Hello friends! Hope your 2026 is off to a great start! I’m kicking off the new year by revisiting my favorite beauty products of 2025, based on efficacy, price and versatility.
From skincare products that made a tangible difference in my complexion to makeup must-haves that gave me a natural glowing look, these are the standout performers from last year that rose above the rest! So, keep reading to find out my most-used beauty products of 2025.
Best Beauty Products 2025
Let’s start with skincare….
Prequel Half & Half Peptides + Ceramides Fluid Moisturizer ($26)
Formulated with a ceramide complex, peptide complex and amino acids, this moisturizer hydrates and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. It has a very lightweight liquid emulsion texture that glides on skin and absorbs easily without feeling heavy or sticky. It leaves a natural, supple finish and the formula is fragrance-free. Not to mention, the big bottle (5.7 fl oz) lasts a very long time!
Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Dark Spot Serum ($21.90)
Formulated with a powerful trio of 10% Niacinamide, 4% Tranexamic Acid and 2% Arbutin, this brightening serum targets discoloration, uneven tone and dullness and helps improve skin clarity & radiance. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid to hydrate, plus ceramides to support the skin barrier. This serum has a lightweight texture that isn’t sticky or greasy and absorbs easily with a hydrating feel. Fragrance-free. Also available at Ulta Beauty
Skincare Generics CE Serum ($40)
This is an exact dupe of the SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum! Yes, now that the 20-year patent on the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum has expired, other brands can attempt to make their own versions. This $40 serum has the same ingredient list as the SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum. It contains 15% vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid that work together to brighten skin and improve discoloration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.
Also, the fragrance-free formula has a pH level of 3.0 – 3.5 for maximum absorption and efficacy. You can read my detailed review here. Potent, effective and affordable….what’s not to love?!!
Dr.Melaxin Peel Shot White Rice Ampoule ($25)
This rice-based peel shot gives me smoother skin instantly! It uses white rice extract to exfoliate and smooth skin texture without being harsh ot irritating. The formula combines chemical exfoliants (AHA + BHA) with nourishing ingredients like rice water extract, niacinamide and ceramides. I also like using this peel on my legs and armpits to get rid of ingrown hair. This product is a consistent best-seller on Amazon and also went viral on TikTok.
Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil ($6.99)
This luxurious treat from Trader Joe’s is truly an unsung hero! It’s 100% pure cold-pressed marula oil, with no additives or fragrance. Rich in anti-aging antioxidants and omegas 6 and 9 fatty acids, the lightweight oil isn’t greasy and absorbs easily to nourish skin for a healthy glow. Not to mention, it’s the perfect dupe for Drunk Elephant Marula oil (that retails for $69) Beauty bargain indeed! Also available at Amazon
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40 ($10)
Formulated with 20.90% zinc oxide, this tinted mineral sunscreen has a weightless feel and natural-looking finish. It has a silky, fluid texture that glides on effortlessly and blends easily. The finish is not too dewy, not too matte and provides sheer coverage just enough to enhance your complexion. Its oil-controlling properties keep excess shine at bay while still letting your natural glow shine through. Comes in 12 sheer shades.
BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector ($52)
Formulated with 5% pure L-Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) and peptides, this eye cream helps combat dark circles while improving firmness and reducing the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines. It also contains optical diffusers to instantly brighten under eye area and blur imperfections with a soft-focus finish. The formula has a very lightweight texture that feels light and velvety, and wears well under makeup.
MCoBeauty Souffle Dream Cream ($14.99)
This cream has a silky, whipped texture that’s light and airy, yet very moisturizing. It contains 10 plant seed oils plus 5 Ceramides to replenish and nourish skin. The formula also includes a high dose of hyaluronic acid for a hydration boost, along with turmeric root extract, red algae extract, allantoin, and vitamin E for antioxidant benefits. This one is actually a great drugstore dupe for the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro cream.
Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream ($5)
Another fabulous find from Trader Joe’s! Formulated with 20% pure shea butter, coconut oil, hemp seed oil and sweet almond oil along with linseed extract and antioxidants like vitamins C & E, it’s a beautifully hydrating and healing formula. It has a thick and creamy-rich texture that absorbs easily and doesn’t feel greasy. It’s actually a great dupe for L’Occitane shea butter hand cream. The formula is just as amazing with a lovely scent. For just $5, it’s a skincare steal!
Now let’s move on to MAKEUP….
Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lip Gloss ($14)
This gloss comes in so many beautiful colors and the one I have is shade 11 Golden Red, it’s so pretty! Enriched with flax seed and cottonseed oil, the formula is hydrating and glides on smoothly. Also, it’s not sticky or tacky.
Palladio I’m Glowing Illuminating Primer ($14)
I have finally found a hydrating primer that also provides pore-blurring benefits and smooths skin texture for flawless makeup application! I have naturally dry skin so I’ve tried a lot of hydrating primers that also claim to be smoothing but none of them really lives up to that promise.
However, this lightweight primer offers hydration while also blurring pores and texture beautifully! It creates a velvety-smooth base that helps makeup glide on evenly and gives me a healthy glow for a lit-from-within look. Not to mention, this primer is also infused with seven botanical extracts, including aloe vera, grape seed oil and green tea extract for skincare benefits. Also available at Ulta Beauty.
L’Oréal Faux Brow Ultra Fine Double-Brush Tip Brow Filling Pen ($9.97)
This brow pen has a double-brush tip for quick, precise application and hair-like brow strokes to create naturally fuller brows. I like how easy it is to use and gives me natural looking results. Also, the formula is waterproof and smudge-resistant.
Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick ($22)
This eyeshadow stick glides on smoothly and the formula is well-pigmented with creamy rich color that blends easily. The color is also easily buildable so you can layer it on for more intensity. It has a water-resistant and crease-proof formula that stays put. I’ve worn it for up to 9 hours without any creasing or smudging, it lasts all day long with an eyeshadow primer. I have 3 shades and love them all!
Cocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm ($12)
Infused with ceramides and peptides, this tinted lip balm has a nourishing formula that soothes dry lips while adding a glossy finish. Perfect for an everyday look, the formula is so hydrating without being heavy or sticky and the shades are beautiful. I have 5 shades, you can see all the swatches here. The formula is ideal for sensitive lips: no flavor, no fragrance, no petrolatum, no essential oils or any other common irritants.
Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation ($15)
With a lightweight and long-lasting formula, this foundation offers medium coverage with a satin finish. I always use a primer first for best results and the coverage stays put without a thick/heavy feel. Available in 40 shades, it has a transfer-proof formula that’s suitable for all skin types.
What were your favorite beauty products of 2025? I’d love to hear about things you’ve been loving lately!
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