Lipstick on the Rim: The Best Beauty Products of 2025 – 25 Must-Have Skincare & Makeup Hall of Fame Winners

Podcast: Lipstick on the Rim
Hosts: Molly Sims & Emese Gormley
Episode Date: December 30, 2025

Episode Overview

In their highly anticipated annual Hall of Fame episode, Molly Sims and Emese Gormley round up their top 25 must-have beauty products for 2025. As the show celebrates nearly five years, the hosts share candid, honest reviews and stories behind "repeat offenders"—longstanding personal favorites that truly stand the test of time alongside newly discovered gems. This energetic solo episode is packed with product recommendations covering skincare, makeup, hair, body, and fragrance—plus the practical tips, witty banter, and beauty deep-dives their loyal listeners love.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflecting on Five Years of Beauty Hall of Fames

• [03:01] Milestone Anniversary: Emese marvels that their “almost five-year-old baby” podcast has now featured multiple Hall of Fame lists.
• [03:15] They emphasize that tried-and-true “repeat offenders” indicate their authentic and long-lasting love for the products chosen.

2. Skincare Standouts

• Rodan + Fields Lash Boost

  • [03:53] Emese’s Pick: Has been a favorite “off and on for five years”— gives longer, stronger-looking lashes; she’s had no negative side effects (but urges listeners to consult their doctors).
    • Quote: “It’s legit. The results are incredible.” – Emese, [04:16]

• Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

  • [05:47] Molly’s Pick: Spot concealing, lightweight, caffeine-infused to depuff; specifically developed for women over 40 and doesn’t settle into fine lines.
    • Quote: “It does technically flex with your face. It doesn’t settle into your fine lines.” – Molly, [06:38]

• Mutha Nudist Body Scrub

  • [14:52] Ideal pre-fake tan or for sensitive/eczema-prone skin, “doesn’t affect the barrier,” “skin feels soft already” after use.

• Medi-Skin InstaFacial Plasma Serum

  • [16:26] Human-identical growth factors & peptides. “I’ve used it twice a day for close to two years,” says Molly.
    • Quote: “My skin feels bouncier when I use it… a little bit of a glow.” – Molly, [16:26]

• G Beauty Multi Mist

  • [17:39] Alcohol and oil free, “hydrating splash of dewiness,” “always in my bag/car.”

• Sweet Chemistry Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid Cream

  • [26:30] Barrier-repair focused, great texture, $100–$160, “once you’re in your 40s, that barrier needs healing.”

3. Makeup Mainstays

• Hourglass Curator Eyeshadow Palette ([07:03]) – Soft rose tones, shimmer/matte mix, minimal fallout, “best of the best colors.”
• Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Cream Contour Stick ([07:59]) – Used as both bronzer and contour, great for warming up skin; $34.
  • Pro tip: Use an eyeshadow brush to define the eye socket ([08:42]).
• Victoria Beckham Foundation Drops (with Augustinus Bader) ([18:22]) – Pricey at $110, but gives “the most beautiful coverage, smooth, glass-like skin, and a bit of glow.”
  • Quote: “Your skin just instantly looks smooth, glass-like… well worth every drop—pun intended.” – Molly, [19:05]
• Pat McGrath Divine Bronze Luxe Quad ([19:30]) – “Smooth, buttery… tried and true,” goes from day to night.
• Dior Show Iconic Overcurl Mascara ([20:39]) – Dramatic curl & lift, 24-hour wear, not clumpy ($35); Emese swears by it.
• Kosas Soul Gazer Mascara ([21:05]) – Infused with lash serum, promises fuller, longer lashes in 6–8 weeks.
• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette ([23:25]) – Sets concealer while brightening and blurring under-eyes, “lit from within” effect.
• Stila Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer ([24:14]) – Two-in-one, satin-matte finish, affordable ($42), non-cakey.
• Sae Dew Blush in Chili ([25:11]) – "Just came in from a cold, snowy walk" natural flush, glowy, stain-like finish, $26.
• Ilia Lip Sketch Hydrating Lipstick/Liner in Baguette and Wise “It Girl” Lip Color ([27:56]) – Rosy, everyday pink/nude options, hydrating finishes, great for layering.

4. Hair Heroes

• Macmillan Chris Dry Texture Spray ([09:13]) – New at Sephora, adds texture without oiliness or dryness, no white cast.
• Crown Affair Leave-In Air Mousse & Oil ([09:56]) – For “beachy,” “effortless” hair; even works without blow-drying.

5. Eye and Face Illuminators

• Molly’s Wise Eye Patches – “Overachiever" ([10:11]) – Caffeine-infused patches, “wake up” eyes, best kept cold, non-slippery.
  • Quote: “If I don’t put an eye patch on…my eyes don’t feel like they’ve woken up.” – Molly, [10:55]
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ([22:00]) – Both hosts’ pick for best lash curler—“Still my ride-or-die, even though it’s barely holding on.”

6. Exfoliation & Barrier Repair

• Expads (by Wise) ([22:03]) – Pre-soaked glycolic acid, PHA, barrier-safe exfoliation, “best overall exfoliating pads” per Allure.
  • Quote: “If you want to be glowy, start with your ExPad.” – Emese, [22:03]

7. Fragrance Favorites

• Fleur Father Figure EDT ([25:59]) – “Sandalwood, warm musk, green fig; masculine, amazing alone or layered."
• Le Labo Another 13 ([29:29]) – Clean, musky, hosts’ signature scent for years.
  • Quote: “A loud whisper—that’s what I want to describe anything I smell like.” – Molly, [29:31]
  • “Every time you get into an elevator, someone’s gonna ask [about it].” – Emese, [30:20]

8. Affordable & Innovative Finds

• Womaness “Let’s Neck” Neck Serum ([30:36])
  • Cooling, brightens, firms neck with a cryo feel; affordable at $34, “won’t break the bank.”
  • Quote: “Let’s just not forget about the neck. Even if you’re 25.” – Molly, [31:03]

9. Memorable Moments & Quotes

• 5-year reminiscing & inside jokes:
  • [02:54] “Can you believe this is our fifth beauty hall of fame?” – Emese
• Candid beauty confessions:
  • [05:10] Lash extensions confession: “We looked God awful in hindsight, but we thought we looked great." – Molly
  • [18:12] “Our bodies don’t get thinner, our skin gets thinner. Let’s be clear.” – Molly
• Nicknaming perfumes:
  • [29:31] “A loud whisper—I want that to describe anything I smell like.”
• Practical pro tips:
  • [08:42] Using contour sticks with an eyeshadow brush for instant eye depth.
• Product “hacks”:
  • [23:25] Using Hourglass Ambient Lighting to set concealer for a blurred, lit look.
• On barrier repair and aging skin:
  • [27:36] “Once you’re in your 40s, that barrier needs healing.”

Timestamps for Key Product Segments

• Opening chat & Hall of Fame intro: [02:27–03:53]
• Lash Boost & lash routines: [03:53–05:07]
• Concealer chat (Sarah Creal): [05:47–07:03]
• Hourglass/Makeup by Mario bronzer/contour tips: [07:03–09:03]
• Hair heroes – Chris Macmillan & Crown Affair: [09:13–10:04]
• Eye patches & morning routines: [10:11–11:06]
• Body care & Mutha scrub: [14:52–16:23]
• Medi-Skin Instafacial serum: [16:26–17:30]
• Mist & Skin refreshers: [17:39–18:15]
• Luxury foundation (VB + Bader): [18:22–19:30]
• Eye palettes (Pat McGrath): [19:30–20:39]
• Mascara debate (Dior/Kosas): [20:39–21:47]
• ExPads for exfoliation: [22:03–23:16]
• Finishing palettes (Hourglass Ambient Lighting): [23:25–24:08]
• Complexion & lips (Stila, Sae, Ilia, Wise): [24:14–28:56]
• Fragrance segment: [25:59–30:32]
• Neck care: [30:33–31:16]
• Year-end wrap up & gratitude: [31:16–34:16]

Notable Quotes

• On Picking Favorites:

  • “Narrowing this list was painful. But that means we really do stand by and truly love the things we are about to share.” – Molly [03:37]

• On Repeat Products:

  • “I have not given it up… I always go back to this when I want a smooth look.” – Molly, re: Sarah Creal Face Flex [05:58]

• On Fragrance Discovery:

  • “A loud whisper—I think that’s what I want to describe anything that I smell like.” – Molly [29:31]

• On Age and Beauty:

  • “Once you’re in your 40s, that barrier needs healing.” – Molly [27:36]
  • “Let’s just not forget about the neck. Even if you’re 25.” – Molly [31:03]

• On Consistency:

  • “You have been skincare consistent with that.” – Emese to Molly re: Medi-Skin Instafacial [17:28]

Tone & Vibe

Warm, fun, candid, with “girlfriend” chattiness and practical pro tips. Molly & Emese mix expert knowledge with real-life trials (and occasional fails). Listeners are left feeling like they're in a stylish, supportive friend group loaded with wisdom and plenty of laughs.

Final Takeaway

This episode is a treasure trove for beauty aficionados and beginners alike, whether you’re seeking holy grail skincare, foolproof makeup, or forward-thinking fragrance. Molly and Emese share not just products, but the little hacks and real-life context that make them Hall of Fame worthy—always with heart, humor, and zero snobbery.