My Top 10 Beauty Discoveries of 2025

Okay, can we just talk about how good this year has been for beauty launches? Because honestly, I’ve been testing so many incredible products that my bathroom counter looks like a Sephora exploded—and I’m not even mad about it.

Every year, I think “this is it, nothing can top last year’s releases,” and every year I’m proven so wrong. 2025 has brought us some absolute game-changers, from foundations that actually work for real human skin to blushes that make you look like you just came back from the most perfect vacation. (Speaking of blushes—yes, I’m aware that like half this list is blush. I mean, I am running a blog called Blush Hour, so what did you expect? 😂)

Here are the 10 products that completely changed my makeup routine this year, in no particular order because honestly, I love them all equally.

1. NYX Buttermelt Blush

Let’s start strong with the product that had me questioning every blush I’ve ever owned. The NYX Buttermelt Blush is chef’s kiss perfection, and at drugstore prices, it’s genuinely offensive how good it is.

Here’s what makes it special: the texture is this incredible buttery-soft powder formula that literally melts into your skin. It’s infused with mango butter, almond butter, and shea butter, which sounds like it should be my breakfast smoothie but is actually what makes this blush glide on like an absolute dream. The formula is fade and transfer-resistant with up to 12 hours of wear, which I can confirm actually holds up.

The color payoff is buildable without being intimidating—you can go subtle for work or dramatic for nights out. It comes in 12 shades across both matte and glowy finishes, so there’s genuinely something for everyone.

Why it made my list: Zero learning curve, foolproof application, and it performs like a high-end blush at a fraction of the price. Plus, it plays well with other products without getting patchy or fading.

2. Haus Labs By Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

I’ll be honest—I was skeptical about celebrity beauty brands for a long time. But Haus Labs has been consistently impressive, and this foundation completely won me over.

The Triclone Skin Tech foundation is what I reach for when I want my skin to look like skin, just better. It’s medium coverage (actually medium, not “medium” that’s really full coverage), and it has this beautiful satin finish that photographs flawlessly. The formula contains fermented arnica—which Haus Labs claims is 860% more powerful than conventional arnica—that helps reduce redness and inflammation.

With 51 shades available, the inclusive range means most people can find their match. The serum-like texture feels lightweight and blurs skin beautifully without looking flat or overly dewy.

Why it made my list: It photographs beautifully (no flashback, no oxidation), wears comfortably for hours, and the skincare benefits mean I’m not sacrificing my skin health for coverage. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.

3. LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint Foundation Stick

If you’re not a full-coverage foundation person (hello, fellow “I just want to look awake” crowd), this stick foundation is about to become your best friend.

LYS Beauty’s Triple Fix is this genius all-in-one product that works as serum, primer, and foundation depending on how you use it. The stick format makes it perfect for on-the-go application and touch-ups. It’s formulated with green tea extract to soothe and hydrate, watermelon seed extract to lock in moisture, and rosehip oil to brighten—so you’re basically getting skincare and makeup in one swipe.

The blurring effect is real—my pores legitimately look smaller without that filtered, unnatural finish. It’s buildable from sheer to full coverage depending on how many layers you apply.

Why it made my list: The convenience factor is unmatched, plus it’s clean beauty that actually performs. I keep one in my purse, one at my desk, and one in my travel bag. It’s perfect for those days when you need to look put-together but can’t be bothered with a full routine.

4. Tower 28 GetSet Matte Powder Blush

Blush number two on this list (told you), and it’s a completely different vibe from the NYX one. Tower 28’s GetSet powder blushes are for the matte blush lovers who’ve felt left behind in this cream blush renaissance.

Here’s what’s genius about these: they’re the first-ever setting blush that combines the benefits of a setting powder with richly pigmented blush for 12-hour fade-proof color. The clean, talc-free formula instantly blurs pores and smooths texture while adding a splash of vibrant color in a true matte finish.

The powder is finely milled, so it blends seamlessly even over other products. Everything from Tower 28 is non-irritating, dermatologist-approved, and clinically tested for sensitive skin.

Why it made my list: Finally, a clean beauty powder blush that rivals traditional formulas. It has built-in shine control and is actually sweat-proof, which means your makeup stays put all day. Plus, you can layer it over cream blush for added dimension and staying power.

5. Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

Okay, I know Rare Beauty highlighters have been around, but if you’ve been sleeping on the Silky Touch formula, you need to wake up immediately because it’s next-level.

This highlighter has this cream-powder hybrid texture that gives the most natural glow I’ve ever achieved with a highlighter. It’s made of 50% pearl microshimmers set in a semi-sheer base, which sounds technical but basically means it gives you that glass-like sheen without emphasizing texture.

The formula doesn’t sit on top of your skin—it actually melts into it and looks like you’re naturally this luminous. It’s buildable from subtle to blinding, transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and water-resistant so it lasts all day.

Why it made my list: It works on bare skin or over makeup, doesn’t emphasize pores or fine lines, and gives that expensive, editorial glow without looking like a stripe of highlighter. Plus, it’s vegan and comes in 6 shades that genuinely flatter a range of skin tones.

6. TIRTIR Mask Fit Makeup Fixer

K-beauty continues to innovate in ways that make me question why Western brands aren’t keeping up, and this setting spray is proof. The TIRTIR Mask Fit Makeup Fixer isn’t just a setting spray—it’s a makeup fixer that creates an ultra-thin, breathable shield to lock in your makeup.

The fine mist provides even coverage without disrupting what’s already on your face. It controls oil with green apple polyphenols, resists humidity, and offers a soft blurring effect. Plus, it has Centella Asiatica extract to soothe sensitive skin.

I’ve tested this through long days, hot weather, and even workouts, and my makeup genuinely stays put. It’s tested to prevent makeup from cracking for up to 24 hours.

Why it made my list: It’s one of those products where you notice the difference immediately. Your makeup looks fresh and dewy all day without getting greasy, and the bottle lasts forever. The wide-angle spray makes application foolproof.

7. REM Beauty Interstellar Highlighter Topper

Another celebrity beauty moment! The REM Beauty Interstellar Highlighter Topper is the definition of “ethereal glow.” This isn’t your 2016 highlighter—there’s no chunky glitter, just this beautiful, multi-dimensional iridescent pigment that looks expensive.

The texture is this ultra-sensorial, silky-smooth powder that glides on like second skin and melts upon application. It’s infused with vegetable-derived emollients that hydrate while giving you that sophisticated shine with a decadent, dewy finish.

You can use it on your cheeks, eyes, brow bone, and even your body—anywhere the light would naturally hit. The formula is weightless and comes in 10 stunning shades.

Why it made my list: The quality rivals high-end highlighters but at a more accessible price point. The magnetic packaging is satisfying (in a weird ASMR kind of way), and you can build it from subtle to intense depending on your mood.

8. ColourPop By The Rosé Pressed Powder Palette

ColourPop really said “let’s make the prettiest palette of 2025” and then just… did that. By The Rosé is this stunning collection of 9 warm pinks and neutrals that work for eyeshadow, blush, and even bronzer.

The palette includes a mix of creamy matte and shimmering metallic finishes with that ultra-pigmented, blendable formula ColourPop is known for. The color story is cohesive with rosy pinks and warm neutrals, so you can’t really mess up—everything works together beautifully.

I’ve been using this to create those soft, romantic eye looks that are all over Pinterest right now. The formula is long-lasting and applies evenly with that velvety feel.

Why it made my list: The versatility is unmatched. It’s an entire face in one palette, and at under $20, it’s genuinely a steal. Plus, it’s perfect for travel since you don’t need to pack multiple products. You can go from natural daytime looks to full glam with just this one palette.

9. Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint

Blush number… wait, is this four? Five? Listen, I have no shame. The Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint is the viral product everyone’s been talking about for good reason—it’s genuinely that good.

This is a long-lasting jelly blush and lip stain with a bouncy texture that feels cooling and refreshing when you apply it (perfect for hot days or sensitive skin). The formula is packed with skincare ingredients like vegan collagen to firm skin, aloe to soothe, and seawater for hydration. The color payoff is buildable and gives this natural flush that looks like you just exercised but in a cute way.

The jelly texture is unique and feels lightweight on the skin. It’s non-comedogenic, transfer-proof, and lasts all day. One sells every 20 seconds, which tells you everything you need to know about how good it is.

Why it made my list: The cooling sensation is genuinely refreshing and makes application feel like skincare. It dries fast so you need to work quickly, but once it sets, it’s not budging. Plus, it works on both lips and cheeks for that monochromatic look everyone loves.

10. Rhode Pocket Blush

And for the final blush of the list (yes, that’s FIVE blushes—told you I wasn’t kidding about the name of this blog), we have Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Pocket Blush. This cream blush in the portable compact has been living in my purse since it launched.

The formula is this beautiful cream that gives a satiny, diffused flush. It’s infused with peptides and tamanu oil for skincare benefits, so your cheeks get hydrated while looking flushed. The lightweight formula melts into skin smoothly and stays all day without feeling greasy.

It comes in 6 shades designed to give that “glazed donut” dewy finish Hailey is known for. The compact size makes it genuinely pocket-friendly (though let’s be real, it’s more purse-friendly), and it includes a mirror for touch-ups.

Why it made my list: Sometimes simplicity wins, and this is one of those cases. It’s foolproof, travels well, and gives a beautiful, natural flush every single time. The formula is buildable, so you can go from “just got back from a walk” to “full glam” depending on how much you layer.

The Verdict

Look, I know this list is heavy on the blushes (occupational hazard?), but 2025 really has been the year of incredible complexion products. From foundations that actually work for real skin to blushes that make you look alive even on 4 hours of sleep, we’ve been seriously blessed with launches this year.

If I had to pick just one product from this list to recommend? That’s genuinely impossible—they all serve different purposes and moods. The NYX Buttermelt is perfect for everyday, the Tower 28 is great for sensitive skin and oil control, the Milk Makeup gives you that cooling sensation, the Rhode is ideal for minimal makeup days, and the ColourPop palette is unbeatable for versatility.

The best part? Most of these are super accessible price-wise, so you don’t need to break the bank to try them. Start with whatever speaks to you most based on what your routine needs right now, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

What were your favorite beauty discoveries this year? Any of these on your radar? Drop a comment and let me know—I love hearing what everyone’s been loving!