My Favorite Finds of the Year + Reader Favorites

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the things that have brought us joy, comfort, and excitement over the past 12 months. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite finds and most reached-for products of the year, as well as a list of best-selling AWSL reader favorites. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own closet and beauty routine or simply curious about what others have been loving this year, I hope you’ll find something to enjoy in this roundup.

My Favorite Finds of the Year

It was hard for me to narrow down my favorites, but here are the pieces and products that I found myself reaching for almost on a daily basis over the course of this year.

1. Lagos Necklace

When I purchased this Lagos necklace, I wasn’t expecting it to become one of my very favorite jewelry pieces. It filled a need in my wardrobe that I didn’t know I needed. I love its ability to change the length for different tops.

You can loop the chain through the clasp on the ball twice to shorten it, or you can wear it long as a pendant necklace. It’s so versatile and seems to go with everything.

2. Cable Hoop Earring

My daughter gave me these David Yurman hoops for Christmas two years ago, and they continue to be my favorite earrings. I’ve worn them more than anything else this year. Yes, they’re extra special because they’re from my girl, but they’re also the perfect diameter and shape for me.

3. Paul Green Sneakers

Paul Green believes in making shoes that will last a lifetime, not just for one occasion. They’re handcrafted in Austria with only the finest Italian leather. I own several different styles, but my favorite sneakers of the year are the Hadley sneakers. I’ve worn them so often that their cost-per-wear is pennies.

4. Talbots Barely Boot Jean

I wear this style of jeans a lot and have them in several washes. The leg shape is not an exaggerated bootcut but wide enough to flare over a bootie and the top of my shoes perfectly, which helps make my legs look longer. That also means they cover your socks in the cooler months when wearing flats. They’ve been a best seller a few times, so let me know in the comments if you’ve tried and enjoyed this style.

5. Quince Cashmere

I’m delighted to have discovered Quince and love everything I’ve ordered. My favorite is their cashmere. I started with this $50 Cashmere sweater and never looked back. The quality is lovely, and the price can’t be beat. You can read about more of my favorite cashmere sweaters including a few more from Quince here.

6. Jenni Kayne Fishermen Sweater

Speaking of cashmere, I’d read so many glowing reviews about this particular Fisherman sweater that I sprang for one when they were marked way down last year during their Black Friday sale. It’s the softest cashmere I have ever felt in my life. All cashmere pills, and any brand that tells you theirs won’t, is lying. I’ve worn this sweater multiple times and can report that it takes many, many wearings for the tiniest pill to begin forming on this sweater. Longer than any other cashmere I own. I swear by this Gleener and sweater shaver to remove pills I do get on my cashmere.

7. Ilia Mascara

My Ilia mascara is on constant reorder because my eye doctor insists I need to replace my mascara every 8 weeks. The comblike brush helps it go on beautifully with no clumping. I have tried so many different brands of mascara, but nothing can compete in the long run. This one from Tower 28 is a very close second if you’re looking for another fabulous option.

8. Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Lip Fixation

I’ve used this long-lasting lip stain from Jane Iredale for years! It acts as the perfect base for every lipstick I wear and never dries out my lips. I love the color Fascination, which is a natural rosey shade on me. After it dries, I add a lip pencil, which gives it extra staying power and definition around my lips.

9. MERIT Beauty Eyeshadow

This eyeshadow by MERIT was really hard to get my hands on, but once I did, I was very impressed. My favorite is the Nelson shade, which is a lovely, deep, cool taupe. This eye shadow is a buildable, cream-to-powder that stays put and never creases on me. I apply it with this double-sided brush, but you could easily use your fingers.

AWSL Reader Favorites

Enough about my favorites… let’s talk about what the AWSL readers loved and purchased the most in 2023.

1. Women’s No-Show Athletic Socks

So many of you have bought these socks, including me! Some sneakers have a lower profile around the ankles and require no-show socks. But I’ve found it’s super hard to get ones that actually stay put while you walk. These socks have almost 10,000 positive reviews, come in several different colors, and are under $20 for a pack. I can attest they’re great!

2. Purito Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence

This Purito essence may be a bestseller with ASWL readers because I’ve raved about it so much. I’m constantly trying new skincare products and then moving on to something new. So, the fact that I’ve stuck with this random $13.00 product for several years is nothing short of amazing to me. I apply it to my face every morning and evening right after washing. It’s changed my skin in an amazing way and has become a never-miss in my routine. I even decant some into a small bottle to bring when I travel.

3. Portable Phone Charger

I hate being out and about, especially on a long day, and having my phone battery dying. This portable and rechargeable iPhone power bank comes in super handy again and again. It’s a bestseller with AWSL readers.

4. Ecco Slip-On Sneaker

Many AWSL readers appreciate comfy shoes as much as I do, and love the Ecco Soft 7 line. I’ve worn these woven slip-on sneakers for many years and recently added this smooth top version in both black and taupe. They have a cushioned insole with arch support and leather upper. The insole is also removable so that you can use your own custom orthotic or just have more room if your foot is wider like mine.

5. Car Hooks for Bags and Purses

I loathe having shopping bags and grocery store bags sliding all over my car when I’m driving, and I’m not alone. Readers love these car hooks, which keep everything organized and off the floorboards. They come in several different leather colors so that you can match them to your car interior.

6. Warner’s No Side Effects Underarm-Smoothing Comfort Wireless Lightly Lined Bra

This bra has quickly become my favorite! It has flexible foam cups and extra coverage side panels to provide a seamless fit for your tops. The elastic-free sides and back provide bulge-free underarm smoothing…even under a tank top! You can read more about my love for Warner’s bras here.

7. Manuka Honey Lotion

This moisturizer is my number-one bestseller by far, and so many of you rave about it as well. By 50, our skin isn’t producing the same amount of collagen and natural oils as our younger skin. To counteract that, I’ve found it invaluable to slather a good-quality moisturizer all over my body when I’m fresh out of the shower. Formulas that contain squalane, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid are some of the best for moisturizing aging skin. I shared in this post that I moisturize every day and night with this affordable lotion that doesn’t break the bank.

I’d love to hear what your favorite purchases have been this year. What do you find yourself reaching for again and again?