In this end-of-year beauty round-up, I have listed my favorite products of 2022 as well as the top products that emerged from a poll I did on my Instagram - the most replied-to question box I've ever had!
As well as being a treat for yourself, these could be a great last-minute Christmas gift for the beauty-lover in your life.
1. Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil
"It's like a revolving door, some of them buy two at a time", the weary Dior Beauty sales lady told me, speaking on the popularity of their teeny tiny, very expensive, but undeniably gorgeous Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil. I like to pop in on a quiet Tuesday morning and see what the flavour of the month is, and this year I've yet to see more than three shades of this viral sensation in stock.
Having seen the gasps and pouts on TikTok, I had to try it myself and can confirm that it's absolutely beautiful. Thick and nourishing with a glossy finish that lasts longer than most, this is one of the best lip glosses I've ever used. The real selling point for me is the non-sticky finish.
You might remember the lip gloss moment in the early 00's when a glittery tube with a fruity taste was slathered on everyone's lip, the ones that spread in lines like a spiderweb as soon as you opened your mouth. This is not the case with this luxury lip oil, a treat for the lips and a great barrier for the cold weather. I'm hooked.
This little beauty is available at Brown Thomas for €38.50.
2. Ella & Jo's Cleansing Balm
If you follow me I must apologies for repeating myself, but this Cleansing Balm from Irish skincare brand Ella & Jo is simply beautiful. For someone who used to dread taking their makeup off, I can honestly say I look forward to the nourishing and hydrating sensation of this beautiful balm on my skin every night.
Makeup is melted off my skin instantly, but instead of feeling stripped of moisture, it actually feels more hydrated - a real treat for my fellow dry skin pals. The balm is €36 on it's own but if you're in the market for buying a gift this Christmas, I cannot recommend the 'Your Night Time Ritual Giftset' enough. A gorgeous gift box containing everything required to switch off after a busy day. Who doesn't deserve the gift of sleep?
Your Night Time Ritual Giftset is priced at €80 and available at www.ellaandjo.com, last dates for Christmas shipping in Ireland is December 21st.
3. Benefit's Gimme Brow + Volumizing Pencil
As someone who had completely given up on brow pencils, Benefit's 'Precisely My Brow' pen came as a pleasant surprise. This product combines cotton fibers and powder to create the illusion of volume in a buildable formula that's so quick and easy to use.
If you're not blessed with big bushy brows, but are also terrified of those fake harsh lines some brow products can give, this is the holy grail one for you. It blends beautifully into your brows, seamlessly creating an optical illusion of what can only be described as rich fullness. Another reason I love this product is that it lasts and lasts. Unlike some retractable brow pens where you can't see how much product you're using, this old fashioned pencil will go the extra mile.
Available in Boots stores nationwide for €28.50.
4. Sculpted By Aimee's My Mascara
I popped up a question box on my stories asking people what their favourite beauty buy of the year was, the most replied to question box I've ever posted, and it's no surprise that Irish brand, Sculpted By Aimee, featured heavily.
The product that was mentioned most was 'My Mascara' and I can see why. Mascara is a desert island beauty product for a reason; it can open up your whole face in an instant, and this product does not disappoint. This beauty delivers impressive results thanks to its buildable but easy-to-remove formula, and its intensely pigmented colour. The icing on the cake for me is the price, at just €19 this is hard to beat.
I'm on to my second mascara in shade black but am ready to try the brown one, I saw the incredible beauty influencer 'Makeup By Asta' give a mini (rave) review of it this week, so it's on my shopping list!
'My Mascara' features in a range of beautiful gift sets available online and in Sculpted's flagship Grafton St store for just €19.
5. Charlotte Tilbury's Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer
I was thinking of my 'can't leave the house without them' items and despite my aversion to large items like palettes in my handbag, this has come everywhere with me this year. Retailing at €52 may seem expensive for a bronzer, but for me, creamy bronze/blush and highlighters are always the first products to fade for me, so I love to layer them with powder.
Even though this bronzer falls into the 'cream' category it's actually more a 'clay-like texture' which is highly pigmented and literally sticks to your skin without looking cakey.
This would make a gorgeous gift for anyone, including yourself. Bear in mind the shades are highly pigmented, just because it's a bronzing product there's no need to go deeper with your choice of shade.
Charlotte Tilbury's Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer is available to buy in Brown Thomas or the Charlotte Tilbury store Kildare Village.
6. Nars' Light Reflecting Foundation
Hands down my foundation of the year, this is one I've been recommending over and over. I love how the beauty industry is now combining skincare and makeup so seamlessly, and this beautiful base feels like absolutely nothing on your skin, lights you from within and blurs fine lines. Need I say more?
A medium, buildable coverage with a natural finish it's available in 36 shades from Arnotts priced at €50.50.
7. Laura Mercier's Light Catcher Setting Powder
Beauty lovers will have heard of the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - a cult-favourite famous for its lightweight, finely milled, and easy-to-apply formula that sets makeup without leaving a cakey look or drying out your skin.
Well, in September of this year, this gorgeous formula received an upgrade in the form of the new Laura Mercier Light Catcher Setting Powder, a luminous, light-creating setting powder. I have to say it hasn't left my makeup bag since I got it.
It goes so well with the Nars Light Reflecting Foundation and I use it to set high colour or high shine areas on my face. As the powder is so light, I like to apply it with a dense brush like the Sarah Keary foundation brush. You can apply liberally knowing your pores won't block and your skin won't be dehydrated.
A beautiful setting powder, available from Boots for €45.
Top 3 Beauty Sets for Christmas
The gift sets that have caught my eye this Christmas and are still available for last-minute shoppers.
1. YSL Coutures Must Have Gift Set
The most beautiful little Christmas gift set, with all the essentials that looks a lot more than the price tag, absolutely love the complimentary gold leaf effect YSL Beauty chic pouch too.
Available from Brown Thomas for €70.
2. Sarah Keary x Vogue Williams Brush Set
Sarah Keary's brushes are my go-to, particularly the foundation brush as it's the best I've tried. I haven't got her set with Vogue yet, but if the quality is anything like her original brushes it's going to make an absolutely beautiful gift.
Reduced from €89 to €49 this is a great buy and a great excuse to pop into the gorgeous Sinead Keary pop-up shop on Wicklow St in Dublin city where Sarah's products are also stocked. If you're nowhere near Dublin you can order online for Christmas delivery before the 21st here.
3. The Vita Liberata Body Blur Self Tan Gift Set exclusive to Cloud 10
I've said it once and I'll say it again, Cloud 10 offer some of the best bargains in beauty. Honestly, this exclusive deal is already in my basket for myself, but if you're looking for a slightly luxurious tan gift set this is the one for you. I swear by this tanning mousse, it's my new go to and great for my fellow dry-skinned guys and girls.
This is shipped from Ireland so you should be safe enough ordering now for Christmas, but please don't wait too long!
Available exclusively on Cloud10 for €28.95 (was €34.95).
