In 2025, our HuffPost shopping reporters charged forth to uncover, test and dissect a record number of goods. Just as in years past, my favorite category to cover has always been beauty products – and not just any kind of beauty products, but the most effective ones that money can buy.
I took a trip down memory lane to gather the skin care and makeup items that left the greatest impressions on HuffPost editors and readers alike, as well as the general public.
Keep reading to find 15 of these hype-worthy formulas and go into the new year with the anti-aging skin care, makeup and hair products that experts and reviewers said really work.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
A "flush balm" that actually made me like blush
I wrote in October about my journey from being a proud blush hater to one of its most ardent fans after finally trying the much hyped Flush Balm by Merit. My devotion developed after seeing how seamlessly and easily it blended out, with absolutely no patchiness or unnatural-looking results. Available in 13 versatile shades, this creamy balm leaves an obvious pop of color that's sheer enough to look like my skin, only better and more alive. Another huge plus was the dewy and very hydrated finish — a very welcome departure from formulas that are chalky, putty-like, or unnaturally matte and impossible to diffuse. And as a fan of makeup that’s also infused with skin care ingredients, and this creamy skin tint happens to contain skin conditioning vitamin E and is non-comedogenic, making it safe for acne-prone complexions.
An absurdly affordable serum that some claim is "Botox in a bottle"
Earlier last year, The Ordinary’s 10% argireline solution appeared on my TikTok feed, with reviewers claiming it's "Botox in a bottle." After speaking with a board-certified dermatologist, I learned that this lightweight and water-based solution features a 10% concentration of Argireline, otherwise known as acetyl hexapeptide-8. It's a fancy name for a skincare ingredient that may reduce the appearance of expression lines by working as a neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide similar to how the neurotoxins in Botox work. This could help soften dynamic expression lines and deep-set wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. Another reviewer who referred to this serum as nothing short of a "miracle" said that, "after just two weeks of usage, my forehead lines have faded SIGNIFICANTLY."
A thickening biotin shampoo that's promoting fuller hair
Maple Holistics is a lesser-known hair care brand, but the Biotin Shampoo stood out to us last year because of the many user endorsements that claimed this affordable stuff made their fine hair look and feel instantly thicker, more volumized and healthier, without having to add extra steps or products into their existing routine. It contains biotin plus rosemary oil, evening primrose oil and jojoba — a combination that can encourage hair growth by nourishing the scalp and hydrating the hair strands. With extended use, others are saying they’ve noticed a significant reduction in the amount of hair that falls out during washing, quicker hair growth, and, in some cases, even new hair growth in areas around the hairline where there was previous sparseness. It's hard to think of anything more effective than that.
A multitasking French cream that healed my eczema
In the fall, I wrote about how the Avène Cicalfate+ restorative protective cream saved my skin mid-eczema breakout when I didn't have access to my prescription steroid cream that I usually depend on for these situations. After it managed to instantly soothe and soften unbearably itchy and burning patches on my fingers and hands, I quickly learned why this French treatment lotion has such a hearty reputation for helping those with the most troubled and sensitive skin. Functioning as a shielding and isolating layer to compromised skin, this richly textured cream has 45 uses and works by improving the conditions that are optimal for damaged skin to recover by employing protein-rich postbiotics and a copper-zinc-sulfate complex.
A Korean arbutin cream that's actually fading hyperpigmentation
Unlike your run-of-the-mill sun spots, we know that melasma is arguably one of the most clingy and temperamental skin conditions to treat. That's what makes this Korean drugstore cream — originally featured mid-last year and well-received by HuffPost readers — all the more impressive.
It contains a 7% concentration of arbutin, an antioxidant with brightening properties that works by inhibiting the over-production of melanin in the skin, which causes hyperpigmentation. It contains other well-trusted ingredients in the world of melasma care, one of which is 4% tranexamic acid, which is revered for its ability to reduce pigmentation associated with melasma, without causing any kind of irritation.
There’s also niacinamide, a workhorse antioxidant that you’re most likely already familiar with. If you’re not, just know that this all-skin-concerns ingredient can reduce redness, acne, and, most notably, brighten the complexion.
Clinique's Almost Lipstick tinted balm in the shade Black Honey
2025 was a big year for Clinique's Black Honey, a lipstick shade that has stood the test of time and remained an iconic makeup staple for many. At one point in time, it kept selling out, making it nearly impossible for anyone to secure a precious tube. In addition to a traditional lipstick formula, the brand offers Black Honey in their "Almost Lipstick" formulation, a tinted balm that's ultra moisturizing and leaves an emollient-rich, sheer finish with the perfect kiss of color.
A toenail fungus treatment that's as effective as it gets
Back in the summer of 2025, we discovered the Foot Cure toenail fungus treatment, which quickly became a HuffPost reader favorite. And not just fungus, but nail psoriasis and overall nail damage as well. It’s a naturally powered solution that many have found successfully restores thickened, discolored and flaking nail beds and has provided hope when “I didn’t believe there was for decades,” according to one reviewer. Board-certified dermatologist and owner of Sage Dermatology and Mohs surgery clinic in Utah, Dr. Angela Brimhall, attributed Foot Cure's success to a formula containing 25% undecylenic acid, “a compound that has antifungal properties that disrupt the cell membranes of fungi, inhibiting their growth and reproduction.”
A magical collagen mask that melts into skin overnight
Like us, you too may have spent much of last year noticing these hypoallergenic face collagen masks floating around on social media for their magical-like performance that appeared to leave users with glass-like skin. They are hydrating and firming, thanks to the ingredient list that includes oligo-hyaluronic acid, collagen and probiotics. The hydrogel mask is white to start, and you'll know your skin has absorbed everything once it's become transparent. You can leave the mask on for three to four hours, or overnight — the essence doesn't leave a residue on your pillow and the mask doesn't slide around, according to reviewers.
A unique cushion foundation from Korea that's giving users flawless coverage
After seeing this product again and again being touted on my social media for outperforming luxury formulas and making skin of all ages look flawless (all for as little as $15) I decided to do a deep dive earlier this winter to see why the TirTir cushion foundation was so beloved. Similar to other cushion foundations of this ilk, the viscosity is very thin, lightweight and super breathable. Once applied, it quickly dries down to a smooth, satin finish that claims to be incredibly long-lasting and transfer-proof. It might be helpful to imagine it as a “foundation ink,” rather than conventional cream or liquid formulas.
“I’m over 40, and was expecting this to sink in and show my pores, then wear off easily,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “When I tell you that I was shocked at how airbrushed my skin looked once I applied this, you could have knocked me over with a feather!”
Infused with hydrating ingredients that are actually good for your skin, it's available in 40 shades.
Dove's affordable vitamin C body wash that's a godsend for dry skin
We know our audience loves affordable finds and solutions for dry skin, and this Dove body wash, first featured in a May story, sits at the perfect intersection of the two. The body wash contains a 3% brightening serum with vitamin C to deliver some of the benefits of facial vitamin C serums, like brightening the complexion and boosting hydration, to the rest of your body. The soap is designed to be exfoliating before transforming into a creamy lather, and reviewers say the tropical scent and tangible results of "soft and supple" skin make this a favorite.
Dr. Dennis Gross' exfoliating pads that mimic a gentler chemical peel
Previously suggested to HuffPost by board-certified dermatologists, the Dr. Dennis Gross daily peel pads can offer the benefit of a chemical peel, but with a gentler approach than what you might find in a dermatologist's office. Each treatment contains two pads: one to exfoliate and smooth your skin, and one that provides anti-aging benefits. The pads are pre-dosed with five acids, including glycolic, salicylic and lactic, that each work to reduce dullness and uneven texture, pores and hyperpigmentation.
One Amazon shopper said the following about this well-loved exfoliating treatment: "I loved this more than going and paying $100 for a chemical peel. It definitely improved the texture, skin tone, and overall quality of my skin. I used it every other day for 10 days and I will definitely be purchasing again. You don’t peel, but your skin looks better. I would highly recommend trying it."
One of our editors' favorite French lipsticks for a "just bitten" look
“I’ve honestly stopped buying any other lipsticks since I found Bisou Balm," said Aiken in an August story about this sheer matte lipstick that got the attention of many readers. "My lips are asymmetrical and most lipsticks just draw attention to that, but this stuff has a blurring effect that mattifies the texture and makes it look almost like you’ve been airbrushed, erasing any need for precision when applying it (which is great, because I’m rarely even looking in a mirror when I put it on)."
Aiken did say that the lipstick isn't actually very hydrating, so take the "balm" title with a grain of salt, but its buildable coverage and blurring effect makes it so easy for even a casual lipstick wearer to enjoy using. The lipstick comes in nine shades.
A retinol serum that a HuffPost beauty editor claims gives her skin a dewy glow
In the fall of last year, HuffPost senior editor Lourdes Avila Uribe attributed the Shani Darden Retinol Reform serum as one of the key products that has majorly improved her dark spots and helped even out the rough texture that has plagued her since pregnancy. But for all retinol's capabilities in the way of anti-aging skin care, it has a reputation for being a fairly aggressive active ingredient, which makes Uribe appreciate the Shani Darden formula even more because it uses a slow-release, advanced 1% encapsulated retinol that doesn't irritate her very sensitive skin.
"The formula also includes other powerhouse actives, like tripeptides to help speed up cell turnover and refine texture, while prickly pear extract supports all the ingredients, boosting exfoliation and cell renewal, leaving you with silky smooth, soft and hydrated skin," Uribe said.
A tinted hybrid sunscreen that actually works with warm skin tones
We recently uncovered this broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion by Obagi that uses a unique hybrid formula, offering both mineral and chemical defense against sun damage, rather than just one or the other. It features what the brand refers to as "thermic micro-shield crystal technology," which means it reflects and disperses harmful rays that try to reach the skin's surface. And if you're someone who has a warmer skin tone who has struggled with sunscreens leaving white casts, this sheer-finish sunscreen has a warm tint that some Obagi customers say has completely replaced their foundation.
A triple firming neck cream that I use to plump my entire face
NeoStrata's Triple Firming neck cream is an effective formula that's been previously recommended by board-certified dermatologists, thus making it into our 2025 coverage a few different times. It features a pro-amino acid and neocitrate formula, an ingredient duo that works in tandem to target volume loss while a non-acid amino sugar tackles unwanted sun damage, irregular texture and discoloration. I have recently started using this as I've noticed some volume loss beneath my chin, and I loved how thick and hydrating the formula was that I now use it for my entire face, which is chronically dry. Since then, I've noticed a bit more bounce back to my skin and less refined smile lines around my mouth. Also, pro-tip: because it is so thick, I add a healthy glug of The Ordinary's cold-pressed rosehip oil to bump up the moisture factor and make it easier to spread across my skin and make it stretch a little farther.
An advanced serum that some dermatologists call the "gold standard" of growth factors
Last year, I asked dermatologists about growth factors — an anti-aging ingredient that can increase collagen and elastin, thicken skin and improve tone and texture — and their favorite over-the-counter products that contain them. SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum was by far the most suggested and was even referred to as the "gold standard of growth factor serums, according to one expert.
It pumps serums out of two different chambers that work synergistically, the first of which is filled with a growth factor blend sourced from human fibroblast cells (grown in a lab) that maximizes cellular metabolism. The other chamber releases a blend of botanicals and marine extracts that contain collagen-stimulating peptides and hydrators to help further diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Reviewers agree that they see a definitive difference in their skin, with one Amazon customer claiming they no longer feel they need to continue with Botox or filler.