My Favorite Conscious Skincare and Haircare Products 2022
I’ve never tried so many new conscious beauty products as I did in 2022. I’ve never tried so many products in one year as I did last year. So many that I had to break my favorites list into two parts: skincare and haircare, and another solely about makeup.
At the beginning of 2022, one of my goals was to keep discovering and testing new products. Because let’s be honest… it’s something I love to do. Little did I know I could lay my hand on many new goodies and discover many new everyday staples.
With so many launches every other week, it was inevitable. However, 2022 was also the year I paid attention to my skin needs. And that took me on a learning journey about formulas and ingredients.
I’ve also dyed my hair for the first time. And this took me on a new journey: taking care of my hair by avoiding certain ingredients.
Without further ado, these were my favorite conscious skincare and haircare products of 2022.
Skincare
Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner
For me, Mario Badescu’s Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner was one of the best discoveries of 2022. For three main reasons: affordable, long-lasting, and super hydrating.
I’ve already written about it and still corroborate with every word. The formula is gentle, even if you have sensitive skin or you’re sensitive to scents on cosmetic products (like me).
Besides making the skin feel soother, this toner also makes the skin feel more hydrated all day.
I am about to finish my first full-size bottle, and I already have a spare one I bought on Sephora’s Black Friday Deals.
Where can you find it?
Spain: Sephora
UK: Sephora, Space NK, Cult Beauty
Guerlain Advanced Double R Renew & Repair Serum
After watching plenty of reviews about Guerlain’s Advanced Double R Renew & Repair Serum, especially from people with combination skin, I knew I had to try it. I started using this product last quarter and wish I had done it sooner.
Why? Because my skin has never looked this good!
Guerlain’s Double Serum targets visible signs of aging. Making the skin look smoother and brighter and the pores appear more refined. Plus, it’s made with 98% natural ingredients.
Even though there’s one part serum and one part oil, the two formulas work beautifully together. So it doesn’t feel oily at all once applied to the skin. Unlike many skin products that claim to have a dry finish, this one delivers what it promises.
My skin started looking better and healthier two days after using this product. My skin tone looks more even and less dull, and the texture has improved. Nowadays, instead of doing an extensive skincare routine in the evening, I apply this serum and eye cream after washing my face… and that’s it. And again, this is the best that my skin has ever looked in my adult life.
The problem? It's an expensive product. At least for me (and my current budget). I managed to get mine discounted, and I’ll try to get a replacement whenever I find a good deal.
If you’d like to give it a try but you’re not willing to pay full price, here are a few tips:
Get it as part of a Holiday Season Set: Guerlain launches several product sets every year, with different products from the Abeille Royale line, which gives you a chance to try several products for a much smaller price.
Special sales periods: Sale Season, Special Sales, Single’s Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
Discount codes: Sephora or other retailers.
However, before making such an investment, ask for a sample at a local retailer and see if this product works for you.
Where can you find it?
Spain: Sephora, Druni, Primor, El Corte Inglés
UK: Sephora, Selfridges, LOOKFANTASTIC
US: Sephora
Suntique I’m Aqua Sun Essence
This is my favorite sunscreen EVER! And trust me, I went on a journey of trying several conscious sunscreens last year… and this was the one that made the cut—becoming an absolute everyday staple of mine. I might have repurchased it three times already, so you get the point.
Suntique I’M Aqua Sun Essence is a lightweight sunscreen with SPF 50+ whose texture turns watery once applied on the screen—leaving a fresh and hydrating sensation. It’s easily absorbed, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast.
Even though it’s not exactly cheap (24,95€), it’s 100% worth the investment. Besides its incredible formula, the 50ml package lasts for months - even if you’re applying it daily.
If you’ve been searching for reliable everyday sunscreen (whether you’re wearing makeup or not), look no further!
Where can you find it?
Spain: Miin Cosmetics, Maquillalia
UK: Maquibeauty, Min Cosmetics
US: Amazon
Sensilis Hydra Essence Gel Sorbet
What a pleasant find! I ran into Sensilis Hydra Essence Gel Sorbet last year, thanks to a recommendation from a trusted pharmacist.
At that time, I was looking for a moisturizer that would provide the right amount of hydration to my combination skin without leaving it oily or too shiny. Sometimes I feel that gel-textured face creams fall short of hydration, but it wasn’t the case with this one.
This Gel Sorbet moisturizer from Sensilis has a light and easily-absorbed texture. Yet, my skin felt moist and hydrated for hours, especially when paired with Mario Badescu’s Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner. I also love that it has a very faint fresh (yet pleasant) scent, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin (and eyes) - which is my case.
If you have ever tried La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Mat gel cream, this one resembles some extent in terms of texture. However, the Effaclar one is more drying and mattifying than the one from Sensilis.
Sensilis Hydra Essence Gel Sorbet is my go-to face cream for warmer days or whenever my skin doesn’t need extra hydration. And yes, if you’re wondering, I’ve already restocked it!
Where can you find it?
Spain: Druni, Primor, El Corte Inglés, Amazon
Honest Beauty Magic Beauty Balm
I’ve been a fan of Honest Beauty products for a few years. I love their brand philosophy and their formulas. Well, some more than others. So, I have had Honest Beauty Magic Beauty Balm under the radar for a few years now.
This product became an instant favorite despite having purchased it only in 2022’s last quarter. It became my go-to balm when I was working from home or before I went to bed.
For one simple reason, you must dab a finger on the formula to get the product. And, for sanitary reasons, I prefer not to use a product with such characteristics when I am out and about.
Even though this is a multipurpose balm, like my beloved Egyptian Magic All Purpose Cream, I’ve only used it on my lips and around my nostrils (flu and sinus infection days). Still, it had done wonders regenerating that area.
So, I’ll repurchase it later this year when my no-purchase challenge ends.
Where can you find it?
Spain: Douglas, LOOKFANTASTIC
UK: Cult Beauty, Boots, LOOKFANTASTIC
US: Honest Beauty, ULTA
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
This was one of my most significant discoveries of the year regarding skincare (body care, to be more exact). And I can’t recommend it enough!
L’Occitane’s Almond Oil is a two-in-one product: it works as a shower gel and a moisturizing oil at the same time. This is wonderful for someone (like me) who hates applying moisturizer all over the body on cold days.
Even though it doesn’t hydrate as much as a regular moisturizer (like Sol de Janeiro, for example), it’s better than nothing. Also, it smells lovely and is available in a refill format - cheaper and more sustainable.
Where can you find it?
Spain: L’Occitane, El Corte Inglés
UK: L’Occitane, Cult Beauty
US: L’Occitane
Haircare
Olaplex Shampoo Nº4
Despite the Olaplex hype being around for a few years now, I only joined it (on a tiny scale) last year. Why? Because I’ve dyed my hair for the first time. So, now, I need to give it some extra care and pay more attention to the formulas I use. That’s when Olaplex came to my mind!
I haven’t tried their routine or some of their most iconic steps yet. But I have been using Olaplex Nº4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo for the past three months, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve been recently at my regular hair salon for a trim, and my hair has never been this healthy - even though it has gone through a coloring process.
Also, the formula feels soft and gentle and smells amazing. Ohh, remember that a little goes a long way.
I started by purchasing the travel-sized version, as I didn’t know if it would work for me and because it’s an expensive product (for me). But I am pleased with the experience so far, and that’s why this shampoo is on my favorite conscious beauty products list.
Where can you find it?
Spain: Sephora, Druni, Primor, LOOKFANTASTIC
UK: Sephora, Selfridges, Liberty, Space NK, Cult Beauty, LOOKFANTASTIC
Color Wow Dream Coat
As I’ve been living in a dry city for over five years now, my hair goes wild whenever I go to a town with humidity - even in the Summer.
I purchased Color Wow’s Dream Coat travel-size spray before my recent trip to London, and it was a lifesaver. Not only it prevented frizz (which was my main concern), and made my hair look shinier. Plus, the result lasts until three hair washes.
I know this will be one of my hair staples from now on, whether in Madrid or visiting friends and family in Lisbon.
It’s available in two formats: travel and full-size. If you’d like to see if it works for you or if you need it for a short trip, go for the travel-sized one instead.
Where can you find it?
Spain: Sephora, LOOKFANTASTIC
UK: Sephora, Selfridges, Cult Beauty, Space NK, LOOKFANTASTIC
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
I’d never been a fan of dry shampoos until I tried this one. Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is unlike any dry shampoo I’ve tried.
It makes the hair look clean, eliminating grease and sweat - without leaving any residue. Like it happened with the ones from Batiste or Klorane.
I usually apply it before bed and let it work overnight, especially when I want to spend an extra day without washing my hair. I also keep a travel-size bottle at my office locker in case I need to touch up my hair mid-day or before a big meeting.
I started by purchasing a travel-sized bottle to see if it worked for me. Given the positive experience, I now have a full-size one at home - as it is more cost-effective.
Where can you find it?
Spain: Sephora, LOOKFANTASTIC
UK: Sephora, Selfridges, Space NK, Cult Beauty, LOOKFANTASTIC
