Yahoo Lifestyle I Tried 250+ Beauty Products This Year, and These 20 Won a Permanent Spot in My Routine
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Including Dyson's hair dryer, Tatcha's famous moisturizer, and more.
InStyle / Photo Illustration by Brian Kopinski / Photos by Alexander Huang, Jessica Juliao, Sophia DeVito
I’ve been an unofficial beauty tester since I was in elementary school wearing Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers, rocking a perm (no joke, it was all I wanted for my birthday in fifth grade), and begging my mom for the newest scent of the L’Oreal fish-shaped shampoos (anyone else raised in the ‘90s love those, too?). It came as no surprise to my family when I made a career as a beauty editor and have spent the last 10 years trying, reviewing, and recommending products.
It’s my favorite conversation in the group chat or with my friends over drinks: What products am I loving right now and what would I recommend they buy? That topic is a circle, because I tried 250-plus new products this year and my opinions are endless about what actually works and is worth the money. Add to the fact that the InStyle team spent 49,000 hours testing in 2024 (no, seriously, we track it!), and you can understand that I had to think on it.
Consider yourself my new best friend: I looked through my review spreadsheet, my empties, and my current favorites to curate this list of 20 items that I love now and I’m bringing into 2025—and you should, too.
My Holy Grail Products
Apple Airpods Pro 2, $189 (Originally $249)
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, $344 with coupon (Originally $429)
Skin Care
I have an extensive skin care routine—four to five steps in the morning, and four steps in the evening. It’s my self-care time and I like having consistency in how I start and end my day. I test new things all the time (including my favorite product of the year from Olay!), but these are products that I have used up multiple containers of and rave about to anyone who will listen. (Psst… These also make great under-$50 gifts.)
Hair Products
I love the look of a good blowout or curls from a curling wand, therefore the health of my hair is top of the list when it comes to products. From a blow dryer that relies on air instead of heat and a mask to repair breakage, these products are must-haves on my vanity.
Splurge-Worthy Picks
While more of an investment than products that need to be replaced regularly, each of these items has paid for itself in value—I use them every day, and have since the day I got them.
Makeup
I’m a certified makeup artist and obsessed with trying new launches and formulas. These picks are repeat buys and ones I will always go back to.
