13 Beauty Trends That Will Rule 2022

It’s safe to say that after a very turbulent year, we are all ready for a makeover in the beauty department. Unfortunately, our beauty routines were not immune to 2020’s effects. As salons shut down everywhere, we had to create our own hairdressers, estheticians and colorists. After experimenting with a few poor box dyes and making our own face masks, we were able to adapt to a home-based beauty culture. We became stronger as we learned how to do the lymphatic drainage massage and root touch-ups, and brow grooming.

We are so excited for 2021, where beauty knowledge is at an all time high. Even though the majority of this budget is used for virtual Zoom sessions while we sleep in our pajamas at night, it’s a sign that 2021 is over and we are welcoming a new decade and new trends. These are the beauty trends experts expect to emerge, ranging from ‘luxe’ hand sanitizers, probiotic skincare, and antibacterial haircare.

#1 Elevated hygiene

Although hand soap and hand sanitizer may not be the most glamorous beauty category, there are many luxury options. The space has seen beauty brands enter it for the first time. They are more luxurious and bougie than ever. Experts say that the packaging and scents will be improved, but also that formulations will become more suitable (read as hydrating) for skin. Joshua Ross, a celebrity aesthetician from Los Angeles, Calif., says that 2021 was the year when soaps and hand sanitizers were popular. “This will change in 2022, as the industry tries to balance efficacy with sensory quality that is less irritating for the microbiome.”

#2 Transparent and Clean skincare

According to surveys, skincare brands that offer transparency in ingredient lists are growing in popularity. Consumers are keen to find out what is in their products. Companies are now striving to create more sustainable formulas through packaging, formulations and reducing their carbon footprint. Barb Paldus, PhD is a Codex Beauty founder and EWG board Member. “You don’t deserve to create a brand if you can’t make the right sustainable choice when creating products, even if they cost you more,” she said.

#3 Advanced blue protection

The pandemic has made almost everything digital. While the harmful effects of blue light are well-known, companies are developing new ingredients to combat them. Take Goodhabit, which recently launched a brand based entirely on blue light protection. The available formulations with ingredients such as rosa rubiginosa and licochalcone A, turmeric, and alga are becoming more and more efficient.

#4 Maskne products

Even after a lockdown, your skin will become more sensitive to irritation if you use face coverings. You don’t have to get your skin reddening every time you go outside, thanks to soothing sprays or face masks with zinc oxide.

#5 Liquid lipstick

In the age of COVID, it’s all about transfer-proof makeup. Charlie Riddle, Stila Cosmetics’ Global Creative Director, said that liquid lipstick is making a comeback. Women want products that last throughout the day and don’t get wiped off their skin.

#6 Skinimalism

No-makeup makeup has returned after a pandemic. Pinterest calls it the “new glow-up” because it combines skincare and makeup. Pinterest’s 2022 Trends Forecasts report shows that people are abandoning complicated makeup to embrace slow beauty. They want to let their natural skin texture shine (think glowing skin and visible freckles).

#7 Microbiome Health

Although microbiome health has been a popular term in the industry for many years, Ross believes that probiotic skincare will see a significant increase in popularity. Venn Skincare CEO Brian Oh agrees, “There are strong indications” that microbiome skincare is a major trend in the next year. This refers to a system of living microorganisms that live on our skin (there are many billions). To balance the microbiome, we are seeing products that combine prebiotics with probiotics (synbiotics).

#8 Cosmetic procedures to “Zoom Face”

The effects of gazing at ourselves for weeks on video calls has been debilitating. Zoom fatigue is not the only problem. Concerns about “Zoom Face,” as well, are on the rise. Tara Lewis, Yelp Trend Expert, says that people are flocking to the platform in order to research cosmetic procedures to address facial issues like forehead wrinkles, eye bags, and crow’s feet. Avant Dermatology founder Sheila Farhang MD, a cosmetic surgeon, has seen this trend as well.

She says, “I am also seeing an increase in requests for eye treatments, the most common being lower eyelid surgery to reduce the appearance under eye bags. Eye creams with caffeine can reduce swelling and brighten undereyes, so I recommend you try them before you visit the office.”

#9 Smarter tech gadgets

People are turning to at home devices for their skin and bodies, such as microcurrent rollers and hair-zapping lasers. Dr. Farhang says that brands are creating innovative gadgets for hair and skin to make it easier to do your beauty routine and duplicate treatments previously only available in salons.

#10 Antibacterial haircare

Given that an average person touches their hair ten times per hour, this means that your hair is likely to be contaminated with bacteria and viruses you don’t even know about. Brands (see: Safe Hair, BioSilk), are now developing antibacterial haircare. Products (shampoos and cleansing sprays) that are antibacterial. Antimicrobial disinfecting agents which kill germs and remove dirt and grime.

#11 Scientific scalp treatment

Officially, the skin-ification of haircare has become mainstream. This means that there is more overlap between haircare, skincare, and even dermatology, with the increased focus on the scalp (which, of course, is also skin). Dr. Farhang says there are new trends in haircare, including platelet-rich plasma (or “liquid gold”) injections that can improve hair loss. An inside-out approach (using supplements to support hair health) and scalp-tox (botox for the scalp), which is great for dry scalps.

#12 Plant-based skincare

Plant-based skincare will see a significant increase in popularity and use, with some of the most sought after ingredients being ginger, gotukola, ginger and witch hazel flowers. Dr. Farhang says that plant-based skincare used to be considered niche until recently. Many mass brands have begun to introduce plant-based products due to eco-conscious consumers.

#13 Learn how to embrace natural hair

According to Pinterest’s 2022 Trends predictions report, low-maintenance is now high heat. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use flat irons or blow dryers. If you love the look of a blowout, then you can do that too. But air-drying your hair and enjoying your natural texture is a good idea.

Another PSA: Braids are back! Pinners will be able to create braiding styles (including box braids and bubble braids), that are glamorous, protective, and low-maintenance. Pinterest’s report stated that style mavens will add their personal touch to braids with beads and colorful highlights.