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

      With a vast array of beauty brands and products available, it can be challenging to sift through them all to determine what’s truly worth your money. That’s where I, a beauty editor, come into play. Having tested countless products throughout my career, I can confidently identify what works and what doesn’t, with the aim of saving you time and money. As we near the end of 2025, I set out to research whether my favorite purchases this year aligned with those of other beauty aficionados. I delved into hundreds of reviews from my go-to retailers—Ulta, Sephora, and Nordstrom—with a clear objective: to uncover the crème de la crème. I compiled a shortlist of products I either discovered this year or have been loyal to for a while and cross-referenced it with the beauty community. It turns out we’re all raving about the same items. From viral sensations to longstanding favorites, keep reading as I share the top products celebrated by the beauty community in 2025.

      **La Mer**

      The Moisturizing Soft Cream

      This classic and highly sought-after cream from La Mer continues to be a favorite. After examining this year's reviews, it remains one of Nordstrom's highest-rated moisturizers, showcasing the brand’s prized Miracle Broth, a barrier-enhancing and cell-renewing mixture La Mer is renowned for. Although it's on the expensive side, the reviews speak volumes. Users appreciate its capacity for intense hydration and the glow it imparts, particularly during the winter months. Promising review: "La Mer Soft Cream is the best. It is lightweight, applies evenly, and effectively addresses fine lines."

      **Medicube**

      One Day Exosome Shot 2000

      The K-beauty brand Medicube has garnered a devoted following in the U.S., largely due to platforms like TikTok. This particular product has recently gained significant attention, and it's reassuring to see that real-life reviews on Ulta support its popularity. Users rave about its ability to refine skin texture. It features exosome-coated spicules (tiny needles meant to penetrate deeply into the skin) and low-level exfoliants that smooth and brighten the complexion. Promising review: "I'm completely amazed by this product. I have rosacea and dry skin, making it challenging to find products that don't trigger reactions. I noticed results within a day; my skin's texture has dramatically improved, and my pores are starting to shrink. Not to mention, my skin looks brighter!

      **MEDIHEAL**

      Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pad

      Fellow beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock and I are huge fans of Mediheal, and it seems Ulta customers feel the same. These peeling pads are another exceptional Korean formulation that exfoliates beautifully without irritation. Natural papaya enzymes and LHA collaborate to gently dissolve dead skin cells while offering antioxidant protection. Promising review: "I've been using this product for a month, and I was shocked at the amount of dead skin and makeup it removed the first time. My skin feels good and hydrated, and it effectively eliminates blackheads and pimples!"

      **Aestura**

      Atobarrier365 Lightweight Face Lotion

      For those with compromised skin barriers: this lightweight lotion is a winter essential. Boasting an almost perfect five-star rating on Sephora, it provides intense hydration with ceramides, a triple lipid complex, and niacinamide. Promising review: "Best moisturizer for sensitive skin. It pairs well with my prescription retinoid, alleviating irritation while offering a perfect lightweight yet hydrating texture."

      **Supergoop!**

      Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa +++

      This timeless favorite remains a highly rated product at Sephora year after year because it delivers on its promise: protecting the skin while remaining completely invisible. It also contains antioxidant-rich marine algae, licorice root, and meadowfoam seed oil for additional hydration and can double as a makeup primer. Promising review: "I absolutely love this sunscreen—it makes my skin smooth and soft while also serving as an excellent primer."

      **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 effectively cleans my pores without leaving a tight, dry feeling afterward. I use it a few times a week and always feel as if I've had a luxurious facial—my skin looks clear and radiant. Promising review: "Love the texture! It's thick but gently exfoliating, and the scent is delightful—light, fresh, and clean."

      **ANUA**

      Pdrn Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

      PDRN is currently trending in skincare, and this cream from Anua is a top favorite among Ulta beauty enthusiasts. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly and includes low-molecular