My Top PWDKWN's (Products I Didnt Know I Needed) Of 2024
Melissa Mason is an Australian writer and podcast host. She has also been a beauty journalist for over 10 years. She’s obsessed with the ‘70s (and forever switching between her natural curls and a wavy shag), has a co-dependent relationship with her pinky-nude lipstick collection and is currently living in the Aussie outback battling flies and red dust on the daily. You can find her on socials @melissamason_
As one half of Adore Beauty’s Beauty IQ: Uncensored podcast, I have tried a lot of products this year!
December actually marks my first full year co-hosting the podcast, can you believe?
It’s been a big 365 days of skincare, haircare, wellness and makeup, and while everything I’ve recommended in our PWDKWN (products we didn’t know we needed) segment have been exceptional, there have been a handful that have really stood out.
These are the products that have replaced my tried-and-true staples, that have found their enduring place in my makeup bag or shower caddy, and that really blew me away (pun intended for haircare).
L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara.
I am rarely blown away by new mascaras because I am so picky about them.
I need an ultra-black mascara with a gluey consistency (without the clumps) that adds length and volume while still giving a fluttery, fan effect. Not much to ask, huh?
So I was shocked when L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara saw me replacing my usual mascara with its metallic pink tube.
It does everything I want mascara to do, and then some, because it doesn’t flake off or melt in the heat.
It’s also super affordable!
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD SKIN ALL-IN-ONE PALETTE - Shade H1.
If this makeup palette has a million fans, I’m one of them.
If it has only one fan, that is me. If it has no fans, then I am no longer on Earth.
Well, I know it has a million fans because I’ve seen the Adore Beauty reviews! You guys love this easy-to-use palette, just like me.
The three foundation shades, four concealers, two blushes, two contours and highlighter are all really useful, seriously blendable and last for ages, plus its slimline design means it slips easily into clutches and tiny going-out bags for on-the-go reapplication.
What’s not to love?
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo.
I love me some bond-building haircare, but I do find a lot of products are nourishing, which I don’t always want because, especially in shampoo, I find this can weigh down my roots and make my hair greasier, faster.
Discovering the Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo was a game-changer.
It gives the same reparative benefits as the rest of their bond maintenance range, while also deep cleansing hair to rid it of product, dirt and oil.
I find it leaves my hair feeling really fresh!
Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb and Blow Dry Brush.
Both Hannah and I became obsessed with this blow-dry brush when we tried it in the middle of the year, and it remains one of my most-used hair styling tools.
Even the most rookie of us can master a shiny blowout now!
The key is how powerful it is (it styles each second in like, two run-throughs) and the nifty heated comb, which smooths out frizz – a godsend for those of us with unruly curls.
Whenever I use it, I’m asked if I went to the hairdressers. I kid you not!
INNISFREE Perfect 9 Intensive Serum.
This serum was a dark horse for me this year.
I started using it several months ago, and I just keep reaching for it.
It’s such a lovely, non-irritating serum for days when you don’t want to load up on actives, but still want skin benefits like hydration, brightening and firming.
It’s packed with Niacinamide, Adenosine and antioxidant plant extracts, and the gel formula is really light on the skin and wears well under makeup.
Skinstitut Gentle Cleanser.
I’m a new convert to this beautiful cleanser, and I won’t have my head turned!
As listeners will know, I struggle with eczema and a skin barrier that just LOVES to impair itself, but this cleanser is a mainstay no matter what’s going on.
It’s super gentle yet effective at removing dirt, sunscreen and even makeup – when I apply a little water to my face and then massage the cleanser in, all my makeup is removed (even waterproof!).
This also made it wonderful to travel with this year, as I didn’t need to bring a cleansing balm for that job.
What have been your faves this year? I’d love to hear about them!
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