It’s the end of 2022, and here are the 15 products I reached for most this past year. Skin care, body care and makeup, I keep coming back to these.

If you’d rather listen to why I love them, check out the latest podcast episode right here:

My Top 15 Most-Used Beauty Products of 2022

Jordan Samuel Hydrate Facial Serum

This feels like water, but seriously adds moisture. This year I realized my skin is dehydrated, not dry, and I’ve prioritized adding a hydrating serum before moisturizing. Because this is so lightweight (even though it’s packed with hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and hexapeptides), it layers beautifully under my skincare and makeup, no matter how hot and humid it it.

Dr. Lara Devgan SPF 44 BB Cream:

I will lead by saying this is stupid expensive, but the formula is brilliant. After visiting Dr. Devgan in person this past year, I decided to splurge and buy this when checking out, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a zinc oxide- and titanium dioxide-based SPF–meaning a physical SPF–so it does sit on top of the skin. But with its slight tint, it blends really well into my (medium, yellow and olive-based) skin. It probably wouldn’t work well for darker skin tones. Sign up for their mailing list to find out when the have sales; I just snagged another bottle at 20% off, which makes it less of a painful purchase.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream:

There was a period of about three months this year when this was the only moisturizer I used. My skin ended up being clear and luminous, and I didn’t need to use any “anti-aging” ingredients, i.e. retinol or bakuchiol. I’m sold, even though it’s $280. Again, keep an eye out for those sales. You can grab it for 20% off during Sephora’s seasonal sales.

Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion:

The most budget-friendly retinol-containing body cream I could find on the market. Really moisturizing, even when my winter legs feel dry after shaving. Oh, and it’s called a lotion, but it’s on the thicker side.

Tatcha The Essence:

Wash, dry, tone (if you do), and then pat about 5-7 drops of this into your face, neck and chest. My skin looks luminous when I use this, even after the first or second use, which is probably due to the fermented rice water that’s been proven to be a powerful brightener.

Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner:

My cheeks are my trouble spot; they clog up so easily. This toner gently gets through the gunk without drying my skin.

Dime Beauty Eyelash Boost Serum:

I’m absolutely done with lash serums that have prostaglandin analogs–especially since it’s been shown they can cause orbital (aka eye) area fat loss–so I replaced them with this. It has peptides and within about 2 months of use, I saw my lashes get longer. It won’t give you Latisse-level growth, but it’s decent. And I’d rather keep my eye fat than have spider lashes, ya know?

MERIT Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation:

This is a foundation stick–great for travel–that gives me great natural coverage that you can build. You can probably use it as a concealer too, if your circles aren’t too dark.

NARS Afterglow Cheek Palette:

Every shade you could want–from shimmery light pink, to rose pink, a bronze-ish neutral, a bright poppy red, a nude pink and a nice mid-tone berry. It’s limited edition, so hop on it. Any time I am wearing makeup, I’m wearing at least one of these shades.

Necessaire The Deodorant Gel:

I feel like the AHA’s in this formula literally eat away the stink. Gross, but true! If you’ve been waiting to try natural deodorants because you’re worried they might not work, this is the one to start with. Heads up: Give your pits time to dry before you put on any clothing!

Beautycounter The Clean Deo:

Another natural deodorant, but in a stick form. This has shea butter and is super buttery, which… I know… do you want your deodorant to feel buttery? I think you might! It actually works, too, which is obviously the most important part. When I’m not using Necessaire, I reach for this.

Saie Beauty Airset Loose Setting Powder:

A rare finishing powder that doesn’t make your skin look cakey. I wouldn’t use it for a professional photo shoot (at least not in my untrained hands), but I would, and do, use it on the regular when I want my daily makeup to set and last. An air-spun, velvety formula.

True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask:

Normally I’m not a mask gal–I mean, I want the products I pay for to stay on my skin longer than 10 minutes–but this is an exception. It only takes 2-3 minutes to blast through my dead skin, and it won’t irritate sensitive skin. My skin actually glows after I use it, probably the lactic acid at work.

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex:

For years facialists have used this on me, and for years I say to them every time without fail, “Wow that smells so good.” I got it on sale, and it’s the perfect second step in a double-cleanse, or for days when I’m not using heavy makeup. Would be great for a gentle morning cleanse, too.

Indie Lee Retinol Alternative Cream:

I’ve been laying off retinol lately–long story–but this is the perfect non-irritating replacement for me. It soaks beautifully into skin, and the rambutan gives my skin the same clarity and glow that a good retinol used to give me when I used it. Highly recommend if you want a “natural” alternative to retinol.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner:

Very little to say about this other than it is the most blendable liner ever, that also has amazing staying power. So creamy I even use it in place of shadow sometimes when I want a smoky eye. The Cocoa and gray shades have become staples in my makeup drawer.