As the end of the year approaches, I have decided to take a look at the workhorse items in both my closet and my toiletry bag. This is the third and final installment, featuring my favorite makeup and hair products of 2025.
Similar to the trend of counting your “empties,” inventorying the stuff that really works is a way to reduce overconsumption. It’s a way to remind yourself that the thing you have been using is not only adequate to the task, but preferred.
This post contains affiliate links and I may receive commission if you purchase an item after clicking on one.
Makeup
Laura Gellar Double Take Foundation
This foundation is marketed as “full coverage” because it is more buildable than the rest of the line. But I use it more as a medium coverage foundation, applied with the retractable kabuki brush. I have always preferred powder foundations and this one works well on my dry skin. I just make sure to exfoliate once or twice a week and moisturize well each morning to prep my skin.
I have fair-neutral undertones and buy it in Porcelain.
Benefit Silky-Soft Blush
I bought this blush in the mini size at least two years ago and use it every day, and the base is just now starting to show through. It’s well-saturated and buildable, while being easy to apply without looking clownish.
I like the peachy-pink tone of Shellie.
e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
I have tried a lot of eyeliners on my super sensitive, dry eyes and this is the best I’ve found, having only recently tried it. It doesn’t have any glitter that can fall into the eye, and the texture glides smoothly without being smudgy. I don’t trust any “waterproof” or “no budge” labels, but this one is pretty good.
I like it in Brown.
e.l.f. Wow Brow Eyebrow Gel
If I’m being honest, my very fave brow gel is a discontinued one from NYX. After that, it’s Glossier Boy Brow, but that one’s really expensive for a tiny amount of product. This one is pretty good – keeps your brows in place without being gloopy or making your brows look shellacked on.
I use Dark Brown.
Glossier Balm Dotcom
This has the perfect, non-sticky, balm-like texture in a squeeze tube. It reminds my of my favorite, non-tinted Bag Balm, but in a tinted version. The color deepens if you layer it, too, so it’s versatile.
I love the tint and scent of Black Cherry.
Hair
Avalon Organics Tea Tree Shampoo
For some reason, my scalp went haywire this year. I think it was an at-home hair dye’s fault. For months, my scalp was breaking out with itchy red bumps and seemingly nothing could calm it down. I tried Cerave Sensitive Skin shampoos, dandruff shampoo, and old standbys, but the only thing that fixed it was this shampoo. It’s gentle enough to use every wash without overly drying the hair, but I do typically use a conditioner alongside it.
Eco Roots Moroccan Oil Conditioner Bar
I was given a set of Eco Roots shampoo and conditioner bars years ago and am still working through them. I have only good things to say about these products. The conditioner is nourishing without being heavy and doesn’t irritate my scalp.
Redken Pliable Paste
I’ve been using this off and on since I first got a pixie cut in 2010. I like it because it has more of a soft, wet effect while providing some hold and texture. It’s also buildable to an extent, providing more hold as you use more. I apply to damp hair, but you can also apply it to dry hair.
R+Co Velvet Curtain Texture Balm
I used to use this a lot more, but now I prefer a bit more hold. This is a good air-dry style cream that thickens the hair and adds a bit of texture and movement. It doesn’t provide a strong hold. The effect is better when applied to dry hair, but I never dry my hair after washing it (and I wash it every day because my scalp gets irritated from leftover product).
