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

      With an abundance of beauty brands and products available, it can be challenging to navigate through them all and determine what’s worth your hard-earned money. That’s where I come in as a beauty editor. Having tested numerous products throughout my career, I can confidently share what works and what doesn’t, saving you both time and money. As the end of 2025 approaches, I conducted some research to see if my preferred purchases this year align with those of fellow beauty enthusiasts. I sifted through hundreds of reviews from my favorite retailers—Ulta, Sephora, and Nordstrom—aiming to identify the crème de la crème. I compiled a short list of products I either discovered this year or have been using for quite some time and cross-referenced it with the beauty community. It turns out we're all excited about the same products. From trending sensations to beloved classics, keep reading as I reveal the top picks favored by the beauty community in 2025.

      La Mer

      The Moisturizing Soft Cream

      This iconic and cherished cream from La Mer continues to be a favorite. According to this year’s reviews, it remains one of Nordstrom's most highly-rated moisturizers, featuring the brand’s sought-after Miracle Broth, which is known for its barrier-boosting and cell-renewing properties. Although it comes with a steep price tag, the reviews are telling. Users appreciate its deep hydration and the radiant glow it provides, especially in winter. Promising review: "La Mer Soft Cream is the best. It is lightweight, applies evenly, and helps with fine lines."

      Medicube

      One Day Exosome Shot 2000

      The K-beauty brand Medicube has developed a strong following in the U.S., largely thanks to social media platforms like TikTok. This particular product has recently gained traction and Ulta reviews confirm its effectiveness. Customers love its ability to improve skin texture, consisting of exosome-coated spicules (micro-sized needles intended for deep skin penetration) and gentle exfoliants that smooth and brighten. Promising review: "I'm absolutely amazed by this product. I have rosacea and dry skin, making my skin very sensitive. It's tough to find products that don’t cause breakouts or irritation because of my skin's sensitivity. After using this for about a week, I saw results right away. My skin’s texture has dramatically improved, my pores are shrinking, and it’s looking brighter! I am in love with this product. If everything continues to go well after two weeks, I’ll consider it my holy grail."

      MEDIHEAL

      Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pad

      My fellow beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock and I are huge fans of Mediheal, and Ulta customers appear to share our enthusiasm. These peeling pads offer a wonderful Korean formula that exfoliates effectively without causing irritation. Natural papaya enzymes and LHA work together to gently dissolve dead skin cells while providing antioxidant protection. Promising review: "I've been using this product for a month. The first time I used it, I was shocked at how much dead skin and leftover makeup it removed. I use it nightly, and my skin feels good, hydrated, and it helps with my blackheads and pimples! It definitely works on dark spots on my face and neck, and I will keep using this product :) ."

      Aestura

      Atobarrier365 Lightweight Face Lotion

      Attention all with damaged skin barriers: This lightweight lotion will be a savior this winter. With an impressive near five-star rating on Sephora, it provides substantial hydration with barrier-supporting ceramides, a triple lipid complex, and niacinamide. Promising review: "Best moisturizer for sensitive skin. I use it alongside my prescription retinoid, and it helps alleviate irritation. Its lightweight texture is still very hydrating."

      Supergoop!

      Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa +++

      A timeless favorite, this product remains a top-rated item at Sephora year after year due to its effectiveness at protecting the skin while being completely invisible. It’s enriched with antioxidant-rich marine algae, licorice root, and meadowfoam seed oil for added hydration, and it also serves as an excellent makeup primer. Promising review: "I absolutely love this sunscreen—it makes my skin smooth and very soft. It also works well as a primer. I recommend it, especially for those needing oil control."

      Beauty of Joseon

      Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask

      This $20 mask from Beauty of Joseon is a personal favorite and ranks highly at Sephora. It gently clarifies and exfoliates the skin with red bean extract and kaolin clay. It thoroughly cleanses pores without leaving a tight, dry feeling afterward. I use it several times a week and always feel like I’ve had an expensive facial—my skin looks exceptionally clear and glowing. Promising review: "Love the texture of this mask! It's very thick yet gently exfol