Before I list the best beauty buys of 2022, I must confess that beauty therapy comes from a place of privilege. While I am lucky enough to be able to travel and pick products from around the world, I’m also grateful for my job that brings the best of beauty on my table. Therefore, this list may seem frivolous to a few (believe me, I know where you are coming from), but it will definitely interest many who find solace in beauty.
2022, for me, was the year of changes and beauty was not different. From a minimal skincare routine to saying no to PR packages and opting for minis, my choices changed for good. Despite getting a whole lot of products in media boxes, I picked up a few that I wanted to try. If you have read so far, here’s what I enjoyed using and why:
Dr.Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF30
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When it comes to Korean beauty, there are only a handful of brands that I like and Dr.Jart+ is one of those. I like it for its high-performing, innovative products which fit well into my minimal routine. I recently bought its viral colour-correcting cream in a mini-size because the products are expensive and I don’t want to commit to a full-size without trying it.
Why I love it: It does what it claims – it neutralises the discolouration of the skin and makes it even, so a must-try for those with skin redness and pigmentation. It works well as a makeup base and can be worn separately on days you don’t want to layer makeup.
Alan Truman Blow Brush
As a beauty editor, I need to put across my A-game when it comes to my hair and beauty look. But behind that, it’s a girl who functions on little sleep and tries to find an easy beauty hack to get five minutes of extra sleep. This quest led me to a great find–Alan Truman Blow Brush.
Why I love it: It’s a hot brush that simultaneously works as a hair dryer while giving hair a salon-like, blow-dry look. Value for money, easy to use, does the job quickly and can help create multiple hair looks – it’s all in one!
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick – Toast of New York
It’s one of my most used lipsticks, I call it my comfort pick. A perfect nude brown shade, it’s an instant pick-me-up for any look. It suits all skin tones and can be worn at all times of the day.
Why I love it: It’s easy on the pocket, the texture is rich and smooth, offers a long-lasting stay, and delivers a butter-smooth finish in the most flattering brown shade.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
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If you haven’t picked the pattern yet then I’ll state the obvious – I try all viral products because that’s also my job! Another Korean brand on my list, Glow Recipe has nailed its packaging and design language that interacts with young consumers. (But) I wanted to try it ever since Alia Bhatt dropped the name in her beauty routine and so, I bought a sample size to give it a shot.
Why I like it: I don’t use it as a part of my skincare but mix a couple of pumps with the foundation for a dewy look. It instantly brightens up the complexion, gives a healthy sheen and prevents the makeup from caking.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear More Than Concealer
Someone called it a dupe for the cult-favourite Huda Beauty’s #FauxFilter and I had to try it. I have dark circles, thanks to my erratic sleep cycle and screen exposure, and I am always on the lookout for products that can veil them without having to colour-correct the area. However, every product turns grey and settles in fine lines under the eyes.
Why I like it: It’s creamy, doesn’t get patchy, provides full coverage, stays put for hours and a little goes a long way. Also, whoever called it a #FauxFilter dupe has put his stakes on the right product.
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
If there’s one product that I want to hoard and take with me to 2023, it will be Shiseido’s sunscreen stick. This one is a chemical sunscreen and is non-comedogenic (it won’t clog the pores). It’s another viral product but not available in India. During my trip to Switzerland, I searched all beauty aisles and pharmacies in Geneva and Interlaken to finally get it at Zurich duty-free and I couldn’t be happier.
Why I like it: It offers wide spectrum protection, has no white cast, is non-oily and delivers a thin and even layer with each stroke. However, the reason I will repurchase it is that it can be applied over makeup which is genius!
Nykaa Shine On Top Coat
Believe me, I tried every possible top coat available but nothing could prevent the nail paint from chipping after a couple of days. I bought Nykaa’s top coat on a whim and I was pleasantly surprised.
Why I love it: It’s better than most high-end brands, easy on the pocket, has comparatively better shelf life, and the nail paint stays put for at least eight to 10 days. FYI, the matte top coat variant is also a good buy.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Though I am a team Sketch-pen eyeliner, I couldn’t help falling in love with e.l.f.’s Precision eyeliner which comes in a typical tube-brush format. It’s the most repurchased product of 2022 for me.
Why I love it: It’s one of the most budget-friendly brands. Eyeliner’s pay-off is bold and stay is long-lasting. It doesn’t smudge and can be applied smoothly over glitter eyeshadows.
I know a few these products are not available in India, I might just want to help you make an aspirational beauty list for 2023. Here’s manifesting them all for your 2023 shopping cart! Happy New Year, folks.
