Throughout the year, we test and track the best beauty products on the market, from those that become viral trends to those recommended by experts and editors to the must-haves our readers can’t live without. As the year wraps up, we’ll focus on the latter and round up the skincare, makeup, haircare, and other products Underscored readers can’t get enough of in 2022.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect daily moisturizer or an easy way to get the perfect blowout at home, these reader favorites are sure to elevate your grooming routine. They also make a great gift idea for any beauty lover as the holiday season draws to a close. (Shoppers prone to procrastinating should check out more impromptu gift ideas, as well as our favorite gifts for women, gifts for men, and other Amazon finds.)
These K-beauty masks come in 12 sheets, each tailored for specific skin benefits. Whether you need avocado hydration or pomegranate firming, there’s something for all skin types and needs.
Oral care is more than hygiene, it’s part of your beauty routine. Crest 3D Whitestrips remain one of the most popular at-home teeth whitening systems. This easy-to-use strip uses hydrogen peroxide to brighten teeth and remove surface stains, and the brand says you’ll see a difference after three days of use. This kit also comes with four additional treatments of 1-Hour Express Whitening Strips, perfect for giving your pearly whites even whiter in a pinch.
One of the best under-eye creams around, this targeted treatment contains caffeine, vitamins C and B3, and optical brighteners to revive the under-eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
This two-step kit includes two treatments to keep your lips hydrated, plumped and radiant. A nightly mint-infused mask hydrates lips, then ginger essence in a daytime gloss plumps lips for a tingling sensation.
At this point, this cooling ice roller is a cult classic—it’s an editor’s favorite and has received rave reviews for its ability to buff away facial puffiness, soothe skin, and even relieve headaches, hangovers, and muscle aches.
With over 31,000 5-star ratings, this oil-absorbing roller is clearly a viral favorite. Like reusable blotting paper, real volcanic stone absorbs excess oil, so you can keep your oil-free shine where you want it. This handy tool can even be used under makeup and is the perfect size to take on the go.
CeraVe is an often-recommended brand because of its potent, gentle formula developed by dermatologists and safe for sensitive skin. This base moisturizer is perfect for those looking to simplify their routine as it benefits both the face and body. During the cooler months, you might even want to use it as a moisturizing step in your seasonal regimen to get the most out of its ceramide-rich formula.
Treating acne can be fraught with ups and downs, but thankfully, pimple patches are an easy and effective way to treat blemishes. The Hydrocolloid Cover absorbs excess fluid, bacteria and gunk inside pimples, minimizing the appearance of pimples and protecting them from additional irritation.
A drugstore favorite, this dermatologist-recommended lip balm delivers an emollient-rich layer to protect lips from dryness. Made with botanical oils and extracts like Sunflower Seed and Calendula, it softens lips while giving them a flattering shine.
Ideal for those dealing with keratosis pilaris or targeting body breakouts, this salicylic acid body wash gently exfoliates for smoother skin. This top-of-the-line product has over 18,000 5-star ratings, with many reviewers sharing that they experience fewer bumps after just one use.
The key to easy “doing”? Claws. These products have non-slip handles, so they’re suitable for all hair types, and they’re available in a variety of colors.
Super grunt! Makes for great sunscreens, including this completely sheer option. The oil-free formula is never greasy and even leaves skin with a velvety finish.
If you want to brighten the under eye area, this cream contains vitamin C. This powerful ingredient not only improves the appearance of dark circles, but also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Snail mucin is a popular K-beauty ingredient that’s gone viral, especially with this serum-like product. The lightweight, fast-absorbing serum hydrates and plumps skin, and our Editorial Coordinator Jillian Tracy says her skin “feels hydrated the minute it hits the pores.”
Glossier’s fan-favorite lip balm comes in 11 flavors in a mix of tinted and clear shades, making it the perfect companion for the no-makeup lover. Made with Castor Oil, Beeswax and Lanolin, this lip balm smoothly hydrates when you need it.
Eye cream is an essential step in your skincare routine, as the thinner eye area is often the first to show signs of aging. Packed with caffeine and hyaluronic acid, this is one of the best budget-friendly options for dark circles.
This viral product is also dermatologist-approved. An effective treatment is the use of physical and chemical exfoliants containing 10% alpha hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells that cause the red bumps of keratosis pilaris.
Did you know that hands are one of the first parts of your body to show signs of aging? Just as you protect your face and neck from harmful UV rays, use a hand cream with SPF. This expert-approved product also contains Sea Buckthorn Berry to lighten dark spots, and Argan Oil and Spiraea Seed Oil to keep hands moisturized.
This affordable hand cream is perfect for those who work with their hands to restore their moisture without feeling greasy.
Creates a false lash effect with this mascara, which has earned over 200,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. It lengthens and adds volume in just a few swipes, and reviewers also cite its easy removal as a bonus.
Wet Brush makes some of the best hair brushes around, including this round styling brush, which gives you more control over your hair and reduces pulling and tangling.
This derm-recommended mineral sunscreen ticks all the boxes: It’s super gentle, safe for all skin types, and hydrating.
Keeping your beauty products organized is no longer a chore thanks to a cute makeup bag. This travel-friendly bag can hold a surprising amount of produce, and it comes with a matching small zip pocket and a clear pocket phone for smaller items.