2022 was a BIG year, especially in the beauty universe. TikTok saw more flash-in-a-pan beauty trends than ever (let’s not forget the lubricant face primer). But some moments were more definitive than others.
Below, find 10 of the biggest beauty trends of the year, from skincare and hair to makeup and manicures.
Glazed Donut Skin
Dewy skin has been big news for years, but Mrs. Hailey Bieber gave whole new meaning to the words “glazed donut” this year. The hyper-moisturized look plays into her brand Rhode, where every product is designed to nourish and add moisture. Expect to see it continue into 2023.
Bleached Brows
Amelia Gray, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Vanessa Hudgens, Julia Fox… 2022 was the year that every IT girl bleached their brows. Less commitment than a scalp bleach, it’s an easy way to dramatically alter your whole look/mood/personality. We’re predicting disappearing arches will continue to dominate the next 12 months.
Wolf Cuts
Sort of a mullet but not really, the “wolf cut” was by far one of the most popular hair cuts this year. Billie Eilish is the benchmark, showing off choppy layers and a razored fringe.
Siren Eyes
A riff on winged liner, “siren eyes” are all about soft, powdery liner that extends at the inner and outer corners, giving a lifted, sultry effect. Inspired by the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Megan Fox and Bella Hadid, the TikTok-viral look is feline and fox-like — and fortunately easier to DIY than a classic liquid liner wing.
All Things Euphoria
Euphoria hysteria combined with life post-COVID has given rise to makeup that’s bold, bright and sparkling. Tiny crystals, face decals and glitter were everywhere, translated by celebrities like Lucy Boynton and Dua Lipa. While the trend has peaked, we’re still very much into bold, adventurous makeup looks.
Barrier Care
A defining skincare trend of the last few years has been its obsession with “active” ingredients like Retinol and hydroxy acids. While they are transformative and necessary in the treatment of certain skin concerns, it seems most of us overused them during the pandemic, and thus 2022 gave way to the rise of barrier care. Slugging, skin cycling and reparative ingredients like Ceramides all had their moment, while we moved away from overly aggressive routines. In the new year, expect to see this continue, where active ingredients will be balanced with soothing, nourishing skincare steps.
The Skinification of Hair
Once upon a time, haircare involved shampoo and conditioner. But with the “skinification” of hair, we’ve now got a stack of formulas at our disposal, from micellar cleansers to scalp scrubs and beyond. If you’re looking to improve scalp health, fullness or prevent hair fallout — or you just love beauty rituals — it’s a good one to explore further.
Gourmand fragrance
Sweet, saccharine, dessert-like fragrances have been long been considered juvenile or unsophisticated — instead, the cool crowd gravitated towards smoky, esoteric scents like Santal 33. But thanks to TikTok, gourmand notes including vanilla, coconut, and caramel are having a resurgence. If you want to smell good enough to eat, reach for By Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy, or Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Milk.
Blonde AMBITION
In 2021, blonde was considered “chuegy,” but 2022 saw it come back, only this time with a point of difference. Gigi Hadid, who had swapped California blonde for auburn — returned to an icy shade of platinum, while Kim Kardashian and Bella Hadid just unveiled a honeyed iteration. Hailey Bieber also swapped her bright blonde for bronde. So blonde is back, but look towards either bright and white, or deep and glossy.
Chrome Nails
@haileybieber Here’s my nail combo 👀 the 🔑 is to mix whatever color you choose with clear polish to thin it out ✨🫠 @Zola
We know this is another Hailey Bieber mention, but it would be remiss to not call out the viral chrome nail trend, as started by the beauty queen herself. Beiber shared her go-to combo on TikTok, combining a nude hue with clear and finishing with a the OPI “Tin Man Can” chrome powder. It blew up, alongside her neon chrome, chocolate chrome and festive red iterations.
