The Best Beauty Products of 2022: 42 Products Beauty Experts Love
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The Best Beauty Products of 2022: 42 Products Beauty Experts Love

Oct 11, 2023

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Bring in the new year with the ultimate product refresh.

While no makeup-makeup—and fresh faces in general—were all the rage last year, 2022 channeled the re-emergence of bolder, more expressive beauty looks that echoed the desire to get dressed again (though I'll probably always live in leggings on the weekend). Luxe best-sellers from Dior and MAC made replicating the latest TikTok makeup trends simple, and culty body care releases, like Soft Services's Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment and Oak Essentials's Dew Body Oil were key in soothing rough, dry skin. Plus, expert-approved fragrance, skin-, and hair care drops from Olaplex, YSL Beauty, and more provided a treasure trove of options to seamlessly upgrade any routine now and next year.

Our beauty team already pulled together a short list of products released over the past 363 days that are worth the buy in this year's BAZAAR 100, but we're expanding our favorites here with additional selects from dermatologists, influencers, editors, and brand consultants in the know. For an even closer look at some of the best beauty products of 2022, read on for the pro picks we suggest making space for in your vanity to use well after the ball drops.

"I became a mom this year, so I have very little time to dedicate to my makeup routine. Rose Inc's Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum is my first MVP of 2022. I slap it on haphazardly after moisturizer and it leaves my skin looking instantly plump, radiant, and a little more even. It's foolproof and leaves your skin looking like skin. I love that it doesn't rub off on my son's face if I'm kissing him, too!

Plus, I am a bit of a mascara sommelier—I must have six or seven in rotation right now. The brand's mascara is the most natural-looking one I've ever used. I reach for it on no-makeup makeup days. It defines and lengthens while leaving your lashes looking glossy and soft, and though it wears all day long, it's easy to remove at night. On days I want more drama, I'll use it on my bottom lashes only or as a first coat before layering a more volumizing mascara on top.

Lastly, I have dry skin, and though many cleansers promise that they won't strip skin, they still fall short. U Beauty's creamy The Mantle Skin Conditioning Wash is the first I've ever used that actually left my skin feeling supple post-shower. When using this, my skin is noticeably calmer, less red, and overall more balanced. It's a must-have for the winter months."

—@jennarosenstein

"Whenever I wear even the tiniest bit of makeup, I make it a point to double cleanse—waking up with streaks of leftover mascara on my pillowcase is the absolute worst. Thankfully, Eadem thoughtfully created its gentle Dew Dream Cleansing Balm (which I love so much I wrote an ode about) that literally works in under a minute to dissolve every last trace of product. Aside from its superior cleansing power, I think my favorite part about the balm is that it doesn't leave my face feeling parched after I rinse it off.

Another beauty hit for me in 2022 was the fourth iteration of YSL's Libre fragrance, YSL Libre Le Parfum, which combines notes of lavender, orange blossom, and saffron accord and smells absolutely divine. It's the perfect evergreen, signature scent."

—@tiffdods

"Henry Rose's Char Eau de Parfum is a ginger-spiked cocktail containing sweet notes, like tonka bean and ginger, balanced with earthy patchouli and vetiver. The result is warm, subtly sensual, and appealing day or night.

This silky serum does it all (and then some): Olaplex's No. 9 Bond Protector shields hair from heat styling and pollution, conditions, detangles, provides style memory—and minimizes static and frizz."

—@gmonsma

"When I imagine a 'clean girl' fragrance, this Maison Francis Kurkdijan scent comes to mind first. Although the brand's Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance gets all of the glory, this fresh-yet-sophisticated scent has become my favorite for everyday. Dosed with sandalwood and white musk, this eau delivers an airy essence that clings to me all day long and always gives me compliments.

And I’m loyal to my creamy, light skin tints, but this powder foundation from Maybelline has become a mainstay in my makeup routine. It sets my makeup without looking cakey or drying, and still looks flawless hours after application. It comes with a sponge and built-in mirror–plus, you can't beat the price."

—@katieintner

"I was introduced to House of Bo this year through the launch of its Tesoro collection, the second for the one year-old brand. The Infinitoud scent is Sexy with a capital 'S' and while I enjoy it, I can easily picture my dad wearing it too. The thing about this scent is that it captures the earthy woodiness of an oud without the intensity often seen in that scent category."

—@justjamiemarie

"When I think about who is truly breaking ground, I have to shout out Krave Beauty and founder Liah Yoo. It's no secret that the beauty industry has a massive waste problem, and the brand has found innovative ways to curb their contributions—such as upcycling trial runs of their Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser into a limited-edition body wash. Plus, the products are great; my personal favorite is the ultra-calming Great Barrier Relief serum, which has become a go-to after traveling and rough nights.

2022 has been the year of a thousand concealer launches (it's almost like we’re tired or something?). But ever since I tried the Dior Backstage Concealer, it's been the gold standard to which I compare all the rest. It brightens dark circles, has a creamy (but not too thick) consistency, and never settles into lines. Plus, the brush applicator is a game-changer."

—@lindysegal

"K18's Molecular Repair Hair Mask was a game-changer this year. It's a leave in treatment that repairs hair from damage in four minutes, and can be used for either curly or straight hair. The treatment also works wonders on blonde and heat damaged hair.

I also love Authentic Beauty Concept's Hydrating Hair Mask, which instantly hydrates it. A little goes a long way, and its slip is amazing to aide in detangling the hair—and it's great for all textures."

—@curlsbycandace

Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper's Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR's Life Kit podcast.

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