Hello friends! 2025 was a year filled with new makeup releases and while some of them were hit or miss, there were certain products that really stood out to me. In today’s post I’m sharing the makeup products I consider the best of the best – the beauty products I fell in love with last year even if they weren’t released last year. These were the products I found myself reaching for again and again (and even repurchasing on more than one occasion). They held up well in the crazy, Louisiana weather I live in and they actually exceeded my expectations.

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Some of these products are high-end, while others are from the drugstore, but regardless of their price tag, these are the products I feel are worth spending your hard-earned cash on. So if you’re interested, keep on scrolling . . .

**This post includes affiliate links that if used I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. If you use any of my links, thank you for the love and support. Now let’s get to the makeup – in no particular order.

Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue Waterproof Eyebrow Gel

If you’ve been looking for an affordable brow gel that will lock your brows in place all day without making them feel crunchy or flaky, let me introduce you to the Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue. Like the name suggests, this stuff is like glue for your brows, but what makes it stand out from the sea of brow gels on the market is that it’s not sticky and it doesn’t peel. Coming in 5 different shades, the gel helps you shape and lock your brows to help you achieve your perfect brow look.

L’Oreal Telescopic Original Washable Mascara

Something I learned about myself in 2025 is that I’m not fond of large mascara brushes. I just feel like a larger brush doesn’t allow me to really coat my lashes the way I like, which is why I had to include this next product on the list. The L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara has a small, narrow brush that helps you build up your lashes and subtly build definition. Its sleek and flexible precision brush catches and separates every single lash, so you don’t have to worry about clumps.

Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick

If you’ve been looking for a matte liquid lipstick formula that’s not drying and offers little-to-no transfer, the Dior Forever Liquid Lipsticks are for you. This lightweight lipstick doesn’t feather or smudge. It stays in place for most of the day, keeping your lips smooth and nourished, even after you’ve eaten. It comes in 9 shades that vary from berry pink to vibrant red and everything in between.

L’Oreal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Bronzing Enhancer

This next product is some of the best lip glosses you’ll find on the market and they came from the drugstore. Can you believe it? Maybelline really knocked it out of the park with this formula. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, these lightweight glosses offer maximum hydration minus the stickiness of a traditional lip gloss. With eleven shades and four different formulations to choose from, this gloss really offers something for everyone.

L’Oreal Lumi Le Glass and Glow Highlighter Stick

2025 was the year of glowing and radiant skin and this next product provided that and more. This creamy stick highlighter melts into your skin for a radiant, dewy finish that catches the light beautifully. What makes it a stand-out product is that it has no glitter and it can be layered with other makeup and skincare products. It gives the skin a natural and healthy reflective sheen that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid

If you’ve been craving a natural, sun-kissed glow with minimal makeup, this next product is perfect for you. The L’Oreal Lumi Glotion is a lightweight luminous tint that doubles as a hydrating base, subtle highlighter, or everyday glow enhancer. Its sheer, dewy finish blends easily on bare skin or under foundation for a radiant look that’s perfect for everyday wear. Think Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter at a fraction of the price.

Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil Long-Lasting Lip Liner

Finding a lip liner that’s long-lasting, nourishing, and long-wearing can be a challenge, but not when it comes to the Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil liners. These liners are cult-favorites for good reason. They’re ultra-creamy, richly-pigmented, and last forever on your lips. Whether you’re outlining your natural lip shape or filling in for a more dramatic look, these lip pencils lock color in place.

L’Oreal Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder

If you struggle with oily/combination skin like me, this next product will become your new best friend. It was always sold out at my local Target so it took me a while to get my hands on it, but I’m really glad I did. This finely milled powder blends into the skin seamlessly and helps to keep shine at bay all day. It helps to minimize pores and leave you with a soft-focus finish that holds up even in the hottest Louisiana heat.

Morphe Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Face Trio

This next product quickly became one of my favorites based solely on the fact that you get three blush formulas in one neat little package. The Morphe Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Face Trio is a fun, buildable cheek lover’s dream because it combines a satin cream, luminous balm, and velvet powder all in one compact for endless looks. Whether you’re going for a subtle flush or a bold pop of color, you can mix and match the three textures to create your perfect blush look.

Armani Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow

If you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend hours on doing an eye look, the Armani Eye Tints are just what you need. These long-wear liquid eyeshadows provide vibrant, crease-proof color that dries down to a comfortable, smudge-resistant finish that will last all day. They come in a number of finishes and colors and they’re so easy to use that all you have to do is slap them on your eyelids, use a large fluffy brush, and blend the shade out to your heart’s desire.

Maybelline Super Stay 24Hour Skin Tint

The Maybelline Super Stay 24H Skin Tint is a lightweight, long-wear skin tint that gives you a “your-skin-but-better” look with buildable light to medium coverage. Infused with vitamin C, it helps brighten and even out your skin tone while feeling weightless and comfortable on the skin. I went through multiple bottles of this stuff last year and I can proudly confirm that it resists sweat and humidity, even after a long work day at the office.

Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original

The last product I want to mention is what I consider one of the best neutral palettes on the market. Featuring 12 buildable, this eyeshadow palette is designed to blend effortlessly and offer minimal fallout, leaving you with clean, polished eye looks. Whether you’re trying to achieve a natural, everyday look or something a little more sultry for a night out, this all-matte palette will quickly become your go-to.