High-five, '25 👋
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Actually Good Things is a weekly newsletter with considered selections from someone who’s tried it all.
Psssst! Today’s letter is early for obvious reasons. Next week’s will drop on Friday, as usual.
This week—while pondering the ethics of telling kids Santa is real and reading the entire Wikipedia page for John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas War Is Over” (a campaign, not a peace announcement)—I’m reconciling all the best things I’ve used and tried this year.
It’s probably too late to order Christmas gifts online (except perhaps on Amazon), but this-year you might think about getting a little something for next-year you.
These are actually good things I reached for and recommended the most in 2025.*
1. Shed NAD+
NAD+ injections might be the best thing I adopted this year. I feel more capable, clear-headed, and healthy. I was getting my at-home kit through AgelessRx but now order from Shed because the price is better and the source appears to be just as legit.
2. Pat McGrath Labs Lust: Gloss
Last I checked, the light-catching, ethereal, aptly named Aliengelic shade of this lip gloss is (understandably) sold out at Ulta and Sephora. But Nordstrom has it. Perfect for New Year’s Eve.
3. Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm
I’ve purchased this A+ lip balm 17 times and will never quit.
4. Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops
Everyone I know (gals, guys, everyone) uses these whitening eye drops. If you’re not on them yet, I don’t know what else to tell you.
5. Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster
This all-star product can fix breakouts, rosacea, dullness, uneven texture—basically any skin problem on your face. I only use it when and where it’s needed—not every day or all over.
6. Rembrandt Deeply White Strips
These are the best teeth-whitening strips I’ve ever used. They cover the entire fronts and backs of your teeth and work quickly—no LED accelerator needed. I use them four-ish times a year and have, dare I say, very white teeth.
7. Phlur Father Figure
I hate the name but love this creamy, musky, vaguely spicy fragrance. It’s reminiscent of Abercrombie Fierce, but more gourmand. Order the travel size first if you’re curious.
8. Kitsch Flat Cloud Clip
The first time I fastened my hair back with this claw-clip variation, I was ecstatic. It actually stays all day, as promised.
9. Plantifique Foot Peel Mask
Wear these pre-soaked wraps on your feet for 90 minutes (while flipping through TikTok or watching Robby Hoffman’s new Netflix special or something). A week or so later, your feet will shed like a snake, leaving you with smoother puppies than a pedicure can achieve.
10. Hers Minoxidil Topical Foam
Minoxidil works if you apply it every single day, basically until the end of time (not unlike brushing your teeth). I use the Hers foam on my hairline and eyebrows and am pleased to report thicker, fuller hair.
11. K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
K18’s patented bond-building molecule repairs and strengthens hair—and not in a vague, marketing-claim sense. It really works. This post-shampoo mask is clutch.
12. Weleda Skin Food
The 100-year-old formula of this thick, balmy skin cream is just the thing for folks who want dewy, healthy-looking skin.
13. Gorjana Lou Huggies
These pared-down, go-with-everything gold huggies are my most-worn jewelry item of 2025.
14. Bogg Bag
This free-standing, flat-bottomed waterproof tote is endlessly useful. We have two and use them at least once a week.
15. Kur Illuminating Nail Concealer
I’m not afraid to rock bare nails—or toenails! But when I wanna elevate my digits in a super-subtle way, one coat of this nail brightener does the trick.
16. Qure Micro-Infusion System
The results I’m seeing with this at-home microneedling kit are similar to in-office treatments, and there’s no downtime.
17. Tower 28 Serum Concealer
This concealer is light and blendable with a skin-like finish.
18. Make Up Forever Artist Color Pencil
This quite possibly might be the best lip liner of all time.
19. One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray
This makeup-setting spray lives up to its promise of kiss-friendly, burger-proof reliability. I usually get the mini size ‘cause I only use it every couple of weeks or so.
20. Lululemon Nulu Spaghetti-Strap Cami
This thin-strapped cami rules. I have four in black, plus a few other hues.
21. Philips One Toothbrush
Proud oral hygiene nerd here. This affordable, rechargeable electric toothbrush is no bigger than a manual toothbrush. It’s been my main brush for five years running.
22. Numbuzin NAD+ No.9 Toner
Whether topical NAD+ does anything is up for debate. Still, this wallet-friendly Korean toner delivers visibly better-looking skin. It’s mild, too.
23. A313
TikTok got me onto this French pharmaceutical retinoid balm. I use it on alternating days with prescription tretinoin.
24. Jeu’Demeure DD Cream
This affordable, no-nonsense face moisturizer is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and keeps your skin happy.
25. Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
I’m on my fourth tube of this leave-on, no-rinse treatment. When I apply it at night, I always wake up with dewy, bouncy, hydrated skin.
26. Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt
Using this oil-based melting cleanser is an utter delight—which is half the motivation for a consistent skincare routine.
27. Soft Services Buffing Bar
I f*cking love this product, and I love what the brand is doing. Get ready for smooth-as-hell dolphin skin.
28. Crown Affair Volumizing Conditioner
This brilliant conditioner is clear (that’s right, transparent) and doesn’t weigh down fine hair.
29. Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen
I’ve written about exosomes for The Daily Beast. They’re the next big thing in skincare with ample research behind them. I’m fond of this exosomes serum ‘cause it leaves me with visibly improved skin, and it’s under $25.
30. Skims Fits Everybody Thong
This thong is an unchallenged champion in the underwear world.
31. Eby Wireless Bralette
She’s the absolute best bra I’ve ever worn in my 36.5 years on planet earth.
32. Lemme Sleep Gummies
Tasty. Effective.
33. Cozy Earth Woven Pajama Set
These aren’t the most popular PJs Cozy Earth makes, but they’re my favorite of the brand’s. They sell out quickly—I hope they keep making them!
34. Coop Original Cut-Out Pillow
This guy is a game-changer for side-sleepers.
35. Laird Superfood Protein Creamer
This right here is the crème de la crème of healthy coffee creamers. (Of course, “healthy” is in the eye of the beholder.)
36. Boden Chelsea Wellie Boots
These rain boots (in leopard, duh) are my whole personality on rainy days…
37. Rothy’s Cozy Clogs
…and these inside shoes are my whole personality on WFH days. The brand says to size down, but I’d actually size up if you wear them with socks.
*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What I’m reading lately:
The Atlantic | The Savage Empathy of the Mosh Pit
The Cut | The Year We All Embraced Salmon Sperm
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