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

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