We’ve been busy swatching and swiping every single new beauty buy to hit the high street this year. From serums to shampoos, creams to cleansers, and perfumes to palettes – every product that’s landed on our desk has been thoroughly tried and tested by the Cosmopolitan beauty team. Now, we can officially reveal the very, very best beauty products of 2022.
From a last-lifting mascara and skincare-infused foundation to a viral highlighter and oil-blotting primer, these are the products that are firm staples in our make-up bags.
Sculpted by Aimee Satin Silk Longwear Foundation
Combining a satin finish with skin-loving ingredients, this fragrance-free foundation revives tired complexions with just a couple of pumps.
Love the effects of a lash lift but CBA with the maintenance? This mascara is for you. It has one side for volume and another for serious curl action.
This is party season in a palette. The duochrome shade ‘VR Sextasy’ in particular is perfect for a quick eye look that demands attention.
With its easy application wand and up to 16-hour wear, this fibre-packed gel will reduce the time you spend fussing over those brows.
Inspired by its bestselling powder bronzer, this creamy formula blends seamlessly for a just-got-back-from-Greece glow – even if the closest we got was watching Location, Location, Location.
Gen See Mixed Media Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow
These cream shadows give a whole new meaning the phrase waterproof. In fact, we’d go as far as calling them lifeproof – once set they Do. Not. Budge.
Selena knew what she was doing with this. The balm-like texture glides around lips without dragging and packs some serious pigment.
This alcohol-free mist gives makeup an incredible 16-hour wear time (trust us, we’ve put it through the ringer at a sweaty barre class).
This brightening concealer blends easier than soft Lurpak on warm toast. And with 60 varied shades, the coverage is seamless for all.
We’re always here for a multi-purpose product – this gives the lightest tint of coverage to skin, whilst adding a glowy sheen and primes for foundation.
Micro-droplets of pigment suspended in water sounds like something you ought to leave in science class, but this innovative blush gives the prettiest flush of colour.
The creaminess of these liners is genuinely unrivalled, so you can smudge your heart out! But, once it’s set, it’s not moving.
Designed to conceal blemishes whilst also healing them thanks to the addition of spot-zapping ingredients, salicylic acid, white willow bark and tea tree.
If thick, long lashes are your goal then look no further. With its slim and flexible wand, this mascara delivers the perfect amount of product in just one swoop.
Described as a ‘feel-good formula’ and we totally agree, this buttery lip tint glides on, smooths the lips and gives a just-bitten hint of colour.
It’s rare to find a light, hydrating skin tint that leaves a soft, matte finish, but luckily Iconic London have answered our beauty prayers.
There’s nothing we love more than discovering an amazing new nail brand, and ASHE London’s vegan formula and stunning shade selection makes it a firm fave.
Refuse to give up your lip gloss, even though it’s a sticky hair magnet on windy days? Well, you need this milky formula in your life.
Flawless coverage and a matte finish sounds like a 2D nightmare, but this foundation manages to perfect the complexion while allowing skin to breath beneath.
The teeny tiny fine point on this liner gives a super precise line, or you can build up to an all-out cat eye – whatever you choose, the formula does not budge
Oily skin sufferers, unite. When you slather on this slightly-runny-yet-cult formula, it mattifies skin without blocking out your natural glow.
You may have seen this highlighter all over your TikTok FYP for boasting not only a bright, beamy glow, but also hydrating the skin, too.
Moisturising and matte don’t normally go hand-in-hand, but this is the most comfortable velvety lipstick we’ve tried to date.
They’ve done it again; Benefit have concocted the perfect brow pencil with fibres and powder to volumise, fill & define arches in just a few swipes.
Whether you’re looking for the latest buzzy skincare ingredient or an old-school favourite, like hyaluronic acid or retinol, these will make great additions to your bathroom cabinet.
Hada Labo Tokyo Water-Resistant Moisturising Face Cream SPF 50
Loaded to the brim with hyaluronic acid, this moisturising SPF is the perfect everyday UV defence for dry skin types.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Crème
If you’re a fan of the brand’s iconic ANR range, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s now an eye cream version that tackles puffiness and fine lines.
Spenny? Yes. Effective? Absolutely. This Ayurvedic-inspired serum is packed with glowy ingredients and provides the perfect slip for facial massage.
Your skin literally drinks up this lightweight formula. The peptides help with collagen production for plumper skin and the hyaluronic stops dryness in its tracks.
With 20% brightening vitamin C, moisturising hyaluronic acid and smoothing salicylic acid, this powerhouse of a serum has fast become a team fave.
From pollution to blue light and stress, our skin goes through a lot – all of which can trigger the first signs of ageing. Thankfully, this milky serum repairs and shields against it all.
Kiehl's Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum
Minimising lines in five days sounds kind of wild, but this retinol-packed formula is truly that fast-acting when it come cell renewal.
The Inkey List Excess Oil Solution 20% Niacinamide Serum
Mop up any signs of excess sebum with this clever formula. It also improves skin texture and leaves a slight tackiness that’s perfect for your makeup base.
This lightweight, yet nourishing, gel moisturiser is a dream for dehydrated complexions. It’s fragrance-free and absorbs instantly, making it the perfect everyday base.
Aquaport technology and blue light-activated algae extract (sounds fancy, right?) are key players in this HydraKate moisturiser, which is why it’s so great for combating dehydrated winter skin.
While the word ‘peel’ may seem scary, this formula sloughs away dead skin and evens out tone without irritation. Just start slowly.
We’re often overloaded with digital pollution from blue light to non-stop screen time, this cream helps boost cell rejuvenation while you sleep, leaving the skin healthier.
Our (and Zendaya’s) favourite toner now comes in mist form! Not only does it soothe skin but it hydrates, too – a winter win-win.
With 2% salicylic acid, smoothing niacinamide and repairing ceramides, those spots, blackheads and blemishes don’t stand a chance against this handy tube.
Salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients for combating acne and formulated with 2%, this toner revolutionises the BHA skincare game. We officially approve.
There's no shortage of facial washes on the market, but very few that support acne-prone skin whilst cleansing thoroughly. This cushion cleanser does just that.
A sink-side staple, massage a 10p-sized amount on wet skin and watch it melt away impurities and makeup. Even better? It doesn’t cause that tight, squeaky-clean feeling.
This non-greasy lotion makes quick work of everything from waterproof mascara to pollen and pollutants. Oh, and it won’t sting sensitive eyes.
A new handbag staple for sure, this balm contains castor oil, aloe vera and vitamin E, making it ideal for soothing and moisturising dry, chapped lips.
FaceGym Cheat Mask Resurfacing and Brightening Tri-Acid and Prebiotic Overnight Mask
All the best ingredients in one place, including lactic acid which gently exfoliates and succinic acid which inhibits bacteria proliferation and brightens the skin.
Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Overnight Mask
Not only does this boost hydration but it instantly smooths and plumps thanks to botanical adaptogens, Ashwaghanda extract and Turmeric Root extract leaving skin firmer.
This viral TikTok sensation sure does work wonders. Its non-greasy formula has given us thicker and fuller lashes in just a few weeks.
Winter skin can be the worst, but this newly reformulated barrier cream helps soothe irritations so you can wave goodbye to that tight, dry feeling.
Face Halo Active Skin Set + Washbag
Face Halo has taken its cult reusable face pads and created a deep cleanser tool and exfoliating pad to use on the go. Pure genius.
Between harsh central heating and cold temperatures on your commute, your hair is exposed to a lot during winter. Use this lot to give it some TLC.
Applying this serum pre-hair-wash is the best way to kick off your routine, the root stimulating ingredients help prevent hair fall, whilst Apple Stem Cells soothe irritation.
Not sticky or heavy, this genius oil contains Glicoamine, a clever molecule that removes excess metals from building up inside hair fibre, leaving strands stronger and healthier.
It's a 10 Silk Express Miracle Shampoo & Conditioner
We’re always a little sceptical of hair products with ‘miracle’ in the name, but these silk-loaded formulas really did leave our dry strands glossy and tangle-free.
A pair that will save your bleached, weakened locks, thanks to the protein-packed formula. They’ll have you saying buh-bye to snapped lengths and split ends.
Rahua Enchanted Island Shampoo & Conditioner
One of the smartest hair wash duos we’ve come across, brimming with plant-based Biotin and Vitamins B6, A, C, and E – all of which strengthen hair follicles.
Is it any surprise that with its smart technology, Olapex has created another genius formula? This new detox shampoo restores shine whilst giving a deep clean.
Run this deep-conditioning treatment through your locks before bed and the active serum gets to work hydrating and repairing tired, frazzled lengths.
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Luscious Moisture Treatment Masque
Dry hair will fall in love with this rich, creamy and intensive treatment mask. Packed with both argan oil and hyaluronic acid, it’s super-nourishing.
Like a DMC for all hair types. This keratin mask gives weakened strands a bit of backbone in the kindest, healthiest way.
Part primer, part conditioner, fully incredible for both curls and coils. This light cream creates soft, juicy spirals with ease.
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Shine Leave-In Conditioning Curl Balm
Soft, defined curls and coils in a bottle. Distribute through wet hair and leave to air dry – or rely on its added heat protector and diffuse.
Rain and humidity have truly met their match with this gel. It forms firm definition without crunchiness and combats any hint of frizz.
A light but thirst-quenching addition to your wash-day line-up, especially for type 3 curlies. Oh, and can we take a moment of appreciation for the stunning bottle?
The Flash Wash technology in this dry shamps cleans the strands without leaving a trace of build-up. Such a good root reset, you’ll forget washday existed.
If you battle with flat, limp locks every day, this texture mist is worth scooping up. With volumising powders and zero stickiness, it’s all you need to give strands some oomph.
Colour looking a bit dull but no time for a salon appointment? This clever spray removes build-up and perks up hair tones in just a few minutes.
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Pre-Treatment
Pre-wash treatments do add time to your routine BUT when they make hair twice as smooth like this does, it’s 100% worth it.
Yes, you put a lot of time into your skincare routine – but what about a body routine? Take the time with these handpicked heroes.
Sensitive skin? You’ll love this. Soap and sulphate-free, this nourishing body wash lathers into a rich cleanser to remove dirt whilst respecting the skin barrier.
This hero scrub is rich in AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid (the ingredients responsible for purging pores of spot-causing gunk) which helps keep limbs bump-free.
If you’re a fan of the brand’s Deep Sleep range, this cream is for you. The buttery formula melts into skin while cocooning you in its lavender, camomile and vetiver scent.
Look after your skin’s moisture barrier with this comforting lotion. It’s non-greasy, fast-absorbing and made us feel like we had our lives together.
PSA: Niacinamide is not just for your face! And thanks to this new fragrant-free serum, you can tackle patchy tone and rough texture on your bod, too.
The much-loved watermelon jelly now comes in a fragrance-free formula – a big hurrah from us sensitive folks. The two-in-one works as both a shower cleanser and nourishing shave cream.
Wilkinson Sword Intuition Complete Bikini Trimmer and Razor
A double-ended hair removal device? Genius. One end has a five-blade razor while the other holds a waterproof trimmer, making in-shower hair removal easier than ever.
AKT Deodorant Balm SC.04. Halycon Summers
Not only does this deodorant have environmental ethics at its forefront but a gorgeous scent, too. Expect to feel dry all day long, whilst smelling like mint and pomelo.
One of the longest-lasting tans we’ve tried, this hydrating golden formula fades evenly over 10 days. Oh, and the sweet coca scent is addictive
If you’re over fake tan clinging to flaky skin, this deeply moisturising lotion is one to try. Expect a golden finish after first use, or layer daily for a deep bronze.
Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Lotion Tinted Skin Perfector
Wow, this ticks every box – it gives limbs an instant sun-kissed glow, perfects and blurs the skin, all the while building up into a long-lasting tan over time.
Ok, whoever said hand wash can’t be cute, never met this beauty. Add a dash of luxe to your everyday with this nourishing formula and spicy amber scent.
Hands feeling a bit like sandpaper? A dollop of this will sort that out, thanks to soothing ingredients like lanolin, vitamin E and shea butter.
Just one spritz of these scents will have you getting compliments left, right and centre.
An amazing fragrance inspired by the brand’s famous Hinoki Fantôme candle. With tobacco leaves and other smoky notes, this is the ultimate date-night scent.
A first from Dior, this innovative alcohol-free perfume is made of just water and floral oils, with notes of fresh neroli, crisp jasmine sambac and velvety dashes of Chinese magnolia.
Pops of strawberry and bayberry give this scent an instant freshness, whilst creamy rose and touches of rum add a rich twist that grounds the perfume.
One spritz will transport you to a cosy evening at a countryside hotel. Sandalwood blends with heady patchouli for a comforting, long-lasting warmth.
Vanilla and amber give this perfume an expensive sweetness that’s more creamy than candy-like. White musk deepens the scent and allows it to linger all day (and all night).
We mean, what’s an artist without their tools, right? Here, we round up the best ones that’ll give your routine an extra boost.
Hot Tools Black Gold Dual Plate Salon Flat Iron
This styler eliminates the need for multiple passes over the hair = way less damage.
At only 300g, this is by far one of the lightest blow dryers around. The motor also dries hair six times faster than traditional ones.
Quite possibly the easiest way to cheat cool-girl waves that we’ve ever tried. Quick, efficient and works for every hair texture, too.
No more scorched strands – built-in tech reads the temperature of your hair, adjusting the heat as you style.
This multitasking brush has not left our hair toolkit. From defining curls to aiding blow-dries, it’s a great styling aid.
The viral TikTok hair tool now features a slimmer oval brush that can get closer to the roots for extra lift.
This cleansing tool works wonders even on sensitive skin and is proven to remove 99% of dirt, oil, and makeup residue.
A professional-worthy brush range that won’t make a dent on your wallet – the vegan synthetic bristles are so incredibly soft they make blending a dream.
