As we step into 2025, the world of beauty continues to expand with innovation, inclusivity, and affordability. You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy high-quality skincare and makeup. In fact, some of the best beauty products of 2025 are drugstore makeup and skincare finds that offer a fraction of the price without compromising on results.
From hydrating serums to long-lasting mascaras, I’ve rounded up the most exciting beauty products for 2025 that will keep your makeup bag stocked with essentials—without leaving your wallet feeling light.
Top Beauty Products of 2025
The beauty trends of 2025 are all about hydration, skin barrier repair, and makeup that lasts all day while keeping skin looking smooth and dewy. Among the standout products of the year:
- Hydrating gels and serums that use hyaluronic acid and glycerin to deeply hydrate different skin types.
- Budget-friendly sunscreens with lightweight formulas that work for both oily skin and dry skin types.
- Drugstore makeup like lip tints, mascara, and foundations that blend seamlessly with a wide range of skin tones.
Best Affordable Skincare Brands
When it comes to affordable skincare, there are a few skincare brands of 2025 dominating TikTok and beauty editor-approved lists.
- CeraVe continues to shine with its simple, dermatologist-backed formulas rich in ceramides and niacinamide, perfect for sensitive skin.
- The Ordinary is still a favourite skincare choice thanks to affordable serums that target fine lines, pigment, and dryness.
- E.l.f. Skin has surprised many beauty editors with super affordable formulas that nourish the skin barrier while staying chic in packaging.
Innovative Drugstore Beauty Products
Some of the most innovative beauty products of 2025 are found right in your local chemist. From pimple patches to balms that soothe dry skin, these pharmacy gems prove that products that offer high performance don’t always come with luxury prices.
Look for body wash with shea butter for extra hydration, face wash with salicylic acid to keep acne-prone skin clear, and lipsticks with lightweight, nourishing textures.
Must-Have Makeup Looks for 2025
This year, makeup looks are all about versatility and glow. Think dewy skin feels, feathered brows, and lips with a tint of colour. Mascaras that lash out volume without clumping are making waves, while foundations with breathable coverage are ideal for different skin types.
Budget-Friendly Makeup Essentials
Your makeup bag doesn’t need to be overflowing. Instead, focus on budget-friendly staples like:
- A long-lasting mascara that enhances every look.
- A lipstick or tint that can double as blush.
- A foundation that adapts to different skin tones.
Essential Skincare for Every Skin Type
The best affordable skincare brands are focusing on inclusivity—developing skincare products that work for dry skin types, oily skin, and even sensitive skin.
Hydrating Serums and Creams
The hero serum of 2025? One enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides to plump and boost collagen. Remember: a little goes a long way with these formulas.
Exfoliating Products for Smooth Skin
Gentle exfoliation is key to a glowing skincare routine. Try exfoliate gels with salicylic acid or niacinamide to unclog pores and reduce pimples while keeping skin looking smooth.
Best Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin
Incorporating SPF into your morning and night skincare routine (yes, even cloudy days!) is essential. Look for lightweight sunscreens that soothe and hydrate, especially if you have sensitive skin or experience dryness.
Skincare Ingredients to Look For in 2025
The beauty editors share one truth: it all comes down to ingredients. The new beauty finds of 2025 are packed with tried-and-true favourites.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin
These hydration heroes keep skin looking plump and soft, locking in moisture and improving skin feel across a range of skin types.
Why Ceramides and Peptides Matter
A healthy skin barrier needs ceramides to lock in hydration and peptides to support collagen production and fight fine lines.
Natural Ingredients: Shea Butter and More
From shea butter to nourishing oils, natural ingredients are making a comeback. They soothe dry skin, reduce dryness, and give that dewy glow beauty lovers crave.
Creating a Go-To Skincare Routine
Building your go-to skincare routine doesn’t need a number of products—just a few favorite skincare essentials that work morning and night.
Steps to Moisturise and Hydrate
Start with a gentle face wash, follow with a serum or gel, and then moisture with a lightweight cream or balm.
How to Soothe Dry Skin
For dry skin types, focus on formulas that nourish and calm. A hydrating balm or body wash with shea butter can work wonders.
Incorporating SPF into Your Daily Routine
The final, non-negotiable step? SPF. A good sunscreen is not only your best defence against UV rays but also a key player in preventing pigment and maintaining an even skin tone.
Final Thoughts from Your Beauty Editor
As your beauty editor-at-large, I’ll always remind you that when it comes to skincare and makeup, it’s best to choose products that work for your skin type rather than chase trends blindly. The best budget beauty in 2025 is proof that affordable formulas can deliver glowing results—and sometimes, one of my favourite products comes straight from the pharmacy or supermarket.
So whether you’re updating your skincare routine, adding a new mascara, or finding a lipstick that lasts all day, remember: the best beauty products of 2025 are within reach—and they’ll leave your skin nourished, your makeup radiant, and your confidence soaring.
