The new year is fast-approaching, so it’s only fitting that we look back at the best beauty launches of 2022. To say that the past twelve months have been eventful for the beauty industry would be an understatement. Now that we’re facing a post-pandemic reality, we're seeing a growing number of releases that have been pushed back from previous years until 2022. From makeup, skincare, perfumes, haircare and body care products – there was no shortage of impressive new beauty launches.
Whether you’ve found yourself on this page in hopes of upgrading your beauty cupboard collection or if you’re after last-minute Christmas gift inspo, we’re here to help. Throughout the year, our beauty editors have been busy testing all of the new goodness first-hand and fresh off the shelves.
In true GLAMOUR fashion, we’ve sifted through all the options to bring you the best of the bunch. You name it – we’ve tried everything from the trending new products that have garnered themselves a TikTok stamp of approval to new releases from our all-time favourite brands that have already cemented their cult status. And yep, we also got our hands on the beauty products coming from makeup brands and skincare lines that are new to the industry, whether they’re celebrity-owned or founded by world-renowned makeup artists.
So if you’re curious to find out more about the best beauty launches of 2022, read on, because we’ve curated a special edit below that includes our favourite picks and recommendations. We’ve highlighted products that not only passed our quality checks and stood the test of time but also joined the “empties” club. In short, it’s safe to say that these goodies have earned a permanent place in our beauty routine. Now, scroll away…
Sisley-Paris face mask
Why we love it: A gentle, brightening face mask that is suitable for all skin types, particularly those of us with sensitive skin. It's stored as a fine powder that turns into a rich foam when it comes into contact with water in order to gently exfoliate your skin and prevent breakouts. Delivers a smoother-looking complexion and leaves your skin feeling more radiant immediately after use.
“I absolutely love Sisley’s new one-minute Exfoliating Enzyme Mask. I have never used a skincare product that’s had such an instantaneous or dramatic effect on my skin. I use it twice a week and it feels like I’ve walked out of an hour’s facial, my skin feels baby soft and deeply exfoliated.” – as recommended by Deborah Joseph, GLAMOUR European Editorial Director.
r.e.m. Beauty concealer
Why we love it: This creamy concealer is lightweight and buildable that leaves a soft, matte finish. It's also fairly versatile and can be used to conceal, correct, highlight, brighten and contour. And thanks to the included skincare ingredient, it doesn't feel heavy on the skin and ensures that your under-eyes are well looked after throughout the day. Available in 60 shades to match all skin tones. Thanks, Ari.
As recommended by Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer.
REFY Beauty lip gloss
Why we love it: REFY's clear new Lip Gloss has a pleasant non-sticky formula that smooths fine lines on your lips, leaving you with a perfectly juicy pout. Its formula contains jojoba oil, which naturally increases collagen, as well as hyaluronic acid, which hydrates your lips with every use. An easy 10/10 from us.
As recommended by Sheilla Mamona, GLAMOUR Beauty Writer.
Charlotte Tilbury foundation
Why we love it: This year, Charlotte Tilbury, the beauty brand behind some of the best eyeshadow palettes and bronzers on the market, came out with its newest foundation. Designed to enhance your natural beauty, it's infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry skin while you wear it. Comes in 30 different shades and results in a gorgeous skin-like finish. Easily one of the best beauty products around.
As recommended by Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR European Beauty Director/Deputy Editor.
e.l.f. Cosmetics highlighter
Why we love it: Infused with skincare-esque ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, this affordable liquid highlighter is great for creating a soft-focus effect and adding a bit of glow and shimmer to your look. It blurs fine lines and pores, and can be worn on its own or under your makeup. Long story short, it's perfect for achieving that glowy, “clean girl” look.
As recommended by Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer.
Yves Saint Laurent mascara
Why we love it: This year, YSL came out with a luxe volumising mascara that combines hyper-black pigments and smudge-resistant boosters for that extra bit definition. Thanks to its buildable formula, it can transform your lashes in just a few strokes. A firm favourite in the GLAMOUR office.
As recommended by Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR European Beauty Director/Deputy Editor.
Rare Beauty foundation
Why we love it: Rare Beauty's liquid foundation is sooo lightweight, it almost feels like a serum. Suitable for normal and combination skin, it delivers buildable, medium coverage that doesn't clog your pores. Selena's done it again.
As recommended by Sheilla Mamona, GLAMOUR Beauty Writer.
Dior lipstick
Why we love it: Ultra-pigmented, transfer-proof and with a staying power of up to 16 hours? We can definitely get on board with that. Not to mention, this bullet lipstick is infused with red peony extract that helps keep your lips hydrated. It's so intense, you won't have to worry about reapplying it throughout the day.
As recommended by Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer.
Saie blush
Why we love it: This blush from Saie is perfectly buildable, meaning it's entirely up to you whether you want to go for a subtle hint of colour or a more intense look. It's also formulated with a blend of mulberry extract, elderberry and evening primrose to nourish your skin while you're wearing it.
As recommended by Sheilla Mamona, GLAMOUR Beauty Writer.
Chanel blush
Why we love it: A lightweight, water-based blush sounds as comfortable as it gets. It provides a sheer finish and gives your face a subtle, healthy and natural-looking flush. It features a unique formula with colour spectacles that blend as you're blending it out. Better yet, thanks to its serum-like consistency, it feels more like skincare than makeup. An ultimate win-win.
As recommended by Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer.
Prada perfume
Why we love it: Hands-down one of the best fragrance launches of the year. Perfectly capturing the vibe of self-expression, this perfume opens with top notes of neroli, before transitioning to a heart of amber and a base of musk. It also comes in a refillable bottle that's shaped like Prada's iconic triangular logo, which stylish enough to compliment your dressing table in the best way possible.
As recommended by Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer.
Estee Lauder foundation
Why we love it: Looking for a lightweight foundation that compliments your natural complexion without feeling too heavy on the skin? Say no more. Estee Lauder's long-lasting foundation provides a smooth matte canvas for you to apply the rest of your makeup while also boosting your natural skin barrier to help protect it from sun damage and other environmental factors such as pollution.
As recommended by Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR European Beauty Director/Deputy Editor.
Narciso Rodriguez perfume
Why we love it: Sensual and feminine? Absolutely. This fragrance features fruity top notes of bergamot and pink peppercorn, as well as a heart of musk and plum. Combined with a base of oriental vanilla, this perfume lingers on the skin to create an addictive scent that's bound to turn heads.
As recommended by Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR European Beauty Director/Deputy Editor.
Schwarzkopf brow glue
Why we love it: Dermatologist-approved and makeup artist-recommended – need we say more? Schwarzkopf's latest brow glue has a strong hold of up to 72 hours, which is super impressive. It also has a vegan and silicone-free formula, which is always a plus in our book. Easily one of the best brow gels available.
As recommended by Sheilla Mamona, GLAMOUR Beauty Writer.
