Favorite Things 2025
Welcome to my Favorite Things 2025! These are things I bought and loved this year. From my go-to hydrating serum to under eye corrector to AirPod case, I’m sure there’s going to be something on this list that you’ll also love.
1. Water Bottle
I ditched my Stanley because straws cause lip wrinkles. Drinking from a straw works the muscles around your mouth — mostly the top lip muscles. I started to notice my upper lip muscles becoming more roided-out looking so I decided to switch over to a new water bottle. My new water bottle has a built-in straw or you can drink from it like a regular water bottle. The built-in straw doesn’t require as much muscle work as a straw.
2. Micellar Water
I’ve been using this micellar water for years but I don’t think I’ve officially made it one of my Favorite Things. But that changes right now. I love this micellar water because it removes my makeup and European sunscreen. At the end of the day, I use the micellar water, and then I cleanse my face with my favorite hydrating cleanser.
3. Hydrating Skin Tint
A couple months ago, my friend Melissa (@mrsderm) recommended this hydrating skin tint, so I decided to give it a try, and I love it. It’s lightweight, buildable coverage. I love how it evens out my skintone and gives me a dewy glow. I always top the skin tint with my favorite setting powder so I don’t look as dewy once my makeup is fully finished. I use shade 03.
4. Hydrating Serum
I started using this hydrating serum earlier this year, and it’s one of my top 2025 favorite things. The hydrating serum made with 30% Glycerin, which is very hydrating. Some people don’t like the tackiness of the serum, but topping it with a moisturizer helps reduce the stickiness. I recently tried out the same brand’s moisturizer. So far, I like it. It’s very lightweight, which I prefer. I used to use the hydrating serum at night on top of my Tretinoin, but a month or so ago I started using it in the morning under my sunscreen. My skin is even less dry since I started using this method.
5. No Crease No Damage Hair Ties
My amazing hair stylist recommended I try these no crease, no damage hair ties. I use them every night with one of my other Favorite Things to keep my blow out looking fresh for days. These hair ties are a great stocking stuffer!
6. Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Using these rechargeable hand warmers at the bus stop at 6:50AM in the freezing cold have been a game changer for me. I turn on the hand warmers and put them in my coat pockets. They got hot very quickly and have three heat settings. The hand warmers come with a double USB charging cord so you can charge both at the same time. These are also a great stocking stuffer!
7. Swarovski Crystal Eternity Ring
I bought this Swarovski crystal eternity ring during Black Friday so I haven’t had it very long. Therefore, I can’t speak to the long-term durability. But so far, I love it. The eternity ring is very sparkly and looks very real. Someone can tell it’s not legit if they get really close to it but people usually don’t put their eyeballs 3 inches away from my fingers.
8. Under Eye Corrector
I purchased this under eye corrector earlier this year because my under eyes were looking so dark. Turns out I’m anemic, which causes dark under eyes. Now that I’ve been treating the anemia for a few months, my under eyes are looking less dark, but I’m still using the under eye corrector. I use almost daily because I like how it makes me look more awake and it takes seconds to apply. I use my ring finger to dab a small amount of the eye corrector under each eye. I use the light-medium peach color. The under eye corrector is available at Sephora, Ulta, DermStore, and Tarte.
9. Swarovski Crystal Tennis Bracelet
Like with the bezel set eternity ring (#7), I purchased this Swarovski crystal tennis bracelet during Black Friday. She’s a stunner! I’ve gotten so many compliments on it when I’ve worn it out. I have the diamond white version, but it also comes in faux garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, peridot, golden topaz, and a turquoise blue color.
10. AirPod Case
I saw my friend Julia (@smarterinasec) share this suitcase AirPod case earlier this year. I thought it was so cute and funny. It comes with little stickers that you can put on the suitcase AirPod case to personalize it. My only complaint about the case is that you can’t see the AirPod case light to see if they need charged. But I just look at the charging percentages on my phone. I don’t trust myself, so I also attach an AirTag inside a silicone keychain to the AirPod case. This suitcase AirPod case is a great stocking stuffer!
11. Kindle Case
Last year, the Kindle Paperwhite made my Favorite Things list. For Christmas last year, a friend gifted me a gift certificate to Page. I used the gift certificate to buy a Kindle case. I love all of their Kindle case designs. And so far, I’ve found the case to be quite durable.
12. Large Tote
I’ve used my Longchamp Le Pliage Neo crossbody, top handle handbag as my daily driver for four years. I think that’s the longest I’ve stuck with a daily driver handbag. Unfortunately, they no longer make the Neo (RIP), but they have something similar if you’re looking for a smaller crossbody, top handle handbag that can still hold a lot of stuff. Last year, when I was getting ready to head to DC to decorate the White House for the holidays, I decided to buy a large Longchamp tote. I love this tote because it can fit so much in it, and it has a zipper. I know a lot of people use it as their personal item when they fly because of its capacity and durability. I used it a lot this fall for lugging my 15″ MacBook around with me. So if you’re looking for a large tote that’s a workhorse, I highly recommend this one. You can purchase one from Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, or directly from Longchamp. I’ve purchased directly from Longchamp in the past and it was a great experience — free shipping and free return shipping. Plus Longchamp offers complimentary gift wrapping.
13. Sweats
One way to be comfy but look somewhat put together is to wear a matching set. That’s why I love these joggers and this sweatshirt. The material is well-made and so soft. (Don’t worry — I’m still regularly wearing the official 221 joggers.) I get my usual size and regular length in the joggers and size down one size in the sweatshirt (regular length).
