The end of 2022 finally has arrived and I have tested, loved, and even not-so-loved numerous beauty products this past year. Some of these products I tested were overhyped on social media and downright not worth the pretty penny they’ll cost you. Fortunately for readers, I have a long list of favorites that I strongly recommend and will definitely be bringing into 2023. With so many products and so many opinions, I’ll be making this a series covering a couple of weeks, so be sure to check back soon!

We’ll start off on a positive note with my 2022 favorites in no particular order. Now, I personally have very high standards so know that these products (a) are worth the money, (b) have been repurchased at least once and will continue to be, and (c)  are guaranteed to improve your beauty routine. 

1. Loreal Telescopic Mascara: Starting off with make-up, I’d have to give many praises to this product in particular. I often get asked, “Are your eyelashes real?” or, “What mascara do you use?” Folks, the answer to your burning question is here: Loreal Telescopic Mascara. I’m honestly embarrassed to admit how many of these I have gone through over the years, but it is my tried-and-true mascara. Compared to the others that I have tested out, this one lengthens, separates, and just amplifies your lashes in the best way possible. The other upside of this mascara is that it’s a drugstore pick and retails for under $15. 

1. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner: Next up is a lip fave that could almost fool anyone into thinking you have the perfect pout. Like lip fillers in a pencil is the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner in the shade “Pillow Talk,” which complements any skin tone and is great if you want the appearance of fuller lips. The formula is super creamy and goes on great with no smudging. Now, Miss Charlotte Tilbury is on the pricier side; this lip liner usually goes for about $28, but I do personally think it is worth the price compared to other drugstore liners I have used because of the formula and pigmentation that is top-tier. 

1. Loreal Lumi Glowtion: Another make-up must-have is a drugstore product as well that gives the perfect bronze glow even during the bleak winter months. The Loreal Lumi Glowtion is supposedly a dupe for the Drunk Elephant D’Bronzi Drops (which I’ll touch on next week), making it an affordable way to get the same look. At $12.99, it is great for adding some radiance underneath foundation or even wearing alone mixed with moisturizer. It comes in four different shades, but I have found the ‘deep’ is my favorite because it adds a tan that, as a natural redhead, I so desperately need. But make no mistake: even the lighter shades are still great options, as they add a glow to any base.  

1. Lastly for make-up is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Oh. My. Goodness. I cannot stress this enough, but this concealer is hands-down the best one I have come across. Say goodbye to Tarte, Kosas, Maybelline, all of it because you will fall in love with NARS. What I love most about this is that it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, so it’s safe for acne-prone skin and will not cause any more breakouts. The concealer also has one of my favorite formulas as it is blendable and provides full coverage without looking cakey. This product retails for about $32 but is worth every dollar to me.

1. Ouai: Switching over to hair care, I have recently fallen in love with the Ouai line. The shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner have integrated their way into my routine, replacing a common favorite, Olaplex. The shampoo and conditioner come in different options based on your hair type, but I have been using the one for medium hair. Ouai products smell luxurious and leave your hair feeling softer than ever. I have noticed a major difference in my hair health since switching over to these products, and I will definitely be repurchasing despite the fact it leans towards the more expensive side at $30 a bottle for 10 fluid ounces.

1. Gisou Hair Oil: The next product is one that became really popular thanks to TikTok; it’s called “Honey Infused Hair Oil” by the brand Gisou. I was lucky enough to snag the last one at Sephora one weekend and have not put it down since. It does exactly what it claims to on its website: “maintains the hair’s natural moisture balance, resulting in healthy, soft and stronger locks with a silky shine.” My hair has never been shinier or healthier, and I 10/10 would recommend it. 

1. Kristen Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo: Lastly, I have to mention another shampoo that is lifesaving. I use this shampoo before I go in with the Ouai products because it gets rid of any dry shampoo buildup, volumizes, and keeps hair from looking greasy for days on end. The Kristen Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo is one that I can not go without. Because of its powerful cleaning abilities, it can be drying, so I use it about once or twice a week and follow with a deep conditioning treatment. 

Tune into next week’s article to catch my favorite skincare, fragrances, and self-tanning products. After that, we’ll dive into the products not worth the hype that I unfortunately will be leaving behind in 2022.