As we bid adieu to another year, it’s time to spill the tea on my absolute favorite beauty buys that have transformed my skincare routine. This is 40, after all. As I invest in products for my face and evaluate which work well for me and which I won’t repurchase, I’ve made note of the ones that are worth the buy. Some are items I use daily and can easily rationalize the cost per use and some are products that I use periodically when I need a more intense treatment or boost. If you’ve been with me for a bit, you know my skincare goals are healthy skin, a gorgeous glow and solutions to help me age with grace. I’m covering a range of ingredients and price points, from everyday essentials to luxury splurges that are worth it to me. So, let’s dive into my best beauty buys of the year.
1. Necessaire Deodorant
Why it’s Worth It:
Necessaire’s deodorant is a game-changer, offering a clean and effective formula. Even in Florida humidity and heat, this works. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like mandelic acid and lactic acid, it not only keeps you fresh, but also gently exfoliates, leaving your underarms smooth and happy.
PRO TIP Apply post-shower for maximum absorption, even if you shower at night like I do. (Sometimes I reapply in the morning, especially in the summer). This deodorant pairs beautifully with a lightweight, hydrating body lotion for an all-day glow.
BUY IT HERE: Sephora | Nordstrom
SIMILAR OPTION If you’re on a budget, try Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant. It’s a fantastic alternative with a variety of scents to choose from.
2. BIODERMA Sensibio H2O
Why it’s Worth It:
This micellar water is iconic and I mean it. It’s a true gem for makeup removal and sensitive skin, taking off all the details of the day. It effortlessly sweeps away impurities and leaves your skin feeling clean without any irritation. Plus, the soothing formula makes it suitable for all skin types.
PRO TIP Use it as a quick refresh during the day or as the first step in your double-cleansing routine. Follow up with your favorite cleanser for a thorough cleanse.
SIMILAR OPTION For a budget-friendly option, Garnier Skin Active Micellar Water works wonders without breaking the bank.
3. Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum
Why it’s Worth It:
I love a bargain buy that works well, but this is an intentional investment. Lancôme’s Triple Serum is a powerhouse of anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and ferulic acid. It tackles fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, leaving you with a luminous complexion. The 3 serums merge together for the ultimate combo.
PRO TIP Apply a few drops in the morning and evening before your moisturizer. This serum is the perfect prep step for makeup application, ensuring a flawless finish. A little goes a long way, so time between rebuys doesn’t fly by.
CONSIDER THIS If you’re looking for an affordable alternative, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an excellent hydrating serum with a wallet-friendly price tag.
4. Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops
Why it’s Worth It:
There’s a reason so many beauty bloggers and TikTok-ers love this product. These dew drops are a delightful blend of watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus AHA. They provide a burst of hydration and a subtle glow, perfect for achieving that coveted glass skin look. I use this every single day and find it’s worth every penny.
PRO TIP Apply before make up like a primer or mix a drop or two with your foundation for a luminous finish. Alternatively, use it as a highlighter on the high points of your face.
BUY IT HERE: Sephora | Amazon | Walmart
CONSIDER THIS Once you’re a Glow Recipe groupie, it’s hard not to love the rest of the line. I also have the Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream as a radiance booster and redness reducer.
5. Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Why it’s Worth It:
Clinique was one of the first products I used as a teenager so using it now is full circle. Say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles with Clinique’s Smart Clinical Repair Serum. Formulated with peptides and hyaluronic acid, this serum targets signs of aging, leaving your skin looking plump and rejuvenated.This is not too thick, not too thin in texture and I like to use it every few days as I rotate serums.
PRO TIP Apply this serum before your moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration. It acts as the perfect primer for makeup application.
CONSIDER THIS For a budget-friendly alternative, consider The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum – it’s packed with collagen-boosting ingredients at an affordable price.
6. SkinBetter Alpharet Overnight Cream
Why it’s Worth It:
SkinBetter’s Alpharet Overnight Cream is your secret weapon for overnight skin renewal. Combining retinoid and alpha hydroxy acid, it promotes cell turnover, reduces fine lines, and improves overall skin texture. Medical grade skincare is an investment and this one is pricey but worth it because of the quality of ingredients.
PRO TIP Introduce this cream gradually into your nighttime routine, starting with once or twice a week. Always use sunscreen during the day when incorporating retinoids.
BUY IT HERE Alpharet Overnight Cream
CONSIDER THIS If you’re a fan of peel pads, check out the SkinBetter Exfoliating Peel Pads here. With a few swipes, they give my skin a fresh clean feeling with a hit of glow.
7. Tatcha Violet C Radiance Mask
Why it’s Worth It:
Treat your skin to a burst of radiance with Tatcha’s C Radiance Mask. Packed with vitamin C, Japanese beautyberry, and AHAs, it brightens, exfoliates, and leaves your skin looking refreshed and glowing. Plus, it’s a fun lavender color and that’s a bonus in my book.
PRO TIP Use this mask 2-3 times a week for optimal results. Apply a thick layer and leave it on for 15 minutes for an at-home spa experience.
CONSIDER THIS For a more affordable option, try Clarins SOS Pure Rebalancing Clay Mask – it provides a similar brightening effect without the splurge.
8. Gua Sha Tool
Why it’s Worth It:
The Gua Sha tool is not just a beauty trend; it’s a skincare ritual. This ancient Chinese technique promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness, and enhances the absorption of skincare products. After adding this to my routine, I have seen a change in my jawline and overall puffiness. It takes a bit to get the hang of the rhythm, but then it becomes second nature.
PRO TIP Use gentle strokes and incorporate it into your skincare routine 2-3 times a week. Don’t pull or force it. For smooth gliding, almost any facial oil will work, so choose one that agrees with your skin. Right now, I’m loving this affordable Rosehip Oil or BioOil, but also have this splurge-worthy Summer Fridays All-In-One Face Oil on my list.
BUY IT HERE Mint Gua Sha | Rose Quartz Gua Sha | Stainless Steel Gua Sha
CONSIDER THIS If you’re into facial massage and benefits of ice rolling, check out this easy tool to try first thing in the morning.
9. Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Face and Neck Cream
Why it’s Worth It:
Extend your skincare routine to your neck with Clinique’s Smart Clinical Repair Face and Neck Cream. This hydrating and firming cream targets sagging skin and fine lines, providing a youthful appearance.
PRO TIP Apply in upward motions to your face and neck after your serum. Don’t forget your neck – it’s a telltale area for aging.
CONSIDER THIS To save a few bucks, Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream is a budget-friendly option that also addresses neck concerns.
10. Bloom Effects Tulip Nectar Skin Repair
Why it’s Worth It:
Bloom Effects Skin Repair is a clean beauty pick that harnesses the power of tulips. This gel hydrator soothes and revitalizes the skin, leaving it plump and radiant.
PRO TIP Apply a thin layer in the morning and evening. It works great under makeup and locks in moisture overnight.
BUY IT HERE: Bloom Effects Tulip Nectar Skin Repair and available here
CONSIDER THIS For another complementary product for face, check out Bloom Effects Tulip Dew Drops, a multivitamin super juice formulated with Niacinamide and 28 Dutch plant and botanical extracts for dewy and glowing skin.
11. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Why it’s Worth It:
Give your lips some love with Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask. My daily use of this made it an easy pick for best beauty buy of the year. I have multiple “flavors” and rotate them in my bag and on my skincare shelf. This overnight treatment is a game-changer, providing intense hydration and leaving your lips soft and supple.
PRO TIP Apply a generous layer before bedtime for an overnight lip treatment. You’ll wake up to smoother, kissable lips.
BUY IT HERE: Original at Sephora and Sweet Candy at Sephora or Lip Glowy Balm in Gummy Bear
CONSIDER THIS If you love a good lip product, check out the e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Exfoliator to slough off dead skin and hydrate your lips.
12. Nature’s Bounty Hair Growth Vitamins
Why it’s Worth It:
Achieve luscious locks with Nature’s Bounty Hair Growth Vitamins. Packed with biotin and other essential nutrients, these vitamins promote hair health and growth.
PRO TIP Take as directed on the packaging, and be patient – hair growth takes time. Pair it with a balanced diet for optimal results.
BUY IT HERE: Nature’s Bounty Hair
CONSIDER THIS For another solid hair purchase, this brush has been a gamechanger!
13. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Why it’s Worth It:
Wrap up your nighttime routine with the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Overnight Mask. This hydrating mask works wonders while you sleep, leaving your skin plump and refreshed.
PRO TIP Use 2-3 times a week as the last step in your evening routine. Wake up to a hydrated, glowing complexion.
CONSIDER THIS For another stellar overnight mask, try the Dr Brandt Hydrobiotic mask. It has a cooling effect when you put it on and waking up with super soft and soothed skin is everything.
There you have it – my top beauty picks of the year, each worthy of being a repeat character in your daytime or nighttime lineup. Remember, investing in your skincare is an investment in yourself. So here’s to you and here’s to a year I hope is filled with glowing, healthy skin and good times to go with them this year!