The 2023 Beauty You Still Have Time to Try
December 17 | 3 minute read
Words by Samantha Brigden
Whether you’re a strawberry, tomato or latte makeup lover, 2023 was a big year for beauty. With a new (often food-inspired) hashtag popping up each and every week, the trends just kept on coming – and personally, we couldn’t get enough.
Before we usher in a new year and the new trends it will inevitably bring with it, we thought it was time for a look back on the year that was. More than just fleeting moments to be forgotten in time, this is the 2023 beauty that we think could stand the test of time – or already has!
The scents spritzed by everyone’s favourite ‘it girl’
Ever since Sofia Richie Grainge's dreamy French wedding (and her equally dreamy makeup look), she's been at the forefront of just about all of the year’s biggest beauty trends.
So, when she said Jo Malone London’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne was her "favourite, favourite scent”, we took note. Like a sea breeze in a bottle, Richie Grainge says this makes her feel “safe and calm." Want to embrace her quiet luxury vibes? We recommend grabbing the brand's limited-edition Cologne Collection (it also includes her signature daily scent, the English Pear & Freesia Cologne!).
The primer that’s still trending after 22 years
Skincare-makeup hybrids have never been more popular, but Bobbi Brown was on that train years ago. That’s why the Vitamin Enriched Face Base is still one of the bestselling primers on the market.
Powered by plumping, hydrating skincare ingredients (like shea butter and vitamins), this primer-meets-moisturiser creates the smoothest, silkiest base for makeup – and acts as two steps in one!
The Baccarat Rouge love is being taken all over
The perfect balance of sweet, spiced and woody notes, Baccarat Rouge 540 immediately became the signature scent of countless beauty lovers – and in 2023, the iconic fragrance was layered on from top to toe.
If you're a Baccarat Rouge lover (who isn't?), you can’t go past the Baccarat Rouge 540 Shimmering Oil. Infused with real 24-carat gold, this is a grown-up take on the kind of body shimmers we were seeing everywhere in the 2000s – perfectly leaning into 2023’s tendency for Y2K nostalgia!
The boost your moisture barrier needed
This year was all about strengthening our moisture barrier, and one ingredient popped up constantly: niacinamide. A staple for supporting our barrier and reducing the appearance of redness, pores and breakouts, Sunday Riley's new B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum came at the perfect time.
Lucky for you, their limited-edition Nice Work set features it in full size, alongside three of their most loved treatments in mini – the perfect way to see what all the fuss is about.
The ultimate your-lips-but-better colour
Sometimes, rediscovering a classic is best. Enter: Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. From Molly Ringwald in that Breakfast Club scene to a teenage Drew Barrymore, this beloved shade is just as iconic now as it was in the ’80s and ’90s.
This time, it was Gen Z’s turn to experience the magic – and post about it all over TikTok, naturally. The timing was just right; it fits right in with our current penchant for low-key, effortless beauty, delivering a sheer, jammy tint that suits just about everyone.
The home scents bringing the #TomatoGirl vibes
While we embraced a pop of red on our cheeks (and lips and noses), Flamingo Estate brought the trend to our homes with their Roma Heirloom Tomato candle – aka one of Oprah’s favourite scents.
In our opinion, the best way to try this one out (and a couple of the other delicious, garden-inspired fragrances from the range) is The Ambiance Set. With two of each scent, gift one to yourself and one to your fellow tomato lover!
Read more about the trending scents taking (literal) notes from your vegetable garden.
The foundation that was trending on the London Tube
Sabrina Bahsoon (aka #TubeGirl) created a phenomenon strutting through carriages on the London tube – and M·A·C Cosmetics were quick to take note, teaming up to promote their new Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation.
Within days, beauty editors and influencers everywhere were raving about its lightweight, luminosity-boosting formula. Considering every complexion launch from the brand becomes a cult classic, we recommend adding this to your bag ASAP.
The candle on Carrie Bradshaw’s (and every beauty editor’s) shelves
Oh, Baies. Nothing fulfils our #cottagecore fantasies quite like this candle that conjures images of berry jam and a fresh-picked roses. This year, we learnt that Carrie Bradshaw is just as big a fan as us, when it was spotted on her shelves in And Just Like That.
One of this year’s (and every year’s) most loved scents, this is your chance to treat yourself to its ultimate form: a giant Holiday Candle weighing in at a whopping 5 kg. Go on, Carrie would approve…
It's not just fictional editors that love Baies – read about the scent's celebrity fans here!
