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Cosmopolitan Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards 2022: The Ultimate Winners List

Discover 73 top-voted beauty products of 2022—chosen exclusively by Cosmopolitan readers and celebrated for transforming skin, hair, and nails.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Discover 73 top-voted beauty products of 2022—chosen exclusively by Cosmopolitan readers and celebrated for transforming skin, hair, and nails.

For the first time, Cosmopolitan magazine turned the power of beauty selection over to its readers. More than 12,000 passionate beauty enthusiasts cast almost half a million votes, resulting in a definitive list of 73 outstanding beauty products across skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails. Every product on this prestigious list represents the trusted, time-tested, and innovative picks of real users who know their beauty essentials inside and out.

Read on to discover 2022’s most beloved can’t-live-without beauty staples, tried-and-true favorites, new launches, and game-changing tools—plus expert commentary and tips to help you build your own award-winning routine.

How the Readers’ Choice Awards Were Chosen

The 2022 Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards were unique for one simple reason: every nominated and winning product was selected based on reader votes and detailed preferences. Through online surveys and voting platforms, Cosmo compiled hundreds of thousands of data points to tally the winners. No editors, influencers, or brands influenced the outcome—just real consumers, real votes, and real results.

Skincare Winners

If there was any doubt that skincare is the foundation of any beauty routine, the overwhelming response from readers erased it. From gentle cleansers to powerhouse moisturizers and innovative treatments, these products topped the list for transforming and maintaining radiant skin.

Best Facial Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser emerged as the run-away winner, earning more votes than any other product in the competition. The sulfate-free formula is gentle yet effective, removing makeup and debris without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier or causing irritation. Readers especially loved how it leaves skin soft, clean, and hydrated—no tightness, no residue, and no fuss.

Best Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This dermatologist-recommended staple also received Hall of Fame status in the awards. Users raved about the ultra-hydrating formula that delivers serious moisture to both the face and body. With ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it locks in hydration without feeling sticky or greasy, working beautifully under makeup or as an overnight mask. “The hydration is unreal,” noted one reader, encapsulating the consensus among thousands of satisfied fans.

Best Hand Cream: Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream

Eucerin’s hardworking formula earned its spot for dramatically smoothing and healing dry, cracked hands. Thanks to a blend of humectants (like glycerin), barrier-repairing ceramides, and shea butter, it delivers lasting comfort in a no-nonsense, fragrance-free package suitable for sensitive skin.

Best Body Cream: Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream

Loaded with seven skin-loving oils and nourishing shea butter, Fenty Skin’s Butta Drop is as luscious as it is effective. Readers adored its whipped texture—rich, hydrating, but never sticky—and the lasting softness it delivers to every inch below the chin. The decadent, whipped formula feels indulgent, luxurious, and perfect for treating dryness year-round.

Best Body Scrub: Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub

This delightful scrub, featuring crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar crystals, quickly earned a reputation as a shower must-have. The gentle-yet-effective exfoliating action leaves skin baby-soft, silky, and radiant—plus the signature cheirosa scent provides a sensory boost with every use.

Best Self-Tanning Product: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Glow Drops

Self-tanning has never been easier thanks to these glow drops. Mix a few drops into your favorite serum, moisturizer, or body lotion (the more you use, the deeper the tan), and build a believable, streak-free glow that’s fully customizable and beginner-friendly.

Makeup Awards: Top Picks for Face, Eyes, and Lips

Cosmo readers have tried every makeup trick in the book, and their votes created a well-rounded lineup of what actually works—whether you’re a fan of full glam or low-key luminous skin. Here are the color cosmetics that topped the charts in 2022.

Best Foundation: Lightweight formulas that offer natural coverage, high blendability, and long-lasting wear scored highest, including cult classics and a few emerging brands.
Best Concealer: Readers favored crease-resistant, skin-mimicking liquids and sticks that tackle dark circles and blemishes, with many noting all-day wear and easy building.
Best Blush: Creams and liquids edged out powders this year, with praise for formulas that melt seamlessly into the skin and create a genuinely flushed, never chalky, effect.
Best Mascara: The top-voted formulas delivered mind-blowing length, separation, and no-mess removal—no flaking, smearing, or crunching allowed.
Best Lip Product: Comfortable, richly-pigmented shades in classic, hydrating bullet lipsticks and low-maintenance tints defined this year’s winners.
Best Highlighter: Readers gravitated toward finely-milled, blendable formulas that promise glow (not glitter) and flatter every skin tone.

Haircare Heroes: Shampoo, Conditioner, Treatments & Tools

Award-winning haircare came in all forms this year, from budget-friendly drugstore staples to luxe ritual-blurring treatments and high-tech styling devices. Below are the products and tools Cosmo readers refuse to stop repurchasing.

Best Shampoo

Cleanses thoroughly without stripping or overdrying
Addresses scalp health, color preservation, or moisture (depending on formula)
Praised for leaving hair shiny, bouncy, and touchably soft

Best Conditioner

Deeply hydrates and detangles, suitable for all textures
Rinse-out and leave-in favorites with heat protection benefits were standouts

Best Hair Mask

Multi-use masks with nourishing oils and proteins delivered major results for dryness, split ends, and overall manageability, whether used weekly or as an overnight treatment.

Best Hair Styling Tool

Top winners included blow dryer brushes and multi-styling hot tools hailed for reducing frizz, speeding up styling, and delivering salon-worthy results at home

Best Heat Protection Spray

Lightweight, non-greasy formulas that guard hair against heat and UV damage without sacrificing style or volume dominated the votes.

Best Dry Shampoo

Invisible, residue-free finishes and refreshing scent profiles were the gold standard. Readers counted on these to banish oil between washes—extending style without build-up.

Nailcare: Best Polishes, Strengtheners, and Tools

Nailcare had its moment in 2022 as at-home manicures soared in popularity. Readers crowned products that deliver salon-quality results without the price tag or hassle.

Long-wear, quick-dry nail polishes
Cuticle care essentials (oils, balms, and treatments)
DIY gel kits and strengthening top coats
Fast-acting nail polish removers

Honorable Mentions: Pro Treatments & Tools

Some award-winners stood out not only as at-home staples but also for their results when used at salons or by professionals:

Best Pro Facial: Hydrafacial was honored for the third time, securing its Hall of Fame status. Renowned for visible, long-lasting results, it remains the most requested and trusted professional facial service nationwide.
Best At-Home Tool: Multi-tasking LED masks and microcurrent devices, praised for their ease, noticeable improvement in tone/texture, and spa-level results with consistent use.

Readers’ Favorite Hall of Fame Products

Some beauty heroes transcend year-to-year trends and remain perennial favorites, earning their own Hall of Fame accolades. According to readers, these products define their categories and remain repurchased essentials:

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Universally loved for deep hydration, versatility, and dermatologist backing.
Hydrafacial Professional Treatments: Gold standard for results and client loyalty.
A cult-favorite mascara: Known for never smudging, building drama, and lasting all day (product name varies by year based on votes).
Revolutionary serum or oil: Usually a multitasker packed with antioxidants or proven results (such as Vitamin C serums and nourishing oils).

Expert Tips From the Cosmo Beauty Director

Lauren Balsamo, Cosmopolitan’s Beauty Director, weighed in on why readers’ votes matter: “Our community has always influenced which products become true icons. When thousands love and recommend a formula, that’s the ultimate seal of approval.”

Her advice for shopping the awards:

Use the list as a starting point for your next beauty buy—these picks are proven to work by real people with real budgets.
Don’t be afraid to try drugstore or luxury items—winners range from affordable classics to high-end splurges.
Customize your routine: Just because a product won overall doesn’t mean it’s perfect for your skin, hair, or preferences. Test, sample, and build your own all-star lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How were the Cosmopolitan Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards 2022 winners chosen?

Every winner came from reader votes—over 12,000 beauty enthusiasts shared their opinions by casting around half a million votes via surveys and online polls. No editors or industry experts influenced the final selection.

Are these products suitable for all skin tones and hair types?

The list includes a diverse range of products for various needs, but because every individual is unique, check each winner’s target benefits and reviews for the best match for your specific concerns.

Where can I buy these award-winning products?

The majority of top picks are widely available at drugstores, major beauty retailers, and online (Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, brand sites). Some pro treatments like Hydrafacial require a professional visit.

How often are the Readers’ Choice Awards held?

Cosmopolitan plans to curate this annual roundup every year—be on the lookout for future surveys to share your top picks and help shape the next edition.

Are there any professional beauty services recognized?

Yes. In addition to at-home products, pro facial treatments like Hydrafacial were crowned for outstanding results, innovation, and client satisfaction.

Final Thoughts: Building Your Ultimate Beauty Routine

Whether you’re hunting for a new skincare hero, makeup game-changer, or hair tool that finally delivers on its promises, the Cosmopolitan Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards 2022 are your go-to guide. Each product featured on this list is beloved for a reason—transformative effects, lasting results, and the ultimate test: thousands of loyal, real-world fans. Use this guide as inspiration, and may your routine be as award-winning as the nominees themselves.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete