My Top 15 Favorites from 2025 That Made Life Easier (Busy Season Approved)

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, I may receive a small commission should you choose to purchase.


Every year, there are products that quietly become part of your routineโ€”the ones you donโ€™t have to think about, repurchase without hesitation, and reach for even on your most chaotic days.

2025 was a full year for me, so anything that made this list had to be functional, reliable, and genuinely make life easier or more enjoyable. 

My list of favorites isnโ€™t about what was trending. Each one served a purpose and filled a gap in my life. These are the products I actually used, traveled with, repurchased, and kept within armโ€™s reach all year long.


Here’s my list of favorites:

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1. Swig / Sโ€™well Salad Bowl

This deserves the top spot. Let me tell you how we got here. I would bring a bag of salad to work, make it in the bag, and then pour it out on a paper plate, have a ยฝ bag left that ultimately got thrown away. Can you imagine the side eyes from my colleagues? Insert my Sโ€™well. Whether I make my salad ahead of time or at the office, it has the perfect sized bowl to keep it cool and hold dressing or anything else Keeping meals cold for hours, leak-proof, and easy to transport made healthy lunches realistic during long workdays. Itโ€™s sturdy, cute, and one of those items you donโ€™t realize you need until you have itโ€”and then you canโ€™t go without it.


The next three favorites are related. 

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2. Oath Clear Protein (Kiwi Strawberry)

This was a GAME CHANGER this year for getting closer to my daily protein goals. I tried and enjoyed several flavors from this brand, but the kiwi strawberry was by far my favorite. It became my go-to for pre-workout and busy errand days. The consistency was something to get used to, as it blends different than a regular protein shake. And that led me toโ€ฆ.

3. Electronic Blender Bottle

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Using a traditional blender bottle wasn’t getting me the consistency I wanted. Insert- the blender. Low effort, high reward. This made mixing clear protein and water effortlessโ€”no clumps, no shaking, no mess. Its a very simple and inexpensive tool that had major impact on a regular routine. When I realized that I needed more water than the directions call for, I upgradedโ€ฆ.

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4. Corkcicle Protein Shaker

A protein shaker that doesnโ€™t smell, leak, or feel like gym equipment is a win. This one blended well, traveled well, and had the perfect age-appropriate sleekness. Simple, effective, and thoughtfully designed.But more than anything, the 30 ounces was perfect for my clear protein. 


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5. Naturium Peptide Moisturizer

There hasnโ€™t been a Naturium product that I didnโ€™t love immediately. This moisturizer became my go-to because it worksโ€”hydrating, smoothing, and layering beautifully under makeup or sunscreen without irritation. Morning or night, it just does its job. Bonus Points for the packaging!


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4. EOS Vanilla Cashmere Body Wash

2025 got me into vanilla, layering scents and going viral on Tiktok for chasing the new EOS product drops. This body wash is perfection in a bottle. Thatโ€™s it. It smells amazing without being overpowering, and became a staple in my shower routine.

Bonus for the women who layer- give the vanilla cashmere body oil, body spray and body butter a try too!


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5. ONE/SIZE Powder Melt Spray

I love when a product does exactly what it said it would do. Patrick Starr we love you for this one!  It melts everything together, takes away that powdery finish, and helps makeup look like skin. Blend baby blend!


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6. Make Up For Ever Blush & Contour Palette

With all my travel in 2025, I tried to find multi-functional palettes to cut down on the amount of makeup I packed. The possibilities from this palette are endless, especially when you start having fun mixing and matching. This is the perfect product to take with you to work and do quick touch-ups before evening obligations. 


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7. Bร‰IS The Small Cosmetic Pouch

Small but mighty. This bag holds more than expected, keeps things organized, and fits easily into totes and carry-ons. I have all three sizes, but the small is my favorite. I keep my makeup miniโ€™s in this pouch and bring it on the go as needed. The organization keeps me from digging in a blackhole of makeup and getting to what I need quickly.


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8. SodaStream

I was spending entirely too much at the store on sparking water. Between this and my Brumates, I am drinking more water without constantly buying bottles. Itโ€™s practical, cost-effective over time, and became part of my daily rhythm.

Note: I just found a company that exchanges your CO2 empties so Iโ€™m looking forward to further cost cutting! 


9. The Shoes I Wore on Repeat

Not one, but threeโ€”because comfort and style mattered in 2025 and we love a neutral shoe. Yes- animal print is a neutral.

Allegedly, I have over 100 pairs of shoesโ€ฆbut I promise you wouldnโ€™t know it because of these three. 


Sanitizer Spray Mist- Product Link

Sanitizer Spray Touchland Dupe- Product Link

10. Dollar Tree Hand Sanitizers (Assorted)

I probably need to give Dollar Tree up for lent, but whyyyyy when they keep finding cute ways for me to fight germs?! An unexpected favorite, but an honest one. Affordable, easy to keep everywhere (car, desk, purse), and practical.


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11. DEZI Vitamin C Serum

What makes it unique? It includes three forms of vitamin c: Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) and DP-C (combination of ascorbic acid and glutathione). Most products include one, so this is truly a powerhouse and a steal at only $68.

Tiktok research led me to this new favorite when I decided I didnโ€™t want to spend $150 on Vitamin C anymore. This serum delivered exactly what I want from vitamin C: brighter skin, a more even tone, and no irritation. The consistency is just right and it layered well with my other skincare and makeup, which is essential when mornings are rushed.


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12. About Face Blush

This blush surprised me in the best way. The pigment is rich but blendable, giving that natural flush that works for everyday makeup and elevated looks. It became a go-to liquid blush in a color that didnโ€™t have me looking like a clown. In 2025 I started putting my liquid blush on before concealer and this was the star of the show.

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13.Morphe Pink Powder

If you like a soft, blurred finishโ€”this one delivers. It sets makeup without looking heavy or dry and adds that subtle brightening effect that keeps everything looking fresh throughout the day. Especially clutch for long wear and under-eye setting.

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14. Custom Plum Paper Planner

This planner was truly my anchor in 2025. Having it customized to how my brain actually worksโ€”not how productivity culture says it shouldโ€”made all the difference. It held work, life, planning, and reflection in one place and helped me stay grounded during an incredibly full year. If youโ€™re someone who needs structure and flexibility, a custom planner is worth it.


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15. Great Value Sugar-Free Water Drink Packets

Hydrationโ€”but make it realistic and affordable. These lived in my bag, car, and desk drawer all year. They made drinking water easier without added sugar, and honestly? They worked just as well as pricier brands. Simple, practical, and proof that not every favorite has to be expensive. And, the possibilities are endless. This is how I make my cotton candy sprite! 


Final Thoughts

What ties this list together isnโ€™t luxury or hypeโ€”itโ€™s consistency. These products supported my routines, simplified my days, and showed up when life was busy and demanding.

If youโ€™re refining your routines for the year ahead, these are pieces I genuinely recommend starting with.

Love,

Kellikelz


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