Happy New Year! There’s something about the start of January that makes me want to overhaul my makeup bag. Maybe it’s the “fresh start” energy or maybe it’s because winter skin always begs for a little extra love, but I found myself deep in a Nordstrom beauty scroll session at midnight. Before I knew it, my cart was overflowing. Le Boyfriend took one look and insisted I narrow it down to my top 10. I agreed… then cheekily snuck in one extra.
I get sent a fair share of beauty products from brands, but there are still some cult favorites I’ve been dying to try—especially those that promise a radiant, post-vacation glow (even if the only trip I’m taking this winter is from the couch to the kitchen). This year, I’m leaning into a soft, neutral palette with subtle shimmer—makeup that feels effortless yet luminous. Here are the products topping my 2025 beauty lust list:
1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
This foundation has been whispered about in beauty circles for years, and the hype seems real. Lightweight yet buildable, it delivers that lit-from-within finish without looking cakey. I also appreciate that Armani offers deeper shades for women of color—a win for inclusivity that’s still not as common as it should be.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury has slowly crept her way into my regular rotation. The Matte Revolution formula is a dream: modern, matte, but never flat or drying. The shade I have my eye on is Glastonberry—a deep, sultry plum that feels perfect for winter evenings but still wearable enough for day.
3. Tom Ford Cream & Powder Eye Color in Paradiso
I’ve loved Tom Ford nail polishes in the past, but his eye products are on another level of luxury. Paradiso is a warm gold shimmer with just the right balance of creaminess and sparkle. It’s one of those shades you can swipe on quickly with your finger and still look like you spent ages perfecting your eye makeup.
4. Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
Hourglass never misses, and yet I’ve somehow never tried their cult-favorite primer. From what I’ve read, it smooths skin, blurs imperfections, and keeps makeup in place without feeling heavy—a must during the colder months when my skin is constantly switching between dry winter air and overheated indoor spaces.
5. NUFACE® Trinity Facial Toning Device
Micro-current facials have been on my radar for a while now, but the $200+ price tag per session isn’t exactly budget-friendly. Enter NUFACE’s Trinity device—an at-home tool designed to sculpt and tone with gentle electrical currents. It’s definitely a splurge, but compared to spa visits, it feels like a smarter long-term investment.
6. Le Labo Santal 33
Not technically makeup, but scent is such a big part of my beauty routine. Santal 33 is a fragrance that people either live for or find overpowering. I fall firmly in the “obsessed” camp. Smoky, leathery, slightly floral—it’s the fragrance equivalent of a cashmere sweater on a chilly night.
7. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish
While I’m usually a drugstore nail polish girl, Deborah Lippmann’s formulas feel like a treat. The shades are sophisticated, the wear time is impressive, and I love that many are infused with treatment ingredients that actually strengthen nails while you wear them.
8. GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment
Winter skin has a way of getting dull and congested, which is why I keep hearing about GlamGlow’s Supermud. It’s designed to tackle breakouts, minimize pores, and reset tired skin. I love that it’s a “results now” type of product, perfect before an event or even as a Sunday night reset.
9. MAC Lipglass
MAC is one of those brands I’ll always return to. Their Lipglass is still unmatched for delivering that high-shine, glossy finish without being sticky. I’m eyeing a peachy nude that pairs perfectly with the Charlotte Tilbury lipstick for a dimensional, plump pout.
10. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
This one is a classic. I don’t know how I’ve gone this long without committing to it. It locks makeup in place while blurring fine lines and pores, but somehow still manages to look natural. If I had to crown a single “desert island” makeup product, this might be it.
11. (Bonus!) A Soft Glow Highlighter
Okay, technically this breaks my top 10 rule, but I couldn’t resist. I’m craving a highlighter that gives more of a candlelit sheen than a blinding disco-ball finish. Something subtle enough for daytime but buildable for evening. I’m still deciding between options, but one is definitely finding its way into my cart.
Final Thoughts
If I had to sum up my beauty mood for this winter, it’s all about quiet luxury: polished skin, understated neutrals, and a touch of radiance that feels more natural glow than full glam. Of course, the fun of makeup is in the experimentation, and I know I’ll probably end up with a few wildcards along the way.
For now though, these are the products I’m starting the year with—my little arsenal of beauty joy. After all, a new year deserves a new glow.
