The Best Beauty Products Of 2022
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
BODY CARE
Eau Des Vignes Shower Gel, £9 | Caudalie
It can be hard to get excited by a body wash, but Caudalie changed all that by launching a range of feel-good gels this year. Formulated with 100% plant-based ingredients, each one delivers a thorough cleanse without disrupting the pH balance of the skin. It’s hard to pick a favourite – all the scents are beautiful – but Eau des Vignes stands out. White musk, bergamot and iris give skin a clean, fresh feel that’s comforting and uplifting all at once.
Available at Sephora.co.uk
Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cream, £22 | Biossance
Biossance is known for its use of hydrating squalane and the brand’s latest body cream is full of it, alongside caffeine to brighten and niacinamide to reduce redness and inflammation. More than that, the thick, luxurious, buttery texture is a joy to apply – just make sure you do so while your skin is still damp post-shower.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Herbal Comfort Soak, £26 | C.O. Bigelow
If you like herbal, medicinal scents, you’ll love this bath and shower soak. Splash a little onto your body or pour it into running water. The scent – a potent blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger and echinacea – is designed to clear your senses but it’s also seriously comforting. Trust us when we say this offers immediate headspace.
Available at GentlyElephant.co.uk
Soak Bath Salts, £42 | Mirror Water
A soak in the tub isn’t complete without a few salts and these are some of our favourites. Using a blend of three minerals, just a few handfuls is enough to create a blissful oasis, while Canadian black spruce oil aims to boost mental clarity. The fragrance is cosy, refreshing and soothing, while essential oils envelope the skin in rich moisture.
Available at SpaceNK.com
The Body Exfoliator, £30 | Nécessaire
Nécessaire was one of our favourite brands to launch in 2022 and this exfoliator has since become a hero product. The star ingredient – eucalyptus – is perfect for sensitive, hypoallergenic skin, while a potent blend of bamboo charcoal, as well as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, works to minimise flakiness and smooth dry skin. A mix of both physical and chemical exfoliators, it’s an investment, but the results are worth it.
Available at LibertyLondon.com
Plant Based Vegan Nail Colour, £17 | GITTI
Plant based, vegan and using only the cleanest ingredients, Gitti’s nail colours are some of the best we’ve tried this year. Better still, the vast range is full of options, including quirky shades that aren’t so trend led. Keep the layers thin as you apply it – you’ll only need a couple of coats to build a rich pigment – and finish off with top coat.
Available at Niche-Beauty.com
Niacinamide Body Serum, £36 | Paula’s Choice
We love the Paula’s Choice body care range – especially this silky serum which uses 5% niacinamide to take down redness and uneven bumps under the skin. It’s also full of antioxidants and minerals which coat the skin in moisture – you see a difference immediately. It’s not sticky either, so you don’t have to contend with any greasy residue.
Available at SpaceNK.com
The Crème, £39 | Tan-Luxe
Tan-Luxe is known for its silky glow-givers, and this has to be its most hydrating one yet. More of a rich, velvety moisturiser, it uses amino acids, antioxidants and skin-plumping lipids to seal in hydration for a supple, smooth finish. As it nourishes, it gradually works to build a believable, warm glow that’s never overpowering – just subtle enough to earn you compliments. Added squalane boosts skin’s elasticity for a firmer appearance over time.
Available at LookFantastic.com
FRAGRANCE
Cashmere Kush Fine Fragrance, £105 | Boy Smells
If you like your fragrances on the warm and musky side, you’ll love this one from Boy Smells. Containing notes of peppercorn, vetiver and amber, it’s powdery but with a sophisticated feel, while a hint of rhubarb adds something a bit different. We sprayed this in the office and several of the SL team were hooked – trust us, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Available at SpaceNK.com
De Los Santos Eau De Parfum, £130, Byredo
Inspired by Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos and All Saints’ Day, this aromatic amber and incense fragrance strives to capture the essence of coming together in celebration – which explains why earthy notes are complemented by sweeter, more floral elements. Byredo’s fragrances can be expensive, but you’re guaranteed long-lasting wear in return. One of our favourites from the brand.
Available at Selfridges.com
Missing Person Eau De Parfum, From £26 | Phlur
A bestseller in the US, this finally came to the UK over the summer. Although it’s musk-based, this one is sweeter with added floral notes of jasmine and orange flower. Unlike a typical floral, it’s feminine and fresh without being cloying or overbearing.
Available at Selfridges.com
Vanilla Nomade Eau De Parfum, £95 | Sana Jardin
Sana Jardin does some of the best under-the-radar scents and Vanilla Nomade is one of our favourites. As the name suggests, it’s powdery and sweet, but never sickly. Ideal if you love a floral, it has notes of jasmine
Available at Selfridges.com
L’Iris Eau De Parfum, £140 | Santa Maria Novella
The first scent launch from Santa Maria Novella in 800 years – the brand has been around since 1221 – doesn’t disappoint. The packaging alone will have you at hello, but the fragrance is also really special. Powdery, subtly musky and delicate, it’s reminiscent of clean, fresh laundry peppered with warming notes of leather and delicate rose. Plus, it works for both day and night.
Available at SMNovella.com
HAIRCARE
OI Liquid Luster, £34 | Davines
We’ve gone through at least four bottles of this since it launched. Squeeze it onto damp hair, leave it on for five minutes, then rinse it off before blow-drying. What’s left behind is an invisible film that seals in moisture and makes strands more manageable. Pretty much immediately, you’ll see strands have better texture and weight – and a bonus is the packaging is fully recyclable.
Available at Sephora.com
Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub, £35 | dpHUE
This refreshing scalp scrub uses pink Himalayan sea salt to naturally exfoliate the scalp, removing product build-up, impurities and dead skin cells. Ideal for those wanting to maintain healthy hair, this new launch is also gentle enough for those with dry, flaky and itchy scalps. The combination of sea salt and apple cider vinegar helps to physically and chemically exfoliate dead skin, dandruff and product residue, as well as unclog hair follicles without disturbing the pH level of the scalp.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Chroma Absolu Soin Acide Chroma Gloss, £36 (was £40) | Kérastase
DIY hair glosses were all the rage this year and one of our favourites was this from Kérastase. Not only does it boost the vibrancy of your hair colour, it seals in moisture for stronger, more flexible strands. Meanwhile, added lactic acid gently exfoliates, getting rid of any product build-up that can cause hair colour to look dull. For best results, apply it to wet hair post-shampoo and massage it in for at least eight seconds before rinsing out.
Available at LookFantastic.com
Hydra Hyaluronic Acid Mask, £6.99 | L’Oréal Paris Elvive
This award-winning mask is hard to beat. Full of nourishing hyaluronic acid, it brings even the driest, brittle strands back from the brink. What’s most impressive is it does all this without weighing the hair down or causing it to feel lank. Either leave a generous amount on post-shampoo or use it in place of your conditioner – you can decide based on your hair’s needs. Either way, expect better shine, manageability and softness.
Available at LookFantastic.com
My Nanna’s Mousse, £19 | Larry King
Mousses have come a long way in the last few years, thanks in part to lighter formulas that don’t weigh hair down. This one from Larry King is designed to give hair serious volume but without that greasy feel. Squeeze just a small amount out onto your palms, then scrunch it into wet hair – this way it’ll latch onto strands and absorb faster. Then, immediately blast the hair with a dryer and, when you’re finished, you’ll find it has unrivalled bounce and shine. A game-changer for those who like to style their hair daily.
Available at LibertyLondon.com
No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, £28 | Olaplex
This new release from Olaplex removes impurities, hard-water minerals, product build-up and excess oils to leave behind cleaner, healthier-looking hair. Slot it into your weekly haircare routine to detox strands from root to tip and replenish them in the process. It’s also a great step before you use any masks or other Olaplex treatments to make sure the formulas really get to work.
Available at LookFantastic.com
Leave In Conditioner, £25 | Pattern
Black-ish actress Tracee Ellis Ross launched Pattern this year – the haircare range everyone is talking about. Available exclusively in Boots, the concise line-up of 11 products cover every part of a textured haircare routine. Our favourite is this leave-in conditioner which has a thick, velvety texture. Apply it to soaking wet, conditioned hair and leave it on for as long or as little as you like. You’ll find it enhances shine, boosts the shape of your curls and leaves hair feeling incredibly nourished.
Available at Boots.com
Gemstone Ultra Shine Glossing Treatment, £34 | R+CO
Anyone looking to make their hair colour shinier should try this launch by US brand R+Co, which is loved for its all-natural formulations. The rich, creamy formula provides deep hydration and seals damaged cuticles so that hair better reflects the light. Best of all, your locks will be UV protected as a result.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
MAKE-UP
Pillow Talk Beautifying Face Palette, £60 | Charlotte Tilbury
Few do blush and glow products quite like Charlotte Tilbury, so we were thrilled to see the brand launch this palette – a celebration of its cult ‘Pillow Talk’ range. Versatile enough for everyday wear, you can also use it to amp up your look for evening. We recommend dipping into the highlighters with a damp fan brush to take the glow from radiant to glossy. Choose from two versions – one for light-medium skin tones and another for medium to deep skin tones.
Available at CharlotteTilbury.com
Les Beiges Water Fresh Blush, £42 | Chanel
Regular SL readers will know how much we love Chanel’s Water Fresh foundation – and its blush is just as impressive. Ultra-lightweight and with a moisturising formula, it’s made up of 75% water and infused with micro-droplets of pigment which break over the skin to give it a fresh, glow-y flush of colour. It blends seamlessly with fingers or a brush, giving skin that ‘barely there’ look and feel – perfect for a soft and subtle make-up look.
Available at Boots.com
Phantom Volumising Glossy Lip Balm, £34 | Hourglass
These have been hugely popular at SheerLuxe. Offering the longer wear of a lipstick with the feel of a silky balm, you get the best of both worlds and a glossy, plumped-up finish to boot. There are so many suits-all tones to choose from, while the rounded bullet allows for easy application on the go. We love the slick style too, which is easy to chuck into your bag.
Available at SpaceNK.com
True Feather Brow Marker Gel, £22 | Kevyn Aucoin
This brow gel gives you the best of both worlds, with a pencil and a gel built into its design. One end has a firm, thin nib to help you emulate the look of ultra-fine hairs, while the soft setting gel locks everything into place with a glossy, laminated finish. Unlike similar products that can leave your brows feeling stiff, this nourishes brow hairs and promotes better regrowth over time.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Laguna Bronzing Cream, £31 | Nars
This iconic bronzer became available in a cream formula this year and we couldn’t be happier about it. Offering a lighter finish that isn’t thick or cakey, it’s a breeze to apply and provides a natural-looking warmth that’s easy to layer up. Just a small amount is enough to wake up skin and give it a bit of extra depth and definition. We love how heavily pigmented it is, too.
Available at Boots.com
Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation, £35 | Lancôme
We now swear by this foundation. A single pump is all you need to give your complexion a complete refresh, and the texture is lightweight and breathable. It contains something called ‘NAI pigments’ which brighten skin to give it a healthy-looking glow that lasts all day. Apply it with fingers or a brush, but we prefer the latter – the texture is creamy and smooth, so it’s easy to buff and blend out to nail that airbrushed effect.
Available at Boots.com
Eyeshadow Palettes, £49 | Lisa Eldridge
Everything Lisa Eldridge does is spot on, including these new eyeshadow palettes. There are four shade combinations to choose from – although we like ‘Muse’ for its soft brown, champagne and pink tones. Containing both matte and shimmer textures, these are the best palettes for creating smokey eyes or just a soft wash of colour. At £49, they aren’t cheap, but they will last for months.
Available at LisaElridge.com
Big By Definition Mascara, £12.99 | Sephora Collection
There have been endless mascara launches this year, but this has been our favourite. At £10 it’s a steal. Just a layer or two will transform sparse, stubby lashes and give them a real lift. It has a smaller brush too, which allows you to get into all the corners for maximum impact.
Available at Sephora.co.uk
Sheer Skin Tint, £40 | Summer Fridays
This might be our favourite skin tint ever. The watery consistency is easy to blend, and it contains just the right amount of coverage to conceal and smooth. We love the dewy dry down that leaves your complexion looking hydrated, healthy and fresh. At £40, it’s expensive, but a little goes a long way.
Available at SpaceNK.com
Modern Radiance Concealer, £22 | Vieve
If you’re in the market for a new concealer, make it this one. With a large applicator brush, it covers a big surface in one go, so much so you’ll find you don’t need foundation on top. The texture itself is a liquid, but it dries down matte – while added hyaluronic acid means you still get a slight sheen to the skin without that cakey feel. It’s also brightening – great for anyone looking to cover dark circles.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Bisou Blush, Violette_FR | £37
We’re yet to try a Violette_FR launch we dislike. Its new Bisou Blush sticks are already a beauty bag staple – and not just because they look good. The creamy, smooth texture skims skin for subtle, well-sculpted definition. Easy to blend, you can keep them sheer or layer them up for more impact. We love that each one has variegated levels of colour for a 3D finish.
Available at VioletteFR.com
Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, £27 | Hourglass
Hourglass’s Gel Eyeliners aren’t to be missed. The velvety formula glides on and can be easily blended out with a brush or your finger. The vividness of the colour is impressive – rich and glossy, it lives up to the price tag. Play around with the pressure to create a thicker wing, or micro lines to subtly enhance the eyes. As they set and dry down quickly, you’ll find they won’t smudge or bleed – ideal if you find most liners crease into fine lines.
Available at SpaceNK.com
SKINCARE
YouthBomb 360° Radiance Concentrate Serum, £185 (for non-members) | Beauty Pie
This has been one of 2022’s most talked about launches. Formulated with Dr Andrew Markey – a consultant dermatologist – it lives up to the hype. With five-star reviews across the board, it’s easy to see why this often sells out and is Beauty Pie’s bestseller for 2022. Made up of 18 skin-strengthening peptides and active ingredients – including niacinamide – it works gradually to reduce enlarged pores, minimise fine lines and brighten dark spots. You’ll see skin looks fresher and visibly bouncier too. The term gets bandied around a lot, but this really is a game-changer.
Available at BeautyPie.com
Resurfacing Retinol Serum With Ceramides & Niacinamide, £19 | CeraVe
New to retinol? This year, CeraVe launched an entry-level serum for anyone keen to introduce it into their routine. Not only does it cushion the effects of vitamin A with added niacinamide – an ingredient known for minimising redness and uneven tone – it gets to work boosting cell turnover and reducing breakouts. Meanwhile, a host of ceramides keep skin looking plump and hydrated.
Available at Boots.com
Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops, £35 | Dr Jart+
Just like the brand's cult Colour Correcting Cream, these clever drops work to target specific areas, easing irritation and minimising sensitivity at speed. On application, the green tint quickly turns into a beige shade that adapts to your individual skin tone, smoothing everything out and giving it a hint of glow so you never look sallow or dull. Wear them on their own, or layer up with foundation for fuller coverage.
Available at Boots.com
Honey Infused Lip Oil, £24 | Gisou
There are endless lip treatments out there but this one reigns supreme. It doesn’t come cheap, but it does do a lot more than just hydrate chapped lips. With a thin, glossy texture, it plumps them up and never feels sticky or heavy. Brimming with vitamins, minerals and omegas, it’s indulgent, but so worth it.
Available at Gisou.com
Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum, £32 (was £40) | La Roche-Posay
Niacinamide has been one of Google’s most searched ingredients of 2022. La Roche-Posay’s latest serum – which harnesses the power of this buzz-worthy ingredient – is designed to even out skin tone and brighten it simultaneously. Plus, it’s lightweight and thin in consistency, so it never feels too sticky or occlusive. In our experience it works fast – you’ll start to see smoother, healthier-looking skin within a week or so.
Available at Boots.com
Lactic Acid Serum, £80 | Shani Darden
Shani Darden is an A-list facialist in the US and now everyone can make the most of her experience via her own skincare range. Our favourite product is this Lactic Acid Serum. Loaded with exfoliating AHAs and PHAs, it dissolves dead skin cells and surface dirt to reveal better glow and smoother texture. The results are fast – apply it at night and come morning you’ll see a difference. A must-try for those prone to breakouts, spots or redness. It’s surprisingly gentle too, thanks to hyaluronic acid and green tea which keep moisture levels intact.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
CEO Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream, £60 | Sunday Riley
This fresh moisturiser aims to supercharge skin with high-potency, advanced vitamin C, delivering a non-greasy, satin finish. Like the brand’s CEO Glow serum, this plumping cream brightens and evens skin tone while offering long-lasting moisturisation. It also creates a radiant base for make-up while antioxidant lutein provides natural blue-light protection.
Available at SpaceNK.com
Deep Moisture Spray, £19.50 | Curél
Curél is a skincare brand that does exactly what it says. Fuss-free, it uses key ingredients to deliver results at speed. Its best launch in 2022 was this Deep Moisture Spray. Created with moisture-sealing ceramides and nourishing castor oil, the fine mist quickly coats skin in a comforting layer of hydration. You’ll find skin feels softer within days, while any feelings of tightness or dryness will be instantly soothed. Use it all over or on top of make-up to hit refresh during the day.
Available at Boots.com
TOOLS
The All Rounder Hairbrush, £120 | La Bonne Brosse
Hairbrushes don’t get slicker than this. Marrying form and function, it’s designed to massage your scalp and increase blood flow, all while soothing it with soft fibres. Plus, it never snags or pulls from the root – it gives you a smooth, seamless glide every time, gently detangling knots and minimising breakage. At £120, it’s an investment, but worth it if you’re serious about good haircare.
Available at Harrods.com
LiftOff Microcurrent Toning Device, £70 (was £90) | Magnitone London
Facial toning devices are known for their high price tags, but this one from Magnitone is more reasonable than most. Using microcurrents, it releases little pulses of electricity that penetrate the upper layer of your skin, targeting and stimulating the muscles underneath. With regular use, you’ll see skin looks tauter with a rosier glow. Use it over the face, jawline, upper lip, cheeks and even around the brows.
Available at Boots.com
Make-Up Remover Pads, £8 | Revolution x Sali Hughes
Stubborn make-up doesn’t stand a chance against these reusable pads. Soft and fluffy, they only need a little bit of water to remove all traces of dirt. That said, they will also work with micellar or cream cleanser. We love that they are much larger than regular cotton pads, so you can cover a wider surface area at speed. Simply throw into the washing machine to use again.
Available at RevolutionBeauty.com
Flash of Rose 8-Piece Brush Set, £43 | Morphe
If you’re after a good brush set, this is by far the best one for the price. Comprising all of Morphe’s bestsellers – each made with super-soft synthetic bristles – and stored in a reusable rose pink tin, the set includes a flat buffer foundation brush, tapered powder brush, cream and powder blush brush, pointed highlighter brush, tapered blender eyeshadow brush, pointed blender eyeshadow brush, round blender eyeshadow brush and an angle liner/spoolie.
Available at LookFantastic.com
Cryo Ice Sticks, £76 (was £90) | Oliviere Wilson
If you’re suffering with puffy skin, experts agree these are some of the best cryo tools to have dropped this year. Like enlarged spoons, they cup the face in all the right places, working to take down inflammation and constrict blood vessels for a smoother, less inflamed complexion. Keep them in the fridge or freezer before using them all over – even around the eyes. Ideal if you suffer with headaches or tension, they’re also good for prepping skin for make-up.
Available at CurrentBody.com
Daily Glow Facial Dry Brush, £33 | Province Apothecary
Facial dry brushing has become a bit of trend – the key to getting it right is finding the right brush. We love this one from Province Apothecary. Designed specifically for the face, the bristles are gentle, offering just the right amount of stimulation without ever scratching or tearing the skin. Start by using it across your décolletage, then outwards to the shoulders, before focusing on the neck and up over your ears. Take a light approach as you reach the lips, eyes and nose, finishing up and out by your cheeks.
Available at ProvinceApothecary.com
Skincare Wand, £126 | SolaWave
This SolaWave wand went viral this year and continues to sell out time and again. Using red light therapy, it works to smooth skin and even out tone with regular use – minimising issues like wrinkles, dark spots and redness. It also uses microcurrents to firm muscles and depuff, and while it’s designed to be used with its own serum, your own will work just as well. Use it three times a week for best results.
Available at Solawave.uk
The Pink One Razor, £6 (was £9) | Sunny
Aesthetically pleasing and effective, this razor has five blades for a smooth, comfortable shave. It glides evenly and safely over the skin, making even those hard-to-reach areas easy to shave for smooth results every time. What’s more, the blades are replaceable and recyclable, so you don’t have the disposable guilt each time you use them. The additional ‘lubrastrip’ helps avoid irritation, so even sensitive skin types can use it with confidence.
Available at Boots.com
Resculpting Beauty Flash Roller, £37 | Clarins
This two-in-one tool promotes lymphatic drainage to lift and sculpt the face – plus, it enhances glow by boosting blood circulation. Use its multi-angled head after moisturising to apply light pressure to your cheeks, eye contours and forehead. Concentrate on the centre of the face and move the tool outwards using gentle back and forth motions. Then, use the other end to drain congestion and depuff.
Available at Clarins.co.uk
Airebrush Duo, £170 | T3
For hair styling tools that give salon-level results, we love T3. Its tools are an investment, but you get what you pay for. The Duo Blow Dry Brush is a must-try for anyone looking for extra bounce and volume. Interchangeable, it comes with several heads – one is like a heated roller, for example – for you to play around with different styles. Whether you want a sleek finish, or a bouncy blow-dry effect, this does it all. Just make sure you give yourself time to get the hang of it – once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Available at SpaceNK.com
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