NewBeauty’s Most-Talked-About Stories of 2025

At the end of every year, the editors at NewBeauty like to look back at the products and treatments that truly delivered—and made us feel our best. This year, we’re taking it a step further by spotlighting the biggest stories we reported on in 2025. From celebrity confessions and royalty-approved nail trends to every iteration of the bob haircut and how to care for skin after GLP-1 weight loss, these are the seven stories everyone was talking about in 2025.

Kylie Jenner’s Candid Breast Implant Confession

In June, Kylie Jenner sparked a social media firestorm when she casually replied to TikToker Rachel Leary about her breast implant specifications. “To me, you have got what I am looking for to have done in terms of a boob job,” Leary says in the video. “It’s like the most perfect, natural-looking boob job ever. They’re still big, but whatever way you’ve had the implants—if they are implants—or if you had fat transfer, to me, it is perfection.”

- Advertisement -

To the internet’s surprise, Jenner responded with striking specificity: “445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle,” she wrote. “Silicone!!! Garth Fisher!!! Hope this helps lol.”

Not only was Jenner’s candor refreshing, but it also ignited an ongoing wave of aesthetic transparency from celebrities, something we frankly haven’t seen at this scale before. Kristin Cavallari, Alix Earle and Simone Biles are among the high-profile names who have since shared their exact breast augmentation details. Others, including Rebecca Gayheart, Barbara Corcoran and Kris Jenner, have opened up about the personal motivations behind their plastic surgery decisions.

Kris Jenner’s Flawless Facelift

Later in the summer, Kris Jenner stunned with a refreshed look, but it wasn’t her flippy lob that had heads turning. The then-69-year-old had recently undergone her second facelift, performed by New York plastic surgeon Steven Levine, MD—and the results sparked so much conversation that searches for “Kris Jenner facelift” surged.

Jenner went on record shortly thereafter. “I decided to do this facelift because I want to be the best version of myself, and that makes me happy,” she explained. “If you feel comfortable in your skin and you want to age gracefully—meaning you don’t want to do anything—then don’t do anything. But for me, this is aging gracefully. It’s my version.”

On why she chose to speak openly about a topic Hollywood has historically kept under wraps, Jenner added: “I decided to reveal some details because I feel it can be very inspirational to people who aren’t feeling so great about ­themselves. Even when I had my hip replacement, we filmed it. I have the conviction that sharing these things can be helpful.”

Kelsea Ballerini’s Short Double Reverse Micro French Manicure

At this year’s Grammy Awards, Kelsea Ballerini debuted a black-and-white short double reverse micro French manicure that exuded minimalist rich-girl energy. Created by celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, the look features ultra-fine black and white French tips at both the base and tip of the nail, complemented by a natural pink base.

‘Princess’ and ‘Soap’ Nails Master Luxury Minimalist Manicures

Speaking of nails, it felt like everyone was ready for a return to squeaky-clean, short manicures after a season dominated by darker hues and eye-catching chrome finishes. Enter princess nails and soap nails—two trends centered on elegant, pared-back looks that channel an effortless, unfussy air à la Kate Middleton.

Princess nails elevate natural, nude tones with impeccable cuticle care, resulting in a fresh, neat finish that feels quietly luxurious. Soap nails, the other major “clean girl” manicure of the year, are “achieved through layers of sheer, customizable shades that match the natural nail tone,” Zoya Creative Director Rebecca Isa previously explained to NewBeauty. The high-gloss finish, she adds, “gives nails a clean, fresh look, making it a perfect choice for those who love minimalist beauty with a touch of luxury.”

Fluctuating Skin: What It Is and How to Treat It

The term “fluctuating skin” was a hot topic at the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual conference in April. Simply put, fluctuating skin sits somewhere in the middle of the skin-health spectrum, shifting between balanced and unbalanced states and often accompanied by chronic concerns.

At the conference, the UK’s number-one skin care brand, No7, presented findings from a survey conducted in partnership with the British Skin Foundation. The survey of 20,000 people found that the majority fell into this category, with fluctuating skin more prevalent among those under 45.

To help manage symptoms such as inflammation, barrier damage and oxidative stress, dermatologists recommend prioritizing skin-barrier-supporting products, getting adequate sleep and focusing on stress reduction.

Firming Up Slack Skin After GLP-1 Weight Loss

As millions of people lose weight on GLP-1 medications faster than ever before, demand for skin-toning treatments has surged in doctors’ offices nationwide. Providers are increasingly turning to a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical options to address common concerns, including facial volume loss, sagging, thinning, crepey skin and texture changes.

“The medication may kick-start the transformation, but what comes next matters just as much,” says Austin, TX plastic surgeon Johnny Franco, MD, who lost 90 pounds using GLP-1s.

Bobs Are Back at Every Age

From Gracie Abrams to Leslie Bibb, bobs were the it hairstyle for women of all ages in 2025. For women over 50, layered, European and pixie-inspired styles reigned.

“Bobs are all the rage right now, especially for mature women,” agrees hairstylist Michelle Cleveland. “A classic European Bob has been my number one most requested style so far this year. It’s flattering on most face shapes and, thanks to its shorter length (mid-neckline and above), helps to redirect the eye up, which ‘visually’ lifts the face, giving a more youthful, elegant appearance.”