(Skin)

The 19 Best Beauty Products That Turned Heads In 2022

It’s giving repeat purchases.

by Natasha Marsh

Dec. 30, 2022

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

With the year wrapping up, it’s definitely a time of reflection. And looking back on 2022, it’s safe to say it was a big year for beauty launches. From viral TikTok products to celebrity-backed labels, there was no shortage of products to play with this year. Some items became popular for their instant results while others were embraced for their innovative formulations and multi-tasking abilities.

The latter seemed to shine especially bright this year. “As much as some people love a 10-step routine, returning back to busy lives after the pandemic, not everyone could commit to so many steps and looked for products that provided multiple benefits,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, New York City-based dermatologist.

This year also saw a plethora of new brand launches, celebrity-founded in particular, that truly resonated with consumers [Rhode skin, anyone?], and at-home devices that made us feel like professionals, making it difficult to sort through what to try and what was the best. To help cut through the noise, TZR reached out to the top industry pros to uncover their favorite products of the year. From brushes that deliver a perfect blowout, hair accessories that make styling a breeze, to the perfect “glazed donut skin” moisturizer, ahead, the shining stars of 2022 that both the pros and our own team can’t stop using.

The Best Hair Products Of 2022

California Born

Days of Dirt

$35

When worked through dry or wet hair, California Born Days of Dirt grooming cream helps frizzy, clean, and dry hair look lived-in. “I take a small amount in my hands and rub together to warm up the product and then rake my fingers through the hair after a blowout or waving the hair to give it texture and definition without weighing it down or looking too shiny or greasy,” says celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend. “It gives the hair the perfect amount of piecey-ness.”

JVN

Leave-In Conditioning Mist

$18

Packed with black spruce bark extract that provides UV protection to prevent color fade, and hemisqualane that smoothes and strengthens, Townsend recommends JVN Leave-In Conditioning Mist to clients with very fine hair as their conditioner because it seals the cuticle without weighing down the hair.

Trademark

The Sunny Styler

$89

One of the most successful product launches of 2022 was Sunny Styler by Trademark Beauty. “As a styling iron, it both straightens and curls the hair with built-in air vents that reduce the hair’s temperature as you style,” says celebrity hair stylist Joseph Maine who likes to use it on textured hair.

Day Rate Beauty

Power Pin

$25

Townsend calls Day Rate Beauty pins the best launch of 2022. “These hairpins are the best I’ve ever used and they hold like no other,” the pro tells TZR. “The power pin is amazing at holding all the hair into a bun or twist with just one pin and they are beyond chic.” Not only that, they come in a variety of colors that match different hair colors to seamlessly blend in.

The Best Makeup Of 2022

MAC

Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eye Liner

$23

If pigmented, easy-application, and zero irritation is what you look for in an eyeliner, MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eye Liner is a great add to your makeup arsenal. Available in 18 colors, there’s a shade for all occasions.

Lancôme

Le 8 Hypnôse Serum-Infused Volumizing Mascara

$32

This buzzy new mascara is packed with eight amino acids, shea butter, and black balm to ensure lashes are both flawless and strong.

The Best Skin Care Products Of 2022

Andalou Naturals

Deep Hydration Nourishing Cleansing Balm

$15.99

Cleansing balms were added to many skin care routines this year and Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Nourishing Cleansing Balm is a great gentle option that focuses on the complexion barrier. The water-free 2-in-1 multitasking formulas applies to dry skin and melts into an effective cleanser to remove makeup and buildup, while simultaneously nourishing the skin. Infused with collagen and hyaluronic acid, it also helps boost hydration and leaves skin feeling moisturized and refreshed.

ESW Beauty

Matcha Almond Milk Radiance Plant-Based Milk Mask

With a return to the office and the outside world, consumers looked to products that would produce high-quality results in a short amount of time, which is exactly what you will get with ESW Beauty Matcha Almond Milk Radiance Plant-Based Milk Mask. Made with green tea and sweet almond extracts, the mask awakens and brightens the skin in just 15 minutes.

Clinical+ Skin

Polypeptide Firming Serum

$250

Packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, multitasking peptides, and antioxidants, Dr. Amanda Doyle, board-certified dermatologist, says Clinical+ Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum improves fine lines and wrinkles and makes skin taut and firm.

Skinbetter Science

Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum

$185

Containing vitamin C, E, and 17 additional antioxidants, Mr. Garshick says this serum helps improve the appearance of skin dullness, tone, and texture while also working through redness to leave the skin more radiant.

Emilie Heathe

Hand Cream

$45

With increased hand washing to avoid germs, the pandemic forever changed the hand care scene. This buzzy and deeply nourishing hand cream from Emilie Heathe is packed with sunflower seed oil, aloe extracts, shea butter, and more to leave your hands baby-soft and never oily.