Throughout 2025, I tried and tested dozens of beauty products, and found a treasure trove of skincare and haircare innovations that became game-changers for me. From innovative problem-solvers to formulations that go the distance, these discoveries have earned a permanent spot in my beauty routine. Whether you’re a novice or an aficionado, I hope these standout products help you as much as they do me.
SKINCARE
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ ($17.45, Amazon)
Wearing SPF regularly is made so easy with this convenient K-beauty glide-on stick, formulated with calming and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and green tea leaf extract.
The water-resistant Sunstick, can be used under or over makeup, providing broad-spectrum protection with no white residue and a glowy finish, which I love. Not a fan of glowy? Try their Airy Sunstick, which has a matte finish.
SKINCARE
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum ($65, Sephora)
I use a serum day and night, but sometimes it’s hard to find one for daytime use that’s nourishing enough but not too heavy or oily.
The Serum is creamy, unlike many I’ve tried, and while it has an effective microdose of retinol, it doesn’t cause sensitivity like other retinol products can. The combination of retinol, ceramides, and peptides is clinically proven to encourage cellular turnover, improve texture and tone, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. I also find that it works well under any moisturizer. The serum comes in recyclable packaging, and the formulation is free of potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, formaldehyde, and phthalates.
SKINCARE
Origins Youthtopia Peptide Plumping Apple Cream ($54, Ulta.com)
This cream is ultra-hydrating, but is lightweight enough to be worn under makeup. It feels wonderful to apply and has a delightful, subtle scent.
The Cream is clinically proven to provide hydrating and plumping effects. The Apple Peel Ferment, made from 100 upcycled apple peels, apple stem cells, and apple seed oil, is antioxidant-rich, protecting the skin and encouraging surface skin cell renewal. My skin definitely feels and looks more youthful when I use it. The jar is recyclable.
SKINCARE
ICONIC LONDON Prep-Set-Glow ($36, Amazon)
I enjoy using a facial mist to refresh my skin after a long day – especially when I’m going out after work – and this one has become my favorite.
Prep-Set-Glow moisturizes the skin and has just the right amount of light-reflecting particles to make the skin glow without looking too sparkly. It also has a subtle, fresh scent that I have received many compliments about. The spray is available in two shades, Original, for lighter skin tones, and Glow, which is the one I use and is better for medium-deep skin tones. You can also use it under makeup as a setting spray.
HAIRCARE
Overtone Twilight Titanium Color Depositing Treatment Mask ($13 and up, Overtone.com)
This moisturizing hair mask was just the solution I needed. I’d had some luck with silver shampoos and clear glossing rinses to fight brassiness, but as grey began to overtake my natural blackish-brown, my hair color started to lack definition and vibrancy.
Assuming that other silver-haired folks had encountered the same problem, I started looking online for solutions. Videos about this product kept popping up. I thought, “It couldn’t be as simple as a hair mask, could it?” I was bracing myself to have to find a skilled, pricey hair colorist to somehow mimic what my hair should look like, so I figured I had nothing to lose.
Turns out, it IS as simple as a hair mask. I use this product about once a month and leave it in for about 10 minutes. The result is more vibrant grey with no brassiness, very natural-looking streaks for definition, and really soft hair! It almost seems too good to be true, but I’ll take it. And if your struggle isn’t the same as mine, maybe one of the brand’s broad range of colors could add vibrancy and definition to YOUR hair!
HAIRCARE
Ecoslay Orange Marmalade Flaxseed and Aloe Curl Definer ($14 and up, Ecoslay.com)
This natural, eco-friendly haircare brand has several lovely products, but this is the one I keep coming back to.
I wash and condition my hair and use Cantu Curl Defining Cream as my main leave-in (it’s very rich, which I need), but in between washes, the Orange Marmalade Curl Definer is the ONLY product I use to define and refresh my curls. No combining or mixing products (unheard of for many curl patterns)! Plus, I love that it’s sustainably-packaged and all-natural, with ingredients like flaxseed, agave nectar, and pectin.
HAIRCARE
Potion Studio Confident Crown Conditioner ($23, Amazon)
This versatile conditioning rinse is appropriate for all kinds of textured hair, from wavy to coily. A gentleman friend can even use it as a beard conditioner.
The conditioner is formulated with natural ingredients such as organic coconut oil, aloe vera juice, organic mango butter, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil to help soften and protect the hair. And I can’t do it justice here, but this conditioner smells SO good. Kind of like coconut ice cream, without any of the fake tropical smell that you sometimes encounter with haircare products for textured hair.
Leave a Reply