I know, it’s the second week of 2023 already but you didn’t think I’d miss sharing my favorite products from last year! To keep these annual lists interesting, I’m only sharing new products I discovered last year, otherwise you’d just be seeing the same products!
For past favorites, scroll to the end, or visit my top picks section for overall recommendations!
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser*
An excellent non-foaming creamy cleanser that's so gentle on the skin! I love using this in the morning or as a second cleanser, especially when my skin is feeling dry or slightly irritated. It's not oily, still cleans decently well (don't expect it to remove makeup), and leaves my skin soft and just happy. The value is great too!
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
I didn't think I could love a cleansing balm this much until I tried this cult favorite, and to me it definitely lives up to the hype. It's lush, beautifully fragranced without being too strong, removes makeup well, but doesn't leave the skin too oily or dry. It also makes for a wonderful in-shower mask! High recommend if you love a bougie cleansing experience.
CAREZONE Derma Milk-Hyaluronic Cream Skin
Think Laneige Cream Skin, but somehow creamier without being heavier. It also has hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and cholesterol, but most importantly it moisturizes my dry skin so well without making it sticky. One layer is usually sufficient but if my skin is extra dry another 1-2 extra layers doesn't feel heavy either.
→ $23 for 200ml on Jolse
Calecim Professional Serum*
If you've read my review you'll know that this delivered noticeable results after just finishing a bottle, which seriously impressed me. I hate that it's so pricey, but I've been able to get more uses out of each bottle by reducing it to just once a day. If you're going to splurge $$$, this would be my pick.
→ $100 for 5ml on Calecim (15% off with code JENNY)
107 Beauty Soseo Vinbiome Vitamin C Serum*
A good vitamin c serum is a staple in my morning routine, and this one checks all the boxes for me. Light texture, layers nicely, stable formula, non-irritating, not stinky either, and it visibly makes my skin brighter with continued use! 100% worth the price tag, especially if you don't handle ascorbic acid well!
→ $72 for 30ml on Bemused Korea, Jolse, 107 Beauty
AHC Youth Lasting Real Eye Cream For Face
This is proof that good products don't have to be expensive. I absolutely adore how light and elegant this feels on my skin yet still manages to nourish my delicate under eye area. All for a fraction of the price of expensive eye creams. If you're looking for your first eye cream, this is a fantastic option.
→ $15 for 30ml on YesStyle (GEEKYPOSH for 5% off), Olive Young (JENNY123 for 5% off)
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask*
I'm very lukewarm about most sleeping masks, because in my experience they're just glorified moisturizers, but this one actually feels like a mask, and I mean that in the best way. It has a balm-like texture, but instantly melts when applied on the skin to a silky dry oil texture, and really helps lock the moisture in. Excellent to use alone or on top of your regular moisturizer if your skin is extra dry.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen
I keep thinking I've found my favorite everyday sunscreen each year but I really do think this is it. The texture is incredibly elegant and even better the finish is satin and not overly dewy. Independently tested and pretty affordable too. What's not to love?
→ $16.80 for 50ml on Olive Young (JENNY123 for 5% off), Stylevana
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream
I've loved this sunscreen since its Anthelios XL days and I didn't think it could get any better, but the Uvmune 400 version is actually a bit less oily and features a new filter to protect against extra long UVA rays. Also waterproof and layers beautifully under makeup. Hands down the best outdoors sunscreen, until LRP comes out with a new version to outdo this one.
→ $20 for 50ml on Cult Beauty, Face the Future, Care2Beauty
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment*
The Laneige Lip Mask is my night time holy grail lip treatment, but during the day I've been loving this one by Rhode Skin. Smells yummy, is deeply moisturizing, and contains peptides for a small anti-aging boost. Hate that it's constantly out of stock but worth putting your name on the mailing list to get in-stock notifications!
→ $16 for 20ml on Rhode Skin
AGE 20's Perfect Glass Essence Cover Pack
It was love at first swipe with this cushion foundation. The cushion itself is more like a balm, but it gives the most beautiful, buttery finish while feeling incredibly light on the skin. My skin always looks incredible with this, so much that I just want to wear it everyday.
→ $46 for cushion and refill on Olive Young (JENNY123 for 5% off)
Maison Margiela Replica Matcha Meditation*
I have a weakness for gourmand scents, especially warm creamy scent. Not overly sweet, with a hint of freshness. Which is why I'm obsessed with all things matcha scented, and I'm thrilled to have found this fragrance that captures the creamy matcha notes so beautifully. One of my most reached for scents, especially when I'm in a cozy mood.
→ $144 for 100ml on Sephora, Cult Beauty
Medicube Age-R Ussera Deep Shot*
The more I used this the more I enjoyed it, especially on lazy nights where I didn't feel like spending the extra time with my Tripollar but still wanted to do something. Highly recommend this device for those that want to try radio frequency but want something more affordable and convenient!
→ $360 on Medicube, Booster Gel sold separately for $25. 10% off with code GEEKYPOSH.
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask*
Another convinient facial device that delivers results, and actually compliments the Medicube Deep Shot! I stopped using this for a while and definitely noticed a difference in my skin without it - it just wasn't as bright and fine lines were more noticeable. If the Medicube is still too much for you, it doesn't get more effortless than this LED mask!
→ $380 on CurrentBody or $347 as part of the Wayne Goss set. 15% off with code GEEKY15.
Previous top picks
- Best skin care + hair care discoveries of 2021
- My top picks: best skin care products of 2020
- Best beauty discoveries of 2019
- Favorite beauty discoveries of 2018
- 2017 hair (and body) care favorites: Bumble & Bumble, Christophe Robin, and more
- 2017 skincare favorites: SK-II, Instytutum, and more
- 2017 makeup favorites: YSL, Marc Jacobs, and more
- Beauty favorites from 2016
Wishing you happiness, health, and glowy skin in this new year!
If I had included devices into my favorites, I would have featured the Medicube and my LED mask as well.
Anne from “Doctor Anne”