First and foremost, I want to wish each of you a happy new year and thank YOU, my fabulous readers, who continue to join me in my little space here on the web, where we celebrate and enjoy all things style. I truly appreciate each and every one of your comments, shares, and love…look out 2023, it’s gonna be a fantastic year!
I can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year, than a collaboration with my blogger pals Julie, Andy, and Nina of the Coast to Coast Style Collective, as we share our favorite things of 2022. Between the four of us, we’ve got SO much to share, from beauty, fashion, gadgets, fun apps, and more. So, once you check out my 15 favorite things from 2022, I encourage you to pop on over to each of their blogs and read about their 2022 favorites.
Think Oprah’s Favorites x4, how fun is that?
In no certain order, let’s take a look at this year’s ASB 2022 Favorites.
1. Dior Lip Maximizer
With claims for age-defying benefits for plump, soft and smooth lips, I layer Dior lip maximizer OVER my lipstick or balm. Not only does it feel good on my lips, it gives me a rosy glow that goes anywhere. Unfortunately, this product has been enjoying a TikTok moment and has been difficult to find over the past 10 months, yet I have managed to order, and receive it from either Sephora or Nordstrom. And when I cannot get my hands on a tube, my back-up is Channel Glossimer, a longtime luxe favorite available in gorgeous colors, without the plumping feel or effect.
Dior Lip Maximizer: Sephora | $40 Neiman Marcus | $38
Channel Glossimer: Chanel | $36 (in stock) Nordstrom | $36 (low stock)
2. Face Highlighting Powder
If you are looking for a multi-use highlighter to use on the face, eyes and décolletage, look no further than the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator. Using a fan brush, I swipe above my cheekbones and down my nose. I’ve also used this on the eyelid when I’ve been in a hurry and in needed of a quick eye brightener. Different brushes will create light to intense results. Available in 5 colors, my color choice is “indiscretion”.
3. Liquid Eye Liner
After trying a multitude of liquid eyeliners (including Dior and Stila), I’ve discovered MAC Brushstroke Liquid Eyeliner to be my top choice. The precision brush tip makes liquid lining sharp, fast and easy. Bonus, it’s water-resistant!
Note: If the MAC liquid liner is sold out, the Stila liquid liner is a solid runner-up.
MAC: Nordstrom | $23.00 Stila: Sephora | $24.00
4. The Perfect Red Lip | Dior 999
Too orange or too pink, finding the perfect red lipstick can be challenging, and Dior 999 is that perfect shade. Yes, it’s bold, but a true red lipstick should be just that. I’ve been told by various beauty experts that the iconic red lipstick from Dior is the shade every skin tone can wear. Available in various formulas, my favorite being Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick.
Liquid Transfer Proof Formula: Sephora | $42.00
Refillable Lipstick Formula: Sephora | $42.00
5. Original Magic Eraser + Makeup Sponges
I’ve used the Makeup Eraser for years to remove all makeup, including mascara, with one swoop. NOTE: I’ve tried all sizes and only like the large cloth. Costco recently had the large eraser with 2 beauty sponges + a washing machine ball, so I had to try it. I have to say, I prefer these sponges over a beauty blender. I find the Makeup Eraser sponges to be softer, and easier to clean, and something about the size and shape is really nice for all makeup applications.
NOTE #2: beware when purchasing this product on Amazon. I ordered what I thought was the large cloth and received a mini. The mini works fine if you are just wanting to remove eye makeup, but it is easy to get lost in the wash. Carefully read the description for what size you are after, before placing your order.
Large Cloth Eraser: Sephora | $20 Sponge: Sephora | $18
6. UGGS Insoles
If you’ve got a pair or two of Uggs that are in good shape on the outside, but the fur is matted on the inside, you may want to invest in a new pair of insoles. I just replaced the insoles on my 10 year old pair, and they feel as good as new!
Zappos | $19.95 Amazon | $19.95
7. Favorite Crossbody Bag
From Pretty Simple, I love my Jolie Crossbody Bag. SUPER lightweight (and affordable!), this puffer bag lies flat and comes with a removable strap, giving you the option to add your own strap, for a different look. I received mine as a gift, which my girlfriend had monogrammed with my initials, for a special personalized touch.
8. Wool Dryer Balls
An eco-friendly and natural alternative to fabric softener – I prefer as little scent in my laundry as possible – these reusable dryer balls speed up drying time as well. Made from 100% premium New Zealand wool, I prefer these over the plastic alternative.
9. Dryel Home Dry-Cleaning Kit
Save time and money, delicate clothing gets dry cleaner fresh without leaving the house. With the included pen, pre-treat stains if needed. Then place 1-5 items in the Dryel bag, add the dry cleaner sheet and dry on medium for 20-30 minutes. For those of you who love to thrift, this is such a lifesaver. I’ve used Dryel on everything from cashmere sweaters to delicate silk and linen dresses.
10. Meditation Apps
In January 2022 I was having trouble sleeping and a friend suggested I try out the Ten Percent Happier Meditation App. After trying Ten Percent Happier for a few months, I learned about Headspace , which I’ve been using now for 8 months, not only to help me sleep, but for music – I love Monika Kruse and St. Vincent’s Playlist – to listen to while working, and the meditation course offerings are endless. Both apps offer free trials, so I suggest downloading either and give it a try, who know’s what you may discover?
Headspace | Ten Percent Happier
11. Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother
Unless I am in Italy, I need some form of dairy added to my morning coffee, and frothed milk makes my morning cup even better. A simple luxury, I use my frother every single day to create yummy at-home lattes using regular brewed coffee. I like to add a packet of sweetener to either half and half, milk or Oatmilk (less froth), push the froth button, then top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon, for the perfect at-home latte. I’ve owned various espresso makers over time which proved to be too difficult to clean or use. A low-tech gadget, my Nespresso is at least 8 years old, and still going strong. One of my best investments.
Target | $98.99 Amazon | $98.99
12. Belt Away No-Show Belt
Under $20, this longtime ASB Must-Have is an everywoman essential for keeping our pants up, without the bulk of a belt.
13. HeatTech Layering Bra Tank
A Big Bang for your under $30 buck! I wear these tanks for layering, alone, or to lounge in. What I love most about these camis, is I can get away without wearing a bra. If you prefer to wear a bra, Uniqlo makes camis without the built in support. The Wide Strap Cami (my fave), can be worn alone or as a layering piece The AIRism Bra Cami Tank is a thinner fabric, and best worn for layering.
14. No Ride, No Show, No Roll Panties
The magic of these panties is the patented Vanishing Edge technology with stay-put silicone at the leg openings keeping panties in place without panty lines. With a variety of styles to choose from, my everyday favorite is the Vanishing Edge Cotton Blend High Leg Panty. To control muffin top, I like the high-waist Vanishing Tummy Retro Brief , for under yoga pants, the V360 Modern Brief.
SOMA | reg $18-$20, now buy 3 get 2 free
15. No Wire, Comfortable Bra
The Warners Easy Does It Bra is my tank top friendly, “no side boob”, everyday bra. A great value price at Amazon, this wireless bra has adjustable straps and is designed with all-over stretch fabric to fit your unique shape, and easy, versatile sizing from XS-3X simplifies bra shopping once and for all. I alternate the Easy Does It Bra with my Warner’s Cloud 9 Super Soft, Smooth Invisible Look wireless, a lightly lined comfort bra. I ordered each style to try, and ended up keep both.
Underarm Smoothing: AMAZON | $17.99 (reg $42.00)
Cloud 9: AMAZON | $17.99-$26.99
More 2022 Favorites from the Coast-to-Coast Style Collective
I encourage you to use the links below and see what my friends in the Coast-to-Coast Style Collective are talking about.
- Nina @ Sharing a Journey
- Andy @ Pearls and Pantsuits
- Julie @ Fashion Trends and Friends
Got some favorites to share? We’d love to hear all about it. Drop us a line in the comments down below, and thanks for stopping by!
Suzanne!
I think I loved every item on your top 15 list! We both shared our favorite eye liner! I’m a huge fan of my Erase washcloth and sponge applicator! You just might have influenced me to check out the Dryer Balls, Dior Lip Maximizer and Ugg insoles!
Such a FUN collaboration and great way to kick off the new year!
Julie xo
I tried the day to night makeup and I still don’t look like you.
Carole, you are so funny. YOu look amazing every single time I run into you! Thank you for stopping by and a very Happy New Year to you and your family.
Hugs,
Suzanne
Hey Julie,
I just returned from dropping a big message over on FTF, I loved yours and Lori’s Vlog. The dryer balls are a huge win for me because I cringe at the smell of Bounce in my home. I feel like these shorten the dry time act like a dryer sheet without the smell. Dior Lip Maximizer is my big splurge. It is a high price for a lip product/gloss – yet I have yet to find anything close to it. I just picked up a $24 gloss at Sephora, as they had not restocked the Dior yet, and it’s nothing like my favorite. When you get the Ugg insoles, give them a day to settle. When I first put mine in they felt different because the fur in my Uggs was so compressed, but after wearing them for a few hours, they settle in and feel like brand new insides. I’m considering picking up another pair for my clog boots for better comfort and warmth.
Happy New Year!
xx
Suzanne
I have loved so many of your past suggestions. Now I can’t wait to try the dryer balls, dry-cleaning kit and no wire bras. Happy New Year…hope to see you around the Club!
Hi Pamela!
Thank you for dropping me a line. I discovered the dryer balls from a past client who swore by them and was sensitive to scents like I am. I have a huge aversion to the smell of Bounce so I love that I get the benefit of “fabric softener lite” as well as reduced dry time. Bonus for being kind to the environment! And I don’t know what I did before discovering dryel. Well I do, I spent a ton of money at the dry cleaners!
Happy New Year to you and your family,
Suzanne
I got out my notepad and took notes! I am always looking for lip plumpers, and haven’t tried the Dior one yet–I just got a new one by Too Faced and would love to do a lip plumper show down! Plus, I would love to try the dryer balls and the crossbody bag! So cool!
I’ve never tried the Dior gloss, but now I think I will! The color looks luscious! I’m also a huge fan of dryer balls, They seem to really help toss things around a bit more in the dryer. Do you have a Buff City Soap where you live? They add scent to their dryer balls (all natural) and even re-scent them for free. I love them! Perfect for washing Walter’s smelly blankets. This was fun, and I loved your round-up of products!