My very top beauty products that I couldn’t stop reaching for in 2025; fair warning, there are some perennial favourites here and not everything is a new release, however there certainly were some exceptional launches in the past year.
Well let’s just get into it… shall we?
The Breakout Hack Rebound Activated Cica Toner Skin Milk, $29.95
Are you sick of hearing me talk about this yet? Good, because I’m not tired of talking about it. It is lightweight and packed with beautiful ingredients that can work for any skin type but especially when dealing with sensitivity.
This is an absolute must-have for me and an affordable treasure.
Straand The Crown Cleanse Concentrated Anti-Dandruff Prebiotic Shampoo, $32.00
I was silly and tried some different hair washing products this year and truly none of them matched this. It is a formula that just works in such harmony with my scalp and helps bring it back into balance.
Great if you’re dealing with an oily but also sometimes itchy and flaky scalp? So, basically ideal for keeping everything in check.
Frank Body Magnesium Body Scrub, $28.00
This is part of my continued plea for Frank Body to make this product a part of the permanent line up.
It has been a gamechanger for my new found struggle to get quality sleep – using this in the shower in the evening, along with the matching oil is such a delight and so calming. I have personally purchased 4 back up tubs already, I might need more.
Go-To Very Glowy Primer, $48.00
So, this has in fact changed the way I do my makeup in that I simply cannot do my makeup without it. I have never been one to be diligent with a primer, this one has found a firm place within my routine.
The glow this gives is next level – but it also helps give a smooth base and preserves my makeup throughout the day. I find myself needing to layer product on top less because it gives such a lovely finish.
Rare Beauty Matte Bouncy Blush in “Hope”, $48.00
This is a matte blush but it also has a bouncy texture? Incredible. Super lightweight on the skin and gives a really soft, diffused look.
I like applying this with a brush so it can be buffed, but you absolutely could also use your fingers. It also sets down well by itself so there is no need for powder on top.
TYPEBEA R1 Pre-Wash Damage Repair Mask, $50.00
A later entry to the favourites list but by no means any less worthy. My hair continues to be somewhat of a mystery to me, but I do know that this mask does make my hair feel so much softer. I’ve been combining it with the corresponding leave-in treatment for maximum effect.
Also the tube does last for quite a while, so you definitely get your worth from it.
Vida Glow Liquid Collagen, $75.00
Vida Glow collagen has been in my routine for years now but this year I discovered a new favourite way to enjoy it – their liquid collagen format.
The Skin + Gut variety is the one I reach for the most, it’s a yummy tropical flavour and super easy to enjoy. I like that it is easy to pop in my work bag or even have on my drive to work.
The Breakout Hack Rebound Serum, $49.95
A second entry from the Rebound range and an expected one for sure. I am yet to find another serum that matches this one for efficacy and comfort.
The ingredients list is pure gold and I enjoy having it part of my daily routine but also having it on hand for when my skin is rather unhappy. Trust me when I say you will never regret trying it.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Precision Sculpt Shaping Balm, $54.00
Who would have thought that this year would end with me recommending a sculpting balm?
You would have 2024 me in absolute shock that this was the first product I tried from a new makeup brand and even more shocked that it is now a staple in my routine.
I’m still a light hand with the contour, I haven’t gone crazy, but it has definitely crept into my preferred makeup look.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, $52.00
I think this has been on my annual favourites list since it first came out and I do not think it will ever fall off it. It would not surprise me if this was in fact my most repurchased beauty product and I’m very glad it is.
The finish is excellent and serves itself well as the last step in my daily routine.
Straand Heaven Scent Hair Perfume + Gloss, $42.00
Another Straand entry on this list and for good reason – it smells beautiful and feels even better in the hair. It is a fantastic combination of both the practical and delightful.
At the moment, it is my favourite way to add scent to my routine in a way that lingers throughout the day and also doesn’t irritate the sensitive skin around my neck and ears.
Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, $30.00
Whilst another lip treatment may not have been strictly necessary in my beauty lineup, I sure am glad this one came across my desk to try.
It is the definition of plush, actually gives hydration and comes in some very enjoyable scents. My top pick has been citrus sunshine but I do also reach for the slight tint of the cocoa creme.
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick, $60.00
2025 was essentially the first time I properly tried the Charlotte Tilbury range and I can certainly understand the obsession. The icons of the range do deliver on the glow but this newer blush formula is an absolute delight.
It gives colour to the cheeks in a way that really only can be described as a healthy glow, as well as being easy to swipe onto the cheek and blend.
Read: Best Skincare Products of 2025: The Skincare That Made the Nice List
Innisfree Aloe Energy Mask Set, $32.00
My absolute favourite affordable find of the year – the regular price of these masks is $4 and they have become such a lovely way to regularly treat myself to a sheet mask moment.
There are a few varieties in the range that are all hydrating and nourishing, but the aloe is ideal if you have a more sensitive nature like myself. No seriously, $4?!? Amazing.
Glossier Lash Slick in “Brown”, $37.00
This mascara ticks so many boxes and is a formula I have enjoyed in the past, but recently rediscovered in the brown tone. I think with my fairer skin and dark hair that brown mascara is very much made for my features and helps give that definition and length without being too intense.
I’m not sure it is actually marketed as tubing, however it does act as smudge-resistant as any tubing formula I have tried, as well as being sufficiently easy to remove.
Gunk Off Melting Balm Cleanser, $55.00
Another product that has yet again made it through the year without being replaced. I first tried the Gunk Off formula in 2022 (I think? It has definitely been years now) and I have since emptied many tubs and tubes because it is simply the best cleansing formula, hands down.
I just used the last of my current tube to take off my NYE makeup look and promptly got another back up out of the cupboard. Obsessed.
Rhode Pocket Blush in “Freckle”, $43.00
I am a blush girlie through and through, I have many formulas I enjoy and even a number that I have tried and enjoyed in 2025 but it would be a lie to say that I reached for any blush more than this one. I set my alarm very early in the AM to secure this back when it launched and almost didn’t purchase the shade Freckle, I am very glad that I did.
It feels like the perfect shade for my tones and how I like to do my makeup and really just applies the skin so well. Perhaps I need to finally try the viral toasted teddy shade?
Murad Heartleaf Gentle Resurfacing Serum, $110.00
Exfoliants are products that I try few and far between due to my more sensitive skin, so it is always a joy when one works out. This serum really is very gentle and leaves my skin feeling so smooth but without compromising my skin barrier.
I use it about once a week on average but can include it in my routine more without feeling the acid burn. An underrated gem that I am glad to have tried this year.
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Firming Eye Serum, $59.00
Paula’s Choice never miss and this product is no exception; it is lightweight and gives a sensitive area the hydration and plumping it needs. I prefer this as part of my nighttime routine or during the day as well if I’m not looking to apply makeup over the top.
The applicator helps to smooth the product into the skin as well as give a lovely cooling effect. A standout undereye product (otherwise it wouldn’t be in my routine).
Current Body LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2, $679.99
Including LED in my routine has been an investment but one I would make over and over.
I think that in combination with the skincare I use it has helped make such a difference in the overall strength of my skin barrier, as well as helping to reduce inflammation. This one runs for 10 minutes and is a nice way to help relax at the end of the day.
Mecca Max MILK IT Soothing Moisture Mist, $30.00
I love a mist and this one has such a great ingredient list so I am very liberal with my use of it. It is great to use as a first step after a warm shower to prevent tightness in the skin or at any point in the day where my skin needs a little pick me up.
I recommend it for travelling in particular for moments when changing conditions change your skin.
OPI Xpress/On Nails, $24.00
I am not very good at maintaining my nails or keeping them well painted, so press on nails that are easy but also look so good and last well are such a great answer.
The options available from OPI are always so good and I love the variety in finish and shape you can choose. I have been working my way through different sets from the brand this year, as well as trying some options from other brands and can confidently say these really are the best.
Go-To Lip Hero, $27.00
Considering my love for Face Hero, it is unsurprising that I so enjoy using the lip version.
It is hydrating and slick but without being oily and in fact became a favourite of mine for a lip combo moment. Forget gloss, this is the perfect topper over some liner and brings life back to dull, dry lips.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face Matte Sun Serum, $50.00
In the past year I have definitely embraced trying to have a more matte finish to my skin or rather having a base for my makeup that lets me add my own glow.
The glowy version of this formula is fantastic and really does sit so well on the skin, so it didn’t surprise me at all that the matte was a similar experience. The new pump format is also much easier to use and creates a real luxury experience for such a necessary daily step.
Tower28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation, $55.00
I simply cannot go past how much my skin likes this product. It gives coverage with so little product used but you can definitely apply more if that’s your vibe.
It moves really well with the skin and looks natural without needing touching up. Most importantly though, it does not irritate my skin or feel heavy, even when I’m in the midst of an awful flare up. A true icon.
This post was shared with love from Morgan’s Skin Journal, the 39th journal. Check out Morgan’s substack and thank us later.
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