While the interpretation of beauty seems to get a makeover every year, 2022 has brought to our attention more brands, trends and looks to consider than ever before. Thanks to the rising popularity of TikTok and other social media platforms, celebrity must-haves are selling out in minutes, and consumers are discovering life-changing products, such as a hot air dryer brush.
For the last 12 months, we’ve been testing and reviewing acne patches, makeup sponges and more popular products to determine which one is best. So, whether you’re wanting to try a different skin care brand in the new year or you're curious about trends, here are the 2022 BestReviews 50 best beauty products of the year.
In this article: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original, Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge and K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask.
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30
Since it’s formulated with a mineral-only active sunscreen ingredient and free of fragrance, dyes and lanolin, anyone will fall in love with this moisturizer, including those with sensitive skin. The broad spectrum SPF 30 protection makes it perfect for daytime use, while the ceramides help to hydrate the skin and retain moisture.
Sold by Amazon
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pure hyaluronic acid is known for its hydrating and moisturizing properties. However, this serum also contains Centella asiatica and vitamin B5 to soothe, nourish and restore the skin. It’s suitable for anyone looking to plump dry skin or smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sold by Amazon
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Powerful skin care products don’t have to be expensive, and this fan favorite is one of the top affordable facial cleansers. With three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it removes makeup, dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin.
Sold by Amazon
Differin Gel with 0.1% Adapalene
Previously available only by prescription, anyone can now treat acne-prone skin with this effective, prescription-strength gel. Not only does it clear existing acne, but it also clears breakouts from deep in the pores to prevent new acne from forming. The water-based formula is free of oil, fragrance and alcohol.
Sold by Amazon
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
Improve the look of pimples in just six to eight hours with this powerful hydrocolloid patch. It’s strong enough to stay on through a night of tossing and turning but gentle enough for sensitive skin. Plus, it is translucent and blends seamlessly into the skin without drawing attention.
Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution
Glycolic acid offers mild exfoliation without scrubbing the skin, making it ideal for several skin types and concerns. This cruelty-free toner targets textural irregularities, improves uneven skin tone and reduces signs of aging. It’s free of fragrance, gluten, alcohol, mineral oil, parabens and more potentially harmful ingredients.
Sold by Ulta Beauty
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Get the highest over-the-counter percentage of azelaic acid in this potent yet gentle cream, which also contains salicylic acid. Azelaic acid is recommended to reduce signs of rosacea, while salicylic acid fades acne marks and clarifies uneven skin tone.
Sold by Sephora
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
Don’t miss out on the fan-favorite CC cream that color-corrects and offers full coverage. The addition of mineral-only SPF 50 protection makes it great for daytime wear and sensitive skin. Other beneficial ingredients include hyaluronic acid, peptides and collagen to lock in moisture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Sold by Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Amazon
Effortlessly remove all makeup, including waterproof mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, foundation and more with this makeup eraser. Just use water to activate, and throw it in the washing machine to clean. It comes in over 10 colors and designs.
Sold by Amazon, Ulta Beauty and Kohl's
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Dewy makeup looks are trending, and this liquid blush blends effortlessly to create the perfect, healthy blush. Celebrity founder Selena Gomez created an arthritis-friendly bottle to help all makeup lovers access their favorite products with little to no struggle.
ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara
Experience lift, length and separation with this clean and natural mascara. The addition of beeswax and shea butters offer flexibility and hold while remaining effortless to remove at night. It’s also free of phthalates, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and formaldehydes.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Beloved by makeup lovers for years, this translucent setting powder is still trending for many reasons. This loose powder blends seamlessly and sets makeup for up to 16 hours of wear. With three shades, it’s suitable for all skin tones.
Sold by Sephora and Ulta Beauty
E.L.F. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer
While TikTok made this inexpensive beauty product famous, it remains a fan favorite due to its flawless results. The putty-like consistency grips makeup all day and protects skin from moisture loss.
Sold by Ulta Beauty
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Clinically reverse hair damage in just four minutes with this leave-in treatment mask. While it's great for all hair types, the patented peptide formula works well to repair bleach, chemical services, heat and color damage.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
With most of the focus on face products, the body is often left out. Instead, consider this body scrub to slough off rough bumps due to keratosis pilaris and strawberry skin. It works by using a combination of gentle glycolic and lactic acids and pumice buffing beads.
Sold by Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Target
Dyson Airwrap Multistyler Complete Long
Those ready to invest in quality hair care tools will love this all-in-one multistyler that doesn’t use extreme heat. It has six attachment heads to accomplish any hairstyle, including drying, smoothing, curling (in several sizes) and volumizing.
Sold by Sephora
After continuously applying hairspray and dry shampoo or too much swimming in a chlorinated pool, all hair requires a gentle detox. This shampoo contains apple cider vinegar and other beneficial ingredients to remove product buildup, dirt and impurities.
Sold by Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Target
Olaplex Hair Repair Treatment Kit
Olaplex is well-known in the beauty community for repairing damaged hair, reducing breakage and split ends and making hair visibly stronger. This set comes with the brand’s shampoo, conditioner, intense bond-building treatment and hair perfecter.
Sold by Sephora, Amazon and Ulta Beauty
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
This oil-to-gel body wash contains linoleic-rich oils, fermented squalane and glycerin to intensely hydrate and nourish the body. It’s suitable for all skin types and free of fragrance, parabens and gluten.
Sold by Target
For a close, gentle and flawless shave, consider this efficient electric razor with five shaving elements to get more hair in one stroke than other shavers. It comes with a travel case, smart care center, charging cable, cleaning cartridge and cleaning brush.
Sold by Amazon
Brickell Men's Restoring Eye Cream
Brighter, more energized eyes can change an entire face. This eye cream is designed specifically for men to reduce puffiness, bags, dark circles and wrinkles around the eyes, thanks to caffeine, protein peptides, MSM, hyaluronic acid and green tea. It is not tested on animals and is made in the USA.
Sold by Amazon
Marlowe. No. 123 Men's Facial Moisturizer
All skin types will enjoy this nongreasy face moisturizer that locks in hydration with aloe vera leaf juice, willow bark and deep sea algae extracts. Plus, the brand’s facial skin care products are made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients and never contain parabens or phthalates.
Sold by Amazon
Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
This two-in-one facial cleanser and toner for men removes dirt and oil while also preparing the skin for shaving with sulfate-free surfactants. It’s formulated with aloe, rosemary and chamomile to never dry out the skin.
Sold by Amazon
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
If men only want to use one product, make sure it’s a facial sunscreen. With mineral-based active ingredients, this option is appropriate for sensitive skin. It’s also formulated with hyaluronic and niacinamide to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and calm acne or rosacea-prone skin.
Sold by Amazon
American Crew Men's Hair Fiber
Achieve high hold and low shine with this pliable fiber cream. The moisture-rich formula provides a textured definition, no frizz and a natural finish.
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Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
