After taking a few weeks off to unplug for the holidays, I came back to see a gazillion “2024 Makeup and Beauty Favorites” videos in my YouTube feed. I’m joking about the number of course –-how many 0’s are in a gazillion anyway? Still, I have spent the past week catching up on my favorite YouTubers talk about their favorite products. So, since watching people take a walk down makeup memory lane has become my new Roman Empire, I’ve decided I wanted to get in on the fun! Here are 8 makeup and beauty products that changed my life in 2024.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream Mist

I got really into K-Beauty and shopping on YesStyle last year, and the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream Mist was one of the products I added to my cart after hearing so many people sing its praises. And let me tell you, those people were hitting all the right notes, because this mist is aca-amazing. The ultra-fine mist kisses the skin with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba seed oil and a 7-ceramide complex to hydrate the skin and leave it feeling soft and supple. In the winter, I used it as the second step in my routine, right after cleansing but before applying any serums. In the summer, I used it as a lightweight moisturizer; I would apply my serums, spray the mist all over for a shot of hydration, and then top it off with sunscreen.

ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil

Sometimes lipstick seems too much for the look I’m going for, but I still want have a little color on my lips, so the ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil in the shade Jam Session was the perfect compromise. The lip oil glides on smooth and is not sticky. It’s super hydrating and gives your pout a luscious juicy effect with a whisper of color. For a more statement look, I love to layer this over Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in the cult-classic shade “Black Honey.” It makes for a heavenly lip combo.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5

What I love about La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 is it’s loaded with heavy-hitting hydrators like panthenol, shea butter, and glycerin to soothe and nourish dry skin. However, it doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts. I also love it’s multitasking capabilities — it can be used as a moisturizer, face mask, heavy-duty lip mask, soothing balm for cracked elbows & more! And if you have an inflamed skin barrier, it was my favorite barrier repair cream I tried last year.

Morphe x Ariel Signature Brushes

Towards the end of 2024, I decided to update my drugstore makeup brushes for ones that were a little nicer. And, my oh my, I didn’t know makeup brushes could feel so dang soft and luxe. I am in love, and my makeup looks so much better.

Nivea UV Super Water Gel SPF 50

Nivea UV Super Water Gel SPF 50 is another K-Beauty J-Beauty purchase from YesStyle that I added to my cart (and my heart) per the internet’s recommendation. Wow, what a sunscreen! It’s incredibly lightweight and instantly sinks in, giving you a dewy-but-not-too-dewy finish. This sunscreen is the bees knees.

Nudestix Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm

After years of searching for my perfect nude lip shade, I finally found it in Nudestix Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm in the shade Pulse. It’s a more pink-y nude shade that has a cool rosy mauve undertone to it. Trust me, it’s prettier than how I just tried to describe it, lol. The formula is creamy, non-sticky and gives your lips a juicy finish.

Tarte Maneater Blush & Glow Cheek Plump

2024 was the year of blush for me. I dabbled with multiple blush formulas from powders to creams and peachy tints to berry hues. The one formula that stood out to me the most was Tarte Maneater Blush & Glow Cheek Plump in Peachy Pink. Part blush, part highlighter. The creamy gel-like texture gives your cheeks a lovely wash of color while also bringing a seriously juicy and plumping glow. The formula is easy to blend and is buildable if you want a more bold blush moment.

Tula Blurring & Moisturizing Filter Primer

I don’t know what kind of magic is in the Tula Blurring & Moisturizing Filter Primer, but it pumps out a milky white glob, then magically transforms into your correct skin tone as you rub it in, leaving you with smooth, radiant, and blurred skin. It literally looks like you’ve got a filter on! Since it evens out my skin tone so well, I found myself using this primer as my go-to base product this year. I’d apply a pump or two to the skin, rub it in, and then go in with a concealer to target any blemishes.

And there you have it! My top 8 makeup and beauty products I discovered in 2024. I would love to know if you discovered any life changing products in the beauty department last year.

Thanks for reading!

It feels good to be back writing again. I’ll see you next Friday for a new Weekend Edition.