As a beauty editor, the lead-up to a new year usually means sorting through boxes and boxes of products I’ve tested over the last 12 months. And based on what’s inside those boxes, 2025 was a banner year for beauty. From next-gen skin-care formulas and fancy hair tools I can actually use on my bob to my now full-blown devotion to K-beauty, so many products I tried this year shot straight to permanent status in my routine. Ahead, the 20+ picks I loved most in 2025—and will 1,000 percent buy with my own money in 2026.
Drugstore Darlings
I’m a Beauty Editor Who Tried Hundreds of Products in 2025—Here’s What I Actually Buy for Myself
Avène Tolerance Daily Foaming Facial Cleanser ($20)
The French pharmacy brand's Tolerance Foaming Facial Cleanser skyrocketed to the top of my favorite cleansers list this year because it removes dirt, oil and makeup while keeping my skin balanced, soothed and clean. The gentle formula is approved for all skin types, but pick this one up if you have sensitive and post-procedure skin—it provides long-lasting hydration and restores skin comfort after cleansing.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24H Wear Brow Lamination ($16)
Want perfectly-in-place, naturally and fluffy brows? Grab this tube!
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara ($9)
My lashes are long, but stubbornly straight. This is the only mascara I've ever worn that actually holds a curl.
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush ($11)
I'm happy to report Milani's Cheek Kiss Cream Blush lives up to the brand's reputation for making a good blush (hello, Baked Blush in Dolce Pink). The balm-to-cream formula blends seamlessly into skin for a natural-looking wash of color I could easily spend three times as much for. My current favorite color: Merlot Moment (pictured here)—the red-wine hue couldn't be more flattering.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Face & Body Moisturizing Cream ($11)
For a no-fuss face and body cream, my current favorite is Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Moisturizing Cream. The fragrance-free formula absorbs in seconds, is deeply hydrating and includes ingredients like cica and glycerin to protect the skin barrier from head to toe. Everyone in my family uses it.
Body Babes
I’m a Beauty Editor Who Tried Hundreds of Products in 2025—Here’s What I Actually Buy for Myself
Nécessaire The Body Wash Cyprès-Citronné ($42)
I am a loyal fan of Nécessaire's body washes for their luxurious gel-foaming texture, how silky they make my skin feel and, of course, how delicious every scent smells—not to mention how long it lingers after showering. The brand's newest fragrance, Cyprès-Citronné, has invigorating notes of Cyprès, Citronné, Bergamot and Cedar Atlas—and it lives up to the high expectations of its predecessors in every way. (Pro tip: get the jumbo 16.9 oz pump and it'll last you longer than you think.)
CYKLAR Vitamin C Body Oil ($38)
I always add a body oil to my post-shower routine come winter, but now I reach for this antioxidant-rich version from CYKLAR year-round. (I'm not the only one—Hailey Bieber raved about it too this spring.) Available in three scents—Vanilla Verve, Naked Neroli and my personal fave, Sacred Santal—it delivers a non-greasy glow, while also protecting skin from environmental stressors, preventing dehydration, smoothing skin texture and nourishing dry skin.
OUKEYA Urea Cream 40 Percent ($14)
A urea cream is a non-negotiable, as the skin on my hands and feet feels drier and rougher in the fall and winter seasons. I love this one (you can find it on Amazon) because the formula adds avocado oil and glycerin for extra moisturizing.
Perfume Picks
I’m a Beauty Editor Who Tried Hundreds of Products in 2025—Here’s What I Actually Buy for Myself
Maison Louis Marie No. 14 Icila Perfume Oil ($65)
One sniff of this Maison Louis Marie's No.14 Icila and I was hooked. Notes of dark plum, jasmine, vanilla flowers, patchouli and osmanthus combine to create a sophisticated scent that's warm and woodsy yet sweet. Bonus: the oil is especially long-lasting.
Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum ($225)
This is the perfume that gets me stopped on the street by strangers. Mojave Ghost has notes of chantilly musk, amber, cedarwood, sandalwood, magnolia and Jamaican naseberry that create a soothing, warm, woodsy and fresh scent.
K-Beauty Skin Saviors
I’m a Beauty Editor Who Tried Hundreds of Products in 2025—Here’s What I Actually Buy for Myself
Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist ($20)
In 2025, my entire skin-care regimen went from zero K-beauty products to almost exclusively K-beauty; Dr.Althea's 345 Relief Cream Mist was the catalyst. I don't say this lightly: this mist is glass skin in a bottle. I start my day and night routines with it and use it midday if my skin needs soothing (which, since using this regularly, doesn't happen often anymore). The dual formula is an essence and a cream that, when shaken together, create a supple, radiant, nourished complexion. If I can convince you to buy one product, let it be this.
Dr.Althea Aqua Marine Deep Serum ($19)
Another Dr.Althea must-have this season: the Aqua Marine Deep Serum. The intensely hydrating, fragrance-free formula is made with bamboo water, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, guaiazulene, vegan PDRN, green caviar extra, agave honey and marine milk extract. Importantly, it's non-sticky and fast-absorbing, too.
Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen Lightweight SPF 50 ($18)
This SPF absorbs so quickly and leaves behind a barely-there, yet glowy, finish I have yet to find from any other sunscreen. Infused with hyaluronic acid, panthenol and niacinamide, it's like an added moisture boost on top of serious sun protection. Win, win.
I'm from Rice Toner ($22.50)
I just added this toner into my routine and am loving the benefits I'm seeing from the rice water formula. I'm getting free-radical protection from antioxidants, gentle exfoliation that smooths bumps and a mega-moisture boost, not to mention my dark spots are visibly lighter. (Rice water is also known for its brightening powers!)
Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patches Retinal + Ginseng ($20)
I'm 37, and unfortunately, crow's feet and under-eye wrinkles have made their debut. To lessen their appearance and reduce puffiness and dark circles, I've adopted Beauty of Joseon's Under Eye Patches into my daily skin care routine. Why these? They're the only ones I've tried that don't slip down my face after five minutes, and retinal, bakuchiol and peptides make them power players when it comes to softening wrinkles.
Makeup Must-Haves
I’m a Beauty Editor Who Tried Hundreds of Products in 2025—Here’s What I Actually Buy for Myself
MERIT Beauty Flush Balm ($30)
Still the most blendable, easy-to-wear blush, MERIT's Blush Balm is never dry or splotchy, builds without looking cakey and the colors are gorgeous (I currently own three). Ask me what blush I use daily, it's this one.
MERIT Beauty Bronze Balm ($30)
My favorite MERIT product remains Bronze Balm. It also blends like a dream and warms up my complexion in seconds. I use it as a bronzer, contour, an under-eye color-correcting concealer and even as eyeshadow.
REFY Brow Pencil ($22)
Ultra-fine and smooth, REFY's Brow Pencil shapes and fills sparse brows in seconds without looking overly dramatic.
Kosas Revealer Concealer ($32)
The hype is real when it comes to Kosas' concealer. It's infused with hydrating and brightening skin-care ingredients, including caffeine, hyaluronic acid, arnica and peptides, plus its creamy texture melts into skin, erasing redness and dark circles. If you love a radiant finish, this makeup is for you.
Saie Lip Liner 101 ($20)
Get natural and long-lasting lip definition with Saie's Lip Liner 101. It's buildable, glides on smoothly, and makes my lips look so much better than just lipstick alone.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow ($47)
I don't wear foundation, so on days when I need a little more face makeup, I've embraced IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow. It's a medium-coverage skin tint, color-corrector, skin brightener and SPF 40. As the name suggests, it looks like you're barely wearing anything at all. Need I say more?
Hair Helpers
I’m a Beauty Editor Who Tried Hundreds of Products in 2025—Here’s What I Actually Buy for Myself
Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Conditioner ($35)
There's little this leave-in conditioner spray can't do. Case in point: it detangles, protects color, adds shine, smooths frizz and protects strands from heat up to 450 degrees.
Wavytalk Thermal Brush ($50)
No matter the length of your hair, a thermal brush should be a part of your hair routine. Wavy Talk's thermal Brush heats up incredibly fast to five different temperature settings. It uses iconic technology to evenly and safely distribute heat, creating voluminous blowouts, sleek waves and curls.
