While we can all agree that there were plenty of ups and downs this year — but when it comes to beauty trends, 2022 was overall gorgeous. Now, as we look ahead to the coolest makeup trends to come in 2023, we can’t help but reflect on some of the beauty products we loved the most this year. With some help from creator and Toronto makeup artist Pouja Thamotharan (@blendsbypouja on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube) and her Slice.ca TikTok below, we’re highlighting 10 of best viral makeup products of 2022.
@slicedotca Did we miss anything? What were your favs this year? 👀 #2022makeup #viralmakeup #newyearcheck #makeuptips ♬ original sound – .
Related: Is this cult-favorite 2000s makeup product making a comeback?
E.L.F. Poreless Putty Primer
As Pouja puts it, “E.L.F. really killed it this year” when it comes to creating effective (and affordable) makeup products — and this skin-perfecting primer is a prime example. Priced at just over 10 bucks, this primer helps to hydrate the skin (it’s infused with hydrating squalene) while creating a smooth texture and gripping makeup for a flawless look all day.
Poreless Putty Face Primer, E.L.F. Cosmetics, $12.
See also: Are these ’90s beauty trends making a comeback?
E.L.F. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Our staff tried this multi-use “glow booster” this year, and we honestly loved it. Another affordable makeup option from E.L.F., this versatile product (you can use it on its own, mixed with foundation or a as a highlighter) has been said to be an effective dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter (which also offers that “filtered” glow, but at a higher price point).
Halo Glow Liquid Filter, E.L.F. Cosmetics, $18.
You may also like: Disco-inspired home décor to make your maximalist apartment sparkle.
Basma Beauty Foundation Stick
Have trouble with shade matching when it comes to your foundation? The Foundation Stick from Basma Beauty offers smooth, flexible coverage in plenty of shades, so it’s that much easier to find your perfect match (and achieve the perfect base).
The Foundation Stick, Basma Beauty, $52.
You may also like: Beauty drops 2022: Our favourite beauty products this December.
NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum
Heavy, cakey concealers are so early-aughts: this year, many of us fell in love NYX’s hydrating serum concealer that’s, as Pouja puts it, just “so lightweight.”
Bare With Me Concealer Serum, NYX Professional Makeup, $17.
You may also like: The top 10 side hustles for Gen Z in 2023.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder
“Definitely not a skip for anyone this year” according to Pouja, this loose powder from Huda Beauty delivers an airbrushed look that lasts all day.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder, Sephora, $46.
You may also like: 10 cute hairstyles that we predict will be everywhere in 2023.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Our staff tried Rare Beauty’s liquid blush on our different skin tones, and it was pretty much universally a winner for us all. Available in a variety of shades, this blush brings an instant pop of colour to your look (Our tip? A little goes a long way, so start with the smallest dab and build from there).
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, Sephora, $26.
See also: ‘Mermaidcore’ is the ‘It’ look — how to capture shimmery, sea-inspired style.
E.L.F. Putty Bronzer
Even though the days are short right now, we can all get a pop of sun-kissed glow — thanks to this viral product (another winner from E.L.F.). This bronzer features a highly pigmented, putty-to-powder formula that goes on smooth and lightweight, and offers ultra-buildable colour. For a touch of hydration, it also contains moisturizing ingredients like Argan Oil and Vitamin E.
Putty Bronzer, E.L.F. Cosmetics, $8.
See also: We tried Kylie Cosmetics’ Holiday Collection — here are our honest thoughts.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
Selena Gomez‘s Rare Beauty is another repeat brand on our list, and with good reason. Just like their liquid blush, Rare Beauty’s Liquid Luminizer Highlight offers a lasting finish that brings out your natural beauty. The “glow” comes courtesy of light-reflecting pearl particles for some serious luminosity.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight, Sephora, $29.
Related: How to get the viral ‘I’m cold’ TikTok makeup look.
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
One of Pouja’s favourite products since high school, Essence’s Lash Princess Mascara made a comeback this year. The affordable mascara gives lashes a bold boost — think volume, length and definition — in a non-flakey, long-lasting formula.
Essence Lash Princess Mascara, Amazon, $13.
See also: ‘Emily in Paris’ is back: 5 French-inspired makeup tips inspired by the show.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Hot Choc’lit
Designed to be “universal” (AKA to flatter all skin tones), it’s no wonder this gloss (or, ahem, “lip luminizer”) from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty became a must-have this year. The lip product delivers a super-shiny finish that’s somehow not sticky. Oh, and it’s smells great too, thanks to the peach-vanilla scent.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, Sephora, $26.
See also: ‘Wednesdaycore’: Get the look inspired by Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams.
