One of my intentions for 2025 (I say this loosely, as I don’t necessarily believe in strict “resolutions”) was to approach my beauty purchases more thoughtfully. I wanted this year’s Best of Beauty post to include products I used, loved, and finished… not full of impulse purchases. Last year my main goal was to be more intentional with what I bought and only replace products once something was actually used up and ready for the trash. Did I achieve this perfectly? Not quite…but I’m genuinely proud of how well I was able to stick with it. I didn’t get swept up in every new launch the way I typically do (with one notable exception: the Chanel Les 4 Ombres Boutons collection… but can you blame me?!). For the most part, I stayed the course, shopped my own stash, and rediscovered a lot of my old favorites.
I also discovered a few new products that earned permanent spots in my routine – including this thickening brow gel that’s not only the perfect auburn shade, but also holds my thin, stick-straight brows in place for hours.
Here are my Best of Beauty 2025 favorites – the products that truly stood out to me last year:
Hair Care
The Kérastase Nutritive Ultra-Hydrating Mask is still one of my faves. This is my third year using this mask consistently (a couple-ish times a week), and I can tell a huge difference in my hair. It leaves it hydrated, soft, and tangle-free every single time.
I started embracing my natural curly/wavy hair a little more last year (full post on that here), and the Aveda Curl Collection has been my favorite for keeping my curls hydrated and defined. This primer, in particular, is a lifesaver for second-day curls when I need a quick refresh without fully re-wetting.
After trying countless hair oils over the years, I always come back to this one from Olaplex. My hair loves it. I feel like my hair grows faster when I use it. It’s smoothing, nourishing, and gives the most beautiful shine.
Skincare
Last year my motto was “less is more,” and I’m carrying that into this year as well. I simplified my routine and focused on brightening and keeping my mild rosacea in check. I haven’t had a flare-up since last September, so I think I’m doing something right — although the weather here definitely plays a role.
This serum from Sunday Riley has been a complete game-changer. Since using it consistently, my skin looks more even and my sunspots have noticeably faded. I also added a red light mask to my routine… and I’ll be honest, the jury is still out on this one. When I manage to use it a few times a week, I think I notice a bit of tightening, especially around my mouth…but consistency is something I need to work on this year.
This makeup-removing oil is an OG favorite of mine, going all the way back to 2013 or 2014. Every time I try something new, I somehow end up right back to this one. It removes makeup easily without leaving behind a greasy, filmy residue and it smells divine. Truly one of my all-time favorite skincare products.
Makeup
Last year was all about Dior for me. I reached for their products more than anything else in my collection, and I think it’s because they’ve truly elevated their formulas in recent years. The Forever Glow Maximizer was my most-used product for the second year in a row – it blends like a dream and gives the most seamless, lit-from-within glow without ever looking patchy or flashy. I reach for shades Peachy and Pink the most, but I’m very tempted by the new shade Tutu from their Spring collection. It looks so gorgeous! I’m also still gravitating towards my Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick in Biscuit for contouring. I love how easy it is to apply. (I recently did a detailed review of Merit Beauty vs. Westman Atelier here if you’d like a full product breakdown.)
I also re-discovered my love for Lancôme, and this lipstick formula was my favorite find of the year. It’s hydrating with the smoothest application, and I loved pairing it with the Trish McEvoy lip liner in Barely There — the perfect warm, “your lips but better” shade.
The Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer earns a top spot for the second year in a row. I can’t find anything that tops this formula: great coverage, zero creasing, and some kind of magic I hope never changes.
As for brushes, my BK Beauty favorites are still the most-used in my collection. If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out. I especially recommend this set with my three most-reached-for brushes: the 101 Contoured Foundation, 109 Mini Contoured Foundation (it blends the Dior Glow Maximizer beautifully), and the A506 Concealer brush.
These were the products that truly earned their place in my routine this year. No overthinking, no constant chasing of new launches, just products that I reached for time and time again.
Thanks for reading and for being here. I’d love to know which beauty products you relied on most this year!
