This year has been a love letter to skincare, filled with groundbreaking formulas, buzzworthy ingredients, and innovations that redefined what’s possible. As a beauty writer, I’ve tested my fair share of products (okay, maybe more than my fair share), and through all that trial and error, I’ve uncovered the very best of 2024. These aren’t just products—they’re the ones that simplified my routine, delivered results I could see and feel, and, most importantly, made my skin happier than ever.
LANEIGE Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask
I wasn’t always a fan of sleeping masks—they used to feel too heavy for my oily skin. But LANEIGE changed the game with this one. The Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask is lightweight, gel-like, and so hydrating that I woke up looking like I’d just had a facial. What I love most is the texture—it’s cooling and absorbs beautifully without leaving any residue on your pillow. Plus it is super relaxing, making it the perfect addition to my nighttime routine.
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indē wild Rose Sun Mist SPF 50+
I never thought I’d fall in love with a sunscreen spray, but indē wild’s made me a believer. The mist is fine, even, and lightweight. It’s SPF 50 but feels like nothing, and you don’t get that dreaded greasy sheen. The best part is this isn’t just for lazy beach days. It’s perfect for everyday use, especially when you’re running out the door or need to reapply without smudging your makeup.
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Shankara’s Timeless Restorative Skin Elixir
Every so often, a product comes along that feels like pure indulgence—and Shankara’s Timeless Restorative Skin Elixir is exactly that. The texture is so good, it’s somewhere between a serum and an oil, and it melts into your skin like silk. Packed with Ayurvedic botanicals and anti-ageing powerhouses, this elixir has become my go-to for glowing, hydrated skin. I started noticing a difference within a week—my skin felt softer, plumper, and just…happier. If you’re looking to splurge on self-care, this is worth every penny.
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Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Raise your hand if you’ve ever dealt with those annoying little bumps on your arms or legs. Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment is the best for smoother, bump-free skin. The texture is lightweight and non-greasy, which means no sticky feeling under your clothes. If you’ve been dreaming of silky summer legs, this one’s for you.
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Biologique Recherche Collagène Originel Serum
The Collagène Originel Serum is a miracle in a bottle. It’s packed with collagen-stimulating ingredients that bring tired, dull skin back to life. After using it for a while, my complexion looked brighter and ridiculously healthier. Sure, it’s on the splurgey side, but for skin that looks like you’ve had 10 hours of sleep every night? Totally worth it.
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Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Balm
Winter wreaks havoc on my skin, and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier Balm—a rich, nourishing balm feels like wrapping your face in a cosy blanket. It’s perfect for those days when your skin feels tight or chapped. I’ve been using it as the last step in my routine, and it locks in moisture quickly.
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The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acid Lip Balm
The Ordinary’s Squalane + Amino Acid Lip Balm keeps my lips soft and hydrated. It’s fragrance-free, so it’s great if you’re sensitive to scents, and the texture is just right—not too thick, not too slippery. What sets this apart is the combination of squalane and amino acids, which actually repair your lips over time instead of just masking the dryness.
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Christian Breton Liftox 360° Eye Cream
Enriched with snake venom peptide and collagen, this eye cream helps firm and smooth the delicate eye area for a youthful appearance. This is a unique, targeted treatment designed to reduce wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles around the eyes.
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If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that investing in quality skincare is a form of self-love, and these products have brought me joy (and better skin). They’ve turned my routine into a moment of calm in the chaos, a ritual I look forward to every single day.
