Best of Beauty 2022
Skincare & Haircare Edition
It's time for a big roundup of all the beauty products I've been loving in 2022.
Cleanser
The Holifrog Omega Gel Wash has been a firm favorite of mine for a while but I realized that I never included it in my yearly favorites before. It's a cleanser that I can always go back to and rely on. It's very gentle, contains omega fatty acids and probiotics to balance the skin. Great for all skin types but I love it during the warmer months.
Another favorite is by MUTI, a German (Munich based) brand I love. Their Gentle Milk Cleanser was featured in my 2021 beauty favorites and in 2022 I discovered my love for the Purifying Gel Cleanser. It's actually a bit similar to the Holifrog one, so you can say I have a preference when it comes to gel cleansers. Lactic acid gently exfoliates, while prebiotics balance the skin. It's so gentle yet deeply cleanses the skin without drying it out.
Serum
My first Peach & Lily product was the Glass Skin Refining Serum which is an elevated hydrating serum. It's that type of product that just makes your skin look better when you use it. It hydrates, plumps and smooths your skin - leaving it looking healthy.
The No Cosmetics Hyperdration 4D Hyaluron Serum is a great hydration serum from the German drugstore. It provides short term and long term hydration and layers well with other products. My skin loved it!
Moisturizer
I think you could say that 2022 was the year of moisturizers for me. I tried out quite a few and I couldn't and didn't want to narrow it down to one or two. All of these moisturizers are amazing for different reasons.
Before I started using the No Cosmetics Hypersense Pink Power Cream, I was afraid that it would be too rich for my combination skin, but it's not at all. The complex of ceramides and panthenol is nourishing and soothing. Great for sensitive, irritated skin or if you need more hydration during the colder months/evenings.
Another moisturizer that impressed me a lot is the Inkey List Omega Water Cream. It's perfect during the warmer months or if you prefer a more lightweight texture. It sinks in quickly, but hydrates deeply. The formula is oil free, contains ceramides, omega fatty acids, glycerin and niacinamide and feels so good on the skin. My boyfriend loves this one too, he doesn't want to use any other one.
The I + M Rosehip Moisturizer is a product that I was pleasantly surprised by. I didn't expect to like it as much as I do. In fact, I love the whole 'clean beauty' line by the brand which is specifically formulated without fragrance, allergens and alcohol. Hero ingredients are rosehip oil and squalane which my skin love. It's more nourishing than the omega water cream and probiotic gel-cream by KORRES, and takes a tiny bit more time to sink in. But that's exactly what I love in the evening - a cream that makes my skin feel cared for.
The KORRES Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Gel-Cream is a great moisturizer for all seasons. It provides long-lasting hydration and glow to your skin. My skin loves it and the pre- and probiotics help to strengthen the skin barrier and balance your microbiome which is so so important.
SPF
I am very picky when it comes to SPF. I only stick with those that don't feel to sticky/tacky on my skin, don't leave a horrible white cast or have an overpowering smell.
The MUTI Face SPF 30 and the KORRES Sunscreen Cream-Gel SPF50 both ticked all the boxes for me and I can highly recommend both of them.
Treatments
Azelaic acid is an amazing ingredient but it took me this long to finally try it for myself. The Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is a bestseller and I get the hype. The combination of azelaic acid, salicylic acid and plant extracts clear the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and calm redness. Whenever I had some discoloration on my skin, I used it specifically on these areas and within a short time they faded. I am really hooked on this product and azelaic acid in general and will try out some more products in 2023!
Another product that deserves a spotlight in my Best of Beauty is the Sweed Pro Eyelash Growth Serum. I didn't have high expectations when I started using it, but I could see a huge difference in my lashes after 5-6 weeks of using it. They became stronger, fuller and longer. The serum contains peptides, biotin, panthenol and keratin to strengthen and grow the eyelashes but it doesn't contain the hormone prostaglandin which is used in a lot of eyelash serums.
Haircare
In 2022, I started to take better care of my hair and tried out a few more styling products. I used to be quite lazy when it comes to my hair, but I tried to make a bit more of an effort. JVN Hair is a brand that immediately spoke to me and I love that the products contain a lot of hydrating and nourishing ingredients which benefit your hair in the long run.
The first product I tried and fell in love with was the Instant Recovery Serum. It's a heat protectant that strengthens and smooths your hair. It leaves my hair feeling shiny and nourished, plus I absolutely love the fresh citrus smell!
The other JVN Hair product which became a favorite last year is the Air Dry Cream. It helps to reduce frizz, smooths hair and holds your natural hairstyle. I use it to air dry my hair and create more definition on my waves or to reduce any frizz I might have. It never feels crunchy or heavy in my hair.
My third haircare favorite of the year is the Iles Formula Finishing Serum. After I used a sample of it, I had to get the full size. It smooths, adds shine and the nourishing ingredients help to strengthen and protect the hair, making it look super healthy.