No doubt we’ll witness hordes of exciting beauty launches in the next 12 months, but there were some real crackers last year that I’m just not prepared to give up just yet.

In fact, I’m prepared to go as far as state I’ll never stop buying them.

After all, a the old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.

I’m sure my arm will be twisted at some stage in the not too distant future, after all, Selena Gomez has just expanded Rare Beauty into body care, so you know I’ll be lathering myself in those goodies as soon as I get the chance.

But there’s something to be said for the good old faithful, that product you know will never let you down.

My beauty ride or dies from the year gone by have been listed below for you. Hopefully you love them as much as I do.

Bondi Sands Baby Face Retinol Serum

Available at: Coles, Chemist Warehouse, Priceline,

Price: Varies from store to store (cheapest is $20 at Chemist Warehouse – but is $15 in Coles when it is half-price)

We’re in the grips of the “cozzie livs” crisis, so who can turn their nose up at an affordable beauty buy? This serum contains 0.5 per cent retinol, so it is the perfect intro to the powerful skincare ingredient, which is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This product sinks into skin beautifully and leaves it feeling fresher and plumper. So good – especially considering most retinol products are pretty expensive.

Emma Lewisham Supernatural Blemish Serum

Available at: Mecca

Price: $135

If you’re not onto this natural skincare line from New Zealand yet, take this as your sign to get amongst it. While the entire range is utterly divine, honestly – my skin loves everything from Emma Lewisham – this “world-first” serum is up there as one of my favourite skincare products of all time. It contains a patented, live, probiotic strain that treats acne and helps minimise breakouts. Initially I thought this product wouldn’t be for me, as I don’t suffer with pimples that often, but I gave it a go and was blown away by how glowy and smooth my skin was. The pump is a little fiddly, as there are two components, but it is completely refillable and worth the hassle. I’m officially obsessed.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Available at: Mecca

Price: $38

This product is a lip balm meets lip oil – which makes it uber hydrating and why so many of us rate it so highly. My lips suffer all year round with dryness but they are lush and flake-free whenever I used this vegan formula. Highly rate it.

Rare Beauty All Of The Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick

Available at: Sephora

Price: $39

Is there anything this eyeshadow stick can’t do? Apparently not. The aptly described “does-it-all” product can line, shade and smoke, making it cost effective and convenient. I love it because it’s easy to apply, doesn’t crease and the shades are all super pigmented.

Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops

Available at: Mecca

Price: $61

Can I make a confession? I was never that into Drunk Elephant’s cult D-Bronzi Drops, as the finish was just a tad too dark for my taste. But when the B-Goldi Bright Drops hit shelves towards the end of 2023, I was instantly smitten. The drops deliver an perfect amount of radiance while simultaneously not looking like you’ve bathed in highlighter. They’re also packed with skin-loving ingredients to give your face an extra boost. Seriously impressive.

L’Occitane Immortelle Reset Serum

Available at: Adore Beauty

Price: $109

Okay, so full disclosure, this product has been on the market for years and is one of the brand’s bestsellers. However, the formula got a makeover last year, and now contains 10 x more of the Immortelle essential oil, known for its strong anti-ageing and antioxidant properties. My skin drinks this magic potion up and is always fresh and glowy after use. If you’ve never tried this before, now it has its stronger formula, it’s time.

Murad Retinal resculpt overnight treatment

Available at: Sephora and Adore Beauty

Price: $170

This product is absolutely incredible. It contains powerful encapsulated retinoids which smooth and firm skin, transforming texture and giving a “lifted” effect. As a result, users in America who have had access to this Murad number for longer than us have dubbed it “a facelift in a bottle”, while Melbourne-based pharmaceutical scientist, Hannah Collingwood English told her 70,000 followers the product was in her “hall of fame”. It’s absolutely worth giving a try if you’re looking for a high-impact treatment. I dig it.

If you have a question about a beauty product or an item you’d like to see road-tested in The Beauty Diary, jump into our official Facebook group where you can join like-minded beauty junkies. You can also catch me on Instagram and TikTok.