ELLE Beauty Playback: The Makeup Products That Stole Our Hearts This Year

This year has been a total rollercoaster, but if there’s one thing that’s kept my spirits high, it’s makeup. Nothing beats the excitement of discovering a product that instantly becomes a must-have. Swipe-worthy lipsticks to gorgeous eyeliners, 2024 has seen some stunning makeup products. So, here’s my personal roundup of the products that had me hooked—tried, tested, and totally adored!

Kay Beauty Hydra Creme Lipstick

I have to start with Kay Beauty’s Hydra Creme Lipstick because it’s been my everyday staple. A lipstick that’s so creamy but feels like nothing on your lips. The formula is intensely hydrating without being greasy, and the colour payoff is too good. Dashing out the door for coffee or glamming up for a dinner date, this lipstick pulled through every time. My favourite shade is Sage, a rosy brown that feels just bougie enough for every occasion.

Shop here

Charlotte Tilbury Big Lip Plumpgasm

This product had me raising an eyebrow when I first heard the name, but it lives up to the hype. The Big Lip Plumpgasm gives you that juicy, pillowy pout we all love. The tingly but cooling sensation is just enough to remind you it’s working, and the glossy finish is divine. I’ve been layering it over lip tints and lipsticks for a while now and the compliments haven’t stopped. Plus, the cute packaging makes me feel fancy every time I pull it out of my bag.

Shop here

Too Faced Born This Way Soft Matte Foundation

If there’s one base product that truly delivered this year, it’s the Born This Way Soft Matte Foundation. Too Faced knocked it out of the park with this one. It’s the perfect balance between full coverage and a natural finish—like a real-life filter. It lasts all day, even on my oily skin and it never looks cakey. I wore this for events, trips and everything in between, and it consistently made my skin look flawless. Brownie points for the oil control formulation and easy-to-use packaging.

Shop here

Zygos Beauty Reyeflective Palette

Oh, Zygos Beauty, how you’ve spoiled me! The Reyeflective Palette became my go-to for eyes this year. The duochrome and metallic shades are buttery and so pigmented, they look like magic on the lids. This palette had my back whether I was in the mood for a subtle shimmer or a bold colour. I’m obsessed with the shade fairy and crystals; it’s perfection.

Shop here

Swiss Beauty Holographic Eyeliner

Swiss Beauty’s Holographic Eyeliner is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look amazing. This liner adds an edge to any makeup look. I wore it to parties and even casual brunches when I wanted a pop of something fun. It catches the light beautifully, creating a mesmerising effect that had people constantly asking, “What are you wearing?” It’s easy to apply and stays put without smudging, an absolute win.

Shop here

HUDA Beauty Easy Blur Primer

Primers can be hit or miss, but HUDA Beauty’s Easy Blur Primer was so good. My pores were blurred, and my makeup was smooth and long-lasting. It gives you that “soft focus” effect, which is a lifesaver on days when your skin isn’t cooperating. It kept my skin shine-free without drying out the rest of my face, which is a tricky balance.

Shop here

Marmelo Lilac Dreams Serum Blusher

Blush has had a major moment this year, and Marmelo’s Lilac Dreams Serum Blusher stole my heart. The shade is such a unique, ethereal lilac that works on so many skin tones. It’s lightweight, blends like a dream, and gives the most stunning dewy glow. I’m not usually a fan of liquid blushes because they can be tricky, but this one made me a believer. I wore it on bare skin for a fresh, flushed look.

Shop here

Etude Fixing Tint Bar

Etude absolutely nailed it with their Fixing Tint Bar. This hybrid between lipstick and a tint is what is wanted in a lip product. It gives that soft, blurred effect with just the right amount of colour and feels weightless on the lips. I kept one in my purse at all times, and it was perfect for touch-ups throughout the day. The formula doesn’t dry out your lips, which is a huge win, especially in colder months.

Shop here

Kohl Kreatives Flex Collection

I couldn’t end this list without shouting out the Kohl Kreatives Flex Collection. If you haven’t tried these, you’re missing out. The collection is made up of multi-use brushes that bend and flex to adapt to your needs, making them perfect for blending, contouring, and everything in between. They’re beginner-friendly yet pro-approved, and the cute design is a major plus. These brushes made doing my makeup so much easier, especially for tricky spots like the sides of the nose and under the eyes.

Shop here

These picks weren’t just makeup—they were confidence boosters, creative outlets, and sometimes even mood lifters. Here’s to more beauty discoveries in 2025.

- Beauty Writer

Beauty, health and wellness writer

More From

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content