Shopping·8 min read

What Our Editors Are Obsessed With: Favorite Products of the Year

editor-obsessions-favorite-products
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Nordstrom, Target, Madewell
December 17, 2024

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

We’ll admit it: One major perk of our job as editors is that we get to try out tons of products to let you know if they’re truly worth your hard-earned money. We’re also just avid shoppers, so in the spirit of tossing gatekeeping to the curb, we’re sharing our favorite products from the past year that we usually reserve for the group chat. Welcome to the inside scoop.

card-case
Leatherology

A card case that's sleeker than a wallet...

I've owned this slim card wallet for a few months now, and it's been perfect for slipping into pockets, my crossbody, or the zippered pocket of a larger handbag. It holds all my important cards and some cash. I was getting tired of carrying around a bigger, bulkier wallet, especially with the convenience of Apple Pay. This solves my everyday need of a small wallet for my ID and important credit cards. I love the look and feel, it's held up fantastically, and I got my initials added in gold. –Alexandra Napoli ($50+, Leatherology)

Buy it
moisturizer
Amazon

Our new favorite drugstore moisturizer...

Once winter hits, I am a notoriously dry-skin girl. I always get flakes on my nose, even with a humidifier running and my usual creams. I tried this moisturizer and immediately loved the texture and weight. It absorbs well, helps to diminish flakes, and doesn't leave my skin feeling oily. I don't wake up with whiteheads from clogged pores, only hydrated skin. Most important of all: I love that I can buy this at my local CVS. I don't need to pay for shipping or wait for it to arrive. –Alexandra Napoli ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Buy it
toaster
Nordstrom

An investment toaster that's worth it...

I hate the look of clunky, regular toasters, and this chic, retro version doesn’t make me want to close my eyes every time I pop my bread in. Honestly, when I bought it a year ago, I couldn’t imagine it would hold up for very long. But I’m here to report that my "little toaster that could" still toasts perfectly without a hitch — and I use it every single day. Plus, the crumb tray is so easy to clean. It’s more than just a pretty face. –Martha Upton ($239.95, Nordstrom)

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shower-head
Amazon

The only thing that got rid of product buildup in our hair...

When I moved from New York to North Carolina, the change in water was causing a sticky buildup in my hair that I wanted to solve immediately. So when Afina sent me this shower head to test, I figured it couldn’t hurt. But I didn’t expect it to completely get rid of the buildup problem for me in a week. Now my hair always feels soft and clean after I wash it, and I don’t have to use a clarifying shampoo as often. As an added bonus, it improves my water pressure. –Martha Upton ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Buy it
lip-balm
Target

The lip balm we couldn't stop using...

This year, I was on the hunt for a lip balm that wouldn’t irritate my sensitive skin, and I was shocked by how effective eos’ Intensive Dry Lip Repair is. It immediately became the emotional support lip balm I can’t live without, and I wake up with flake-free lips whenever I apply it before bed. Not to mention, the price is incredible. –Margo Ghertner ($9.29, Target)

Buy it
deodorant
Amazon

An aluminum-free deodorant that actually works...

2024 was all about getting my everyday skin and body care basics together. I've spoken in the past about how this Kosas deodorant is my cult-status product, and I can't rave about it enough. It goes on clear, has a serum-like texture, and dries down quickly. I love that it doesn't stain my clothes and actually keeps me smelling fresh all day. Plus, I love the rollerball applicator. If you're prone to itchy underarms, try this. –Margo Ghertner ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Buy it
bag
Madewell

A Madewell bag that deserves its cult status...

I got the cult-favorite Madewell bucket tote a few months ago, and I can confirm the hype is deserved. Every bag I previously owned was either too small or too big, but this one is absolutely perfect: It’s big enough to fit my 12-inch work laptop with room for odds and ends; but it doesn’t scream "work bag" if I end up wearing it out to dinner. It also doesn’t overwhelm my 5-foot frame (rare). I really love the adjustable strap, which lets you wear it over your shoulder or crossbody. The black leather with studs is very *me*, but I’m tempted to buy one of the earth-toned suede versions, too. –Caroline Goldstein ($188, Madewell)

Buy it
serum
Violet Grey

The brightening serum we can't stop talking about...

When I reflect on my 2024 skincare routine, I can confidently say that this Sofie Pavitt serum is one of the handful of products that made an instant, visible difference in my skin. I’ve previously dubbed this “Botox in a bottle,” and I stand by that claim. I recently traveled for a week and left this behind, and my skin actually began to look duller without it — only to restore itself to brightness and clarity when I started using it again. –Caroline Goldstein ($54, Violet Grey)

Buy it
coffee
Kloo Coffee

The secret ingredient in our at-home coffee...

All year, I’ve been on a mission to channel my inner barista right in my own kitchen. But with limited countertop space, getting a coffee machine is still on hold. So, I’ve been sticking to premade coffee. Most haven’t hit the mark...until I tried the assortment from Kloo. It’s delicious, works perfectly hot or iced, and even makes a mean espresso martini. –Sarai Thompson ($32, Kloo Coffee)

Buy it
mac-lip-balm
Nordstrom

Another lip product we're devoted to...

I’ve tried (what feels like) every lip balm, oil, and chapstick out there — but this one is my 2024 secret weapon. It gives the perfect subtle glow for the gym, office, or even a girls’ night out. The PH-activated tint is so natural, you’d barely know it’s there. If you're looking to add a little sparkle to your natural everyday look with no effort, I highly recommend it. –Sarai Thompson ($26, Nordstrom)

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hair-tool
T3

The hair styler that improved our morning routine...

Since I have pretty tameable, wavy hair (and am always running late), I don't usually like doing too much to my hair when I'm getting ready. That was, until this T3 Aire 360 styler kit came into my life. It gives me a salon-style blowout in 10 minutes flat. The kit comes with two curling barrels, a drying attachment, and an oval brush — everything you need for an at-home blowout — plus a storage bag, so I don't have to throw my tools under the sink. –Alessandra Rey ($299.99, T3)

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day-cream
Sephora

The day cream that smells delightful...

I've heard numerous accounts (aka, several celebrities popping up on my social feeds) about how good Rihanna smells. I knew I had to get my hands on a fragranced Fenty product immediately. I got a Sephora sample of this moisturizer slash SPF, and I'm obsessed. It goes on super light and doesn't feel greasy at all. And yes, it smells as good as I thought it would. It's a great all-in-one moisturizer you can throw in your bag. –Alessandra Rey ($40, Sephora)

Buy it

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