Have you ever wondered how your favorite fashion and beauty people edit their products for the new year? Well, this beauty editor likes to look at the wide array of products that populate the five slim mirrored shelves of my beauty cabinet and take note of which ones kept me coming back (or, better yet, the products that I used to the last drop and had to replace eventually). I'm extremely picky about the products I decide not to gatekeep, so when I really love a product, it's because it's worked wonders in my beauty routine.
That said, there are also a good number of products collecting dust in the back of that same cabinet right now—not because I forgot about them, but because I didn't feel convinced that they were worth the buy. Keep scrolling to see every product I'll be stocking up on to start my year off on the right foot and the ones that didn't quite meet my standards across my favorite categories: hair, skin, body, and fragrance.
The Beauty Cabinet Refresh
In: Vitamin-Infused Hand Cream, Out: Hand Cream That Does the Bare Minimum
One of the simplest ways to elevate your bodycare routine is by adding a moisture-boosting hand cream to your product lineup. (Extra points if your hand creams have vitamins.) This one uses a rich formula chock-full of glycerin, avocado oil, marine extracts, niacinamide, and more to nourish, hydrate, brighten, and smooth the skin. It's also suitable for all skin types, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free. In other words, it's one of the best hand creams on the market.
In: Slathering on Extra Hydration, Out: Body Lotions That Don't Rebuild the Skin Barrier
One of my favorite ways to protect my dry skin against the effects of the East Coast's brutally cold temperatures is by slathering on Oak Essentials' Moisture Rich Body Balm the second I step out of the shower. It's packed with nourishing ingredients like skin-softening shea butter, inflammation-reducing coconut oil, and anti-aging sea buckthorn oil to help protect the skin's moisture barrier and leave it feeling smooth.
In: Bright, Awake-Looking Eyes, Out: Eye Cream That Settles In Fine Lines
I can't begin to tell you how much I despise eye cream that settles in fine lines and makes the skin under my eyes feel and look dry. (I already have dark circles, so I don't want to draw more attention to the area.) Caudalie's brightening, fragrance-free eye cream option visibly reduces wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines using a formula infused with 100% natural pearlizers, hyaluronic acid, and Caudalie's Longevity Patent. It also features a metal applicator to help the de-puffing process.
In: Multipurpose Beauty Rituals, Out: Single-Purpose Face Masks
I was introduced to the Advanced Fango Active Mud for Face and Body by Borghese backstage at a show during last fall's NYFW, and I simply can't get enough of it. The mineral-enriched mask purifies while enhancing skin elasticity, corrects complexion congestion, and minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. My dry skin always looks smooth and glowy after using it for just five minutes.
In: Ultra-Glossy Lip Treatments, Out: Sticky Lipglosses
I'm extremely picky about which lipgloss I use to stock my everyday bags. The best lipglosses apply smoothly and don't attract stray hairs, sweater fluff, etc. Lately, I've been loving the Anfisa Skin Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Treatment to help save my lips from the cold winter weather. The unique gloss has five skin-identical ceramides and two plumping peptides to keep your lips looking plump and kissable.
In: Layering Luxurious Face Oils, Out: Skincare That Doesn't Perform
One thing about me is that I'll always be happy to pay a little more for the standout products that I can always trust to give my skin the attention it deserves. At the end of my long workdays, I love spending a few minutes in front of the bathroom mirror to take care of my skin by adding drops of Chantecaille's Rose de Mai Face Oil after cleansing. While I'm tempted to gatekeep all my luxury finds, this one is too good not to share.
In: Ceramide-Packed Lip Balms, Out: Balms That Sit on the Skin's Surface
Over the past few months, I've tried to be much better about giving my lips the extra moisture they need with the help of Allies of Skin's Peptide & Ceramide Repair Lip Balm. The butter balm infuses your lips with a blend of sea buckthorn oil, avocado oil, and ceramide oil (plus vitamins A and E), for antioxidant protection and restored elasticity. Plus, its formula is free of phthalates, parabens, dyes, and fragrances.
In: Experimenting With Ethereal Eye Shadow Looks, Out: Bare Eyelids
Whether your goal is to pull off the perfect makeup look for a night out or something simple for a day in the office, giving your lids a wash of color to the lids will always take your eye makeup to the next level. Makeup by Mario's limited edition Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette: Moonlight since it features versatility with a selection of 12 buildable, blendable shades with a pearl-infused formula for a stunning, wet-looking shine that lasts.
In: Natural-Looking Lashes, Out: False Lash Strips and Clusters
For the longest time, I believed any brown-toned makeup products would not stand out against my melanin-rich skin. I began avoiding all mascaras and eyeliner that wasn't a deep, inky black shade. My opinion was forever changed when I came across the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara in Chocolate. Its decadent brown color perfectly accentuates my eyes, but its formula delivers full, defined lashes.
In: Frizz-Fighting Hair Basics, Out: Detanglers That Weigh Down Curls
Since relocating across the country, I noticed that some of the products I once swore by haven't performed in the same way they did back home. One of my all-time favorite leave-in detangling sprays started leaving me with a few too many tangles. I recently began using the Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier by Rahua and have been obsessed with it ever since. It allows my comb and brush to glide through my strands without snagging while also preventing breakage and UV ray damage.
In: Invisible Edge Control, Out: Wax Sticks, Pomades and Gels That Don't Last
When it comes to my protective hairstyles, there are few things I despise more than investing in edge control that doesn't stick around. I've tested countless waxes, balms, and gels that hold my 4c coils for an hour or two before twisting themselves out of the styling aids hold, leaving white residue in their wake. Recently, I've been loving Emi Jay's Angelstick Hair Smoothing Balm since it corrals all my flyaways and loose strands without stripping my hair of its natural shine.
In: Aesthetic Haircare Tools, Out: Brushes That Don't Perform
If you know me, then you're aware of how much I love pretty hair tools I can proudly display on my vanity. As someone with tight coils, however, scoring a brush that can be pleasing to the eye and tackle tangles seemed impossible. Then, I tried La Bonne Brosse's N.04 The Miracle Detangling Brush. Not only has the brush become one of the most gorgeous items in my bathroom, but it also works wonders for combating fairy knots.
In: Decadent Gourmand Fragrances, Out: Sticky, Sweet Scents
Scent Type: Warm spices
Key Notes: Vanilla bourbon, cinnamon butter, magnolia
My goal for 2025? To update my growing fragrance collection with unique scents like this recent release by The Maker. Usually, I'm not drawn to more gourmand-leaning fragrances, Dream Eau de Parfum takes everything I love about them and adds some spice with the unexpected addition of cinnamon butter and magnolia. It makes the perfect winter scent, but I know I'll be wearing this year-round.
In: Earthy Aquatic Scents Year-Round, Out: Traditional Beach-Inspired Fragrances
Scent Type: Aromatic aquatic
Key Notes: Cardamom, marine notes, bergamot, leather
Even though I live in the middle of one of the biggest cities on the East Coast, I love to embrace my inner "coastal grandmother" whenever I get the opportunity. One of the ways I like to do it is with a few spritzes of this aromatic aquatic scent by Molton Brown which boasts enchanting marine notes balanced with cardamom, bergamot, and smoky leather. I love it so much that I'm planning on purchasing the scent in its shower gel and aroma reed diffuser form.
In: Sophisticated Cherry Notes, Out: Syrupy Perfumes That Lack Sensuality
Scent Type: Sweet gourmand
Key Notes: Tart cherry, rum, tuberose, cacao, jasmine, myrrh, tolu balsam
Sometimes, sweet gourmand fragrances (especially those of the cherry persuasion) tend to read more like cough syrup than anything else. This, alone, has driven me to avoid it for years. That said, The Apartment Eau de Parfum has won me over with its decadent notes of tart cherry and rum against a warm background of blooming tuberose, cacao, jasmine, and more.
In: Complex Botanical Home Scents, Out: Simple Floral Fragrances
Scent Type: Earthy florals
Key Notes: Eucalyptus, buchu leaves, mint, tea, chamomile
Lastly, I'm ready to invest more in my home fragrances (even if that means I avoid constantly burning candles). I discovered the Dada Classic candle while visiting Trudon's Lower Manhattan boutique and immediately fell in love with its garden-inspired blend of cozy eucalyptus, buchu leaves, mint, tea, and chamomile. To say I'm obsessed would be the understatement of the century.
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