Set

This sheet set is super popular on Amazon, and I understand why. These sheets are incredible and feel super luxurious. They’re so affordable!

SHOP NOW

Coop Pillow

Instagram influenced me to ask for this for Mother’s Day and Greg bought it for me (he then got one for himself). We love these pillows. They are a bit of a splurge but well worth it. You sleep on a pillow every night – may as well make it the best one!

SHOP NOW

USB Candle Lighter

If you don’t have one of these candle lighters, you’re missing out! They charge by USB – no lighter fluid.

SHOP NOW

Mason Jar Soap Dispensers

Something I use every single day. I bought these for my kitchen sink to dispense dish and hand soap. Love them so much!

SHOP NOW

Gray Area Rug

I bought this for the entryway in our home, and I am super impressed with the quality! It’s super affordable, too.

SHOP NOW

Tech & Office

AirPods

I never understood the hype behind AirPods until I got some. I use them every single day. Between uploading instagram stories and editing things on my phone, I am on it a lot and it can get annoying for other people in the house. I pop these in and edit videos, listen to audio books, and I also like that they can connect seamlessly to my MacBook.

SHOP NOW

AirPods Case

This case is cute and super affordable! A must have!

SHOP NOW

Phone / Tablet Stand

I have been through so many dang phone tripods. Seeing as how I’m on IG stories daily, I needed something sturdy, and this is for sure the best! I know not all of you are doing live videos or need it for what I do, but I thought it was worth sharing because it’s also been a helpful tool for Zoom calls. This fits any size phone and even our iPad. I also think this would be cool to have in the kitchen with recipes on a phone/tablet.

SHOP NOW

The Best Pens Ever

I’m a pen snob, and these are the best pens I’ve discovered in a long time! Trust meeeeeee.

SHOP NOW

Plum Paper Planner

The idea of having a planner in 2020 was kind of silly, but I bought this in July as a way to organize my blog, lay out my to-do lists, meal plan, etc. I bought the vertical priorities 8.5 x 11 size planner and I could not be happier. It is BIG, but I bought it to stay on my desk. If you want more than just a desktop calendar and need lots of space to write notes, etc. Definitely check them out. Everything in the Plum Paper Planners are customizable, which also is a huge plus.

SHOP NOW

Happy 2021! What was some of your favorite things you purchased last year?

You may also like:

  • On Trend Glowy Makeup Look for 2022On Trend Glowy Makeup Look for 2022
  • The Best Daily Sunscreens for FaceThe Best Daily Sunscreens for Face
  • Amazon Fashion Haul 2022 – Spring and Summer PiecesAmazon Fashion Haul 2022 – Spring and Summer Pieces
  • Invisible Bead Hair Extensions Review – 6 Month UpdateInvisible Bead Hair Extensions Review – 6 Month Update

Filed Under: Beauty, Home, Life, Mom Life 1 Comment

Comments

  1. Summer | Self Care Blogger says

    March 11, 2021 at 11:37 pm

    I love the scalp scrubber you recommended. I have one at home and it’s helped with my dandruff so much in the last few months! Great suggestions!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Current Evening Skincare Routine – Anti-aging Skincare Over 35

Top Houston Texas influencer blogger Meg O. on the Go
Attainable beauty, mom life, fun videos, travel, and favorite experiences. Living by my motto: "find time for fabulous."

Top Houston, Texas Blogger & Influencer

Never Miss a Post!

Subscribe and get blog posts straight to your inbox!

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Latest YouTube Video

On trend cheek, lip, and eye combo to try this summer!
YouTube Video VVV5MzRNV1pNQ2x4QjN2ZXpoOTluMUJ3LmxmRl90azcxeW80
Load More... Subscribe

the latest on instagram

follow: @mego

mego

I can’t always predict when a migraine attack wi I can’t always predict when a migraine attack will happen, but I do know they typically happen at the end of my monthly cycle. I used to stress knowing one could hit me at any minute, but not anymore! You all know how much I love my Nurtec® ODT (rimegepant) 75 mg, but it’s been even more of a stress relief to know I can take it preventively OR at the onset of pain. If I have important work deadlines or events and it’s during the week of my cycle, I like to take my @NurtecODT to prevent any possible migraine attacks. Migraine pain can’t stop me! 

Make sure to check out nurtec.com and talk to your doctor for more information! 

Individual results may vary. Nurtec ODT is for acute treatment of migraine and preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults. Prescription only. Don’t take if allergic to Nurtec ODT or any of its ingredients. The most common side effects were nausea (2.7%) and indigestion/stomach pain (2.4%). Swipe for Important Safety Information and see full PI @nurtecodt_pi. #NurtecODT @nurtecodt #ad #MHAM
Move over Gen Z, us “Elder” Millennials can ac Move over Gen Z, us “Elder” Millennials can achieve that glowy skin look, too. 💁🏼‍♀️ Breaking down how to get this on-trend fresh complexion on the blog! All of the tips I’m sharing work especially if you’re not 25 anymore. Hit the link in my bio to check it out!✨

All of my favorite products are also linked there!

#beautyroutine #beautyeverywhere #bloggerbeauty #beautybloggerin #instabeautyblogger #houstonbeautyblogger #beautyinfluencers #beautyinspiration #glowyskin #dewyskin #makeupmagic #dewyskinmakeup
Raise your hand if you’re already busy being the Raise your hand if you’re already busy being the family’s summer activity coordinator… 🙋‍♀️ It’s quite a juggling act trying to work, keep the kids busy, and be the snack dealer. Luckily, I have @shipt at my fingertips to get all those snacks replenished without ever having to leave my house! When I’ve run out of activity ideas, there’s always popsicles! If you need one thing taken off your plate, you need a Shipt membership. Anything for making the summer as relaxing as possible, am I right? #ShiptPartner
39 and feelin’ fine 🎂🎉 Looking forward to 39 and feelin’ fine 🎂🎉 Looking forward to making the last year of my thirties the best! 

#itsmybirthday #itsmybirthdaybitches #39thbirthday #39andfeelingfine #houstonblogger #houstonmom #houstonmoms #houstonmom
Snapped this picture with the kids in Boston, and Snapped this picture with the kids in Boston, and realized Greg and I took a picture in the same spot 14 years ago. 🥰 Little did those babies 14 years ago know they were in for a wild ride. 😂🤍

#travelingfamily #bostontravel #northendboston #momof3 #momto3 #bostonlove #weloveboston #familytravel #familytravels #familytraveltribe
Mother’s Day Weekend at the beach 🌊☀️ #v Mother’s Day Weekend at the beach 🌊☀️

#visitportaransas #portaransastx #texasfamilytravel #texasfamily #familytravel #houstonmom #portaransastex #portaransasbeach #texasbeach #texasbeaches #texastravel #houstonmoms #houstonmomblogger
Major “pinch me” moment! I have an article in Major “pinch me” moment! I have an article in @texasmonthly! 🤩💻 You may remember we traveled to @visitfriscotx to create content about family-friendly spots to visit. Now my article is LIVE! I’m thrilled to see my work in a major publication. 

🔗 Linking the article in my stories and saving it to my “Frisco” highlight. I hope you check it out! [ad] #iheartfrisco #friscotx #seeyourselfinfrisco #texasmonthly

#texasfamily #texaslife #traveltexas #texastravel #texastravelblogger #texastravels #texastraveler #familytraveler #exploringfamilies #familytravelblogger #familytravelmoment #travelwithfamily #houstonfamily
What’s better than a Sephora run? Having @shipt What’s better than a Sephora run? Having @shipt deliver it in as soon as an hour! Shipt isn’t just for grocery delivery - you can also grab your favorite beauty essentials! So convenient for travel or if you can’t be one day without your holy grail product. You can also get your Sephora Beauty Insider points with your order, which is the icing on the cake! I have a feeling I’ll be doing a lot of damage on this app… 😂💄 #ShiptPartner
Mixing work and fun in L.A. for the next few days… ✌🏻☀️

#mom2summit #losangelestravel #californiatravel #californiatravels #westcoasttravel #travellerblogger
Just checked into @hawkscayresort for a weekend of Just checked into @hawkscayresort for a weekend of relaxation, sunny skies, and live music. ☀️🌊🌴 The icing on the cake is bringing my sister with me! Already loving the chill friendly vibe down here in the Florida keys. #findwhatluresyou #hawkscayvacay 

#visitfloridakeys #floridakeyssunset #thefloridakeys #floridakeyslife #floridakeys #duckkey #duckkeyflorida #keyslife #hawkscayresort #hawkscay #tbloggers #travellerblogger
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 Meg O. on the Go · Privacy & Disclosure Policy