At the end of each year, many people take the time to reflect on the past 12 months or make resolutions for the future ones to come. I, however, like to survey my big bag of beauty empties. I’ll analyze these used tubes and bottles of products and ask myself three questions. Which ones were so bad I don’t care to see them on my vanity ever again? Which were way too overhyped? And most importantly, which ones earned a permanent spot on my beauty roster?
I’ll admit that for a good chunk of 2024, things were more chaotic than cute. But I found solace and amusement in the small things, including a handful of beauty gems that helped me get through the drama. And they’re coming with me to 2025, baby! Take, for example, my new favorite setting spray—which has been loved by practically everyone—that completely lives up to its viral reputation. Or the shampoo and conditioner that literally get me excited to wash my hair. While most of these are newbies to my routine, there are one or two that I feel are underrated and need to be celebrated!
As for the ones that didn’t make the cut? They’re getting their love from someone else, so I'm not worried. Sorry to that lip balm that literally every beauty editor is obsessed with except me. And apologies for not including the blush stick that made best-of lists everywhere but put my pores on display like a science experiment. I simply cannot be holding space for you all!
The products coming with me into 2025 aren’t just effective—they’re the ride-or-dies of my beauty stash, proving themselves every single time. (Even when I do something irresponsible, like fall asleep with my eye makeup on! Literally happened last night… Please don't judge me.) Ahead, you'll learn about my favorite skincare, hair, and makeup gems from 2024. Just pretend to be surprised if you see me still talking about them in the coming year, and keep scrolling!
Okay, we're kicking things off with one of those underrated gems I mentioned. But listen: This Collagen Repair from Guy Tang's #mydentity line is probably the number one hair product I have recommended to people both online and offline for the past five years. It is truly my holy grail, and everyone needs to know about it.
This keratin- and amino acid–packed treatment is unlike ANY haircare product I've ever tried! It's best for hair that needs extra TLC, whether it's processed like mine, color-treated, or damaged. Just spray it into your hair after you shampoo, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse out before conditioning. Your hair will feel soft, smooth, and straight-up heavenly. It's a little pricey but so worth it. Bottom line: *I* am this Collagen Repair's ride-or-die.
Ever since I introduced essences to my skincare routine several years ago, I've had some really good results with improved texture and softer skin. (SK-II and Tatcha have both been game changers.) But 2024 was the year of the bi-phase essence for me. These typically contain a water-based phase and an oil-based phase for increased hydration and other skincare benefits. Pat McGrath's take on the bi-phase essence is nothing short of incredible, as it's packed with antioxidants derived from flowers (hence the rose theme). If there is any beauty product that makes me feel like a princess whenever I use it, it's this one.
Sarah Creal launched this year, and the brand focuses on over-40 skin. While most of the line currently consists of makeup, the essence stood out for me and is something I use on the regular—sometimes even alone without a moisturizer. It's that hydrating!
The entire Fenty Hair line is pretty much a 2024 MVP for me, especially the shampoo and conditioner. I can't remember the last time I was this obsessed over shampoo!
Both formulas contain tons of amino acids and antioxidants, so there's a lot of support for damaged hair. My hair feels so much healthier when I cleanse with these two.
In L.A., a showerhead filter is a necessity. Canopy's Filtered Showerhead is already wonderful for reducing gross contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, etc., but the handheld is just what I needed! Having both options feels like I'm in a fancy hotel shower. Plus, it makes giving my dog, Gnocchi, a bath so much easier.
I know I am the biggest stan for The Outset, so you don't need me to wax poetic about the Firming Collagen Prep Serum again. Instead, I'll talk about how its Hydrasheer Sunscreen has had the honor of being my most "emptied" product this year. I've used three of them! Full disclosure: I tested Hydrasheer for months before writing about it, and surprise! I'm still here using it every single day! It's a mineral sunblock (my preferred type of SPF), but I never have issues with a white cast, and it blends easily into my skin, so makeup application is a breeze. Plus, I love how easy it is to throw in my bag.
I am not kidding when I say there has not been a setting spray I have been devoted to quite like One/Size's On 'til Dawn. Spraying this on my face after I've finished my makeup has almost become like a religious ritual to me. I've been doing a heavy glitter look for the holidays, and this keeps everything locked in! No wonder it's Beyoncé approved.
I always like to talk about how I'm a red-lipstick gal, so any time something neutral has my attention, I have to let the world know. This Refy lip liner is very cool in that you can create a blurred, fuller-looking lip quickly and without using a brush.
One of the greatest gifts that 2024 gave us was Dolly Parton's makeup line. Those rhinestone-studded lipsticks fill my heart with immense joy. However, the mascara? That was a total surprise gem! I'm SO picky with mascara, but I've been using this one exclusively since I got my hands on it. I have super-straight lashes that are on the shorter side, and her mascara lengthens and curls them, giving me the most perfect Dolly-Eyes.
I've really been getting into Essence's products. SO affordable and so good! I love my longwear lipsticks, and this matte red one has been living in my purse. I've been wearing it daily.
Whoever invented the concept of mini beauty products, particularly mini perfumes, should get some sort of award. Yes, perfume samples have existed forever, but there is something about a tinier version of a full-size bottle. Maybe it's the dollhouse-loving little girl in me, the allure of Mini Brands, or just the practicality of trying out a fragrance sample without committing to a full-size one, but I'm loving it!
That being said, I love this Kayali Vacation-themed set so much. I use all of the scents. They have a vanilla-themed set, but crossing fingers they do this with all of them!
This is another great mini perfume set offered by Sephora. In fact, you can get a ton of wonderful perfume samplers at Sephora right now. That tiny Carolina Herrera Good Girl high heel? I know my mom is going to steal that from me. And that mini Replica By the Fireplace? My husband and I will both be fighting over that!
