Happy New Year! I trust everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season! I have been largely absent from the blog over the past year as it has been a significant time of changes and transitions for me. This past spring, Andrew and I finally relocated to our dream city, and I am absolutely delighted that we found a spot that genuinely feels like home. For those of you who have followed me for a considerable time, you are aware that we have moved frequently since 2017, and nothing ever truly felt like a long-term place for me. The move to Miami Beach has been one of the best decisions we’ve made, and we are so excited to be here.
I aim to resume blogging this year. I have neglected the blog as my focus shifted towards Instagram for social media content. Many of you have inquired if I will blog more, as you seem to appreciate reading my detailed reviews, and I hope to be more organized in prioritizing what I cherish the most, which is this blog.
Here are the items I loved the most in 2025. Many of these are my trusty favorites that I plan to carry with me into the new year.
Base Makeup Favorites
Each year, there are numerous new foundation and concealer launches, but my favorites were my long-standing classics.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick – This has been my top foundation this year. I switch between shades 2.5N and 3N. I adore everything about it, including the coverage, shade, finish, blendability, and longevity.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – This was my second most used foundation. Recently, Armani reformulated the classic version. I’ve been testing the new formula for several weeks now and will review it soon, but so far it appears to be just as fantastic as the original. I got my regular shade 6.5 in the new formula, and it suits me perfectly! A few shades have changed (I suggest checking their shade chart for accuracy).
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation – This will always remain a favorite. It’s a classic I adore for its shade range, undertone, and formula.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powders – I’ve always leaned towards pressed powders, but this year I began using loose powders with a puff, and the lasting power is SO much improved. I genuinely enjoy 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 this past year and a half. I’ve faced dryness due to aging, and suddenly many foundations began to appear cakey on my skin. This glowy gel mixed with foundations has made a significant difference! I absolutely love the Rose Glow shade.
Cheeks
Armani Luminous Silk Liquid Blush (review + swatches here) – This is the top liquid blush for durability. I truly hope they expand the color options! I’ve tried both matte and radiant finishes; I lean slightly towards the mattes, but both are exceptional.
Rhode Pocket Blush in Freckle and Piggy (review + swatches here) – Another favorite this year! I appreciate these for their convenience, pigmentation, and lasting power. I took Freckle with me on all my trips for a perfect everyday neutral touch of color.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palettes (2025 palettes reviewed here) – I adored all the holiday palettes this year, even considering the repeated shades. The color selection was a perfect 10/10 for me. I appreciate the fun designs they unveil each year. I was really surprised they sold out so quickly this year.
RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush in Crystal Slipper – This was my most worn blush throughout the year. It stands out as one of the best everyday glowy neutral tan blushes I’ve used.
Chanel Jeux de Lumieres Highlighter Quad (review here) – My top highlighters came from this stunning palette! I believe this particular collection was my favorite of the entire year.
YSL Make Me Blush (review here) – This was the finest powder blush formula I encountered this year. I think 44 Nude Lavalliere is the best shade, but I also really love 23 Rose Haze. The formula is incredibly smooth and silky. I love having both mattes and shimmers. More color options in 2026, please!
Eye Makeup
I genuinely attempted to explore more options for my eye makeup this year, but nothing new truly captivated my attention.
Natasha Denona hands down claims the title for the best of the best. The I Need a Warm Palette (swatches + review here) is still my favorite, although I also really cherish her My Dream Palette (swatches here).
Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Original – Regardless of how many other matte neutral palettes are released, this one remains my favorite. For some reason, this is also the palette that earns me the most compliments.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner – This is still my favorite eyeliner formula, but it MUST be set with a powder eyeshadow on top to ensure longevity. Otherwise, it will smudge. I love this for its creamy consistency and incredibly rich pigment.
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara XL – This has been my most frequently used mascara formula this year. It doesn’t smudge or clump and removes effortlessly with warm water. I wish it extended the length of my short stubby lashes more, but out of all the formulas, this one is the best I’ve tried.
Lip Favorites
I have amassed numerous lip favorites this year!
Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Shine (review here) – Chanel released a shine version of the Rouge Coco Baume this year, and I hope they introduce this in more colors! I loved every shade in this formula, but my favorite is Honey Bliss 752.
Chanel Le Crayon Levres Longwear Lip Pencil – Chanel’s lip liner remains my top choice, although I must say, the formulas from Dior, Tom Ford, and Maybelline are closely competitive. I believe the Chanel shades in Nude Brun and Rose Naturel are the best.
Prada Monochrome Lipstick in B101 Tiepolo (in action here) – This is one of the shades you loved the most on me. I adore Prada’s matte lipsticks, and I think this one ranks among my favorites.
Dior Lip Glow Balm – This was reformulated again, and I still don’t entirely grasp why they keep altering it, but I do believe this latest version is the best. It’s less waxy than previous releases and certainly more hydrating. My favorite shade was 077 Candy, which turns into a warm pink but doesn’t shift excessively.
Dior Rouge Dior On Stage Lipstick (review here) – I really appreciate this formula and the sleek design of this lipstick. Iconic Rose is the best shade, and I sincerely hope they introduce more lighter neutrals or peach tones in this formula as it’s absolutely flawless!
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer – This remains my all-time favorite lip gloss formula. It’s a plumping gloss, but what’s fantastic is that it’s not overly plumping, and there is zero tingle or sting for me.
Tom Ford Lip Color (review + swatches here) – Part of me genuinely misses the earlier days of Tom Ford Beauty. I feel the innovation has waned, but I truly loved the new formula of the lip colors from a couple of years ago and used Spanish Pink a lot last year.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss – This is the premier budget-friendly gloss. I love all the shades I’ve tried. Gummy Bear is the best baby pink. I also adore the shimmers and pigmented shades.
Nails
My two most complimented nail colors this year were quick-dry formulas. Olive and June Quick Dry in Puffball was a favorite since my usual go-to sheer pinks appear to have been discontinued.
OPI RapiDry Quick Dry in Stunn n Done is the nail color I received the most inquiries about. I also adore this for its color and rapid-dry formula.
I wear the Essie Speed Setter as a top coat, but I’m currently testing some other formulas to determine if there’s one that lasts longer.
This year, I felt like I skipped concealer and bronzer most of the time. I wore them occasionally, but they didn’t feel like a regular part of my routine.
That concludes my makeup favorites for the year! I would love to hear about yours in the comments!
**The 25 Most Cherished in 2025: A Glimpse of Global Icons**
In 2025, the world witnessed a vibrant change in the personalities who captivate the hearts and imaginations of individuals around the globe. From the realms of entertainment to technology, these 25 figures have emerged as icons of inspiration, innovation, and influence.
1. **Greta Thunberg** – Continuing her fight for the environment, Greta remains a formidable voice for climate action, motivating millions to engage in sustainable practices.
2. **Elon Musk** – With progress in space exploration and electric vehicles, Musk’s initiatives with SpaceX and Tesla have solidified his reputation as a groundbreaking entrepreneur.
3. **Beyoncé** – An enduring emblem of empowerment and artistry, Beyoncé’s music and philanthropic efforts resonate globally.
4. **Malala Yousafzai** – As a proponent of girls’ education, Malala’s impact extends through her foundation and worldwide speaking engagements.
5. **Cristiano Ronaldo** – A football legend, Ronaldo’s achievements and charitable endeavors keep him esteemed among fans.
6. **Taylor Swift** – Renowned for her musical range and commitment to artists’ rights, Swift’s influence on the music industry remains profound.
7. **Lionel Messi** – Celebrated for his exceptional football skills, Messi’s accomplishments and sportsmanship inspire many.
8. **Zendaya** – An actress and fashion icon, Zendaya’s cinematic roles, alongside her advocacy for diversity, make her a role model.
9. **Tim Cook** – As CEO of Apple, Cook’s guidance in technology and dedication to privacy and sustainability are widely respected.
10. **Rihanna** – Beyond her music, Rihanna’s triumphs in fashion and beauty with Fenty have established her as a pioneer in entrepreneurship.
11. **Emma Watson** – Recognized for her acting and activism, Watson’s endeavors in gender equality and sustainability continue to leave an impact.
12. **Keanu Reeves** – Cherished for his humility and generosity, Reeves’ cinematic career and charitable contributions have endeared him to fans worldwide.
13. **Billie Eilish** – A voice resonating with the younger generation, Eilish’s distinctive musical style and advocacy for mental health connect deeply with youth.
14. **Sachin Tendulkar** – Revered in the cricket realm, Tendulkar’s legacy as a sports icon and philanthropist prevails.
15. **Michelle Obama** – The former First Lady and author, Obama’s projects in education and health continue to inspire transformation.
16. **LeBron James** – A basketball icon, James’ impact transcends sports through his activism and community efforts.
17. **Ariana Grande** – With her powerful vocals and advocacy for mental health, Grande remains a cherished presence in music.
18. **David Attenborough** – A supporter of the natural world, Attenborough’s documentaries continue to educate and fuel conservation initiatives.
19. **Simone Biles** – As a gymnastics star, Biles’ athletic feats and support for mental health have made her an inspiration.
20. **Mark Zuckerberg** – Despite facing controversies, Zuckerberg’s role in shaping social media and digital communication maintains his influence.
21. **Serena Williams** – A tennis champion, Williams’ impact on sports and her advocacy for equality and women’s rights are widely acknowledged.
22. **Kendrick Lamar** – Known for his poignant lyrics, Lamar’s contributions to music and social discourse resonate profoundly.
23. **Gal Gadot** – As Wonder Woman, Gadot’s portrayal and commitment to peace and equality have turned her into a global icon.
24. **Jack Ma** – As a trailblazer in e-commerce, Ma’s influence in business and philanthropy remains significant.
25. **Naomi Osaka** – A tennis star and advocate for mental health, Osaka’s bravery and skill have inspired many.
These individuals represent a diverse spectrum of fields and causes, each uniquely contributing to the global landscape of beloved figures in 2025. Their influence stretches beyond their primary areas, affecting lives and fostering positive change across the world.
