It's no secret that editors are sent lots and lots of beauty products. Our collective routines are in constant flux, and even if we like a certain product we try, it rarely—if ever—becomes an essential that remains a permanent fixture within our regimens. As such, product empties are somewhat of a unique occurrence for us. Every so often, however, we do scratch the bottom of a certain jar or tube—whether it's due to irrevocable obsession or because we simply didn't find another product that was all that much better. (Some product categories seem to perpetually fall into the bucket of "meh.") Obviously, we're much more focused on the former option.
At the top of January 2024, we decided to conduct a little team-wide experiment with the prerogative to save every last one of the products we used to the last drop. From there, we'd decide which of those we'd actually buy again because they were just that impressive. Sharing is caring, so just below, you can read up on the products our editors couldn't get enough of and immediately added to their 2025 carts once they crossed the emblematic finish line. Keep scrolling!
"When it comes to keeping my hair healthy, I typically like to do the bare minimum. I've always been open to testing new products to see what will actually stick, but I've always had a hard time staying consistent—until now. Twenty twenty-four was the year of hair health for me, and I used every last drop of this scalp serum. Not only is applying it a therapeutic experience (the cooling effect feels unreal), but I also noticed a difference in how hydrated, thick, and healthy my hair felt this year. Unlike so many other hair oils on the market, it's not greasy and doesn't weigh down my hair, so I can go to bed without fearing that I'll wake up with oil stains on my pillows. I'm not used to putting hyaluronic acid in my hair, but the results are making me question why I didn't start using it sooner."
"I went on a skin roller coaster this year. One minute, it was clear and glowy, and the next, it was textured and blemish-ridden. The one thing my skin was protected from this year was dryness, and I have Moon Juice's Plump Jelly to thank for that. I apply this after my dark spot serum and before moisturizer day and night. Let me just say that they don't call this 'a glass of water for your face' for nothing. My skin has remained plump and nourished all year despite outside factors like stress and weather changes. I probably bought four bottles of Plump Jelly last year, and I regret nothing."
"I'm pleased to announce that I have officially found my signature scent after years and years of searching. I've owned North Bondi for years, but it only stuck out from the crowd in 2024. I tested new fragrances throughout the seasons, but I kept coming back to this one, and I was afraid of running out every time I spritzed it. It's floral yet musky with notes of bergamot, Italian lemon, rose de mai, violet, and white musk. Don't even ask me how many compliments I've received on my scent this year because it's too many to count."
"I got my hands on a $575 eye cream, so you better believe I was using it until the very last drop. Yes, it's pricey, but a little goes a long way with this silky, caviar-infused cream. After using it every single night for five months, I finally reached the end of the bottle. (That shakes out to around $3 per pump—just saying!) You also definitely get what you pay for: La Prairie's potent blend of caviar micronutrients help thicken the skin underneath the eyes, which is famously the thinnest and most delicate area of your entire face, and strengthens the skin's tiny ligaments that famously weaken with age, which results in fine lines and sagging. I've noticed my under-eye area looking duller and sleepier since finishing the bottle, so I will be restocking stat."
"Oh my god, this scent. It's Nécessaire's best concoction, IMO, with soft and warm notes of fig leaf, olibanum aka frankincense, and lily of the valley. I would truly bathe in a vat of this stuff. (I'm not alone; multiple people have told me it smells like their favorite perfume.) It brightens my mood with every rinse, and thanks to the formula's vitamin C and trio of skin-buffing enzymes, it brightens my complexion too."
"I've finished more jars of this Cold Cream Cleanser than I can count, which is pretty impressive considering how many face washes I test on a weekly basis. Still, I will always and forever come back to this pick. It's inspired by the whip-thick cold creams used by Old Hollywood starlets to remove heavy theater makeup—the OG cleansing balms, if you will. Alpyn's version contains a similar ratio of oils and water to gently remove daily grime, but it also comes infused with wild juneberry, plant-based collagen, and exfoliating jojoba beads to further brighten and firm the complexion. I'm obsessed with how supple and refreshed my skin feels after using it, and it never gives me that tight, squeaky feeling post-wash."
"I don't know what made me wait so long to try this serum, but I'm so happy I finally did. It makes me feral, and it truly can do no wrong. Not only does it gently exfoliate, but it also brightens skin and improves texture and has managed to reduce breakouts. Plus, I've been able to continue to use it throughout my pregnancy—it's a great retinol alternative."
"My brow lady kept telling me to use castor oil on my brows, and I finally listened to her. Now, I'm never going back. They've never looked so healthy and full in my entire life. I've been using this serum morning and night and really started to notice a change after a month of consistent use."
"This moisturizer does exactly what it says: It actively hydrates skin and increases bounce. It's one of the only moisturizers I like to use before applying my makeup. It acts as the perfect base and gives my skin that subtle dewy glow that never gets old."
"There are many cleansing balms on the market, but this one has been a game changer for me. It effortlessly melts away even the most stubborn makeup, including waterproof mascara, without any scrubbing. Unlike other cleansers, it leaves my skin feeling clean yet incredibly hydrated and soft—never stripped or tight. I also love how little product is needed to cover my entire face, making it a reliable and luxurious staple in my skincare routine. Another repurchase is certainly in my future."
"This setting spray is my go-to for locking in my makeup. It truly doesn't budge, even through long travel days, workout classes, and outdoor excursions. I love how the ultrafine mist evenly sets everything in place, giving me confidence that my look will stay flawless from morning to night. While the bottle feels luxe, I wish it came in a bigger size because it's that reliable for a makeup-locked finish. A pro tip I received from a makeup artist is to use a face mist before applying it to lock in moisture."
"This primer has quickly become one of those products I didn't know I needed. It feels lightweight and cooling on my skin, and I swear it gives me that plump, dewy glow—even on days when I skip makeup. When my friends see me using it, they always have questions because of the unique applicator. Plus, the packaging is so satisfying to use, which feels like a small luxury every time I apply it."
"After turning 30, I knew it was time to get more serious about my retinol routine. I've tried various products (Summer Fridays makes a really nice one) and have worked my way up this Sunday Riley retinoid serum. As a sensitive-skin girly, seeing High-Dose in the product's name initially made me nervous, but I've experienced no sensitivity, even when using it nightly. It's also a clean beauty product, which is really important to me, especially when it comes to skincare."
"I can't explain the choke hold that Rhode products had on me this past year. I don't love a colorless lip gloss, so when the brand launched the tinted versions, I couldn't add them to my cart fast enough. My favorite is the shade Toast—it's the perfect nude with just a touch of pink. If I leave my apartment without this gloss in my bag, I will turn around nine times out of 10."
"Rhode again? Yes! While this is not the best face lotion I've ever tried, I was impressed with how moisturizing it was considering the lightweight consistency. The reason I'm purchasing this product again is mostly because of the affordable price point—it's only $30 compared to the much steeper cost of my favorite daily cream. I use this as my midday lotion. Let me explain. If I've been wearing makeup since the morning and then have a dinner or other event at night, I'll wash off the morning's makeup and use this lightweight Rhode face lotion before redoing my glam."
"I initially brushed off hypochlorous acid. I thought a little face spray couldn't have any noticeable impact on my skin, right? Now, I genuinely can't imagine living without it. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which explains why it's so helpful for reducing breakouts and soothing redness. I don't break out nearly as often since I started using this spray, especially when I couple it with other habits like getting Hydrafacials, drinking enough water, and eating well. I keep one in my cabinet so I can spritz it on morning and night, and I also keep one in my bag to refresh midday or after a workout. I've gone through bottles upon bottles of this stuff, and I don't see it ever leaving my lineup."
"Leave it to Rhode to create the ultimate dewy-skin must-have. This milky essence is unlike any product I've used before. It contains a trio of skin-soothing ingredients, including ceramides, beta-glucan, and magnesium. It's a must in both my morning and evening routines. After I spritz on my hypochlorous acid, I pat this in, and my complexion soaks up all the hydrating goodness. I also took a tip from Hailey Bieber herself and mixed a few drops into my tinted sunscreen for an extra-glowy finish. I foresee this being the holy grail of my skincare routine for years to come."
"When I first discovered Clearstem, I was immediately intrigued by the founders' story and beyond excited to try the line. This moisturizer specifically has given me a dewy radiance like I've never had before, and that's saying something. It has a richly hydrating yet gel-like consistency that's full of ingredients that will hydrate your skin but won't make you break out. It has bakuchiol and squalane—two essentials for luminous skin—and blueberry and pomegranate oils that give it this sweet, yummy scent. If I could only pick one moisturizer to use until the end of time, it would be this one."
Photographer: Ritual of Me
Associate Director of Photo Editing: Jacqueline Lee
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
