Vicki’s December Beauty Faves

As another year comes and goes, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to try so many stellar products in the last 12 months. Below, I’ve rounded up my faves from the month of December, while I eagerly await to see what 2022 brings. —Vicki Duong

the inkey list peptide moisturizer. When it comes to moisturizing products, sometimes the K.I.S.S. method is best. While bells and whistles may be nice, a simple moisturizer can be just as effective as higher-end counterparts. Lately, my fave has been the Peptide Moisturizer ($19) from The INKEY List. It absorbs quickly with peptides and collagen to help your skin look plump and healthy plus the easy pump jar ensures you always use the perfect amount.

marcelle face powder. Whether you have oily skin or looking to set your makeup for a long lasting look, the mattifying face powder ($18) from Marcelle is sure to be your new beauty bff. I love that Marcelle is a Canadian brand and their powder is talc-free and enriched with vitamin E for a natural finish. Need more reason to try out this drugstore wonder? At 55 g it’s much larger than most face powders and sure to last you for months to come.

rare beauty bronzer stick. While sunny days may still be a ways away, there’s no reason why we can’t fake a sun-kissed complexion. The new bronzer sticks ($30) from Rare Beauty makes application a breeze. The formulation is blend-able and buildable and never creases with the ideal warm undertone that looks bronzy and never orangey.

crest whitening emulsion. New to Crest, this whitening formula ($55) features a convenient pen to apply a whitening gel to your teeth without any sensitivity. What makes this new product different from other at-home whitening products is that the emulsion allows for a thinner layer of application that starts working in under a minute and doesn’t need to be rinsed off.

heritage store rosewater face mist. I’m a girl who loves roses, even if it comes in a bottle. The Heritage Store’s rosewater face mist ($15) features hydrating Damask rose oil that will leave your skin feeling soft and supple while a boost of glycerin ensures your skin never feels stripped. Plus, the spray is ideal for makeup prep or setting!

rose inc cream blush. This past year has been the year for cream blush and I could not be more thrilled. Cream blush is formulated to melt into your skin leaving behind a buildable flush suitable for eyes, lips or face. One of my faves as of late is the formulation ($40) from a new brand, Rose Inc, founded by model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Plus, the packaging is refillable!

u beauty multimodal defender SPF30. Repeat after me: “You still need to wear SPF protection in the winter.” Well, multitasking and sun protection has never been easier than with the U Beauty broad spectrum SPF30 ($168.) Not only does it provide protection against UVA, UVB, infrared and blue light rays but it also treats hyperpigmentation, dark spots and fine lines with a blend of natural oils and shea butter.

JVN hair drops. Our fave Queer Eye’s eponymous haircare line, JVN has a new shine drops ($28) and I am smitten. The oil leaves a light citrus and floral scent, while a silicone-free blend boasts unparallel shine and hydration without weighing down your tresses. No bad hair days ahead with these nourishing drops.

ardell magnetic liquid liner & lash. Leave it to Ardell to revolutionize the wear we wear false lashes yet again. This duo ($29) is perfect for lash newbies, the glue doubles as a liquid eyeliner that once dry attracts the magnetic strips along the lashes for a secure, but easy application, no additional adhesive required.