I searched through a year's collection of beauty reviews from Sephora, Nordstrom, and Ulta—these products stood out…

      With a vast number of beauty brands and products available, navigating through them to determine what's truly worth your investment can be challenging. That's where I, as a beauty editor, come in. My extensive experience has allowed me to evaluate numerous products, enabling me to confidently identify what delivers results and what doesn't, which hopefully saves you both time and money. As we near the end of 2025, I took the initiative to research whether my personal favorites this year align with what other beauty enthusiasts appreciate. I sifted through hundreds of reviews from my favorite retailers—Ulta, Sephora, and Nordstrom—with a clear goal: to discover the very best. I compiled a shortlist of products I've either recently found or have been using for some time and cross-referenced it with the beauty community's sentiments. As it turns out, we're all celebrating the same products. From trending hits to enduring classics, keep reading to see which items have captured the hearts of the beauty community in 2025.

      **La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream**

      This beloved and iconic cream from La Mer continues to be a favorite. After reviewing feedback this year, it remains one of Nordstrom's highest-rated moisturizers featuring the brand's sought-after Miracle Broth, known for its ability to enhance barriers and renew cells. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, the testimonials are impressive. Many users appreciate the rich hydration and radiance it provides, particularly in winter. Notable review: "La Mer Soft Cream is simply the best. It's lightweight, applies smoothly, and effectively addresses fine lines."

      **Medicube One Day Exosome Shot 2000**

      The K-beauty brand Medicube has garnered a loyal following in the U.S. thanks to social media platforms like TikTok. This particular product has gained significant popularity recently, and the real-life reviews on Ulta confirm its effectiveness. Users love how it refines skin texture, containing exosome-coated spicules (tiny needles designed to penetrate the skin) alongside low-level exfoliants for smoothness and brightness. Notable review: "I'm truly impressed with this product. I have rosacea and dry, sensitive skin, making it hard to find suitable products. After using this for about a week, I noticed a significant improvement in my skin's texture and brightness. I’d call it my holy grail."

      **MEDIHEAL Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pad**

      Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock and I are both big fans of Mediheal, which appears to resonate with Ulta customers as well. These peeling pads represent a winning Korean formula that exfoliates effectively without irritation. The natural papaya enzymes and LHA gently dissolve dead skin cells while offering antioxidant benefits. Notable review: "I've been using this for a month, and it shocked me how much dead skin and leftover makeup it removed the first time. I use it nightly, and my skin feels hydrated and refreshed, significantly reducing blackheads and pimples!"

      **Aestura Atobarrier365 Lightweight Face Lotion**

      For those with compromised skin barriers, this lightweight lotion is the ultimate winter essential. Boasting an impressive near-perfect five-star rating on Sephora, it offers substantial hydration through barrier-supporting ceramides, a triple lipid complex, and niacinamide. Notable review: "Best moisturizer for sensitive skin. I pair it with my prescribed retinoid, and it's been incredibly soothing."

      **Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa +++**

      This classic favorite remains a top-rated product at Sephora year after year due to its effectiveness in protecting skin while being completely invisible. It also features antioxidant-rich marine algae, licorice root, and meadowfoam seed oil for added hydration and doubles as a makeup primer. Notable review: "I love this sunscreen! It makes my skin smooth and soft, and it works perfectly as a primer."

      **Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask**

      This $20 mask from Beauty of Joseon is not only a personal favorite but also highly rated at Sephora. It clarifies and exfoliates the skin gently thanks to red bean extract and kaolin clay. Following its use, my skin feels clean without that overly tight sensation. I use it a few times weekly and always feel as though I've had a luxurious facial. Notable review: "The mask's texture is fantastic—very thick and gently exfoliating. It has a lovely light scent and leaves my skin feeling refreshed!"

      **ANUA Pdrn Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream**

      PDRN has become increasingly popular in skincare, and Anua's cream is a top choice among Ulta shoppers. This lightweight formula quickly absorbs and contains low-molecular PDRN and super hydrators for added glow and moisture. Notable review: "I absolutely adore this! It's now part of my skincare addiction. It absorbs beautifully into my dry skin,