Top Beauty Products 2024

My top beauty products of 2024 are a healthy mix of high and low, with everything under $50. They can be found in the aisles of Target, Sephora, Amazon and otherwise. Some make my skin look luminous, others make my skin smell good. They range from as low as $8, up to $38.

Paula’s Choice Retinoid

It’s been a long time since I’ve noticed a real, noticeable difference from a skin product. I initially received this retinoid as PR, loved it so much almost immediately that I ordered a replenishment. I was previously using prescription Tretinoin and despite it being a low strength, my skin never seemed to fully acclimate. My makeup always had a dry, scaly appearance, especially on my chin and around the mouth.

Despite this being a far gentler form of retinol, my skin looks better than before. I’m stocked up and there’s no turning back now.

Fine’ry The New Rouge

I know this fragrance is something special because of the multiple unsolicited compliments I’ve received on how good I smell. As one of many dupes for Baccarat Rouge 540, Fine’ry The New Rouge strikes a balance between masculine and feminine with notes of amber and sandalwood.

I love several other fragrances from Fine’ry but The New Rouge stands out most. I have both the eau de parfum and the body mist and can’t get enough of this unique, warm, sensual scent.

Elf Soft Glam Foundation

This $8 foundation really impressed me. My skin looked smooth and healthy and the wear time was quite good too. It performs like a foundation at least 3 times it’s price and I love the wide range of undertones and shades. Bravo, e.l.f. You’ve outdone yourself again.

InnBeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow

InnBeauty Project’s glowy SPF became my go to this year. It’s lovely on it’s own and gives a pretty glow under makeup. No chalkiness, no pilling, no weird scent. Mineral Sun Glow comes in 2 shades and protects with SPF 43. InnBeauty Project is a skincare brand to watch.

CLE Cosmetics CCC Cream

This tinted moisturizer is another product I got the opportunity to try out direct from the brand, and loved so much that I’ve repurchased it twice. This Korean-made skincare makeup hybrid has quickly become my number one tinted moisturizer. I love the scent, the color bursting capsules that change color and the finish, not matte, not overly dewy.

I found a great shade match in Warm Light 106 and love to see such a wide range for a more sheer product. I also love that it has a substantial SPF of 50.

Glamnetic Brush-On Nail Glue

I don’t know what is going on with my nails, but they’ve been breaking off frequently. As a result, I’ve had to cut them all down super short and have resorted to press on nails to look presentable. The Glamnetic Brush On Nail Glue is the absolute best one I’ve found.

Not only does it keep your nails super secure for at least a week, the application method is so much easier than traditional squeeze tube nail glues. Seriously; why aren’t all nail glues like this?!

Versed Overnight Barrier Cream

I first tried this out after a moxi laser treatment. My skin was tight, itchy and begging for some sweet relief. Enter the buttery, thick balm from Versed. It’s probably the thickest, most hydrating overnight treatment I’ve tried. I’m so glad I found it before the dry, cold, Iowa winter.

Head to this post to find out what my other top faves from Versed are. Use code IVY to save 10% off all Versed orders.

Portrait Sculpt Lash Mascara

Full disclosure; Portrait is the beauty brand that I launched in March of this year. This is the mascara I used more than any other this year. It does everything I want it to and builds a lash up smoothly, no clumps.

The formula is vegan, cruelty free and gluten free and the hourglass brush hugs every lash. I love how Portrait Sculpt Lash keeps lashes soft and fluffy, never brittle and spiky.

Makeup By Mario Setting Spray

I’ve always been an Urban Decay All Nighter loyalist, maintaining that it just works and never causes me any trouble. Nearly every other setting spray I’ve tried hasn’t actually done the job, or I hated the scent. Mario really did something with this one.

Not only does it make my makeup last all day, the mist is so lovely and fine and it has no detectable scent. This feels a bit more luxurious to apply than All Nighter and works every bit as well too.

2025 Predictions

Looking ahead, I predict that 2025 will bring the following trends, vibes and products:

• Less filters, more real skin. We’ll be overdosed on AI and longing for a return to humanity.
• Matte, hot cocoa eye looks featuring Pantone’s color of the year, Mocha Mousse
• Satin skin, less glassy glow.
• Lightweight lashes with more separation and less volume
• Stained lips, less glossy
• Softness, gentleness. No hard lines or neons.