I'm a lifestyle editor, which means I get to receive and try out incredible new products as part of my job. Although I'm very fortunate to be in this position, my flatmates aren't such big fans, as my possessions continue to spread throughout the house like a beautifully packaged plague.
Yet despite the plethora of products that come across my desk, I'm a pretty loyal gal; once I find something I like and works for me, I tend to stick to it. Sure, I'll dabble here and there and chop and change, but I eventually find my way back to my tried-and-trusted favourites.
With so many great offerings out there, I'm sharing a selection of my holy grail beauty products of the last year - after all, if TikTok has taught us anything, it's that it's not cute to gatekeep. This list was initially very long, so I set myself the challenge of narrowing it down to the products I know I used consistently, if not every day, over recent times. So here we go: Newshub Lifestyle's best in beauty for 2022.
Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser RRP$82
If you're like me and have sensitive, reactive skin that's prone to rosacea flare-ups, you'll know the difficulties of finding a cleanser that doesn't aggravate your delicate dermis. Enter Dermalogica's Ultracalming Cleanser, a soothing, cooling gel formula that is gentle yet effective. The cleanser is non-foaming and pH-balanced, making it a great bet for inflamed or irritated skin. It helps to calm my face when it's looking particularly angry, and easily washes away without the need for scrubbing or aggressive towelling. The formula is also designed to help fortify the protective barrier, which is crucial for healing sensitised, damaged skin. I like to use this in the evening to cool my face after a day of heavy makeup, after an oil-based cleanser and before any serums. A big yes from me.
Weleda Skin Food Light RRP$24.90
While I was initially a little worried even the light version of Weleda's fabled Skin Food would prove too rich for my sensitive, acne-prone skin, I needn't have been concerned. This lush cream doesn't break me out, leaves my skin smooth and silky soft, and has quickly become a staple in my skincare routine. A thick, rich nighttime moisturiser? Tick. A nourishing body cream to heal pesky dry patches? Tick. A day cream that makes a great base for makeup? Also tick. This product is so versatile, doesn't pill, and sits beautifully under foundation. Plus, it quite literally feeds your skin with moisturising goodness you can immediately feel. Either apply a thick layer as an intensive treatment on dry days, or pat on a thin layer that is light and quickly absorbed for day-to-day use. The formula is designed to regenerate the skin's protective barrier, combining organic sunflower oil with the calming extracts of pansy, chamomile and calendula. There's also the classic Skin Food for very dry or rough skin.
Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel RRP$57
As we've established, my skin is pretty fussy and won't behave herself unless she's pampered, preened and babied like a spoiled child. On the days she's having a full-blown hissy fit, Dermalogica's Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel is my go-to. This little bottle of liquid gold banishes breakouts almost overnight, thanks to its 10 percent AHAs and 2 percent BHAs. While Dermalogica recommends using it once or twice a week and leaving it on for a maximum of 10 minutes before rinsing, I tend to apply a small dot to each breakout and leave it on overnight to supercharge its powers (of course, it's advised to follow the directions). Plus, the powerful, exfoliating formula is great for removing dead skin cells, targeting rough texture and leaving your face as smooth as a baby's butt. If you're going to use it in the morning, just make sure to follow up with SPF.
Lush Sticky Dates Shower Gel RRP$14.50
One of life's simple pleasures is smelling good - and knowing it. When I'm showered, scrubbed, slathered in creams and smelling like an absolute delight, it definitely helps me feel my best. Everyone, feel free to bask in my aroma as I walk in slow-motion and flip my hair like a Pantene commercial. And if you want to smell good enough to eat, there's nothing quite like Lush's Sticky Dates Shower Gel. Lathering into suds decadently scented of vanilla and rich date syrup, the gel has a hydrating formula that can also be applied to the hair for extra smelly goodness. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with my shower.
Lush Wasabi Shan Kui Shampoo RRP$19.90
You might be sensing that I have a slight Lush obsession, and you'd be correct. It only took me 24 years to hop on the bandwagon, but I'm here and here to stay. This shampoo promises spicy stimulation (which I'm a fan of), and it delivers. The scent is super invigorating and hits the nostrils like snorting a line of wasabi, plus it's enriched with caffeine powder, so it's a great way to wake yourself up in the morning - in a smacking-yourself-in-the-face kind of way. The formula also features Epsom salts and menthol crystals that gently exfoliate the scalp and add oomph to your roots: if you're not a fan of chunky scrubs or the feeling of bits in your hair, this might not be for you, but it rinses out easily. It leaves your hair feeling very clean and voluminous, but not stripped - A+ from me.
Lady Jayne Flexi-Glide Brush Large RRP$12.49
While relatively new to my arsenal, this brush has quickly become a firm favourite in my haircare collection. If I had to describe my hair, I'd say it's fine but thick; a soft texture, easily tangled and on the oilier side, although over time I've trained it to only need a wash once a week (if you asked my best friend, she'd describe that as gross). This brush makes combing out knots child's play with its flexible bristles that make quick work of snarls and tangles. The thin, long bristles are thoughtfully designed to massage the scalp, which is pretty nice first thing in the morning, while the innovative curved shape contours to the head for extra comfort - plus it minimises breakage. Extra brownie points as it can be used on wet and dry hair and is designed to suit all hair types. It might sound too good to be true, but try it for yourself. I'll never go back.
Giorgio Armani My Way Eau de Parfum RRP$136-$244
I was lucky enough to attend the New Zealand launch event of this fragrance last year, and I was instantly taken with its luxurious and feminine scent. For starters, the bottle is a thing of beauty: the pink perfume sits in frosted glass with a blue and gold cap, engraved with the signature 'Giorgio Armani'. I'll admit, I'm awful at describing fragrances, so I'll let Armani take the reins on this one. In the top notes, Bergamot meets Orange Blossoms from Egypt, "creating a brilliant luminosity". The heart notes present "a radiant bouquet of Tuberose and Jasmine from India" and as for the base notes, "a harmony composed of a sensual Premium Bourbon Vanilla from Madagascar, vibrant nuances of Virginia Cedarwood and delicate White Musks". Plus, My Way is refillable, offering a more affordable (and environmentally friendly!) way of replenishing your fragrance. Instead of buying a new bottle, you can order the 150ml refill - if you have the standard 50ml perfume, that's three in one. Also, Sydney Sweeney is the new ambassador - I'm just sayin', hot girls wear Armani.
Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self-Tanning Foam 1 Hour Express RRP$29.99
If you're a regular peruser of this little corner of the internet, you'll probably know we're big fans of fake tan over here. Bottled bronze is my form of self-care; there's nothing quite like having sunkissed skin all year round, without the sun damage. When it comes to fake tan, I've chopped and changed, but Bondi Sands truly has my heart - and the 1 Hour Express Aerated Foam is the best of the best. It delivers a dark but natural-looking tan in just 60 minutes, making it an ideal self-tanner for last-minute events - or impatient people, like me. Plus, its quick-dry formula means you can slap it on, get dressed and go about your day, all while your tan develops - without worrying too much about staining or transferring. The aerosol foam is also ultra lightweight and easy to apply with a clear guide colour for tanning novices - I like to use it with my Bondi Sands mitt - while the hydrating, dual action formula provides deep, long-lasting colour. To keep my tan topped up, I like to use a gradual tanning body cream or moisturiser - Sugar Baby's Golden Girl Gradual Tanning Face & Body Cream Daily Glow is a good bet.
