The Boots beauty trends report 2022 – the looks and launches that are set to be huge
Rachael Martin
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 9 minutes
From a new techy in-store skincare diagnostic tool to Y2K-inspired beauty, discover the brands and new products that are going to dominate the year ahead
It’s 2022 and the landscape of the beauty industry is transforming. Following the past couple of years of uncertainty, beauty halls are welcoming us back with open arms to make up for lost time and try, test and, most importantly, play with our favourite cosmetics once again. What joy! The virtual is being replaced with the IRL and Boots is on hand to make the transition go all the more smoothly with in-house expertise and the latest and greatest skincare, haircare and make-up launches to ensure that our baskets are filled to the brim with the most exciting beauty buys.
Over the past 24 months, Boots has continued to increase its amazing beauty offerings, launching 68 cult brands, including Kylie Skin and Kylie Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, Kiehl’s and 17., and redesigning more than 125 premium beauty halls across the UK. What’s more, there’s also more than 1,000 Boots beauty specialists in stores, offering tailored, brand-neutral beauty advice. It’s safe to say we’re onto some pretty big stuff.
But what’s next in beauty? From millennium era-inspired cosmetics to game-changing skincare diagnostics, we take you through what’s going to be big in 2022. It’s certain to provide plenty of must-add-to-basket inspo for the coming months.
Skin-centred
When it comes to looking after our skin, times have changed. We’re over reaching for the latest fad. Instead, we’re taking time out to research and choose products that work for our individual needs. And when our social feeds are packed with instant access to dermatologists (there’s 68m views on the TikTok hashtag #DermTok), it's safe to say science-based skincare is a trend that’s here to stay.
Boots are quenching our thirst for skin-centred brands, championing formulas that are all about ‘great skin for life’. Skincare that gets the job done is at the forefront of many of our minds, with ingredients like peptides and ceramides among the ones topping our shopping wishlists. In fact, both have seen a spike in searches on boots.com (54% and 66% respectively). The brands that have seen the biggest growth in sales? La Roche-Posay is up 49%, The Inkey List is up 92% and CeraVe is up 54%, suggesting we just can’t get enough of skin-centred brands.
What’s more, No7 has just launched a free, first-of-its-kind Pro Derm Scan; a game-changing new diagnostics service available in Boots stores nationwide. Using a handheld dermatologist-grade diagnostic device, it analyses skin condition and tone, giving customers the opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of their skin so that they can tailor their skincare to their specific needs and concerns. Just the tech we all need to channel our inner skin-tellectual.
Skin-centred must-haves
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser for Dry Skin
- Size: 236ml
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
This new cleanser contains three essential ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help protect the skin’s natural barrier and keep your complexion feeling smooth and comfortable. Massage it in every morning and night to remove dirt, oil and impurities. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it’s less likely to block pores.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Size: 30ml
If you’re yet to get acquainted with hyaluronic acid, then consider this your cue. This super ingredient is capable of holding 1,000x its weight in water and works across multiple layers of the skin, targeting dry patches for a plumper complexion.
Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Maretinol Oil
- Size: 30ml
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
- 100% free of essential oils and fragrance
Say hello to the ultimate beauty ingredient combination: a gentle but effective dose of 0.5% vegan retinol with barrier-supportive, plant-derived ceramides and pure, antioxidant-rich virgin marula oil. The results? An improvement in the appearance of fine lines and a plumper, more youthful complexion. All without redness or irritation.
A dose of dopamine
We’re predicting that the mood-boosting potential of skincare, bodycare and haircare will ramp up to a whole new level. And who could be mad about that?
These days, we’re moving beyond rituals and the idea that beauty is all about ‘self-care’ and ‘me-time’. Instead, we’re using it as a tool to help inject moments of pleasure into our day-to-day lives. According to Mintel, 45% of 16-34 year olds now indulge in beauty routines as a way to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety*.
So, whether it’s a pop of colour, a touch of texture or a spritz of scent, we’re raising our spirits to joyous levels by savouring the escapism that beauty brings. Here’s to fun, wonder and pure, unadulterated pleasure.
Dopamine-boosting beauties
Philip Kingsley Carabao Mango & Hibiscus Elasticizer
- Size: 75ml
When scent has the power to have you dreaming of tropical destinations, it’s no wonder we’re obsessed with this hair nourishing pre-conditioning treat and treatment. Inspired by the tranquillity of a tropical oasis, its fruity, floral fragrance helps you indulge in some glorious serenity. Dreamy hair, and an even dreamier escape.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream
- Size: 50ml
Brimming with essential omegas and botanical oils, this new launch works to help restore your skin’s lipid barrier for a plumper, healthier-looking complexion come morning. The cloud-like texture is a sensory treat and acts as a true beauty indulgence. Bliss!
Soap & Glory Call Of Fruity Body Wash
- Size: 500ml
This refreshing shower gel is the ultimate mood-bolsterer. Scented with the tantalising blend of tropical fruits and hibiscus, it foams into a rich lather that cleanses and refreshes skin. Close your eyes, lay back and take in the glorious goodness.
All together beautiful
We’re saying goodbye to old beauty standards and hello to a multifaceted approach where barriers associated with colour, gender, age and body shape are removed.
With this in mind, Boots has launched its #AllTogetherBeautiful campaign with a commitment to be the most inclusive beauty hall on the high-street, with the campaign itself aiming to empower and help celebrate the infinite cultural and societal iterations of beauty.
And whether it’s through skincare, haircare or cosmetics, Boots is pledging to be part of the movement that plans to slowly liberate what beauty means. By including brands that tackle “taboos”, from puberty through to menopause, Boots recognises that we’re searching for products as diverse as our lives. Beauty without boundaries, anyone?
Beauty buys to make you feel #AllTogetherBeautiful
Liz Earle Cleanse & Glow Transforming Gel Cleanser
- Size: 150ml
- Cruelty free
- Fully recyclable tube
This deep-cleansing melting formula – and follow-up to the cult Cleanse & Polish – helps remove everything from make-up to pollutants, leaving behind soft, supple and radiant skin. It also boasts some pretty lovely ingredients, from acerola cherry, which is brimming with vitamin C, to organic black bee honey for unrivalled skin-smoothing results.
Pantene Hair Biology Menopause Shampoo For Thinning Hair
- Size: 250ml
- 0% colourant
During the menopause, hair has the potential to become thinner and more brittle, so this pick is the ideal shampoo swap. Gentle enough for daily use, it hydrates parched strands and calms the scalp. All this, without scrimping on shine and volume.
No7 Restore & Renew Serum Foundation SPF30
- Size: 30ml
- 100% recyclable packaging
No7 has just reformulated some of its cosmetics line with inclusivity at its core, creating make-up shades based on skin tone and scientific analysis, meaning we can all now find our perfect match. This serum foundation is bursting with skincare benefits including collagen, pro-retinol, ceramide complex and vitamin C to work below the surface.
Affordable beauty
Great beauty needn’t cost the earth. And the rise in the cost of living needn’t mean reverting to throwaway products either. Instead, savvy consumerism is becoming an art and a necessity. Boots is on board, producing affordable beauty that really performs, with cost never equating to quality. Whether it’s Revolution, Sleek, or E.L.F. there’s an array of purse-friendly brands, enabling us to have on point make-up for less than £10.
Budget beauty must-buys
17. Ink Legend Tattoo Eyeliner
- Five shades
- Vegan friendly
Boots has brought back 17. make-up – and it’s proving a serious beauty staple. This liquid eyeliner comes in five intense colours for every style and lasts from day to night – not a smudge in sight. Winging it never looked so good.
Revolution Candy Haze Cloud Gazer Shadow Palette
- Size: 16g
- Cruelty-free
- 16 shades
This pretty palette is what pastel dreams are made of. We’ve been sweeping Wanderlust across our lids and dusting a layer of Sky in the outer corners. Euphoria eyes in an instant.
Read more about the full Candy Haze collection in our deep-dive.
Green beauty
When it comes to the credentials behind our cosmetics, it turns out most of us want more than just bang for our buck. Google Trends tells us that we’re all about sustainability with almost nine out of ten shoppers looking for brands that boast a sustainable and ethical ethos as standard. A great example? Bybi, which is launching its first-ever carbon negative beauty product, a luxurious face oil costing just £12.
Boots is also doing its bit. Whether it’s through the launch of plastic-free formats or via the Recycle at Boots scheme, Boots agrees that helping save the planet should be accessible to all. It’s so far recycled over 19 tonnes of empty beauty, health and wellness products and Boots customers have now banked more than one million empties through the scheme.
Sustainable swaps you’ll love
Boots Glow Reusable Cleansing Pads
- Contains six
- 84% viscose fibre + 16% polyester
The perfect sustainable beauty swap, these new cleansing pads are a must have. Simply pair with a micellar water and sweep across the face to remove traces of make-up. After, wash them in the washing machine at 30C. No waste in sight.
Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Charcoal Cleansing Bar
- Size: 100g
- Vegan
We love this charcoal cleansing bar, which is bursting with tea tree oil and witch hazel. Lather with warm water, apply directly to your face and leave on for 30 seconds before rinsing. And just like that, glowing, gorgeous skin.
Skin-tegrity of hair
Our hair can so often equate to how confident we feel and our identity – and Boots is recognising this. With skincare ingredients cropping up everywhere, it’s no wonder the same is happening in haircare, as we choose science-driven formulas that nourish and hydrate the scalp, evolving way beyond a wash-and-go philosophy. And we’re here for it.
Whether it’s Adam Reed’s new Arkive range that ‘gives your scalp the skincare it needs’ or Andrew Fitzsimons’ new ceramide and amino acid-rich Virgin Repair collection, there’s something for everyone. Both brands are exclusive to Boots.
The mane-eventers
Arkive The Crown Scalp Scrub
- Size 180 ml
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Searches containing the term ‘scalp’ have gone up by 170% on Boots**. And is it any wonder, when a healthy scalp = healthy locks? This scrub from celebrity hairdresser Adam Reed mixes a blend of oils, fruit enzymes and menthol to awaken your scalp. Use weekly for beautiful strands.
Andrew Fitzsimons Repair Moisture Mask for Damaged Hair
- Size: 250ml
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Hairdresser to the stars (Kimmy K and J.Lo to be exact), Andrew Fitzsimons, has launched a new hair range that’s as good as it looks. Formulated with ceramides, this deeply conditioning hair mask helps protect the hair from future damage and leaves it looking super shiny, soft and smooth.
Maximalist make-up
We’re saying goodbye to the minimalism of lockdown and hello to beauty that embodies celebration and escapism. Whether it’s gorgeous glass-like skin or a daring bold lip, we’re ready to bring back the fun and experimentation.
With an emphasis on make-up that ‘rejects commitment and acts on instinct’, we’re taking inspo from everything, whether that’s Julia Fox’s graphic liner or Euphoria-inspired glitter. And it seems we’re not alone when it comes to a more arts and crafts approach towards beauty with searches for ‘gems’ on boots.com more than doubling in the last three months†.
So, whether it’s freshening up your everyday look or creating something new and bold, the options are endless. And that’s just how we like it.
Maximimalist must-buys
MACStack Mascara Mega Brush
- Size: 12ml
- Formulated without animal-derived ingredients
This new mascara went viral on TikTok recently – and for good reason. The formula allows you to build layer after layer for lashes that stay perfectly defined and feathery soft – no clumping, no flaking, no smudging. We like to apply with a wiggling motion at the root, which allows for the most voluminous finish.
Sleek MakeUP False Eyelashes – Medium Wispy Drama
- Latex free
- Synthetic
Great lashes with minimal effort, these falsies are sure to have you standing out from the crowd. Suitable for naturally thick and curlier lashes, this versatile, reusable set is sure to become your beauty BFF. Apply pre-night out for eyes to mesmerise. Need a helping hand? Check out our ultimate guide to false lashes.
Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick
- Five shades
- Vegan
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
This beautifully buildable and moisturising cream blush stick is a total dream to apply thanks to its infusion of lychee extract and vitamin E. Apply with fingertips for a juicy finish that melts into skin. Gorgeous!
So, there we have it. We think you’ll agree when we say that 2022 is set to be a year of beauty magic – we’re talking discovery, joy and freedom. And, most importantly, we’re talking beauty for everyone. Count us in.
