beauty

'17 of the best new products I tried this year as a beauty editor.'

Something happened, and now we're at the end of the year, and I'm writing this yearly beauty wrap-up of all the best launches, and I just… HOW?

But goodness, what a big ol' year for beauty. As Mamamia's designated beauty rat, I've been busy slapping on new skincare, makeup, hair and body products — and have found more than a few new MVPs along the way. There are a bunch of shiny new things that have shuffled their way into a permanent spot in my beauty routine. The kind of stuff I finished and repurchased because it's just that good.

Watch: Before we get into it, remember that time I tried the 10-pump foundation hack? I do. Post continues below.


Obviously, there's been A LOT of amazing launches this year, and it's almost impossible to fit them all into one little round-up — so I'm just going to list some of my favourites, and try to live with knowing I forgot to mention that product.

Here are 17 beauty products I have tried and love in 2024.

CeraVe Advanced Repair Balm, $17.99.

CeraVe Advanced Repair Balm

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I brought this with me on holiday to Peru this year, and it never left my side. I slathered it on my face during a long-haul flight, and it kept my skin smooth, hydrated and comfy. While I was travelling, I used it on dry patches, my cracked lips, thirsty legs — everywhere. A multipurpose champion that's already made its way into my tight team of skincare staples.

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Lamination Treatment, $29.99.

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Lamination Treatment.L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Lamination Treatment. Image: Supplied.

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Have you tried it? It's bloody good. I think I've got just about everyone I know addicted to the stuff. After seeing it everywhere, I snapped it up at the chemist while I was waiting on a script. And yeah — it's worth the hype. Hair feels soft. Looks shinier. Also, it smells incredible. (Like, I cannot underestimate how good your hair smells). I'm also a fan of L'Oreal Elvive Glycolic Gloss Leave-in Serum/the entire range. You guys, give it a whirl — you can usually pick it up for even cheaper at the chemist.

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The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm, $16.30.

The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm

Besides being the cutest product to ever exist, The Ordinary's new lip balm is easy to pop in your bag or pocket (we love a balm that can be with us at all times for emotional support) and does exactly what it says it's going to do. No flashy packaging, scents or colours — just a very good, science-backed balm that stops you from getting flaky, dry lips.

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The Beauty Chef Plumpers Collagen Chewables, $45.

The Beauty Chef Plumpers Collagen Chewables. Image: Supplied.

I really do suck at remembering to pop a sachet of collagen in my water — but these newbies from The Beauty Chef (you can snap them up at Myer!) have me sorted. They're a range of chewable, collagen tablets available in three tasty flavours: Chocolate, Kakadu Plum & Berry and Orange & Turmeric. I leave them on my desk at work and take one every morning — such an easy way to get your fix!

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IS Clinical Active Peel System Pads, $165.

IS Clinical Active Peel System Pads,

If you're a fan of Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads, you're going to bloody love these. Dare I say, even a little bit more. It's a powerful yet gentle (I had no issues with my sensitive face!) two-step treatment that both exfoliates dull skin and boosts hydration. The result? Plump, glowy and incredibly healthy-looking skin. I've been using them once a week — and I'm officially obsessed. Pricey, but game-changing if your skin is in need of a serious refresh.

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Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Resurfacing Dream Serum, $98.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Resurfacing Dream Serum.

This stuff is beautiful. And one of the best exfoliators I've tried for sensitive skin (my skin has a notoriously strained relationship with acids) — it's all about being effective enough to make a difference, without burning your face off. Used at night, it uses a combination of AHAs and prickly pear flower extract to even and brighten your skin tone and the results are instant. Come morning, my skin is brighter, clearer and more radiant.

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L'Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion, $19.99.

 L'Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion..

L'Oréal's cult formula finally made its way over to Australia this year — and look, it's about time. You can wear it alone for an all-over radiant glow, mix it with foundation, use it to bronze and sculpt your face or as a highlighter. You can even mix it with moisturiser and use it on your body, for beautifully radiant limbs. Love.

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Alpha-H Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment, $40.

Alpha-H Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment

I usually suck at any kind of pre-treatment product, but this BHA exfoliating scalp formulation from ALPHA-H works in as little as one minute — it has me sold. Your scalp feels fresh, clean and balanced for smooth, glossy and healthy-looking hair.

Go-To Very Amazing Retinal, $85.

Go-To Very Amazing Retinal

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This year, our friends at Go-To finally gave us the product we'd been asking for — a vitamin A serum. Hurrah! The best part? It's really very good. Promising to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles and increase elasticity and skin smoothness, it's beautifully gentle and non-irritating (even on sensitive skin). It's made my skin look clearer, brighter and more even (less redness and breakouts).

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick, $63.

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick

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With words like 'HYDRATION', 'MAGIC', 'SHEER' and 'GLOW' this product was literally made for my little dry mug. The cream formula is lightweight, sheer and blendable — you can whack it on straight from the stick and blend it into your skin with your fingers, and it makes your face look like a better, healthier version of itself.

TRESemmé Lamellar Serum Cream, $10.

TRESemmé Lamellar Serum Cream

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Also on the hair care list is this goodie from TRESemmé. Leigh Campbell recommended it on the You Beauty podcast, and it's a game-changer for dull, dry hair. The product is easy to use and perfect for lazy girls who don't want to wait in the shower for five minutes for a treatment to 'work'. With amino acids and ceramides, it makes your hair feel healthy and nourished without weighing it down or greasy.

Holme Beauty Empower Duette, $79.

Holme Beauty Empower Duette

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I'm not usually a powder girl because I'm dry-skinned and too scared — but this product from Holme Beauty has made me like powder again, which feels illegal. Perfect for a soft, dewy look, it doesn't cling to dry patches or make your face feel thirsty and weird. It's beautifully lightweight, luminous and elevates any makeup look.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Volumising Tinted Brow Gel, $46.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Volumising Tinted Brow Gel.

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This buildable brow tint is the latest offering from Anastasia Beverly Hills — and yes, it's good. It comes in nine different shades (I'd recommend swatching them IRL to make sure you pick the right one!) and it's perfect for a soft, natural finish. It has a mousse-like texture with soft bristles for precise coverage and makes your brows look natural, full and defined in seconds. As someone who always uses a pencil and brow gel combo — it's quick, easy and totally foolproof.

Rare Beauty Find Comfort Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash, $42.

Rare Beauty Find Comfort Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash

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This stuff is gorgeous, and I used it right to the very last drop. It exfoliates gently and feels and smells so luxe on the skin (it doesn't feel rough or harsh). It's pricey for a body wash, but if you're looking to treat yourself (or someone else), I'd highly recommend it.

Mia Connor The Liner, $39.

Mia Connor The Liner

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Okay, but this liner is SO GOOD. In fact, it might just be the best one I've ever tried. It's created by makeup artist Mia Connor, so you just *know* it's going to be good. It gives the sharpest line that doesn't smudge or fade throughout the day and just does all the things a very good eyeliner should. Big fan.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum, $73.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum. Image: Supplied.

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ICYMI: You can now get Summer Friday's famous Jet Lag Mask in a serum. With ingredients like glycerine and squalane, it helps to calm, moisturise and hydrate the skin. It's lovely and lightweight, sinks in like a dream and has made my skin a better version of itself in less than two weeks.

More Than A Pretty Face Polite Society Foundation, $70.

More Than A Pretty Face Polite Society Foundation

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This newbie has served me well this year (can you tell I've loved it?) and it's become one of my go-to foundations for good reason. It works beautifully on my (dry) skin, feels lightweight and ultra-comfortable and gives you a beautiful soft and natural-looking finish that's matte but somehow still dewy. The smallest bit goes a long way — and this stuff LASTS.

At Mamamia, we independently choose and write about products our writers genuinely recommend. We have affiliate partnerships, so if you use these links to buy something, Mamamia may earn a small commission.

What beauty product are you loving this month? Let us know in the comments.

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia/Canva.

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