I'm Kicking Off 2025 With an Elite Beauty Routine—30 Finds I Can't Wait to Start Using
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top 30 must-haves or current wish-list items.
Like so many people know, finishing one year and diving headfirst into another can be somewhat daunting. In addition to wondering what a new year may have in store (good, bad, or otherwise), I always find myself doing small things to prepare to step into the year with confidence. As I'm a beauty editor who loved testing, reviewing, and recommending products long before starting their career, this process ends up being pretty fun. At the conclusion of all the holiday festivities when the clock strikes 12, I know I'll be heading into a brand-new year of possibilities with everything that makes me feel my prettiest in tow.
This time around, I've pulled together an edit of the 30 beauty and wellness products that have reserved spots on my wish list so you can get some helpful shopping inspiration. Who knows? You may end up falling head over heels for a product that's completely new to you!
To say I'm obsessed with this Tuckernuck toile-printed vanity case would be a huge understatement. It has a spacious interior, zipped closure, and durable PVC material that's easy to clean if any of my makeup and skincare products spill. Just think about how stunning this will look on any vanity or bathroom counter.
I have a growing collection of Blissy products, from its silk scrunchies to pillow cases, so I've had its Beauty Band on my list for some time now. In addition to keeping my hair in check while I'm doing my skincare routine, it prevents breakage because its silk lining retains moisture, meaning none of my products will be soaked up by the fabric.
When it comes to essential products in my skincare lineup, a great facial mist is a must for me. I have combination skin that becomes very dry in the winter, and this botanical-infused face mist by Ogee makes a huge difference in how well my skin barrier can retain moisture after I've gone through the effort of slathering it with hydrating products. It's a game changer.
I rarely have breakouts (thank you, genetics), but when I do, I pop on these skin-clearing patches. The CosRx patches adhere naturally to the skin and are crafted from hydrocolloid material. They effectively extract impurities and create a moist environment, speeding up the healing process. I love them because they're barely noticeable when applied to the skin, so they're perfect for when I need to make a quick run to the grocery store.
I'm obsessed with all things rose water, so I knew I would love Caudalie's Vinocolean Moisturizing Toner after testing it over a couple of days. With the weather growing cooler and drier, I've found that using this moisturizing toner keeps my skin looking and feeling hydrated. It's also gentle on the skin and soothes it while removing final traces of makeup. I'll always make space for this one in my product lineup.
This aptly named oil can literally be used from head to toe, making it the ultimate multipurpose product any beauty enthusiast can get their hands on. It replenishes and restores moisture with a blend of 17 nourishing oils rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. Once I stock up on it, I'll be using it as an overnight deep treatment for my hair so I can wake up with smooth, shiny strands.
If you don't already use an almond oil–infused bodycare product, you've definitely been missing out on its amazing benefits. I began using the Almond Shower Oil last year and now have my eye on this particular set since it includes another beloved product by the brand—the Almond Delicious Paste. I've used both individually and can only imagine how beautifully they pair together.
One of the best things I did for my body last year was incorporating body milk into my routine. This Ellis Brooklyn option has caught my eye with its amazing arcadia–inspired scent of elegant orange blossom complemented by the warmth of amber and coziness of cedarwood. This body milk layers well with a few of my other favorites and quickly absorbs into the skin. It's that good!
I've decided that 2025 will be the year that I begin investing in luxury handcare products that provide my skin with the TLC it needs year-round and look incredible when displayed on my kitchen counter or bathroom sink. Alone, both of these products are definitely on the pricier side, but this superpowered duo is being offered at just $131. It's seriously a steal.
Have you ever experienced a foaming bath oil? Even if you have, I can promise you've never had a bath with one like this new offering by Oak Essentials. The bath oil is uniquely formulated to turn into foaming bubbles when in contact with running water, turning any bath time into a spa treatment without you ever having to leave the comfort of your tub. It smells just like a fresh summer day… Literally, it's amazing.
I believe every makeup lover has to make the discovery of at least one easy-to-use highlighter product, and the Stylo Lumiere Highlighter Pen is one of my forever choices. As long as this product is available, I'll use it in the shade Spice Gold to add a touch of sunlight to the high points of my face. It also happens to be the perfect size to tuck away in the small bags I'm always carrying.
One thing about me? I love chocolate-brown lip gloss with an orange undertone because it brightens my complexion and gives my dual-toned lips even, smooth coverage. Tom Ford's Gloss Luxe Lip Gloss in Phantôme is exactly what my lip-gloss dreams are made of, and you can count on me wearing it nonstop once I add it to my makeup collection.
I can't get enough of this ultra-moisturizing lip balm. I've been using it since its launch a few years ago, and it's never let me down since it uses a formula of vegan waxes backed by shea and murumuru-seed butters. The natural moisturizers work to sooth, relieve, and condition my parched lips, which I've been dealing with much more since moving to the East Coast.
I've always loved a vintage-inspired eye shadow palette that looks pretty tucked in my makeup bag and has versatile shades that complement my skin tone. Chantecaille's limited-edition Gilded Garden Collection Eye Duet in Cassis offers the perfect mauve with a hint of shimmer that can be used to add a natural-looking flush of color to the eyes or create a bold nighttime look.
If you have a round face and struggle to get the structure and dimension you're after, do yourself a favor and pick up this limited-edition blush-and-contour duo. Both of these products went viral a couple months ago, so I recently tried them. All I have to say is that they're 100% worth the hype, and I'll be snagging the set at this great price before it goes flying off the shelves during the holiday season.
There's little that compares to having clean nails to help you create a flawless manicure. I prefer using Tenoverten's Rose Wipes over traditional liquid nail polish removers because they dissolve nail polish in seconds and don't dry out my skin. The wipes also leave the prettiest rose scent behind, which makes me wonder why I ever put up with the strong alcohol smell of my nail products for so long.
With Londontown's Total Care Gift Set, there's no excuse not to treat your nails with respect. I can't wait to gift myself with this set of six products because it comes with everything I need for the perfect manicure, including a topcoat, base coat, nail scrub, nourishing cuticle oil, and more. What's more, each formula is infused with nourishing botanical ingredients.
Key Notes: musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn
I know you've probably come across an advertisement for hair mist and questioned whether there's any point to using one. I'm here to tell you that the right one will be worth the investment if it lasts in your strands all day. Lately, I've been loving Diptyque's Fleur de Peau Fragrance Hair Mist because it's the perfect blend of blooming florals and comforting musk. I just spritz it on my curls or braids and go.
Another goal of mine for the new year is to feel more comfortable styling my natural coils without relying on heavy products and hot tools. To help make this possible, I'll be stocking up on the Love Curl Hair Mask to keep my strands nourished, flexible, and voluminous. I've been hooked on it ever since I had the opportunity to sample it, and I recommend the product to anyone with wavy, curly, and coily hair.
Okay, I'll admit it—I already have way too many brushes and combs at my disposal, but I'll make more space in my medicine cabinet for this classic tool. I love the look and feel of the Everyday Hair Brush, and its heirloom-quality design features natural boar hair and nylon detangling bristles for smooth, flawless-looking strands. It also arrives with a chic travel bag and storage box.
Created for fragile hair, this hairbrush by Virtue bends and molds to the natural shape of your head while gently working through your hair for less tension on the strands. Ideal for all hair types, the anti-static brush helps minimize breakage and has a heat-resistant design up to 175°F. It's especially helpful for teasing out tangles after having hair in a protective style like knotless braids for weeks.
I love my naturally round face, but the puffiness I see in the morning can sometimes get on my nerves. To help, I'm planning to use Lomi's Cooling Derma Globes on the daily. They can be gently rolled across the face to reduce puffiness, soothe and calm the skin, and enhance product absorption while also improving blood circulation for a refreshed complexion.
I'm still getting the hang of gua sha, but of all the beginner-friendly tools I've gotten my hands on, this one by Furtuna Skin is my favorite. Sculpted into the perfect shape from natural volcanic obsidian, the tool has unique properties that maintain heat and encourage circulation to visibly smooth fine lines, reduce puffiness, restore stressed skin, and help your favorite skincare products perform.
I always make sure my complexion receives exfoliation at least twice a week, but sometimes, I forget about doing the same for my legs, arms, and chest. To get into the habit of it in 2025, I'll be using this set by Esker, which includes the Body Plane exfoliator tool, the skin barrier–strengthening Firming Oil, and a reusable cloth.
Here's another skincare tool I've had my eye on for months. The NuFace Mini can be used to tone, lift, and contour the facial muscles with cutting-edge microcurrent technology. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and wrinkles. In addition to being petite and portable, the device has three intensity levels and has an automatic shutoff feature.
Unfortunately, I'm one of the people who walk this Earth without the ability to fall asleep the second their head hits the pillow. To speed up the process, I use aromatherapy methods like Osea's Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist. It induces a relaxed, meditative state with the calming scent of chamomile, lavender, and juniper.
I'll be forever grateful to my mother for introducing me to the therapeutic qualities of bath soaks, especially now that I've discovered the Gigartina Therapy Bath Soak. It uses a formula infused with gigartina seaweed to soften and smooth the skin, and lavender oil provides a calm and soothing environment. Over time, it has become my favorite part of the evening.
I have this stone diffuser sitting on my bedside table right now but would love another for my bathroom to deliver the same great aromatherapeutic experience. It has a high-quality matte ceramic cover that looks like a piece of pottery and comes equipped with four-hour and eight-hour run times. It also has an automatic safety shutoff feature and an LED light that gives off a cozy glow to seed the ambiance.
This 10-pound Power Ring by Bala is the perfect prop for strength training, aerobics, and other workout methods since it's an ultra-unique cross between a kettlebell and dumbbell. It's crafted from high-quality steel wrapped in soft silicone and feels extremely comfortable in my hands during my favorite exercises.
Another find from Bala, these one-pound bangles have played well in my daily Pilates practice. They allow their wearer to achieve a full range of motion while providing comfortable resistance. They're crafted from stainless steel wrapped in soft silicone and an athletic elastic band with strong Velcro, so you can count on achieving a custom fit that stays in place while you train.
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's Associate Beauty Editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.
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