Holiday shopping may be over, but if you’re wondering which beauty products closed out 2025 with a bang, allow me (and fellow beauty lovers) to possibly influence your future purchases. In December, hydration was the name of the game among NewBeauty readers: a celebrity-loved body hydrator and a new drugstore lip stain that won’t dry out lips (really) ranked among the top picks. Just-released products also made a strong showing, with readers snapping up several December launches from L’Oréal, CeraVe and Sol de Janeiro. Ahead, the 10 beauty products NewBeauty readers bought most in December.
What NewBeauty Readers Couldn’t Stop Buying in December
U BEAUTY The SUPER Body Hydrator ($128)
If winter skin below the neck needs serious hydration, U Beauty’s The SUPER Body Hydrator delivers. The rich formula leaves skin feeling smoother and softer on contact, thanks to a blend of B-glucan, antioxidants, shea butter and soothing oat extract.
L'Oréal Paris Hyaluron Tint Lip Stain Serum ($14)
Staying on the hydration theme, L’Oréal launched its Hyaluron Tint Lip Stain Serum collection last month to plenty of fanfare. Each tube “instantly provides an 80-percent increase in lip hydration,” according to the brand. Try all eight shades on lips and cheeks for a healthy, just-pinched flush.
Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream ($120)
When we asked dermatologists about their own nighttime skin care routines, several mentioned Revision Skincare's D.E.J Eye Cream. Sacramento, CA dermatologist Suzanne Kilmer, MD loves it because it "uses peptides and potent antioxidants to improve the appearance of the fine skin around your eyes."
NARS Dolce Vita Cheek Set ($50)
Leading up to the holidays, Ulta Beauty rolled out a major sale on beloved gift sets, and NewBeauty readers took notice. The holidays may be over, but a few favorites are still available. First up: the NARS Dolce Vita Cheek Set. It includes a full-size Afterglow Liquid Blush and mini versions of the Multiple Stick and Powder Blush, all in the brand’s bestselling dusty rose shade, Dolce Vita.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Superstar Glow Kit ($32)
Another beauty set our readers snapped up last month comes courtesy of UK makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury. The Hollywood Superstar Glow Kit features two cult favorites: the Pinkgasm Blush Wand and the Spotlight Beauty Light Wand.
Kosas Chemistry AHA Deodorant ($18)
The effects of perimenopause and menopause—including hot flashes, night sweats and increased sweating overall—can, quite frankly, change how you smell. When we spoke with two dermatologists, both recommended switching to Kosas’ Chemistry AHA Deodorant. “This AHA blend keeps odor-producing bacteria in check and helps brighten the underarm area,” explains New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD. “It works well for women who notice both odor and pigmentation changes during perimenopause.” Miami dermatologist Deborah Longwill, MD adds that it helps smooth the underarms, too.
CeraVe Oil Control Balancing Shampoo ($11)
CeraVe expanded its hair-care lineup in December with the launch of the Oil Control Balancing Shampoo, a fragrance-free, pH-balanced shampoo that uses zinc PCA to “instantly remove excess oil,” providing 72 hours of oil control, according to the brand. True to CeraVe's roots, the oil-control formula also includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain a healthy dose of hydration to every strand.
SkinCeuticals Advanced RGN-6 Regenerative Cream ($195)
Miami dermatologist Dr. Jill Waibel recommends using SkinCeuticals Advanced RGN-6 Regenerative Cream after an in-office treatment; she calls it a “a major innovation in post-laser care.” She explains, “It was developed using a new L’Oréal-patented process called Laser-Omics, which applies spatial omics technology to identify exactly where skin damage occurs after laser. Then AI is used to select six active ingredients that target those areas to support precise skin regeneration. It’s the most advanced formula we’ve seen for healing post-laser skin.”
ELM Biosciences A3O™ Elemental Serum ($135)
Martha Stewart and dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD teamed up years ago to create ELM Biosciences, and "the hero serum—A3O Elemental—was the foundation," our editor reports. "A first-of-its-kind antioxidant serum, it harnesses the power of ELM Bioscience’s patent-pending A3O Complex, which comprises acetyl zingerone, bakuchiol and a ferulic acid ester." Dr. Bhanusali adds, “A3O really looks at the different components of antioxidant/anti-inflammatory/anti-aging complex.”
Sol de Janeiro Rosa Charmosa Dewy Cream ($48)
Another December launch on the list is Sol de Janeiro’s Rosa Charmosa Dewy Cream, a hydrating, peptide-packed formula with the same whipped texture fans of the brand know and love. “We gave rose a Brazilian soul,” says Heela Yang, cofounder and CEO of Sol de Janeiro. “It is luminous, joyful and alive. Rosa Charmosa is about treating your body with the same intention you give your face, because confidence should feel effortless.”
