Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! I trust that all enjoyed a fantastic holiday season! I’ve been absent from the blog for a while, as this past year has brought about significant changes and transitions in my life. Earlier this spring, Andrew and I finally relocated to our ideal city, and I couldn’t be happier that we’ve discovered a place that genuinely feels like home. Those who have been following my journey for a long time are aware that we’ve moved frequently since 2017, and nothing truly felt like a long-term stay for me. Relocating to Miami Beach has been one of the best decisions we’ve made, and we are thrilled to be here.
This year, I’m hoping to resume blogging. I’ve let the blog take a backseat as my attention shifted towards Instagram for social media content. Many of you have inquired whether I’ll be writing more blog posts, as you seem to enjoy the comprehensive reviews, and I aspire to be more organized to dedicate time to what I cherish most—this blog.
Here are the items I adored the most in 2025. Many of these are my tried-and-true favorites that I plan to carry into the new year.
Base Makeup Favorites
Every year, there are numerous new foundation and concealer releases, yet my favorites remain my long-time staples.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick – This has been my go-to foundation this year. I alternate between shades 2.5N and 3N. I love everything about it, from the coverage and color to the finish, blendability, and longevity.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – This is my second most-frequented foundation. Armani has recently reformulated the classic. I’ve been testing the new version for a couple of weeks, and I will review it soon, but thus far, it appears just as good as the original. I picked up my usual shade 6.5 in the new formula, and it suits me perfectly! A few shades have changed (I recommend checking their shade chart for your colors).
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation – This will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a classic I adore for its shade range, undertones, and formula.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powders – I’ve always been a pressed powder enthusiast, but this year I began using loose powders with a puff, and the staying power is SO much improved. I truly appreciate all the Laura Mercier 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. I’ve faced dry skin as I age, and many foundations began looking cakey on me. This glowy gel mixed with foundations has been a total game changer! I adore the Rose Glow shade.
Cheeks
Armani Luminous Silk Liquid Blush (review + swatches here) – This is the best liquid blush for longevity. I sincerely hope they expand the color offerings! I’ve tried both the matte and radiant finishes; I have a slight preference for the mattes, but both variants are excellent.
Rhode Pocket Blush in Freckle and Piggy (review + swatches here) – Another favorite of mine this year! I adore these for their convenience, pigment, and lasting power. I took Freckle on all my trips for the perfect everyday neutral hint of color.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palettes (2025 palettes reviewed here) – I truly loved all the holiday palettes this year, even with some shades being repeats. The color range was 10/10 perfect for me. I appreciate the fun designs they unveil each year. I was genuinely surprised at how quickly they sold out this year.
RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush in Crystal Slipper – This was my most-used blush of the year. It’s one of the best everyday glowy neutral tan blushes I’ve encountered.
Chanel Jeux de Lumieres Highlighter Quad (review here) – My top highlighters hailed from this breathtaking palette! I believe this specific collection was my favorite for the entire year.
YSL Make Me Blush (review here) – This was the best powder blush formula of the year. I think 44 Nude Lavalliere is the ideal color, but I also truly love 23 Rose Haze. The formula is incredibly smooth and silky. I appreciate that they offer both mattes and shimmers. More colors in 2026, please!
Eye Makeup
I truly attempted to explore different eye makeup looks this year, but nothing new particularly stood out to me.
Natasha Denona undoubtedly claims the top spot for the best of the best. The I Need a Warm Palette (swatches + review here) remains my favorite, although I also really enjoy her My Dream Palette (swatches here).
Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Original – Regardless of how many other matte neutral palettes are released, this one stays my favorite. For some reason, this palette also draws the most compliments my way.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner – This remains my preferred eyeliner formula, though it MUST be set with a powder eyeshadow on top to ensure longevity. Otherwise, it will smudge. I appreciate this for its creamy formula and rich pigmentation.
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara XL – This has been my most-worn mascara formula throughout the year. It doesn’t smudge or clump and removes easily with warm water. I wish it could lengthen my short stubby lashes more, but out of every formula I’ve tried, this one is the best.
Lip Favorites
I have an abundance 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 really wish they would release more shades! I adored every single color in this formula, yet the standout for me is Honey Bliss 752.
Chanel Le Crayon Levres Longwear Lip Pencil – Chanel’s lip liner continues to be my favorite, although the formulas from Dior, Tom Ford, and Maybelline come close. I believe the Chanel shades in Nude Brun and Rose Naturel are the best ones.
Prada Monochrome Lipstick in B101 Tiepolo (in action here) – This is one of the shades you all loved the most on me. I have a fondness for the Prada matte lipsticks, and I think this one is also among my favorites.
Dior Lip Glow Balm – This was reformulated yet again, and I still don’t fully comprehend why they keep making changes, but I believe this latest version is the finest yet. It’s not as waxy as prior formulations and is 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 genuinely love this formula and the sleek design of this lipstick. Iconic Rose is the perfect shade, and I sincerely hope they introduce more lighter neutrals or peach tones because this formula is absolute perfection!
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer – This remains my all-time favorite lip gloss formula. It’s a plumping gloss, yet I appreciate that it doesn’t feel overly plumping on me, and there’s no tingle or stinging sensation.
Tom Ford Lip Color (review + swatches here) – A part of me genuinely misses the earlier Tom Ford Beauty era. I feel the innovation isn’t what it once was, but I truly enjoyed the new formula of the lip colors from a couple of years ago, and last year I frequently used Spanish Pink.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss – This is the best budget-friendly gloss available. I love all the shades I’ve tried. Gummy Bear is the ultimate baby pink. I also enjoy both 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 sheer pinks seem to have been discontinued.
OPI RapiDry Quick Dry in Stunn n Done was the nail color I received the most inquiries about. I also adore this one for its color and quick-drying formula.
I use Essie Speed Setter as a top coat, though I’m currently experimenting with a few other formulas to see if there’s one that offers better longevity.
This year, I felt like I often skipped concealer and bronzer. I did use these occasionally, but they didn’t feel like integral parts of my regular routine.
That concludes my makeup favorites for the year! I’d love to hear about yours in the comments!
**The 25 Most Beloved Items of 2025**
As we embark on 2025, consumer preferences have shifted, reflecting advancements in technology and a deeper focus on sustainability and personal well-being. Herein, we delve into the 25 most loved items of the year, capturing the hearts and minds of individuals across the globe.
1. **Smart Home Hubs**: Centralized smart home systems have become essential, providing seamless control over lighting, security, and climate with enhanced AI capabilities.
2. **Eco-Friendly Electric Vehicles**: With advancements in battery technology and expanded charging networks, electric vehicles are now more accessible and sustainable, making them a top choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
3. **Wearable Health Tech**: State-of-the-art wearables now provide real-time health tracking, including blood sugar levels and hydration, empowering users to proactively manage their health.
4. **Augmented Reality Glasses**: AR glasses have changed how we engage with digital content, delivering immersive experiences for gaming, education, and navigation.
5. **Biodegradable Packaging**: As sustainability becomes crucial, biodegradable packaging solutions are preferred for their environmental benefits.
6. **Smart Fitness Equipment**: Home fitness has been revolutionized by smart equipment that delivers personalized workouts and tracks progress with accuracy.
7. **Plant-Based Meat Alternatives**: With enhanced flavor and texture, plant-based meats are a staple for those seeking healthier and more sustainable dietary choices.
8. **Personal AI Assistants**: These AI-driven companions offer tailored assistance, from managing schedules to supporting mental health.
9. **Vertical Garden Kits**: Urban residents embrace vertical gardening to cultivate fresh produce at home, encouraging self-sufficiency and environmentally friendly living.
10. **Wireless Charging Stations**: The ease of wireless charging has been upgraded with quicker, more efficient technology, enabling simultaneous support for multiple devices.
11. **Sustainable Fashion**: Eco-friendly fashion brands prioritizing ethical production and recycled materials are at the forefront of the fashion industry.
12. **Smart Kitchen Appliances**: From AI-enhanced ovens to smart refrigerators, these devices streamline cooking, making it more efficient and enjoyable.
13. **Portable Solar Chargers**: With a focus on renewable energy, portable solar chargers have gained popularity for keeping devices powered while on the move.
14. **Noise-Canceling Earbuds**: Advanced noise-canceling technology provides exceptional sound quality and comfort, making them indispensable for music enthusiasts and remote workers alike.
15. **Home Office Pods**: As remote work persists, home office pods offer a designated, distraction-free workspace with ergonomic design.
16. **Smart Water Bottles**: These bottles monitor hydration levels and remind users to drink water, fostering healthier habits.
17. **Digital Detox Retreats**: In response to digital fatigue, retreats offering technology breaks are cherished for mental rejuvenation.
18. **AI-Powered Language Translators**: These devices facilitate global communication by offering real-time translations and breaking down language barriers.
19. **3D Printed Home Decor**: Customizable and sustainable, 3D printed decor items allow for personalized expressions of home aesthetics.
20. **Smart Sleep Aids**: Devices that monitor and enhance sleep quality are essential for individuals seeking improved rest and recovery.
21. **Electric Bicycles**: E-bikes provide an eco-friendly and efficient mode of transportation, gaining traction in urban locales.
22. **Home Hydroponic Systems**: These systems allow for year-round indoor cultivation of herbs and vegetables, promoting healthy eating habits.
23. **Virtual Reality Headsets**: VR technology continues to engage users with immersive experiences spanning gaming, education, and virtual travel.
24. **Reusable Smart Notebooks**: Blending traditional writing with digital efficiency, these notebooks are ideal for note-taking and organization.
25. **AI-Enhanced Learning Platforms**: AI-powered personalized learning experiences are transforming education, enhancing accessibility and efficacy.
These items not only mirror technological progress but also highlight an increasing commitment to sustainability, health, and personal well-being. As we adopt these cherished items, they influence our daily lives and guide us towards a more interconnected and mindful future.
