Best In Beauty - My Top 10 Picks of 2022
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2022 was the year I fell back in love with beauty.
Since the first stay-at-home order was called, my makeup drawer went largely untouched. Honestly, who wants to paint on a full face just to cover it all up with a mask? Add in my sensitive, reactive skin and you’re looking at a recipe for disaster (i.e, ‘maskne’). Maybe the pandemic made room for more self-reflection, or perhaps my taste have simply changed as I’ve gotten older, but the products I once loved just didn’t serve me the way they used to. Full coverage foundation now gives me the ick, I can’t be bothered to make the sharpest cat eye liner anymore, and a recent rosacea diagnosis has led me to some firm limitations.
Though within the last 12 months, I’ve suddenly felt the urge to play and experiment with colour again. Something sparked within me and I remembered that beauty doesn’t have to be all or nothing; all that matters is that it brings me joy. That means I can throw on a glitter eye without covering up my dark circles or rock a red lip during a rosacea flare-up. Beauty standards be damned.
Rediscovering my love for makeup has been like finding myself all over again and I’ve been so eager to share this side of me with you all. Needless to say, I’ve racked up a few new faves! While some of these products have been on the market for longer, they’re all new to me within the last 12 months. From skincare to haircare, and everything in between, here are the ten beauty products that have officially earned ride-or-die status from me!
Haus Labs Le Monster Lip Crayon - Shades ‘Crimson Matte’ & ‘Melon Matte’
As someone who is always skeptical of any new celebrity makeup line, I was hesitant to give Haus Labs the time of day. But then I remembered that Gaga has never disappointed me in any other aspect, so why not take the plunge? Needless to say, it was love at first pout!
This lip crayon has such a creamy texture that is practically bursting with luscious colour, and it lasts for hours without drying out my lips. I often reach for Melon Matte to achieve that ‘your lips but better’ shade, and Crimson Matte when I want to amp up my look with a bold pop of colour. I absolutely need more colours from this collection, and I can confirm you will feel the same way after you pick one up!
JVN Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Cream
Jonathan Van Ness is the epitome of hair goals, so it should come as no surprise that they have created absolute magic with this Air Dry Cream. Just a little dollop on damp hair ensures I will have the waves of my dreams, without any extra fussing required. It’s like perfect-second-day-hair in a bottle.. I’m also convinced this somehow speeds up the drying process, because my thick hair is otherwise notorious for taking its sweet time.
Regardless of your hair texture, I’m certain this will work its magic for you too!
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
Over the years I’ve learned that not all makeup removers are made equally. So many balms have left my face feeling so greasy, that I’ve had to go from double cleanse to quadruple in order to get back to baseline. My standards are now much higher since welcoming this Versed cleansing balm into my beauty cabinet.
This dissolves into a gorgeous cleansing milk that can melt off the most stubborn mascara in a flash. The eucalyptus oil is surprisingly gentle, especially when balanced out with vitamin E as the coordinating ingredient. What sets this apart from other balms (and puts it right into holy grail status) is its ‘one and done’ capability. My skin feels cleansed and balanced enough that I can often skip my secondary cleanser!
The only reason I haven’t shared this product sooner is because it took me ages to get my hands on it! After my pal Amanda deemed this brow gel an instant fave, I knew I had to give it a try. Apparently I wasn’t the only one, because it was sold out at my drugstore for what felt like a year before I could finally snag a tube.
Folks, it was worth the wait! My unruly brows tend to defy most gels, but this glue truly holds them down and keeps them in place all day long. In fact, I’ve stopped saving up for a brow lamination since bringing it home! While there is a bit of learning curve to perfecting the application (use way less than you think you’ll need. Comb down with the spoolie to disperse the product, and then up to hold in place), the price point quickly makes up for that.
Admittedly, I’d been gatekeeping this product for a while because it is just SO GOOD. I even found myself hesitating to share it here because a now-viral TikTok I made is now threatening my ride-or-die supply. The formula of this moisturizer is incredibly lightweight, yet it packs hydration like you wouldn’t believe. I’ve only found similar effects from heavier night creams that left an unpleasant texture behind. Thankfully, there’s no sticky or greasy mess here! Complex 15 gives my skin a gorgeous, natural matte finish, which coincidentally makes for an excellent makeup base. I cannot recommend this no-nonsense moistuizer enough!
…Actually, I take it back. Please don’t sell this out, I beg you!
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence - SPF 50
Finding an SPF that makes my skin look naturally dewy, will leave my pore unclogged, and won’t sting my eyes is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. That is, until I found this cult-favourite sunscreen at my local Asian grocery store. The serum-like texture means it melts into my skin beautifully and doesn’t leave a greasy mess behind. There is not even a suggestion of a white cast when wearing this, just a natural glow that I often feel confident wearing on its own. I can also attest to rubbing this in my eyes a number of times without consequence.
If you manage to come across this SPF unicorn, I urge you to stock up!
L'Oreal 8 Second Wonder Water
Micellar water is a magical product that I’ve sworn by for many years to remove makeup (and even salt stains on winter boots). I’m not surprised it’s wonderful properties were formulated for haircare, because this bottle is liquid gold. In only 8 seconds, this rinse can revitalize my hair from years of damage. This is one of those, “You just have to try it to understand,” products, because you will be in awe of how silky soft your strands are afterwards.
Elf Hydrating Camo Concealer - Shade ‘Fair Beige’
Never did I think I would find the most skin-like finish, in a perfect colour match at the drugstore. Though low rise jeans did make a comeback, so anything can happen!
Whether I just want a hint of coverage, or I’m fully painting my face for a night out, this versatile concealer is up to the task. It blends out so smoothly, and doesn’t crease or cling to any dry patches. I’ve heard this is a strong contender for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, and the price point certainly makes this an easy dupe!
Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil - Shade ‘Tahiti’
Forget any preconceived ideas you have about lip gloss, because this is an absolute gamechanger. This balm/oil/gloss hybrid glides on like butter, and feels incredibly nourishing to wear. Not a hint of stickiness, nor a flashy reflect to be found. Just glistening, dewy goodness in a tube. If you’ve ever wondered what’s on my lips, there’s a very likely chance it’s this. I’ve personally gone through two tubes of ‘Tahiti’ and I refuse to leave the house without it.
NUDESTIX Nudies Matte Lux All-Over Face Blush - Shade ‘Pretty Peachy’
I can’t remember the last time I reached for a traditional powder blush, because NUDESTIX has become a staple in my beauty drawer. As a longtime fan of their Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color lineup, I was eager to give this new matte formulation a try. Even though my dry and textured skin has usually kept me away from this finish.
What I know and love from NUDESTIX is once again evident with this blush; it blends like a dream and is richly pigmented. I love this cream-to-powder texture, and found it wears beautifully as an eyeshadow or lip colour as well.
What beauty products have you been loving over the last 12 months? Did any of your faves make this list?
Share with me in a comment below!