Throughout the span of 2022, a multitude of make-up trends have plagued the internet and piqued the interest of thousands of people. From using multi-colored dots for foundation and tape for eyeliner, these fads can range from creative techniques to new products. I admit that I have also fallen victim to the occasional promotional video claiming that a product will change my life. As I’ve indulged in a countless amount of these trends, I can officially say that these are my all-time favorite beauty products of 2022.

E.l.f. Cosmetic’s Power Grip Primer 

After seeing this primer go viral on TikTok and numerous videos claiming it was the best primer, I, of course, decided to purchase it. As an avid shopper, I typically can’t hold on to my money for very long as I usually spend it within a week after gaining it. One of the most alluring things about this primer is how affordable it is. E.l.f. is generally known as a starter make-up brand because of how inexpensive their products are, but this product, although cheap, is high quality and works well. It is sold for only $10.00 and is easy to find at Target, Ulta, and most drugstores, making it widely accessible and affordable. It also comes in a mini size convenient for traveling. This primer is cool to the touch and keeps my make-up on all day. Despite its sticky texture, it’s not unpleasant and improves every makeup look.

Benefit’s Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer

I have tried a plethora of concealers, including Clinique, Loreal, and Maybelline, but none compare to Benefit’s concealer. As many other concealers have caused me to break out and made my skin look cakey and unnatural, I am hesitant to try new concealers and foundations. But after being shade matched in a store and many months of using it, I am comfortable saying this concealer is the best fit for me. It blends seamlessly and doesn’t crease through my day’s wear and tear. It comes in 30 different shades, and it is easy to find options for every skin tone with their variety; as much as I love this concealer, it is not the cheapest one out there, with a retail price of $24.00. However, I believe it is 100% worth the money and one tube has lasted me four months, with no sign of running out soon.

Milani Cosmetic’s Baked Blush

This blush was a Christmas gift four years ago. I used it so long that the brand name rubbed off, and I never thought I would see it again. I didn’t know the shade or brand name, so I didn’t expect to ever find it. However, a recent walk through the Target make-up section proved me wrong; lining the aisle was a row of Milani blushes in 15 shades of pink. At only $10.99, they’re affordable and well worth the money spent. I grabbed the color Petal Primavera, and with its subtle shimmer and bright pigmentation, it yet again wins the crown for best blush. 

Benefit’s BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara

This mascara is always at the top of my list whenever people ask me for make-up recommendations and is the everyday staple of my make-up routine. Some mornings I either don’t have time or don’t have the energy to do more than mascara, so it’s essential that I have a good one that doesn’t run out fast. It comes in both a full-size and mini container, with the full-size selling for $27.00 and the mini selling for $14.00. I first got the mini mascara back in July, which lasted until the start of November, so you’re getting your money’s worth for what you pay. It can be found in Ulta, Sephora, and other beauty stores.

Benefit’s Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain

At this point, you may be sighing at the appearance of another Benefit product, but I had to include this in my list especially considering I wear it daily. Benetint is a liquid lip and cheek stain, and although I use it mainly as a lip stain, it still works well for both. It provides a natural rosy lip color that builds as you layer, leaving a choice about how bright of a shade you desire. Along with the rosy color, it also has a rose scent that lingers throughout the day. As it is a lip stain, it stays on all day, and once you let it dry, it doesn’t transfer onto anything else. It can be found in Ulta, Sephora, and other beauty stores for $18.00. Benetint comes in six shades ranging from coral to red, each with a unique variation of the name Bentint such as Lovetint and Floratint. This is my go-to for a simple but pretty lip look, and I would recommend it to anyone else looking for something similar.

As 2022 comes to a close, I can say I have found make-up products that I love and even more that I hate. So while trends and fads drift in and out of relativity, these will remain the hidden gems in the sea of make-up products, and I can’t wait to discover more.