25 things I loved in 2024

Beauty products and wardrobe essentials I'm bringing with me into the new year!

Coucou! As part of my job as a content creator and writer, I have the privilege–and the immense pleasure–of receiving and trying a plethora of products throughout the year. A surplus were tested (and worn), many were deeply enjoyed, and a (relatively) short list gained access to my “Absolutely Cannot Live Without” category, in 2024. The below captures the majority of my favorite items from the past 365+ days. Enjoy!

Leset Lauren Crop Drawstring Pant

I had been on the hunt for the perfect pair of comfy trousers specifically for long-haul flights. I found these ones by Leset, and while they’re essentially glorified sweatpants, they still look somewhat polished and can be leveled up with a white t-shirt, a chic coat or trench, and a cashmere sweater thrown around your chilly shoulders. I lived in them throughout the entire Christmas holiday break.

Táche Pistachio Milk Latte

I’ve had a dairy allergy since I was born, and I am Sicilian, so pistachio milk is right up my alley. Now that you have plenty of personal information for which you did not ask (sorry and you’re welcome), I’ll tell you how much joy these little lattes bring to me every day. They’re especially delightful thrown in my Nespresso milk frother and poured over ice, and if you’re feeling dangerous (as I often am), feel free to add a bonus shot of espresso.

La Bonne Brosse Hair Brush

I’ve been a loyal devotee to my Mason Pearson brush for over 10 years now. I still love it, but it now has to share drawer space with my new friends from La Bonne Brosse. Started by two chic French women, arguably the only category of human I trust re: hair, La Bonne Brosse makes a few different types of bristles according to your hair type. And colors! The color offerings are so fun and chic. The brushes also come in a travel size, which comes everywhere with me.

Hourglass Hydrating Skin Tint

I’ve never been much of a foundation girl, save for special occasions. I love to see a little skin texture, pores, etc. I’ve tried countless skin tints and tinted moisturizers, and this one by Hourglass is absolutely divine. It gives light texture and a natural glow, and is also a great base for anything else you might want to layer on top of it.

Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse

As you may or may not know, I’m very into letting my hair do its thing and be wild and free, such as it is. I absolutely love this mousse because it enhances my natural texture while giving it a little extra oomph–and allows me to go another day without heat styling or blow drying it. Bonus points: it smells delightful.

Liffner Megasprout Tote

Try as I might, I’m not a light packer. This tote by Liffner has gone everywhere with me over the past two years. It fits several pouches, my laptop, a bottled water or two, a pair of headphones, various trinkets, my dreams and wishes, a cashmere travel wrap, an extra handbag, and fits beneath the airplane seat with ease. Mrs. Poppins would absolutely approve of this bag, too.

Madewell Low-Slung Baggy Jeans

In my experience, It’s a challenge to find a baggy jean that doesn’t feel frumpy. This pair by Madewell has quickly become my favorite, so much so that I now own them in three different washes. They’re rigid with zero stretch, which is how I prefer my denim, and yet comfortable enough to spend a whole day traveling in.

The Row Zipped 1 Leather Ankle Boots

Listen, these boots are certainly a bit of a splurge, but I am pleasantly surprised by how much and how often I wear them, how comfortable they are, and how well they’ve held up through the elements. If coats are like cars for New Yorkers, these are my snow tires. I cannot imagine my wardrobe without them, and I wear them during all seasons with everything from maxi skirts to sweatpants. (Only thing to note is, they don’t have any grip on the sole so would need to be broken in a bit before wearing in rainy or snowy weather, lest you may eat the sidewalk as I did!)

Iles Formula

I was introduced to these products a few years ago, and since then I’ve never turned back. The shampoo, conditioner, and finishing serum work in tandem to repair and protect hair, and it’s my understanding they contain some kind of silk protein that, when heat activated, results in a smooth veil of sorts. Whether I’m in the market for a sleek blowout or undone waves, these products always deliver. Bonus points: the Olsens, whose hair is forever on my moodboard, also swear by Iles Formula.

Almada Label Kia Turtleneck Sweater

Call me Elizabeth Holmes, but I love a black turtleneck for pretty much any occasion. But tragedy strikes when when the neckline starts to sag. I’ve now had this one by Almada for over a year, and reach for it several times a week. To my surprise and delight, the collar has stayed perfectly upright. (Also comes in other colors.)

Caudalie Vinoclean Cleansing Oil

Potentially annoying fact about me: I’ve not gone to bed with my makeup on one single time in my entire life. Everybody clap! And now, I very rarely turn in for the night without a thorough double cleanse. This cleansing oil has eliminated the need for a traditional eye-makeup remover, and the rigorous tug of war that comes along with a waterproof mascara. It gently yet effectively removes all of my makeup, including said stubborn mascara, and leaves my skin prepped and ready for the next step in my routine. And it smells pleasantly like almonds!

Leset Margo T-Shirt

It’s just a t-shirt, I know. Except it isn’t. For so long, I relied on white tees from H&M, as they’re inexpensive, do the trick, and I’m always spilling things. But the cut and structure of the Margo tees from Leset somehow elevate even the most casual of outfits. I now have them in three colors, and I’ll never go back.

Oribe Gold Lust Hair Oil

The ends of my hair look like a wreath of sticks woven by a novice witch, I am well aware. But this oil makes my strands look sparkly and shiny, like the hair of a four-year-old child after a chlorine-soaked summer.

Rhode Glazing Milk

I was definitely late to the game with Rhode, as my editorial background has left me dubious of celebrity beauty brands. But whatever miss Hailey is doing with this product is decently magical, as this milky essence can only be described as a tall glass of water for my skin on a very warm day.

Victoria Beckham Vast Lash Mascara

Ditto the above, it took me a minute to get on board with Posh’s beauty brand. But good heavens was I wrong, so wrong. Because every single product is a home run (additional favorites include the kajal eyeliners, the oil cleanser, the contour stick, the eyeshadow sticks, the concealer…the list goes on). The mascara, however, is something I reach for every morning. It makes my lashes appear longer, thicker, and separated; and stays put all day through the elements (and I say this as someone very prone to raccoon eyes).