Happy Wednesday, friends! It’s actually my birthday today… I’m so grateful for another year of this beautiful life, and can’t believe I get to live it with friends like you! Getting older isn’t always fun, but aging is truly a privilege, and I’m all too aware of its gift!
Today I’m sharing one of my (and your!) favorite posts of the year… Sugarplum Favorite Things! I ruminate over this list all year long, and take it far more seriously than necessary, but only because I want to be sure I’m including my very favorite ride-or-dies! The products and things that make my everyday life better, easier, more fun, or enjoyable. And also happen to make incredible gifts!
Chances are you’ll recognize most of the items because I’m constantly babbling about them! Some are oldies that make the list year after year (see last year’s list HERE), but this year brought some new game-changers I just can’t live without.
So let’s get to it… this year’s Sugarplum Favorite Things!
Sugarplum Favorite Things 2025 //
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | Shop All HERE
1. Spanx AirEssentials Half-Zip Pullover & Wide Leg Pants // Lounge sets have come a long way, and are now not only super comfortable, but also incredibly chic! Oprah named this one of her Favorite Things a year or so ago, and with good reason! The material is only described as pure luxury, and the pieces are sold separately, allowing you to mix-and-match colors and sizes. Wear them together, or as separates, and pair with your favorite sneakers for an easy, pulled-together style for everything from the airport to errands.
2. Illuminating Eye Cream // This eye cream was released last year, and became an instant sell-out! In fact, the wait list was over 15,000! It’s a daily eye cream and brightener in one, with hyaluronic acid to smooth lines and wrinkles, caffeine to combat puffiness, and pearlized pigments to add instant brightening! I can’t live without it, and rarely even wear concealer anymore, thanks to this miracle eye cream! Code SUGARPLUM20 will save you 20%, too!
3. Merit Blush Balm (Also HERE) & Bronzer Stick (Also HERE) // The moment I tried this blush balm and bronzer, they instantly shot to the top of my Sugarplum Favorite Things list! They slide on like butter, and blend so beautifully and seamlessly. With such a natural finish, you’ll think it’s your own skin! But better! I wear ‘cheeky‘ or ‘apres‘ blush and ‘seine‘ bronzer.
4. T3 Blow Dry Brush (Also HERE) // In an attempt to use less heat on my hair (perimenopause is not kind to my hair!), I’ve started wearing it straight more often… so I blow it out once, and then it’s (mostly) good for a few days. And this dryer is the best at adding volume, bounce, and smoothness! Plus, the all-in-one dryer and round brush is so easy to use! It also has multiple heat settings, so I can use warmer air on my courser, thicker hair underneath, and gentler air on the more fragile top and front pieces. It’s also great at reviving second (and third) day hair and smoothing out kinks.
5. Drybar Self-Grip Rollers (Also HERE) // In tandem with the Blow Dry Brush, I immediately set the top and sides of my hair in these rollers (these clips are key for getting a good set!) until it cools… leaving my hair full, smooth, and super bouncy, with no additional heat! I even packed them on our recent international trip so I could have the salon blowout, without having to worry with converters and voltage.
6. Woven Toiletry Bag // You know I take my packing very seriously, so for a travel item to make the list, it’s special! I discovered this bag last year, and it became the rockstar of every trip… no matter if it’s a long weekend or two weeks in Antarctica, this bag has me covered. It holds an unbelievable amount, including all my skincare, makeup, and miscellaneous beauty and travel essentials, then zips to a compact rectangle that packs easily. My other favorite feature is how it opens to sit on the counter, giving me full access to everything I need while getting ready, then easily slips back in a hotel drawer. I have the large size. You can see how it packs HERE.
7. Cashmere Crewneck // My cost-per-wear on this sweater is easily pennies by now… I can’t think of another item I’ve reached for more this year. Whether I’m tying it over my shoulders with a sundress, pairing with a tee and my fave denim, or layering under a jacket, I’m wearing it non-stop and year-round. Top quality cashmere, but at an incredible price. Honestly, I could just add Quince to my Favorite Things List, because I’m smitten with everything they do!
8. Compression Packing Cubes // There are countless packing cubes on the market, but these are superior in every way! Strong fabric that doesn’t rip, sturdy zippers that close even the most over-stuffed bag, vented for maximum compression… and a compression panel for even more flattening! It’s like doubling your packing capacity! These packing cubes keep everything organized and help me maximize every inch of my suitcase. One of my top carry-on hacks!
9. Running Shorts // These shorts have overtaken my workout drawer… I’ve replaced every other style with them!! Similar to pricier options, but in tons of colors and a fraction of the price. They have a longer inseam to keep everything fully covered, with a built-in liner and even a little zipper pocket. (Fit Tip: size Small)
10. Amazon Lip Liner // I’m as surprised as you are to see a lip liner on the Favorite Things list, but here we are! Tis one glides on satiny smooth with good staying power and in the prettiest shades, I wear shade ‘01 Antique Rose‘ with a dab of clear lip balm for the easiest, semi-neutral look. It’s also retractable, so never needs sharpening!
11. Weighted Vest // Nothing says ‘I’m 53!’ like a weighted vest on your Favorite Things list! I joined the bandwagon earlier this year, and haven’t looked back! I started with the 8-pound vest on regular walks, then to inclined treadmill walks, and recently upgraded to 12-pounds. It’s made such a big difference in the muscle tone of my legs and core, and I love knowing it’s helping with bone density, as well. And the cool thing is, I didn’t have to change my routine, simply adding the vest was the diffrence!
12. Medicube Peel-Off Mask // Oh man, the love I have for this stuff!! I’m fully on-board with the Korean skincare products, and amazed at how impactful they are… and for such great prices! This overnight mask goes on clear and dries within a few minutes, then the next morning peels off to reveal hydrated, glowy, glassy skin! It’s like a miracle, really! I use it several times a week, especially after traveling.
13. Suede Sneakers // These sneakers are the most recent find and last-minute addition to the list! In fact, I ordered them for my trip last month! But after reaching for them every single day no matter if I was wearing jeans, athleisure, or even satin pants, I knew they were special! They’re like a cross between a street sneaker and an athletic shoe, so they’re crazy-comfy, but also super stylish. And the brown goes with everything! Fit Tip: I did size up half.
14. tartelette tubing and XL tubing mascaras // This miracle mascara is literally lash extensions in a bottle! Simply apply two thin coats (do it back-to-back while the product is still wet), and your lashes will transform before your eyes! And what’s even better, unlike most tube mascaras, this one actually washes off easily without tugging or pulling. I wear the original formula for everyday, and the new XL formula for nights out and events… it will blow your mind!! Both on sale with code SINGLESDAY!
15. Béis Suitcase (Also HERE) + Calpak Carry-On Duffel Bag // It’s my mission with every trip to not check a bag (it’s so liberating to skip baggage claim… not to mention, no stress of lost bags!). But the right gear is essential, and this duffel and carry-on combo is a game-changer! I call the soft duffel the Mary Poppins bag because it will blow your mind with the amount of things it holds. It has a slew of inside pouches and zipper pockets, plus a compartment on the bottom (great for shoes), and it slides on the handle of your suitcase. It sells out quickly, but would make a great gift for any travelers on your list! It also doubles as my weekender bag for overnight trips. (Sale Alert!! The Calpak Duffel is 20% off for early Black Friday!!)
And when paired with the Béis Expandable Carry-On, I’ve got the maximum allowable packing space. The Béis has sturdy wheels, rolls like a dream, has extra compartments and a compression panel, plus little details that make it my go-to bag.
16. Argan Oil Hair Mask // This is one of those products that blows your mind after a single use. It will transform your hair to smooth, shiny, and silky, and you’ll wonder how in the world it’s so affordable! With all the time spent in the sun, salt water, and chlorine, this mask is a must for bringing softness and hydration back to my hair. I also use it on damp hair before getting in the water for a barrier from the elements.
17. Cashmere Mist Deodorant / My friends have been raving about this deodorant for years, but I resisted because department store deodorant… really?!? Um, yes really. Not only does it smell amazing and not leave any white residue, but it works alllll day! Case in point, we had a 30+ hour travel day to Kenya earlier last year, and I arrived smelling fresh as a daisy! No joke. (Also available HERE and HERE.)
18. Woven Sling Bag // I picked up this classic sling bag earlier this year for a trip… they make the best travel bags, since they fit the essentials and keep them close to your body for security and easy-reach. But I loved it so much, I found myself reaching for it between trips, and now it’s pretty much my everyday bag! Being hands-free is so liberating, and it holds everything I need. It’s the same style and quality as similar bags five times the price!
19. Electrolytes Drink Mix (Travel Size HERE) // Another random addition, I know, but considering I start every single day with a scoop, I figured it deserved a spot on the list! Our bodies get dehydrated overnight (which makes sense considering how long we go without water!), so starting my day with a big glass of water and a scoop of these clean salts and electrolytes helps kickstart my mind and body. I also include a scoop of AG1 as my daily vitamin and supplement, so the Re-Lyte flavor is a bonus!
20. Living proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo (Also HERE) // I’m honestly surprised this product wasn’t already on the list, considering how often I depend on it! Rather than adding powder or other product to my hair, this leaves my hair feeling truly clean, helping to extend time between washes.
Okay… that wraps my Top 20 Sugarplum Faves for this year! But it goes without saying my mattress topper, boujee detergent, and hair towel are always on the list! This new hair product came thisclose to making the list, but considering I just discovered it a few weeks ago, I’m going to try it out a little longer. But so far I’m hooked!
I’d love to hear what’s on your Favorites List! Are any of these on your list? I love that these all make incredible gifts, too! You can check out past years of Sugarplum Favorite Things HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for more great gift ideas.
Here are a few of your most requested links, that are definitely on my Runner’s Up Favorite Things list:
– Collapsible Moving Bags
– Luxury Detergent
– Pet Fur Remover
– Love Bracelet
– Travel Steamer
– Woven Shoulder Bag
– Fleece Lounge Set
– Puffy Heart Toggle Necklace
