2022 Best in Beauty: Skincare

You may have noticed a developing theme surrounding my favorite skincare products over the past few years – they are all about protecting, nourishing, and fortifying the skin. Listen, a little exfoliation here and there is a good thing and you know I love my gentle retinols, but if I’ve learned anything working in the beauty space for almost 2 decades, it’s this: sometimes brands sell you super powerful products that mess with your skin barrier so that more products will be purchased in the long run to repair said weakened skin barrier.

I know, I know. It’s a horrible truth.

Although definitely not perfect, I’m quite pleased with my 48-year-old skin and I believe it’s a direct result of treating it gently and protecting my skin barrier at all costs.

The following products are all the epitome of nourishment and protection and are more than worthy of a mention.

2022 Best Skincare

Tula Instant De-Puff Eye Renewal Serum

2022 was the year my undereye area started to rebel against me…I mean, I made it almost half a century so I’m not complaining, but this darkness/puffiness/crepiness is NOT COOL. Thankfully, the Tula Instant De-Puff Eye Renewal Serum is a game-changer. This creamy yet lightweight formula is powered by peptides, pink silk tree, sea algae & probiotic extracts and totally helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles & darkness. Plus, the cooling metal applicator instantly soothes skin.

It should be noted that my eye area is hella sensitive so the best part about this formulation isn’t what’s in it, it’s what isn’t in it. No parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasing preservatives, triclosan, retinol, fragrance, gluten, silicone, and dimethicone. That means an effective product AND a very happy eye area. Run, don’t walk.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 facial sunscreen is the BEST EVER. Many of you might remember me waxing poetic about it this summer (it’s in my SPF highlights on Instagram) but this sunscreen is incredible. It feels like a lightweight moisturizer – no thickness, no white cast, no stickiness, no shine. Did I mention it’s 10 dollars?!

If you haven’t tried Korean sunscreens (which are light years ahead of the USA in terms of formulation), you are going to be yelling from the rooftops. The only downside is that the product takes forever to ship, but Stylevana is a legit company that I trust, certificates and all. Use SHOPWHOORL for 10% off your order.

Dieux Skin Instant Angel Cream

This career affords me the luxury of not having to purchase much in terms of beauty products, but I have bought multiple tubes of the Dieux Skin Instant Angel Cream with my own damn money, y’all. Combining a blend of phytosterols, free fatty acids, ceramides, and gobs of goodness, the result of using this unfragranced, rich moisturizer is skin that feels like silk without any sort of residue.

True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil

It’s no surprise that I’m a True Botanicals fan (did you see last year’s Best of post?), but wow, did I fall hard for one of TB’s original offerings this year. The True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil has made my face really happy this year…and here’s the kicker, I’ve used all of the formulations – Renew, Clear, and Calm. They are all incredible and I would recommend Renew for anti-aging, Clear for acne-prone, and Calm for sensitive skin. (Although my sensitive skin can tolerate all of them.)

If I had to pick one, it would be the Renew oil because it’s an anti-aging (hate that word) powerhouse and I love the mildly herbaceous scent. It’s like a spa in a bottle. Just read the reviews. Use SARAHJ15 for 15% off your order.

Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

The Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream saved my face last year and I will never ever be without it. My full review (and crazy face freak out story) can be found here.

Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Oh how I adore the Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser! It’s a gel consistency, foams well, doesn’t strip or make my skin feel tight, takes off all my eye makeup without irritating my eyes…yeah, what’s not to love in regards to this cleanser. (It also has the best -yet super minimal- fresh scent.) I adore it. Use code WHOORL15 for 15% off.

Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum

Thirsty, dehydrated skin? Look no further than the Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum. This serum literally changed my serum game this year. Whereas so many other serums focus on actives actives actives, this serum is made to prime, soothe, and HYDRATE your skin.

The whole point of this serum is moisture and luminosity, so it plumps and smoothes, while also protecting your skin against free radical damage. The texture is thick and silky and it gives your skin a lovely dewiness. Listen to Whoorl, dryness doesn’t stand A CHANCE when you use this serum regularly. Flakes be gone – use code WHOORL15 for 15% off.

Naturium Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash

It foams, it hydrates, it smells great (barely a scent! you know me!) – the Naturium Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash makes my skin so soft and happy and not dried out like a goddamn raisin in the middle of winter. 5 stars. $16 for a huge bottle.

La Roche Posay Lipikar Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Who would have guessed that a drugstore body lotion would make me the happiest person alive, but here we are. The La Roche Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion is what I use day in and day out on my body and it’s perfection.

Dr. Rogers Lip Balm

Have I mentioned I’m a Dr. Rogers Restore Lip Balm prophet? I can’t even begin to tell you how many people are now hooked on this bonafide lip saver and for good reason. I know what you are thinking…lip balms that look like chapstick might as well be a tube of wax, but HEED WHOORL’S WORD, your lips will be kissably soft and hydrated all winter.

Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator

Okay, okay, I know we’ve talked protection protection PROTECTION today, but yes, I do exfoliate my skin about once a week or so and there is no better product to do that with than the Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator.

I love this exfoliator for many reasons – love that it’s a chemical (natural enzymes like papaya) and physical (very finely milled walnut shells) exfoliant, so you’re getting the best of both worlds. I’ve tried A LOT of exfoliators, and this one is seriously impressive. Also, and I find this to be true with all Josh Rosebrook products, they never irritate my skin. I can leave the Active Enzyme Exfoliator on for up to an hour with no sensitivity – just gorgeous, clear skin.

Josh Rosebrook products are just insanely effective – here’s my full review of the brand.

2022 skincare, that’s a wrap! As always, feel free to leave any questions in the comments!

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