The big beauty launches, trends, services and advice for 2022
2022 may well have gone in a flash. And apparently, we are all sporting some post-pandemic state of mind (bolstered by the cost-of-living crisis, political upheaval, war and new health warnings on diseases we can’t spell or pronounce, seemingly spiraling out of control). Plus, there was the re-introduction to society – meaning life was just that little more exhausting than before. So, if you are dragging yourself to the finish line of 2022, check out some of the Culture Whisper features you may have missed. Here are some of the best products of the year, outstanding services, and treatments that will bring you joy, nurture you and help you heal.
Check out your Post Pandemic Recovery Plan. Whether you have the symptoms of long Covid or are suffering from forms of post-pandemic stress, there are some routes you can take to help with the road to recovery – these might be a good place to start to help you bounce back.
Suffering from burn-out? Transformational life coach Alister Gray says: ‘Over the past two years, we’ve been forced to change our ways, and although some of the changes gave us a new perspective on our lives, it has also created a post-pandemic uncertainty about what is “normal” and many of us find ourselves asking the question: “how do we adjust and find greater balance?”‘
Perhaps a little lift is all you need? Check out the 10 best mood-boosting beauty & lifestyle products. FYI: These make great gift ideas!
From the new La Perla lipsticks – like it’s lingerie, as sensual as they come – to the recent celebrity skincare ranges, that might yield a yawn (but at least they’re backed by science – and good vibes too). There were also new fragrances and wellness goods on our radar that will live on in our beauty bags beyond their launch this year.
TikTok beauty trends: once the sole preserve of dancing teenagers is now a hotbed of advice for anything from home décor to ramping up your lunch recipes, here’s our look at the 23 TikTok trends worth knowing. Alternatively, embrace the Anti-beauty trends –- a kind of gritty reality that’s taking over, as retouched smiley faces, #livingmydreamlife perfection are giving way to a new wave of authenticity. New York Magazine‘s The Cut called it out, heralding a ‘vibe shift’, and iD Magazine called it the ‘dissociative pout’ and explained: ‘Why this lobotomy-chic, dead-eyed pose is taking over your Instagram feed and becoming the duck face of a nihilistic era’ Check out the looks here – they are surprisingly easy to re- create.
If you need some escapism, there’s never a better time to turn to tech. The ‘beauty metaverse’ is a whole new world – are you ready?
Perfecting the no-make-up make-up look | Monika Blunder, £25
Super-luxe and hard-working handwash | Diptyque Exfoliating Hand Wash, £48
A deeply warming, woody and spiced fragrance | Aesop Eidesis Eau de Parfum, £140
Sensual and sumptuous lipsticks | La Perla Lipsticks, £47
Celebrity skincare lines
If you do want to dip a toe (or finger) into a pot that is celebrity endorsed, then look no further than the new line-up that launched this year.
Human race by Pharrell Williams
USP: A simplified routine – a maximum of three minutes at least keeps the regime short and sweet. There are subscription and refillable options, suncare and soap-free body bars, all vegan. Plus, there’s a range of both bathroom accessories and, of course, Apparel. Finally, try the range’s three hero products: Rice Powder Cleanser, Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator, and Humidifying Face Cream. BUY HERE.
Le Domaine with Brad Pitt
USP: The science behind Le Domaine’s efficiency results from more than 20 years of research, and we don’t have to witness a smug Brad in the ads. It’s a simple, gender-neutral, science-backed range which focuses on being 99% natural origin and also has rather impressive test results: After 28 days of use, 94% find that their complexion is more luminous, skin is smoothed and more beautiful, and 97% that their skin is smoother. BUY HERE.
Cosmos by Kate Moss
USP: The PR blurb goes like this: ‘Soulful, sensual, self-aware. COSMOSS draws on the extraordinary life experience of Kate Moss – someone whose career and image have touched on and influenced so many others and yet has taken her own rich journey of transformation gradually and privately.’ So, if you’re after your transformation you might want to try The Sacred Mist, for £120. Apparently a ‘single spritz offers a complete sensory experience. The emerging sense of calm and rejuvenation is mesmerising and magical. ‘ And you also smell pretty good, wafting the heart notes of jasmine and geranium grounded by the woods and yummy tonka. Or, the Face Cream, £95. Studies have shown the extract can rejuvenate the skin by 20 years in four weeks – BUY HERE.
If all else fails, then at least get into the festive spirit and light up your life with the best Christmas candles for 2022 – they are guaranteed to spark joy. So flash your matches, warm the mulled wine and tuck into some mince pies, after all ‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la…
Goodbye, au revoir, 2022!