In 2025, I emptied a total of 101 unique beauty products (excluding repurchases), but only 15 truly made the cut. These are the products I enjoyed enough to repurchase without hesitation as they are the ones that stood out for their performance, consistency, and how they fit into my routine.
Looking back, this year passed by in a blur. Ever since I started my new role in mid-2022, every month has felt equally busy with new company initiatives layered on top of daily operational work. There were moments I felt deeply tired, and I found myself turning to scents and simple rituals as a form of relaxation and self-care where small pauses made a big difference.
This year also marked a meaningful milestone: I was promoted. Having previously worked closely with machines in my engineering career, I now work primarily with people in the learning and development space. While the workload can be demanding and balancing it is still a work in progress, I’m genuinely grateful for the environment I’m in. The people I work with are real, helpful, and committed to doing better - no unnecessary gossip, no pretense. I truly value that authenticity.
Beyond spending meaningful time with my loved ones, random treats for family and friends, making both in-kind and monetary donations, every choice was made with care. I also made a conscious effort to support social enterprises and products/goods created by individuals with special needs, alongside volunteering with seniors and children with special needs. This year was about choosing good where I could.
I continued learning too, attending a nutrition course this year, with four more modules to go before completing the certification. Travel offered a pause as well in a much-needed trip to Perth, Australia in late September, where slowing down felt restorative in its own quiet way.
As we approach 2026, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me through my blog and Instagram, and those who chose to make purchases via my recommendations or affiliate links. Every purchase and every kind message you shared made my journey truly meaningful.
Thank you for being such an important part of my beauty journey. Here's to a beautiful joy-filled year ahead.
With that, let’s move on to the beauty empties that made the cut this year.
Makeup Remover, Cleanser and Toner
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm : A soft and emollient sorbet textured balm with an uplifting scent that turns into oil upon contact with the skin, which later transforms into a milky lather with water, leaving my face so clean, soft and supple. It is more suited for minimal makeup days (without waterproof mascara).
Natio Silky Soft Cleansing Milk : A gentle and reliable daily cleanser with a subtle scent and creamy texture that performs well for those seeking a soft, smooth, and comfortable cleanse.
Bioderma Sensibio Lait : A simple, gentle, and reliable milk cleanser that works well as a second cleanse for my sensitive, finicky skin. Creamy and fragrance-free, this cleanser just made my skin soft, smooth and clean.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner : A good companion for irritated skin days, as it provides a soothed and comforted sensation while on regular days, it left my skin feeling refreshed, plump, and perfectly prepped for the next step in my skincare routine. It hydrates well as a lotion mask too!
Serum and Moisturizer
Be The Skin BHA+ Pore Zero Serum : Powered by naturally-derived chlorophyll and Willow-BHA, this serum effectively controls excess sebum, unclogs pores, and soothes irritation without stripping moisture. Its lightweight, non-drying formula has been a game-changer for managing hormonal breakouts and oily skin.
Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream : Worked great as a skin-soothing treatment rather than a standalone moisturizer which is especially helpful for calming irritation and redness, but not quite enough on its own for dry or dehydrated skin.
Neogence Hydrating Cream with Hyaluronic Acid : Loved how it sinks into skin fast, leaving a subtle healthy glow in its place, while keeping my skin soft, supple and hydrated. It is never heavy or greasy on me.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream : Boasts an airy, silky texture that belies its intense hydration. It reinforces the skin barrier while delivering moisture without feeling greasy or heavy, even on my combination skin in a humid climate. Kept my skin hydrated, healthy, soft, and supple. Unfortunately, the new formula no longer works on me (cyclopentasiloxane was swapped with dimethicone). I would repurchase if they bring back the old formula.
Facial Mask and Pimple Patch
100% Pure Cocoa Butter Moisture Mask : Has a hint of delicious cocoa scent with a thick texture that requires some effect to spread out leaving some warmth in its place. It always left my skin clean, clear and bright.
Dr. Satin Caviar Intensive Hydration Mask : Delivers an impressive boost of moisture and radiance, making it a great pick for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin. Love how it instantly hydrates and softens my skin, giving it that bouncy, supple glow. It’s definitely one I would keep on hand for an instant skin pick-me-up.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch : An effective and fuss-free spot treatment. It’s convenient, hygienic, and works well even on inflamed pimples that need overnight care. I love how it helps flatten breakouts quickly while keeping the area protected and clean.
Primer, Body Wash and Shampoo
Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30 : Glides on like a dream, giving an even-toned, soft-focus effect while blurring imperfections. Love that it adds extra sun protection on top of my regular sunscreen, keeping my complexion fresh and healthy-looking with that “your skin, but better” finish!
Natio Daily Invigorating Body Wash : The zesty blend of Lime and Bergamot uplifts the senses, while its gentle, light-lathering formula cleanses effectively without stripping the skin. Really enjoyed using this.
PHS Pro Shampoo Stem C+ Calming Shampoo : Gradually improved my hair fall condition during hair rinsing. Lathers moderately and cleanses well.
Nature's Organic Sense Anti Hair Loss Shampoo : Left my scalp cleansed and hair fresh, soft, and bouncy. Overall, it provided a soothing scalp experience and a clean finish.
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