When looking back at the past year, I've had the opportunity to not only try new products but also have been introduced to new brands that have become fast favorites. While some fell below expectations others flourished and slowly became my most reached for products of 2022. From hair to skin and an array of cosmetics in between, this year proved to be one filled with products featuring innovative formulations, restorative qualities and many providing elegant beauty upgrades. 

Read on to discover this year's comprehensive cut of standout products and remarkable items that have enhanced my beauty routine across all areas of attention. 

HAIR

FRAGRANCE

As we head into the high heat months of the year, our beauty bags require a bit of an upgrade that'll help beat the city heat in polished (and protected!) fashion. The key concerns during this sweltering season include high-grade sun care and easing the traditional woes of this sunny period (hello, frizzy hair and sweaty complexions!). To combat these often pesky issues, keeping the right products on hand is vital. From hair taming wonders to multipurpose cosmetic winners, here are my city approved beauty bag essentials that'll offer a revived and refreshed appearance in a New York minute. 

THE FACE
Between running in and out of muggy subways and strolling crowded outdoor spaces, buzzing through the city on busy days calls for high quality makeup that'll stand up to my packed schedules. But even the best of applications need a mid-day spruce up and that starts with a touch of a powder. My favorite powder to settle that unsightly shine is (1) Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Powder-No-Powder. This lightweight translucent powder never feels cakey or blotchy and its seamless matte application looks terrific on camera. Amna Tip: Tuck a slim round powder puff into the case for a flawless on-the-go application.  

For my oily complexion, maintaining a photo-ready base is sometimes tricky during the summer. A dash of powder and a top-up of color helps create an radiant look with minimal effort. (2) Rose Inc. Blush Divine Clean Dewy Cream Blush is a wonderful staple as it beautifully blends on the skin and offers a soft hydrating wash of color that can be intensified if needed. For an on-trend monochromatic take, I sometimes blend this clean cream product atop my lips for a flattering, cohesive look. Best of all, this versatile product doesn't demand any fancy tools - clean finger tips is all that's needed to blend this blush. For a polished lip alternative, the ultra-chic (3) Pillow Talk lipstick by Charlotte Tilbury is a year-round beauty bag power player. This sophisticated neutral shade pairs well with a glossy topper or mixed with a bolder hue for a customizable option. 

THE FACE // SPF
With these back-to-back days, I'm often catching a break in the park or a bench on a picturesque sidewalk under the unforgiving city sunshine. However minimal, extended time in sun demands a reapplication of sunscreen every few hours. A traditional sunscreen would disrupt a makeup application so how is one to remain protected yet polished? Enter (4) Supergoop! (Re)Setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 35, a compactly designed brush product housing a powder SPF which allows you to adequately coat the skin with precision. The small brush helps get sunscreen to the tighter areas of the face yet it's fluffy enough to apply along commonly exposed skin areas like the shoulders, neck and sensitive décolletage. This powder alternative became a fast staple as its lightweight formulation delivers sufficient sun protection without the sticky or greasy after feel often seen in more common SPF choices. 

HAIR
Much like the face, the hair sees its own set of issues during the summer. Enjoying long days in the sun can feel heavenly on the skin but leads to dry hair while increased humidity enhances frustrating fizz. Thankfully one newly launched hair hero remedies both of these seasonal hair woes and beyond. (1) Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hibiscus Hydrating Hair Oil Mist is a small yet mighty product you'll want on hand all seasonal long. This luxuriously scented (jasmine sambac) enriched  mist evenly distributes on the hair and tames troubling frizz while offering a veil of UV protection. While that alone makes this a summer hair saver, this multifaceted hair perfume oil goes further than simply scenting tresses and hydrates dry sun-soaked hair while boosting shine and softness without disturbing any previous hair styling. Due to its clean, hair-benefiting qualities, extended use of this antioxidant-rich product doesn't diminish its efficacy and can be used daily on all hair types. While the product can be locked in with a simple tousle with the hands, I love using it with (2) Kristin Ess Wide Tooth Detangling Hair Comb, a sleek slim wide toothed comb that glides through the hair and loosens any tangles that occur under the hair on extra warm days. Amna Tip: For flyaways at the crown, spritz the the straight spine of the comb with the Fable & Mane Hair Mist and glide along the hair for an easy and lasting way to keep these teeny hairs at bay. 

No hair essentials roundup would be complete without a strong hair accessory to pull away and keep the hair back while remining chic. My go-to is the (3) Emi Jay Peach Cabana Hair Clip, as its strong functional hold and generous size holds hair up well without slipping. Best of all, the darling peach striped design feels sweet and summery. 

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Whether you need a complexion refresher, a punchy pop of color or a rejuvenating on-the-go hair boost, this tried-and-tested collection of streamlined products will keep you looking your absolute best as your stroll through the city this warm, sunny summer. 

FANCY & CHIC VALENTINE'S DAY 
GIFT EDIT

IMAGES IN EDIT IMAGERY COURTESY OF BRANDS

One of the best aspects of the holiday market is the extravagant take on gift presentation. Every year beauty brands gear up to release unique holiday collections and gift sets often dressed in beautiful packaging and seasonal shades. Best of all, holiday ranges and sets create a special experience for shoppers by adding accompanying products or grander offerings at bargains. From lust-worthy premium beauty sets to luxe accessories, these are my must-have gift choices for the beauty enthusiast on your list. 

As the sunshine becomes abundant and the temps grow more palatable, spring invites a refreshing change across the board, including our choice of fragrance. With the long winter behind us, now is the time to embrace bright and punched up fragrances that carry beautifully through summer. Fresh floral notes, sparkling citrus and delectable upgrades to familiar favorites are all present in this year's fragrance offerings. Read on to find out the best energizing scents to get you ready for the sun-drenched seasons ahead. 

FANCY FLORAL ARRANGEMENT
Jo Malone Red Hibiscus & Yellow Hibiscus 
Along with two relaunches, Jo Malone's limited edition 2021 Blossoms range features two floral-focused fragrances, Red & Yellow Hibiscus, perfect for the sunny seasons to come. These vividly formulated scents both uniquely bottle the essence of a beachy paradise, each presenting a different profile of island-inspired scents. Red Hibiscus, which is abundant in tropical forests, is the heart of  this fragrance. It is complemented by soft and inviting hints of Jasmine Sambac and Vanilla which creates a sensual blend kissed with a citrus dash of mandarin. Conversely, Yellow Hibiscus serves as a bright pop next to the more sensual and smooth sister fragrance. This radiant interpretation features fresh floral notes like rose with a sunny spark of lime to awaken the overall blend which is finished off with a more mellow note of white musk. 

Bulgari Allegra Collection 
A five fragrance collection reimagining passionate Italian emotions through scent, the Bulgari Allegra collection is certainly a feast for the senses. Expertly pulling familiar scents signature to Italian living, each fragrances is blended with botanical classics, sparkling citrus and sweet fruit notes. Whether you're in a mood for a sweet blend, a punchy mix reminiscent of an Italian getaway or a romantic evening in historical Rome, there's a perfect perfume for you in this lovely, luxurious collection. 

OPULENT OILS
NEST Perfume Oils
The authority in all things luxury scents, NEST New York newly launched a dreamy range of opulent perfume oils. These beautifully blended oils expertly capture the heart of each fragrance's star ingredient. With the foundation of each respective scent coming from botanical ingredients signature to exotic locales, every unique blend becomes a pronounced stop on a grand global journey through sensational aromas. For an amplified, lasting wear, mix in a few perfume oil drops with your favorite unscented body cream or lotion.

IMAGES COURTESY OF BRAND

SHOP THE POST

SPF IS A MUST 
Please lather on SPF on both your face and body every single day, no exceptions. Your skin is prone to keloids and needs to be completely protected from the sun at all times. Additionally, limit your time in the sun, your skin will burn and lead to lasting damage. 

QUIT OVER APPLYING BRONZER 
Bronzer is not face powder, remind yourself of this important rule every time you grab that oversized shimmery tan palette. You will look back on your photos with a tinge of horror as your face will be a few shades tanner than your neck. Try using the three technique when applying this beauty favorite, it'll bronze the proper facial points naturally warmed by the sun (it will work just fine). Bonus: Quit pairing MAC Cosmetics Myth with this super tan look, overly pale lip colors will never be a flattering option. 

LIMIT HOT TOOL & HARSH HAIR PRODUCT USE
Gelled scrunched hair may be all the rage, but don't do it everyday. All that hairspray and gel will damage your healthy hair. Speaking of damage, throw away your hair straightener. Applying all that heat to your lush naturally curly hair will only lead to weakened tresses, breakage and split ends. Enjoy the natural texture and look of your hair. 

LET SKIN HEAL & DON'T PICK AT IT
Blemishes are unavoidable but please let them heal on their own. Resist the urge to pick at your skin. Continuing to do so will leave unsightly, deep scars that will take ages to heal. Embrace skincare, proper treatments and let your skin breath when suffering. 

Speaking of suffering skin, heavily fragranced body products like lotions, soaps and soaks may smell lovely but they irritate your delicate skin, avoid them at all costs. Lastly, stay away from witch hazel, it's NOT for you. 

LOVE THE SKIN YOU'RE IN, IT'S GOING TO CHANGE 
Oh what a journey you'll be on! Enjoy every bit of yourself, take all of the photos and don't worry about your jean size. Your body will always change and face tough times, but your strength will never waiver. Loving yourself is the greatest beauty lesson of all, you'll look back and feel silly for worrying about the little things. You are wonderfully beautiful as you are now and always. 

It's finally here! Fashion designer Jason Wu has launched a cosmetics line, simply titled Jason Wu Beauty and it's one you'll certainly want to shop. The clean beauty range, newly launched at Target, features a versatile collection of cosmetics in universally-flattering tones that can be used to create an array of looks. The modestly-priced beauty line features an impressive collection of color cosmetics and select skin products that aim to elevate everyday makeup essentials. With a passion to create high-quality cosmetics without breaking the bank, Wu's beauty philosophy is all about refined elegance and femininity.  The item I was most excited to get my hands on was a the Hot Fluff Lipstick, a matte lippie issued in seven stunning colors. Marketed as a light-as-air formulation that can be used beyond the lips, I finally put this coveted product to the test. Was this wonder product a bust or a new beauty bag staple? Read on for my unfiltered thoughts on this new lippie. 

Akin to the texture of both  MAC Cosmetics Powder Kiss and Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick, Jason Wu Beauty Hot Fluff lipstick appeared soft and richly colored right in the tube. As I swiped it along my lips, I instantly knew this was going to become a fast favorite. The result was a smooth, highly pigmented matte application that delivered even color with a single swipe. While most matte lipsticks can feel a bit drying, that wasn't at all the case with this product. This almost creamy, shine-free lipstick felt comfortable on the lips and didn't break or flake when blended or smeared. Though lightweight and airy, the actual lipstick doesn't skimp on quality. Impressively, each swipe offered substantial product that didn't feel too thin and wore away beautifully. 

An ideal product to create a cool of-the-moment monochromatic look, this multipurpose product can also be used on the cheeks and eyes. Functioning as a color stick, it's easily blended formula is best used with fingertips as the natural warmth from the hands makes application a breeze. Customizing the intensity of color of this lipstick works lovely as added layers melt in and don't cause that unsightly caked finish. A truly multifaceted product, this lipstick is a valuable product to keep in your beauty kit or bag. 

It's very evident that Jason Wu's beautifully imagined refinement and feminine tones of his designs are present in this beauty collection. Whether it's this incredibly colored lipstick or the alluring eye palettes and more, this is a must-shop range that will surely elevate your beauty routine with a touch of sophistication.