Top Reader Favorites

As we begin looking at fashion and style for 2025, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the items AWSL readers loved most in 2024. From cruelty-free, clean beauty finds to classic clothing picks, here are the pieces that stood out and earned a spot in your favorites.

Top Reader Favorites of 2024

Self Tanner

This Beauty By Earth self-tanner has 22,000k+ reviews on Amazon, yet I’d never heard of the brand. It lives up to my cruelty-free and clean standards, so I bought some to try, and I love it! I bought the fair to medium, and it also comes in medium to dark. It goes on easily and has not left a single streak. I noticed a light sunscreen scent that’s not unpleasant, which dissipates after it dries. I also ordered these drops, which I add to my moisturizer, and they work great, too!

Speaking of self-tanner, AWSL readers also loved this body brush. It’s perfect for buffing and blending self-tanner or leg makeup for a smooth, streak-free finish. You can find even more self-tanner products for mature skin in this post.

Archepedico Lace-Up Shoes

These lace-up shoes from Archepedico were my go-to travel shoes for years and years! The fabric stretches and breathes, so they always stay comfy when my feet swell during the flight. They come in lots of colors, and they’re wonderful for long days on your feet. Bonus…they’re made in a machine-washable fabric, so you can just pop them into the wash for easy cleaning!

Travel Makeup Mirror

This travel makeup mirror has three suction cups on the back, which hold it very solidly to any window or mirror. It also has 10X magnification and a backlit LED light, which my old one didn’t have. The older my eyes get, the more light I need to see things clearly, so this one is pretty cool and a must-have for my suitcase! The ONLY downside is I keep leaving them stuck on hotel room windows and have to replace them, so luckily, it’s not expensive.

This affordable moisturizer gives you great results without breaking the bank. It’s so well-loved by AWSL readers that it’s been my number-one bestseller for several years running.

Humidifier

I love this humidifier! It has smart sensors that keep it running until the unit is completely dry inside. That means there’s no water left behind for mold to grow in. I also love that the parts are all dishwasher-safe. This humidifier works differently than others. After you fill the tank, the water flows into the tray, where it is treated by passing through UV light. The water then goes through a paper (replaceable) filter. Then it’s evaporated by the fan, so clean, hydrated air is dispensed invisibly. It sits on my bedside table and runs all the time.

Warner’s Cloud 9 Bra

Here’s a bra by Warner’s that I find myself wearing often. As you know, I’m a firm believer that nude bras and panties are the most useful because they’re invisible under all your clothes, including white shirts. I chose toasted almond for this bra, which is a deep nude on me. It gives a smooth look and is a totally invisible look under all my tops. The bottom band doesn’t dig in the way some bras do, plus it separates and smooths everything out. I’m not well-endowed, and I don’t need or wear underwire bras, so I appreciate the lift and structure I get from this lightly lined wireless bra.

Wireless Headphones

I splurged and bought myself these Apple Air Pod Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones during the last Prime Days Event, and I love them! They’re much easier to wear and more comfortable than any other wireless headphones, plus they’re fabulous for canceling any noise while using!

ECCO Sandals

My Ecco Flowt sandals are the most comfortable sandals I own…and that’s saying a lot. The velcro straps allow me to adjust for a secure fit across the top of my foot, and the footbed is a dream to walk on. I’ve worn mine two summers running, and they’ve held up beautifully. They have a very cushiony sole, arch support, and velcro securely to my ankle, so I don’t have to grip my toes to keep them on. I find nude shoes much more user-friendly than any other color because they coordinate with everything.

Turtleneck Sweater

The name says it all—this turtleneck really is perfect. It’s buttery soft with just the right amount of stretch to keep you comfortable all day. Plus, the lightweight fabric makes it ideal for layering under blazers, cardigans, or coats without adding any bulk. My black one has been a workhorse in my cool-weather wardrobe for many years.

Flare Jeans

These Modern Flare Leg Jeans are full-length with slash front and back welt pockets, which elevate the styling from patch pockets. These jeans have no distressing and a deep wash, so you can easily dress them up. Contrary to the reviews I read, these fit me true to size.

Yoga Socks

These grippy socks are a great find for anyone who practices yoga, pilates, or barre. The non-slip soles help keep you stable, so you can focus on your poses without worrying about slipping. I’ve tried many brands, and these are my favorites.

Slimming Swim Dress

If you’ve got a winter resort getaway on your calendar, check out this slimming swimdress from Lands’ End. The skirt is perfect for adding a little extra coverage to your rear, and the wrap style is super flattering. Bonus: it’s made from durable fabric that holds up against chlorine and sunscreen.

Tummy Control One Piece Swimsuit

Here’s another swimsuit that made the list of readers’ favorites for 2024. It’s a steal at under $35, and comes in a ton of colors and patterns., You can check out more of my favorite swimsuit recommendations here.

Lip Stain

I’ve been hooked on this lip stain for years. It stays on for hours and doesn’t flake or dry out my lips. Other lip stains I’ve tried have been very drying. This one is also cruelty-free, full of antioxidants, and contains sunscreen. Win, win, in my book! My favorite shades are Blissed Out and Fascination.

This Purito essence has been a bestseller for two years running. It’s completely transformed my skin, and I can’t imagine my routine without it. I even have it on auto-ship and always decant some into a travel-sized bottle, so I’m never without it, even on the go!

Password Book

I keep my passwords on my phone, but if I lose my phone, I’m in trouble, so I was always told to have a backup. I shared this clever password book in one of my gift guides this year, and it seemed to be a hit among AWSL readers.

ECCO Sneakers

These leather sneakers from Ecco were my gateway shoe into the world of sneakers. I own them in black, and they’re just as comfortable now as they were when I wore them all over Japan in 2018. They’re super comfy with a removable innersole that gives you space to add your orthotic or just adjust the width. In fact, I wore the black ones out and replaced them last summer.

If you’ve been around AWSL for long, you’ve probably seen me wearing a pair of my Ilse Jacobsen Tulip shoes. This super-comfortable slip-on sneaker has a suede upper that’s whipstitched to a flexible rubber sole. They stretch and mold to your feet and are cool in hot weather. This year, they’ve added this fun platform style, which allows for even more comfy cushioning than the original pair.

Naturium Retinol Body Lotion

As I get older, I find myself battling crepey skin more. I’ve found that retinol body lotions work best for me, and this one from Naturium is one of my favorites (you can see my full list of favorites here)! It has encapsulated retinol, shea butter, and a blend of other top-notch moisturizers, all for just $2.86 per fluid ounce. The price allows me to slather it on twice a day. I keep a bottle in the bathroom for after my shower and another on the bedside table to use on my arms, legs, and feet at night. It’s cruelty-free, has a light texture, and absorbs quickly without any greasy residue. My skin feels incredibly soft, and the crepiness is noticeably improved.

You can find even more reader favorites from 2024 on my Amazon Storefront here.

Did you purchase any products I shared in 2024? If so, what was your favorite?