Wishing you a wonderful New Year! I trust everyone enjoyed their holiday festivities! I’ve been absent from the blog lately, as this past year has brought significant changes and transitions for me. In the spring, Andrew and I finally relocated to our dream city, and I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve discovered a place that genuinely feels like home. Those who have followed my journey for a while know that we’ve moved frequently since 2017, and nothing ever truly felt like a long-term residence for me. Moving to Miami Beach has been one of our best decisions, and we are incredibly happy to be here.
This year, I aim to resume blogging. I’ve let the blog take a backseat as my focus shifted towards Instagram for social media content. Many of you have inquired whether I’ll be blogging more since you seem to appreciate the detailed reviews, and I hope to be more organized in dedicating attention to what I love the most, which is this blog.
Here are the items I cherished the most in 2025. Most of them are my tried-and-true favorites that I believe will accompany me well into the new year.
Base Makeup Favorites
Every year brings numerous new foundation and concealer launches, but my favorites remain my long-time, trusted products.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick – This foundation was my most frequently used this year. I alternate between shades 2.5N and 3N. I adore everything about it, from the coverage and color to the finish, blendability, and longevity.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – This was my second most utilized foundation. Armani recently reformulated the classic. I’ve been trying the new version for a couple of weeks and will provide a review soon, but so far, it appears to be just as impressive as the original. I picked up my usual shade 6.5 in the new formula, and it suits me well! Some shades have changed (I recommend consulting their shade chart to verify your shades).
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation – This will always remain a favorite. It’s a classic I love for its shade range, undertone, and formula.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powders – I’ve always preferred pressed powders, but this year I started using loose powders with a puff, and the longevity has improved significantly. I truly appreciate all of Laura Mercier’s loose powders. I alternate between her original Translucent Loose and the Ultra-Blur in Rose, which garners the most compliments!
Saie Glowy Super Gel – My skin has undergone changes over the past year and a half or so. I’ve experienced dryness due to aging, and many foundations end up looking cakey on my skin. This glowy gel, mixed in with foundations, has been incredibly helpful! I love the Rose Glow shade.
Cheeks
Armani Luminous Silk Liquid Blush (review + swatches here) – This is the best liquid blush in terms of wear time. I truly hope they will expand the color range! I tried both the matte and radiant finishes, and I slightly prefer the mattes, but both are excellent.
Rhode Pocket Blush in Freckle and Piggy (review + swatches here) – Another favorite this year! I love these for their convenience, pigment, and wear time. I took Freckle with me on all my trips for a perfect everyday neutral hint of color.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palettes (2025 palettes reviewed here) – I absolutely loved all the holiday palettes this year, despite the repeat shades. The color range was a 10/10 match for me. I adore the fun designs they launch annually. I was truly surprised at how quickly they sold out this year.
RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush in Crystal Slipper – This was my most frequently worn blush of the year. It’s one of the best glowy neutral tan blushes for everyday use that I’ve tried.
Chanel Jeux de Lumieres Highlighter Quad (review here) – My favorite highlighters came from this gorgeous palette! I believe this particular collection was my top favorite of the entire year.
YSL Make Me Blush (review here) – This was the top powder blush formula of the year. I think shade 44 Nude Lavalliere is the best, but I’m also quite fond of 23 Rose Haze. The formula is extraordinarily smooth and silky. I appreciate that they offer both mattes and shimmers. More colors in 2026, please!
Eye Makeup
This year, I attempted to diversify my eye makeup choices, but nothing new truly captivated my interest.
Without a doubt, Natasha Denona stands out as the best of the best. The I Need a Warm Palette (swatches + review here) remains my favorite, although I also adore her My Dream Palette (swatches here).
Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Original – Despite the many other matte neutral palettes released, this one continues to be my favorite. For some reason, it’s also the palette that receives the most compliments.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner – This still ranks as my favorite eyeliner formula, but it MUST be set with a powder eyeshadow on top to ensure longevity. Otherwise, it tends to smudge. I love this for its creamy formula and rich pigment.
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara XL – This is the mascara formula I’ve worn most this year. It doesn’t smudge or clump and removes easily with warm water. I wish it provided more length to my short stubby lashes, but of all the formulas, this is the best one I’ve tried.
Lip Favorites
I have a plethora of lip favorites this year!
Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Shine (review here) – Chanel introduced a shine version of the Rouge Coco Baume this year, and I wish they would offer it in more colors! I loved every shade in this formula, but my absolute favorite is Honey Bliss 752.
Chanel Le Crayon Levres Longwear Lip Pencil – Chanel’s lip liner remains my favorite, although the formulas from Dior, Tom Ford, and Maybelline are also strong competitors. I believe the Chanel shades Nude Brun and Rose Naturel are the best.
Prada Monochrome Lipstick in B101 Tiepolo (in action here) – This is one of the shades that you loved the most on me. I adore Prada’s matte lipsticks, and I consider this one to be one of my favorites as well.
Dior Lip Glow Balm – This has been reformulated once again, and I still don’t quite understand why they keep altering it, but I believe this latest version is the best so far. It’s less waxy than previous versions and indeed more hydrating. My favorite shade was 077 Candy, which transforms into a warm pink without shifting too much.
Dior Rouge Dior On Stage Lipstick (review here) – I really admire this formula and the slim, sleek design of this lipstick. Iconic Rose stands out as the best shade, and I truly hope they introduce more lighter neutrals or peach tones in this formula because it’s absolute perfection!
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer – This remains my all-time favorite lip gloss formula. It’s a plumping gloss, but I quite appreciate that it doesn’t plump too much and causes me zero tingling or stinging.
Tom Ford Lip Color (review + swatches here) – Part of me genuinely misses the old Tom Ford Beauty days. I feel like the innovation has decreased, but I really loved the new formula of the lip colors introduced a couple of years ago, and last year I frequently used Spanish Pink.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss – This is the best budget-friendly gloss. I love all the colors I’ve tried. Gummy Bear ranks as the best baby pink. I’m also fond of the shimmers and pigmented shades.
Nails
My two most complimented nail colors this year were from quick-dry formulas. Olive and June Quick Dry in Puffball became a favorite since my usual sheer pinks appear to have been discontinued.
OPI RapiDry Quick Dry in Stunn n Done is the shade I received the most inquiries about. I also adore this one for its color and quick-dry properties.
I use the Essie Speed Setter as a top coat, but I’m currently testing a few other formulas to see if any last longer.
This year, I felt like I mostly omitted concealer and bronzer from my routine. I occasionally wore these products, but they didn’t seem to be integral to my regular application.
That concludes my makeup favorites for the year! I would love to hear about yours in the comments!
**The 25 Most Treasured of 2025**
As we step into the year 2025, the world continues to change, introducing new trends, influential personalities, and cherished icons. From technological progress to cultural movements, here are the 25 most cherished aspects of 2025 that have captivated the hearts and minds of people worldwide.
1. **Sustainable Living**: The global transition towards sustainability has become more evident, with eco-friendly products and practices taking center stage. Individuals are embracing green energy, zero-waste living, and sustainable fashion.
2. **AI Companions**: Artificial intelligence has made significant strides, with AI companions now an everyday aspect of life. These digital helpers offer companionship, assist with various tasks, and even provide emotional support.
3. **Telehealth Services**: The convenience and accessibility of telehealth have made it an essential facet of healthcare, enabling people to consult with medical professionals from the comfort of their homes.
4. **Electric Vehicles (EVs)**: Thanks to advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, electric vehicles have emerged as the preferred mode of transport, curbing carbon footprints and promoting cleaner air.
5. **Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences**: VR technology has revolutionized entertainment, education, and training, serving up immersive experiences that whisk users away to different realms and situations.
6. **Smart Homes**: The integration of IoT devices has rendered smart homes increasingly efficient and comfortable, with automated systems regulating everything from lighting to security.
7. **Plant-Based Diets**: The appeal of plant-based diets continues to rise, fueled by health advantages and ecological concerns. Plant-based options are now readily available and enjoyed by a multitude of individuals.
8. **Mental Health Awareness**: There’s heightened attention on mental health, with expanded resources and support networks to assist individuals in managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health hurdles.
9. **Space Exploration**: Excitement around space exploration has reignited, with missions aimed at Mars and beyond capturing public fascination and inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts.
10. **Digital Art and NFTs**: Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have transformed the art scene, enabling artists to profit from their digital creations while collectors acquire unique pieces of digital art.
11. **Remote Work**: The adaptability of remote work has solidified its presence in numerous sectors, providing employees with improved work-life balance and reducing commute times.
12. **Streaming Services**: Streaming platforms continue to dominate the entertainment domain, delivering an extensive variety of content that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
13. **Esports**: Competitive gaming has gained mainstream recognition, with esports tournaments attracting massive audiences and offering lucrative opportunities for players and sponsors alike.
14. **Wearable Technology**: Wearables have evolved to encompass more than just fitness tracking, now monitoring health metrics, aiding navigation, and even providing augmented reality experiences.
15. **Personalized Learning**: Education has become more tailored, with adaptive learning technologies customizing educational experiences to suit individual learner needs and styles.
16. **Cryptocurrency**: Cryptocurrencies are now more widely accepted, enabling digital currencies to facilitate everyday transactions and investment opportunities.
17. **Biodegradable Packaging**: The quest for sustainability has led to the prevalent use of biodegradable packaging, diminishing plastic waste and lessening environmental impact.
18. **Cultural Diversity**: A deeper appreciation for cultural diversity is manifesting, as people celebrate and embrace varied traditions, languages, and customs.
19. **Mindfulness Practices**: Mindfulness and meditation have become essential elements of daily life, aiding individuals in managing stress and enhancing overall wellness.
20. **Augmented Reality (AR) Applications**: AR technology is enriching shopping, navigation, and gaming experiences, offering interactive and engaging content.
21. **Renewable Energy**: The shift towards renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, is accelerating, contributing to a more sustainable future.
22. **Social Media Influencers**: Influencers continue to shape trends and viewpoints, with their influence extending across various platforms and industries.
23. **Urban Farming**: Urban farming initiatives are gaining traction, supplying fresh produce to city residents and promoting local food production.
24. **Inclusive Fashion**: The fashion realm is embracing inclusivity, with brands providing diverse sizing, adaptive clothing, and gender-neutral options.
25. **Community Engagement**: A renewed emphasis on community involvement is emerging, with individuals collaborating to support local initiatives and foster a sense of belonging.
As we navigate through 2025, these cherished trends and innovations illustrate a world that is increasingly interconnected, conscientious, and forward-thinking. They underscore our shared efforts to cultivate a more inclusive, sustainable, and technologically advanced society.
