As 2022 comes to an end, we’re excited to dive deep into reflections on the past year. From the hottest fashion best-sellers to the most talked-about TikTok products, the last 12 months have shown that the shopping landscape is thriving, particularly in the beauty sector. The market has been buzzing with numerous celebrity skincare launches, alongside luxurious beauty salves from the most revered fashion houses. Meanwhile, minimalist brands have garnered attention with innovative products that seamlessly blend makeup with skincare. Additionally, the rise of clean and sustainable beauty options continues to revolutionize our routines. However, with such an overwhelming amount of choices, narrowing down the year’s standout beauty products has proven to be quite the challenge.
Some products stand out for the significant impact they have made on our dynamic marketplace, while others hold special places in our hearts simply because they enhance our well-being. We’ve consulted Vogue editors to share their ultimate beauty discoveries—whether new or timeless—that have made a real difference in their lives this year. From cutting-edge gadgets to delightful signature scents, keep reading to uncover our curated picks.
Meet Celia Ellenberg: Beauty Director’s Top Picks
Compiling a concise list of the transformative beauty products I experimented with this year feels nearly impossible. To tackle this, we kicked off a live-shopping series at the beginning of the year via our Vogue Club membership platform, where I could explore the best launches each month in real-time. (Curious about joining the Vogue Club? Click here to join!) For easy shopping, I’m highlighting Clé de Peau’s Eyebrow Gel. Debuting in the Spring, this product, true to the Japanese cosmetics brand’s reputation, offers a refined formula that delivers impact without overwhelming intensity. The “sheer black” shade truly embodies its name, providing just the right hint of pigment to keep your brows looking effortlessly chic and Instagram-ready.
Lauren Valenti: Senior Beauty Editor’s Essential Skincare Items
Having already been a fan of The Rich Cream, I was particularly eager to explore the brand’s more focused eye treatment. This eye cream features the innovative TFC8 or Trigger Factor Complex, designed to activate the body’s stem cells and promote cellular regeneration, complemented by an array of antioxidant-rich ingredients like seaweed and pennywort. The lightweight gel-cream formula glides on effortlessly and absorbs quickly, delivering immediate hydration and a supple feel. It truly feels luxurious upon application, providing the daily boost I need while paving the way for long-term benefits, such as encouraging collagen production and reducing the visibility of wrinkles. Especially during travel, I have come to depend on Shikohin’s portable gua sha tool for a quick invigorating gua sha massage. However, my relaxation routine doesn’t stop there. I also incorporate small, sculptural Tsubo-Oshi rollers for targeted body reflexology that kneads pressure points, alleviating tension and enhancing blood circulation. This combination leaves me feeling rejuvenated, as if I’ve just experienced a lymphatic drainage massage.
My hair feels happiest after a thorough double cleansing (yes, upside down!) using the cult favorite scalp care brand Act + Acre’s Cold Processed Cleanse Shampoo. This powerful cleanser effectively removes build-up and purifies my scalp while ensuring it remains clean, balanced, and hydrated. Given that I tend to use a generous amount of shampoo to wash my thick, curly hair, I truly appreciate the option for a jumbo size.
When it comes to resetting dry skin at home, I swear by the powerful duo of Esker’s body oil and exfoliating treatment. This modern adaptation of the ancient Greek and Roman bathhouse strigil tool features a unique crescent-shaped wooden design with a blunt colloidal silver blade that gently exfoliates (even for those like me with keratosis pilaris) away dirt, dead skin, and other impurities, revealing significantly smoother and softer skin. The experience is incredibly satisfying.
Kiana Murden: Beauty Commerce Writer’s Go-To Beauty Tools
Though I had previously played around with the Dyson Airwrap, this year I finally mastered using its interchangeable styling attachments. From effortlessly creating curls with its airflow barrels to achieving a silky blowout with the round brush attachment, the Airwrap truly does it all. In the realm of hair, Kosas’s dual-action serum became my first-ever product that actually stimulated the growth of my eyelashes and brows. Its two-in-one formula makes it much easier for me to incorporate it into my daily routine. You could say I’m quite dedicated to my skincare and beauty regimens. Additionally, I find comfort in aromatherapy, valuing the stress-relieving and mood-enhancing properties of fragrance. Alo Yoga’s essential oil set has been a staple for me; I apply the oils on my wrists and temples every morning

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