Before I began blogging at Dressed for My Day I really wasn’t one to try new beauty products very frequently. I’d use the trial sizes gifts I received when I purchased my old faithfuls, such as Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel Cream and their Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Face Serum, both of which I still love and use. But I rarely experimented with new brands or types of skincare and makeup.
But as a style and beauty blogger I find myself experimenting with new products much more frequently, mostly because brands reach out to me almost daily. But I remain quite picky about what I use on my face and body, and I only share here the products I really love and use. Indeed, I’ve shared quite a few new-to-me beauty brands here at DFMD this year, including Necessaire, City Beauty, Elemis, BKBeauty and Colleen Rothschild. And I continue to stand by those products. But today I’m sharing my top 22 favorite beauty purchases in 2022. These are the best of the best!
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By the way, I’ve been asked a few times by readers if I no longer like certain products that I’ve shared because I’ve moved on to others. I can’t think of a single product that I’ve shared on the blog or YouTube channel that I later decided “against.” Just because I seemingly “move on to” other products absolutely does not mean that I don’t still love and even use the others. It’s just that part of my job here is to be on the lookout for new options for women over 50. And I also try to experiment with products in a variety of price points.
Any time I do share a new product, you can trust that I’ve given it a reasonable try before telling you about it. For instance, I used the Necessaire body products for about eight weeks before sharing my first sponsored video with them. And I used the L’Oreal Midnight Serum at least a month before I shared my results in this blog post. I then continued to use the serum until I emptied the bottle. But I did then “move on” to another serum, eventually swinging back to my old favorite when it was on sale in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Bottom line, I try to provide several good options for my readers. But I do enjoy experimenting with different products these days, so you sometimes may find me sharing something new. If you have further questions about my “best practices” and protocol for suggesting beauty products, just ask away in the comments below. But now let’s move on to my top 22 favorite beauty purchases for 2022.
These are in no particular order.
Necessaire Body Exfoliator, Body Wash and Body Serum (Gifted)
Okay, so we’re knocking out three of my top 22 right here. I started using these Necessaire products last April in preparation for the video below. But I haven’t stopped using them since. In full disclosure, I do use other body lotions at times, but I still use the Necessaire Body Wash and Body Serum daily and the Necessaire Body Exfoliator weekly.
I love the scent of the eucalyptus Body Exfoliator and Body Wash, but they also come in sandalwood, bergamot and unscented. I’ve linked here to the Necessaire products at Nordstrom (where you always get free shipping and returns), but you can also order them at Necessaire and use code HARMS10 for 10% off there only.
Tarte Babassu Foundcealer
As an over 50 woman I think that finding a good makeup foundation that works for your skin is one of the biggest beauty challenges we face. What do you think? The pursuit for a foundation that doesn’t change drastically on my skin as the day wears on has been so frustrating. But this year I’ve happily settled into using the Tarte babassu foundcealer™ skincare foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20, and I’ve been very pleased with it. In fact, even thought I’ve tried others, I’ve come back to this creamy, ultra-nourishing moisturizer, concealer, foundation & SPF in 1 over and over.
This foundation provides medium, buildable coverage, and it doesn’t tend to dry on me as the day goes on. It stays on nicely, too. I do have a few little problem areas – the corners of my eyes, the corners of my mouth and my chin – where I have to pay attention that it doesn’t get caught in those wrinkles, but I can smooth it out evenly well enough there. And it certainly behaves better than any other foundation I’ve tried. Best of all, this moisturizing foundation feels good all day. And I do get lots of compliments on it.
Deal Alert: I have a coupon code with Tarte. You can use code kay15 at Tarte for 15% off your purchase. The code won’t work if they have a better deal going on. But if they have no other promotion, you can always use kay15 for that 15% savings.
CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
After having a few scares with skin cancer, I really try to remember to apply sunscreen daily, even in the winter. I like that the CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 absorbs quickly into my skin and feels really good.
I also like that this tinted mineral sunscreen looks great by itself on a makeup-free day, but it also works very nicely under my foundation. The tint works beautifully for all skin colors and tones.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Once I tried the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm there was no going back. I was a goner! Yes, this buttery soft balm is pricey, but it really does stretch. A little goes a long ways, and I only buy it when I can get at least 30% off.
I use this Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm every evening to cleanse my face after removing my eye makeup with this micellar cleansing water. You just put a dab between your dry hands and rub to warm. Then you gently rub it into your skin, softly massaging upward as you go. The combination of rose and mimosa waxes, infused with 9 essential oils including Lavender, Chamomile and Eucalyptus, feels so luxurious and smells like a little bit of heaven. This product really feels like a spa facial every time you use it. And for the first time ever I actually look forward to cleansing my face each evening. No way I’ll ever skip this treat, no matter how tired I am! The balm is also available at Nordstrom, but I generally get great deals at Elemis.
Deal Alert: Use code WISHLIST to get 30% off select full-size products at Elemis just through January 5, 2023.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir
I also started using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir last winter, and I love it, too. I have switched back and forth to other serums over the year, mainly because I was experimenting with new brands. But the Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir is my clear favorite, and I can tell a difference in the texture of my skin when I’m using it as opposed to the others I’ve tried.
The container pumps out just the right amount of the Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir for light, even coverage on your face and neck. You do want to shake it well before using. I’ve noticed that using this light weight oily serum daily plumps up my skin and minimizes wrinkles significantly. I use it right after getting out of the shower and I let it set a couple of minutes before applying my next skincare products below.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30
It probably doesn’t come as any surprise that my new favorite daytime moisturizer is the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30. I think that sometimes I do use the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream without the SPF ingredients, too.
This ultra-light gel cream really makes my skin feel hydrated and fresh all day, whether I’m wearing makeup or not. It goes on silky smooth and absorbs quickly, but it continues to feel like it’s working, not like it has disappeared altogether like some other creams I’ve used. I apply the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream a couple of minutes after using the serum above. I let it set a minute or so before applying one more Elemis product.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth Primer
Not only does the Elemis Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth Primer prep my skin for the smoothest foundation application ever, it also feels like it seals in the moisture I work so hard to get into my skin.
It only takes a pea size amount of the Elemis Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth Primer because it glides on so silky and easily onto your skin. I apply it everywhere I apply foundation. I let it set just a bit before applying foundation. If you apply your foundation with your fingertips, you’ll want to be sure to wash your hands after using this Elemis Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth Primer or any other primer. I’ve found that leaving primer on your fingers interferes with good makeup application.
Deal Alert: Use code WISHLIST to get 30% off select full-size products at Elemis just through January 5, 2023.
Travel Makeup Mirror
In the Beauty Gifts video below I shared a lot of great beauty options, including many that I’m sharing today. But one of my favorites is the Travel Makeup Mirror. You know how when you stay in a hotel room there never seems to be quite enough vanity space in the bathroom for makeup application since your husband is also using that space for shaving, etc.? Now I take this Travel Makeup Mirror along and use it at the desk in the hotel room, freeing up that vanity space for other essential grooming.
BK Beauty Makeup Brushes (gifted)
When I was at the LTK Con I met Lisa J, the founder of BK Beauty. Definitely check out Lisa’s YouTube channel because, unlike me, she is a true makeup artist and such a lovely person. After the conference Lisa sent me a couple of sets of her BK Beauty Makeup Brushes. So these were actually gifted, not purchased, in 2022. But I’d buy them in a heartbeat if I didn’t already own them.
Lisa generously sent me the full 16-Piece Luxury Makeup Brush Set as well as the Angie Hot and Flashy 7-Piece Set, which are curated especially for the over 50 woman. And she later sent me the Core Line Extension Brush Set. But that’s a LOT of brushes, and no one needs to purchase all of those. So I’ve listed the ones below that I use daily.
- 106 Foundation Brush for applying foundation
- 107 Flat Blush Brush for applying blush
- A506 Concealer Brush for applying concealer
- 105 Large Buffer for buffing in contouring (when I use it)
- 108 Precision Powder for applying powder just in some areas
- 206 Blending Shader Brush for applying shadow to whole lid
- 203 Shader Brush for applying shadow to lid
- A502 Crease Shader Brush for applying shadow in crease
- A503 Blender Brush for blending shadow
Of course you’re going to get your best deal by purchasing a set, so you might want to consider that.
Deal Alert: Lisa also generously gave us a coupon code. Use code kay10 to get 10% off your purchase at BK Beauty, and so far that code has been stackable with their other offers.
Dior Addict Shine Refillable Lipstick
I purchased the Dior Addict Shine Refillable Lipstick in shade 841 Caro just a couple of weeks ago actually. I’m forever on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick. I wear a lot of red and never seem to have a good lipstick (other than nude) to wear with my red sweaters, coats, dresses, etc. Because of my fair coloring and overall low intensity, I don’t want to deeply pigmented red, so it’s been quite the hunt!
But I’m loving this Dior Addict Shine Refillable Lipstick in shade 841 Caro because it is very silky and moisturizing, but also a little sheer. It’s a very hydrating formula and the perfect red for most of my more cool-toned red clothes. I’ve been wearing it nonstop during the holidays, but I know I’ll continue to enjoy it for months. Of course the Dior Addict Shine Refillable Lipstick comes in lots of other shades, too.
Tory Burch Signature Eau de Perfume
I’d been wearing the Lancome La Vie Est Belle for several years and decided it was time for another scent. I actually still wear La Vie Est Belle, too, but I’m really enjoying the slightly fresher, more citrusy fragrance of the Tory Burch Signature Eau de Perfume I purchased during the Spring.
The Tory Burch Signature Eau de Perfume is described as a “floral peony and tuberose blend with crisp citrus notes of grapefruit and neroli — anchored by earthy vetiver.” I get lots of compliments when I wear it. And it feels especially suited for my spring and summer wardrobe.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade
I think I just started using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in 2022, but I really don’t know what I did before that. Brows are another conundrum for me, and it’s been a real battle to find a product that gives me consistent results. Or maybe it’s that I’ve struggled to find a product that I can apply well consistently.
I just find that I have more control with a brow brush and this thick Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade than I do with a pencil. But I think you have to find the kind of product that you can work with best. I use the shade “taupe.”
City Beauty City Lash (gifted)
I have absolutely loved working with City Beauty this year because theire products have made a significant difference for me. Their City Beauty City Lash truly has helped my tiny, thin lashes to become much more substantial and healthy.
I consistently apply just a single application of City Beauty City Lash morning and evening for the best results.
Deal Alert: Use code kay15 for 15% off at City Beauty all the time. But I also frequently get increased savings codes, so stay tuned!
City Beauty Beyond Mascara (gifted)
I do still use the LANCÔME Cils Booster XL Vitamin-Infused Mascara Primer and the LancômeDéfinicils Defining & Lengthening Mascara, but for more fullness I add a couple of applications of the City Beauty Beyond Mascara.
City Beauty Beyond Mascara is the only volumizing mascara that doesn’t create a mess on my tiny thin lashes. Instead it really adds volume while still keeping my lashes separated and clump-free. I love this mascara.
Deal Alert: Use code kay15 for 15% off at City Beauty all the time. But I also frequently get increased savings codes, so stay tuned!
City Beauty City Lips Lip Plumpers
Not only do the City Beauty City Lips Lip Plumpers look beautiful on and plump my lips just a little, but they also have drastically improved the health and texture of my lips.
I’ve always had problems with chapped lips, especially in the winter. But if I’m using any of the City Beauty City Lips Lip Plumpers at least somewhat regularly, my lips do not chap at all. Not. At. All.
Tarte Tartelette in Bloom Eyeshadow Palette
For years I’ve stuck to matte shadows religiously. I do indeed think that using too much frosty shadow can look very aging on women of a certain age. But this year I decided to dabble with a little bit of shimmer in my eyeshadows, so I ordered the Tarte Tartelette in Bloom Eyeshadow Palette. I like that it has mostly mattes with just a few well chosen frosty shadows.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using this palette, so much so that some shades are getting low. I use the charmer, flower child and jetsetter almost every day for a nice everyday look. Then I add just a little funny girl right above the iris with my finger for a more night-on-the-town look. All Tarte eyeshadow palettes smell great and go on so smoothly and beautifully.
Deal Alert: I have a coupon code with Tarte. You can use code kay15 at Tarte for 15% off your purchase. The code won’t work if they have a better deal going on. But if they have no other promotion, you can always use kay15 for that 15% savings.
CINEMA SECRETS Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner
It’s time to clean my makeup brushes today! I don’t do that nearly often enough. And it can make such a big difference in your makeup application (and the health of your skin!), as I shared in the video below. And when I do clean my brushes these days it’s always with the CINEMA SECRETS Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner I discovered last winter.
Not only does the CINEMA SECRETS Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner clean your brushes amazingly fast, but it seems to be gentle on them, too, leaving them soft and intact.
Gold Bond Healing Skin Therapy Lotion with Aloe
I’ve been using the Gold Bond Healing Skin Therapy Lotion with Aloe this winter and it has really improved the health of my skin. I tend to get very dry and scaly in the winter, but this ultra thick lotion is keeping my arms, legs and torso richly hydrated and scale-free. I don’t have a photo, but, hey, it’s just lotion.
Colleen Rothschild Face Oil No. 9 (gifted)
I’m actually preparing an entire blog post on face oils very soon. It turns out that these are the item most of us are missing from our skincare routine that can make a HUGE difference. I know the Colleen Rothschild Face Oil No. 9 has SIGNIFICANTLY changed the texture and appearance of my skin since I’ve been using it for the past few months. I received the Colleen Rothschild Face Oil No. 9 at LTK Con as a gift, but I’m purchasing more this week.
This Colleen Rothschild Face Oil No. 9 truly minimizes wrinkles as it seals in hydration and plumps your skin. I’m sold! Here’s a little video that shares more.
Paint Nail Bar
Finally, my last top 22 favorite beauty buy isn’t a product, but a service. I was introduced to Paint Nail Bars this summer when I was invited to an influencer event at the Paint Nail Bar in Northern Kentucky. I’ve continued to get my nails done there every 2.5 weeks since then, at my own cost of course.
I do wish we had a Paint Nail Bar a little closer, but for now I’ll keep making the 30 minute drive to get a manicure and have my clean gel polish applied at this very different salon. They have custom-built furniture to and an odorless environment. And Paint Nail Bars use only the cleanest and best products on your skin and nails. If you have one in your area, definitely check them out.
That’s a wrap! Whew. What a list. If you have any questions, please let me know.
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Blessed for My Day
I’ve shared a lot from Proverbs 31 lately, and I’m even in the process of meditating on and memorizing Proverbs 31:25-25 in our 2023 DFMD Scripture Meditation and Memory Challenge. But on this very important day I want to focus on verses 10-12 and 23. These scriptures remind me of the importance of being the kind of wife that my husband can trust and depend on, but also one who brings him honor and respect. In my 35 years of marriage there have definitely been a few times when I spoke negatively of my husband to a close friend or even one of my children. But I learned fairly quickly and early on that I didn’t want to be that wife. So I’ve made it a principle of life to only speak well of my man, to bring him honor in my conversations with others.
A spouse should be the one person you can always count on to have your back. And I can say that my husband, while not perfect – as no one is, has always been dependable and gracious to me. He is a rock to me, a steadying force and a reliable confidant. He is a good man, always growing in the Lord and faithful to his family. James and I have been married 35 years today. Today I praise the Lord for blessing our marriage even through the rockiest times. And today I praise my husband “in the gates” because I want you to know that I God blessed me with a good one!
An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
~ Proverbs 31:10-12, 23
Thank you for condensing your long list of beauty products into one post, Kay. I also appreciate when you mention scent because I am scent-sensitive. Your message in BFMD really resonates with me being married for forty-five years. I also have a very good man and feel very blessed. Happy anniversary to you both!
Happy anniversary!
I so appreciate your beauty recommendations. I too use and love the Elemis cleansing balm. I just ordered the City Lips lip plumper in clear using your code, but haven’t yet received it. I’ve read that it smooths out the appearance of annoying lip lines. If I love it, I may have to try a color. . ‘Thanks Kay!
Happy Anniversary Kay! We celebrated our 40th anniversary this summer with a family trip to the beach. So fun! Today, January 2, is my daughter’s birthday and I know what you are saying about declaring It a holiday. Since it’s the day after New Years you can keep the celebration going 🥳 Blessings!
Kay, I read in one of your posts that it’s your anniversary. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
Thank you, Michelle. 💕
Happy 35th anniversary.
Thank you’ 🎉
Thank you! 💕
Happy Anniversary to you and your husband!
Larry and I have been married 45 years, and I am so glad I have “hung in there” even in hard times, because, although none of us are perfect, I think it gets better and better to be married to my one man. So comforting in our old age to have each other. Praise the Lord!
Thank you so much. And I completely agree with you. 🥰
Happy New Year! I enjoyed this big. I’m always on the look out for new make up and moisturizers tips.
Happy Anniversary Kay!! I purchased and used the cinema secrets makeup brush cleaner…works like magic!! My brushes are several years old and are like new!!
Wonderful! I’m so glad that worked for you, too.
Oh my! I have become a huge Elemis fan! Your recommendations have helped me try the brand and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! City Beauty Lip Plumper is another product that has changed my life. I have used up the entire clear gloss and I have never used up an entire tube of lipstick/lip gloss before. Yes, get another special going!! I need to order more!!
Oh my goodness, Kay! I just did a double take! Yesterday (Jan 2) was also my 35th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary and I wish you many more to come!
Cool! Happy Anniversary! that’s tremendous. It seemed like a big one to me.
Hi Kay,
I enjoy all of your recommendations and have tried so many with great results. I tried to order the Elemis and used code WISHLIST on 1/4 and it told me that was invalid. Any ideas what happened?
Thanks,
Cathy
Hi Cathy. I’m sorry to hear that. I have an email from Elemis in my emails that says the code should have been valid through midnight on 1-4. They will undoubtedly have another offer soon.