The SL Editors Share Their Highlights Of 2022

One highlight that stands out this year the launch of Soho Skin (2) – the ingredients and formulations are so impressive. If you only try one thing, make it the Liquid Exfoliator – it dissolves dead skin cells and gives your skin a healthy glow.

I discovered so many content creators this year too, notably Gemma Peace – @GemmaPeaceMakeUp (3) – who uploads the most incredible make-up tutorials. Her recommendations are sound, too – she has an impeccable eye for great products. Also, I’m so happy the brilliant Rafeeka Khan (4) has joined us as a SheerLuxe contributor.

Looking ahead, I can’t wait to see some new brands land in the UK – notably Merit Beauty which is coming in February. If there was ever a brand to have on your radar, this is the one. I’m thrilled to see MAKE Beauty back as well, you can find it on Revolve. More than just pretty packaging, its multi-tasking formulas have you covered for any eventuality. Finally, I’m excited to see more natural deodorants popping up from some pretty big brands – a few of the launches are still embargoed, so watch this space.

It feels like all aspects of ‘wellness’ have had a shake-up over the last couple of years – from where we exercise to what’s on our plate – but if one lesson has been learned this year, it’s the importance of rest and self-care. Brands like Wunder Workshop, Higher Dose (1) and Sensate (2) are making proper rest more accessible than ever, while treatments focusing specifically on stress reduction are everywhere, from Dr David Jack's Mindful Facial, which incorporates hypnotherapy, to the mindfulness massage at ESPA at The Corinthia (3), which was developed alongside a leading neuroscientist. Be sure to book in for a workshop at Re:Mind (4) in January, too. The meditation studio has joined forces with Self Space, the first brand in the UK to offer therapy on the high street, to create sessions that combine breathwork with sound healing and therapist-led practices. 

I see people turning to holistic therapies like acupuncture, too – so keep an eye out for more from Jo Ellner and Ross J Barr (and in the meantime, get involved with his Calm Patches). One dark November evening, I had the pleasure of joining the incredible Michelle Roques O’Neil for one of her new micro-retreats – a 90-minute session of meditation, breathwork and healing. Michelle will be holding these monthly from January. Reiki with Katy Boughey was also a highlight as was an astrology reading with Miranda Cook from The Wootique.

When it comes to nutrition, blood sugar control has been a big topic in wellness this year. I loved interviewing The Glucose Goddess in April – her practical tips for avoiding energy slumps and balancing hormones have been a game-changer. And if you’re looking for new supplements, check out Invivo, one of the most exciting brands that’s doing things differently, all with gut health in mind.

Designer and creative director Sophie Ashby opened Blewcoat (1) in May, the first dedicated design destination for Studio Ashby and its homeware brand, Sister by Studio Ashby. Acting as a window into the Studio Ashby interiors universe, the Grade I-listed Blewcoat School building has been transformed into an appointment-only shoppable destination.

Fashion-designer-turned-homeware-maker Henry Holland (2) has really delivered this year. From his chequerboard and marbled ceramics to the incredible glassware, his designs are original and full of joy. Yes, they’re investment pieces, but they’re also future heirlooms. You can read about them here. Also, if you love the idea of wallpaper but don’t have the boldness or budget to do it, this year’s border revival is welcome news. They’re cooler than first time round, with designers such as Ottoline (3) and Susie Atkinson leading the way.

Of all the home tours I’ve featured this year, this London apartment designed by Irene Gunter is the one that stands out. Full of attention to detail – from the fluting behind the kitchen cabinets to the two-tone master suite – my favourite part of the design is the dining banquette that overlooks the garden. It feels fresh and contemporary but works well with the period features of the property. 

Finally, October saw the launch of one of my favourite new sustainable furniture brands. Maie’s inaugural piece is this stunning coffee table, made entirely from natural stone and expertly crafted by London-based Diespeker & Co (4). The brand’s ‘slow furniture’ model means all pieces are made to order to avoid unnecessary waste, while offcuts are repurposed into accessories that are included with every order. 

2022 has been such an exciting year for new openings across the travel, restaurant and events world – it’s been hard to keep up with the amount of newness, especially in London which has had a new lease of life post-pandemic. That said, there are a few places that really stood out this year. In March I visited Palazzo Fiuggi, an impressive hotel spa in Fiuggi, a traditional Italian village known for its famous healing waters. The facilities were excellent and the food, by celebrity chef Heinz Beck, was a real highlight. Back in the UK, Leonardslee House (1) in West Sussex reopened its doors earlier this year after a huge renovation with ten luxe bedrooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant, while The Retreat at Elcot Park (2) in Berkshire nabbed this year’s Sunday Times hotel of the year – unsurprising as it offers excellent value for money compared to other boutique hotels. 

I recently spent a festive day with my friends in the capital and we started with drinks at the Royal Opera House’s rooftop bar which is now open to the general public – you don’t need tickets to the opera or to book a table to visit. From there, we had cocktails and bar snacks at Common Decency – the glamorous basement bar at NoMad London (3) is one of 2022’s best openings. I also have to mention Koko in Camden which had a mega renovation in the spring and is such a cool venue – I can’t wait to go to a few gigs there next year and also swing by the newly opened Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace (4) in White City for a skating session.