Best Makeup of 2022

It's hard to beat some of 2022's cosmetic launches.

So long, 2022! Here are the products that I used the most frequently and/or impressed me the most in 2022…some were launched this year while some oldies but goodies continue to be at the top of my list.

Let’s get started!

2022 Makeup Picks

Monika Blunder Beauty Blunder Cover

Far and away my #1 pick of 2022, the Blunder Cover by Monika Blunder has become my favorite foundation and concealer. Infused with natural botanicals like arnica, edelweiss, and gentle hydrating oils, Blunder Cover is an all–in–one foundation/concealer that can be sheered out for a natural, comfortable base or built up as a concealer in areas that need more coverage.

When I saw that Castor seed oil was the base of this product, I knew it would be an incredible fit for my dry, mature skin, but I had no idea just how natural the finish of this product would be. It's just gorgeous and skin-like and doesn't do any of the bad things other foundations/concealers tend to do on mature skin. I think I used it in almost every single one of my Reels this year. I wear shade 3.

Holy grail. Period. (I strongly recommend using this brush with it.) Use code SARAHJAMES15 for 15% off your order.

Gen See Mixed Media Metallic Liquid Eye Shadow

Most-used eye shadow of 2022? Gen See Liquid Eye Shadow in First Light. This incredibly foolproof eyeshadow is ridiculously easy to apply and blend (yes, you too can do it!) with fingers or a brush and the First Light shade is exactly like it sounds - a beautiful (non-glittery) champagne wash of light on the lids.

Lisa Eldridge Insanely Saturated Lipsticks

As a lipstick aficionado, I’ve really found myself drawn to Lisa Eldridge’s Insanely Saturated line this year - not only because one of my all-time favorite shades is Skyscraper Rose, but the discovery of a GORGEOUS shade that I do believe is the most underrated lipstick she makes, Sunday Matinee.

Oh my goodness, the way this shade brightens the face without being too intense or attention-grabbing. It's just so lovely.

Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara

Listen, I never thought any mascara could pull me away from the Ilia Limitless Lash, but I literally never picked it up again after trying the Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara. This mascara is everything - lengthening and volumizing without any flaking or smudging. Plus, it builds on itself beautifully. It's unreal!

Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm in Cava

Three words. Dewy, Balmy Sheen. Okay, two more. No glitter.

The Merit Day Glow Highlighting Balm is so much more than a run-of-the-mill highlighter - it has a vitamin-rich base that replenishes moisture for a dewy glow, plant-based squalane locks in hydration, and a phytosterol and amino acid blend promotes healthy skin barrier function.

Balm is the operative word - it's 100% skincare in addition to makeup. It comes in three shades, but I personally love Cava the best.

p.s. - two other faves by Merit are the Flush Balm in Beverly Hills and Cheeky and the Bronze Balm in Clay.

Jones Road The Best Eyeshadow

Love these pressed eye shadows by Jones Road - great colors, they blend well, and are so easy to use. (I'm personally waiting for Bobbi to introduce some palettes....come on, Bobbi! Do it for us!)

Ash, Smokey Grey, and Dark Brown (as a liner) are my go-to matte colors for a natural daytime look. Penny and So Pretty are also lovely shimmers.

Saie Glowy Gel

Oh my, the glow this product imparts on my skin! Now, this gel works a little differently than a traditional last-step highlighter. I apply this gel after my skincare and before my makeup to create the most lit-from-within glow. (This paired with the Blunder Cover is a match made in heaven.)

Saie Dew Blush

Not only do I adore the Saie Dew Blush shades on their own, but I love all the combos you can create. (Chilly + Peachy and Chilly + Rosy are my faves.) These blushes pack some pigment but still manage to be super blendable and natural-looking.

Victoria Beckham Matte Bronzing Brick

The bronzing brick by Victoria Beckham has been in my rotation for years. Shade 2 works beautifully for my skintone...I love how the lighter of the two matte shades adds such lovely dimension to my face without looking too bronze/tan, but I can always pump it up with the darker shade as well.

Poundcake Cake Batter Lipstick in Strawberry

The Cake Batter Lipstick in Strawberry is the perfect shade of red for me, but there are six shades so everyone can find their perfect match. The formula is long-wearing yet not drying and it SMELLS LIKE VANILLA CAKE BATTER. Enough said.