End-of-year favorites (plus some newer finds)

It’s the last day of 2025 and I wanted to share some of my yearly favorites, along with a few newer things I tried recently. 

✨BOH Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream  

This cream has been really popular in Korea and is called the “Thermage cream.” It’s one of the more affordable anti-aging creams and focuses on firming and softening fine lines. 

The texture is quite rich, so I think oily skin would probably only use it in winter, while dry skin would really like it. I mainly use it on winter nights and usually wake up with smoother-looking skin. I also noticed my pores look a bit tighter.

✨CathyDoll CC Cream  

A very budget-friendly tinted sunscreen. I bought it on Yami for under $10. It’s great for busy mornings when I just want something quick.

It’s much lighter than foundation, spreads easily, sits well on the skin, and helps brighten the complexion. There’s basically no coverage, but for the price, the texture and finish are surprisingly good.

✨SKIN1004 Centella Sunscreen  

This is already my third tube this year. It’s been recommended a lot, and I get why. The texture is very lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy at all. Easy to wear daily.

✨d’Aba First Spray Serum  

I like sprays because they’re convenient, but many of them feel drying on my skin within seconds. This one doesn’t. It’s a water-and-oil formula, so you need to shake it first. The oil  layer includes plant-derived oils with white truffle extract, vitamin E, and damask rose water.

It feels genuinely hydrating and calming, and the mist is extremely fine. I really enjoy using it, not just for the effect but for the experience as well.

✨JUNG SAEM MOOL Micro Fitting Mist  

I really love Korean mist nozzles, and this one sprays very finely without ruining makeup.

I use it before base makeup so everything adheres better. After finishing my makeup, I lightly spray again and it gives a softer, more satin finish that looks a little more glowy. For touch-ups, I blot oil first, then spray a bit, which helps bring the look back.

✨Round Lab 1025 Cleansing Oil  

This cleansing oil emulsifies well and feels quite lightweight. It removes makeup thoroughly but is still gentle and non-irritating.

✨NONFICTION Hand Cream (#Gentle Night)  

I bought this in Korea earlier this year. Gentle Night is their signature scent and smells clean, soft, and slightly woody with a hint of sweetness. It’s very calming.   I also like the texture a lot. It’s not too thick or greasy but still moisturizing enough, and the scent lasts for a while.  

Recently I’ve been seeing more posts about skincare with PDRN, and I’m thinking about trying some in the new year. I noticed products like the VT PDRN essence 100 on Yami, but I haven’t tried either yet. If anyone has recommendations, I’d love to hear them!