As the Beauty & Wellness Editor for a leading publication, Laura Mulley has one of the most enviable jobs in the industry: trialling hundreds of new beauty products each year. Her mission is to sift through the countless launches to find the genuine gems worthy of a place in your bathroom cabinet. After a year of rigorous testing in 2025, she has narrowed down her absolute top five purchases – the skincare, make-up and fragrance products that not only impressed her but earned a permanent spot in her routine and a promise to repurchase in 2026.
From Lip Balm Revelation to Foundation Perfection
The first standout product was a late but revolutionary entry. The Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Gloss Balm, priced at £19.99 from Amazon, transformed Laura's approach to lip care. As someone with persistently dry lips, she was astonished by its longevity. Unlike typical balms that require reapplication every few hours, this one applied at night was still perceptible after eight hours of sleep. The result upon waking was significantly softer, smoother lip skin, a testament to its deep hydrating power.
Another daily staple discovered was the Sculpted by Aimee Cream Cushion Foundation (£28). Initially sceptical of cushion formulas, Laura was completely converted after testing. The shade 2.75N proved to be a perfect, seamless match for her skin tone, making it appear as though she was wearing nothing at all. The finish offered a healthy, natural glow while keeping skin soft and hydrated throughout the day, quickly becoming her go-to over other foundations.
Brow Hold, Sun Protection & A Flawless Fake Glow
In the category of brow styling, the Morphe Micro Manager Gripping Brow Gel (£12 from Lookfantastic) passed every test. Tipped by influencer Molly-Mae Hague, its strong hold managed Laura's heavy brows without drooping, even surviving the challenge of pulling a jumper over the head. Crucially, it dried without any white residue or flaking, leaving brows with a subtle, glossy finish.
For sun protection, a product that blurred the lines between skincare and make-up won her over. The Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen (currently £26.60 from Space NK) felt like nothing on the skin yet delivered a perfected, hydrated complexion. Its genius lay in its ability to even out minor imperfections, giving Laura the confidence to skip foundation entirely – a rare feat for any SPF.
The final hero was a surprise hit from the annual fake tan trials. The Bare By Vogue Clear Tan Water Dark (£23 from Boots) outperformed long-term favourites. This velvety, fast-drying foam provided an even, natural colour that drew compliments from friends. Most impressively, it lasted up to 10 days without turning streaky, setting a new standard for long-lasting at-home tanning results.
The Verdict: Investment-Worthy Beauty for 2026
Laura Mulley's curated list for 2025 highlights products that solve common beauty frustrations: fleeting lip hydration, foundation that feels like a mask, weak brow hold, greasy SPF, and short-lived tans. Each product earned its place through exceptional performance and tangible results. For consumers looking to invest wisely in their beauty regimen for the year ahead, these five editor-approved buys offer a trusted roadmap to glowing skin, flawless make-up, and a sun-kissed glow, any time of year.
