As 2023 comes to a close, we’re eager to reflect on the year in more ways than one. From nostalgic makeup products that blew up TikTok to sustainable skin-care innovations that reshaped our routines, the last 12 months have been a playground for beauty editors to rediscover old formulas—and fall in love with new ones.
Our Top Picks
This year saw a slew of celebrity makeup launches and luxe beauty salves from the most beloved fashion houses. On the other hand, we saw contemporary, minimalist-forward brands find their ground, with formulas (and accessories!) that blend the lines between makeup, skin care, and fashion. We were served viral TikTok products on the daily and clean beauty innovations that didn’t just change the game, but our approach to ingredients entirely. That said, with so much good newness to choose from, paring down the year’s best beauty products has been no easy feat.
Some items are noteworthy for the lasting impact they leave on our ever-evolving marketplace, while others are special simply because they make us feel good. We asked Vogue beauty editors here and in London to detail the beauty finds (both new or old!) that were truly game-changing for them this year. From high-tech gadgets to newfound signature scents, read on to discover our picks.
Merit Beauty Bronze Balm
Merit Beauty can do no wrong. Arguably the makeup launch of the year, there are very few brands that can, or have, staged a takeover of my makeup bag in the way that this one has. There is Flush Balm (which our dear Georgia Day had earmarked as one of her favorites, so I chose to spotlight another), the Highlighting Balm, and then the Bronze Balm, a radiance-inducing stick that delivers the healthiest of warm glows in a few simple swipes. It’s my new daily staple. —Jessica Diner, European beauty and wellness director
Redken One United Leave In Conditioner
My hair has never felt softer or looked smoother post-blow-dry. Typically, leave-in products weigh my hair down in a bad way, making it feel sticky or stiff, but this goes on like water and makes my hair behave in the best way. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara
I’ve really leveled up my makeup game this year—cheers to that!—thanks to great technique and even greater products. It was hard to choose my favorite for this story, but I realized my biggest win was in the eyelash realm. Over the past two years, I’ve been religious with eyelash-growth serum application, and I finally have fluffy lashes to show for it—lengthened and voluminous with Victoria Beckham’s Vast Last mascara. Funnily enough, it is the first—and only—mascara that’s scored me eyelash compliments. And I do not take that lightly! —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Therabody TheraFace LED Mask
I’ve tried nearly every LED mask on the market, but in my opinion, none compare to Therabody’s newest addition. It delivers the trifecta: quick treatment time, full face coverage, and (best of all) relaxing massage. Nodules at the temples and through the head strap provide nine minutes of utter bliss, which you can switch on and off during the LED treatment or use alone for tension relief. What’s more, the bulbs cycle through red, near infrared, and blue light in a single, streamlined session, so it’s a no-faff way to target fine lines, dull skin, and acne that the time-poor will love. —Tracy Achonwa, commerce beauty and wellness writer
Sarah Chapman Digital Shield
Our skin goes through so much on a daily basis, so it can be hard to know where to begin in protecting it. This beautifully textured cream has become a staple in my skin-care routine, as it combines a host of active ingredients to defend against oxidative stress from pollution and blue light, as well as anti-fatigue ingredients to energize the skin. —Georgia Day, contributing beauty and wellness editor
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Longwear Gel Eyeliner
If you like a soft, smudgy feline flick, this gel liner from Selena Gomez’s makeup line, Rare Beauty, is waterproof and really effective. A great formula to work into your lash line, it lasts on greasy eyelids and is super-easy to apply. Everyone should have one in their makeup bag. —Hannah Coates, beauty and wellness editor
Angela Caglia Cell Forte Serum With BIOMSC
Sarah Brown, the queen of Violet Lab and the OG Vogue beauty editor who brought me into the fold, recommended this serum to me (Caglia does Amal Clooney’s facials), and it keeps selling out. It has just been restocked, so I can finally sing its praises. I love anything with wound-healing capabilities, and this is full of growth factors that skip any creepy-sounding ingredients. —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Nudestix Nudies Cream Blush
After I covered Sofia Richie’s (exclusive to Vogue) wedding beauty look earlier this year, I tried some of the products she mentioned. The packaging doesn’t thrill me, but the product inside does look very natural on the skin. —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Hermès Trait d’Hermès Mascara
Firstly, there is the Pierre Hardy–perfect packaging that is tactile and satisfyingly weighty. Then there is the wand, that by some happy coincidence is shaped like the letter H to act as a reservoir for the seriously good formula that it dispenses, which if it weren’t the best mascara I have tried in years (seriously, years), I would feel was too gimmicky. But it isn’t. Because it’s incredible. And I have been telling anyone who will listen ever since I have had it in my possession. —Jessica Diner, European beauty and wellness director
IGK Body Language Rice Water Plumping and Thickening Mist
I’ve been spraying this in as a first styling step and it practically doubles the thickness of my fine toddler hair, without feeling sticky. —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Chanel Ombré Première Libre Loose Eyeshadow
Smoky eyes in a sweep. This finely milled eye-shadow powder has fast become one of my go-tos for getting ready in a hurry for a night out. When you use the ergonomically designed dauber, it dispenses just the right amount of product needed to smoke out each eyelid, so no need for a separate brush, which saves time. —Jessica Diner, European beauty and wellness director
L’Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Shampoo
Not only has this range improved the health and texture of my hair, it also smells like a boutique fragrance and leaves a trail of scent whenever I swish my hair. Inspired by skin-care serums, it’s also pretty smart and rebuilds the molecular structure of your hair fiber to keep it strong and smooth. —Lauren Murdoch-Smith, senior beauty and wellness editor
Saltair AHA Deodorant
I find deodorant so annoying, mostly because even the ones that claim to be invisible transfer to black T-shirts. This clear liquid, which comes in a roll-on, has never done me wrong. Even better, instead of covering up scent, it uses acids to balance the flora and fauna of the armpit. It smells like a glamorous perfume (cough, cough, Le Labo), not a classic single-note deodorant. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint
To know Bobbi Brown’s original Vitamin Enriched Face Base is to love it. I was introduced to it during the trial for my wedding day makeup, and I have been hooked ever since—it acts as the perfect nourishing base for makeup that won’t slide or pill. So when this tinted version launched, I knew it would be an instant favorite, and it was. Ten out of ten, hard recommend. —Jessica Diner, European beauty and wellness director
Matière Première Crystal Saffron Eau de Parfum
I get compliments on this every day! It’s perfectly sharp and has a scent molecule in it that has an “addictive” quality. I picked it up in Paris and then loved it so much I hosted a whole Vogue 100 master class with the team—it smells like success! —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Oil
I’ve already raved about the wonders Mielle’s rosemary oil has done for my hair—mostly because it actually works. The product is by no means new, but with strengthening biotin, scalp-refreshing peppermint extract, and restoring rosemary, it will always have a place in my arsenal. One of the best hair-growth oils of all time. —Tracy Achonwa, commerce beauty and wellness writer
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
The hype around the K18 hair mask is valid—this stuff really works! Launched in 2021, it fell off my radar for a bit, buried beneath newer hair-care solutions on my “to test” list. But one fateful day this summer, I found a bottle. To strengthen and repair my mane in between braids appointments, I gave it a go. Beloved for its bond repair technology, the formula is designed to improve hair’s resilience, bounce, softness, and shine in just four minutes. Plus it’s known to work on every hair type. (I have thick 4B curls, for what it’s worth.) —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
As the kind of woman whose pockets and purses contain a multitude of lip products at any given time, I really didn’t need to be tempted by Mrs. Bieber’s lip launches this year. Alas, I’ve been through two tubes of the colorless Peptide Lip Treatments already and am completely enamored with the (now-sold-out) Peptide Lip Tints. Nourishing and flattering with a formula that smooths lines on the lips, this nonsticky balm has not only made it into my existing lip gloss roster, it’s replaced it entirely. —Tracy Achonwa, commerce beauty and wellness writer
Diptyque Papier Eau de Parfum
It takes a lot for me to introduce a new fragrance into my life, but as soon as I encountered this one, it was game on. It’s musk based, with a sensual, skinlike quality, and unusual notes like mimosa, blond woods, sesame, and rice steam all combine to add an intensely creamy, nutty undertone that is just so more-ish. A forever fragrance. —Georgia Day, contributing beauty and wellness editor
WTHN Crystal Ear Seeds
I wrote all about why I start my day with ear seeds. These crystal ones look so cute, and depending on where I put them, they’ll energize me when I have jet lag or chill my head out when I have a migraine. They’re my favorite pocket-size wellness tool and perfect for parties. —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Beauty Pie AcidEnzyme Exfoliating Face & Body Cleanser
Another product my acne-prone skin can’t get enough of. It is gentle and helps regulate my sebum levels so I don’t break out as often—and the bottle is massive, so it lasts a while. Its acne-fighting 2% salicylic acid formula reduces inflammation and redness, as well as removes dead skin cells. Don’t be afraid to use it on your body if you break out there too. —Twiggy Jalloh, beauty and wellness associate
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil
I love body oils with all my heart and soul, especially during cold weather, and this has slotted its way into my all-time top three. Have you ever used a product that puts a smile on your face as you apply it? If you haven’t, you need to experience this formula from Sol de Janiero. It smells divine and feels luxurious to the touch. It will always have a place in my beauty cupboard. —Twiggy Jalloh, beauty and wellness associate
Merit Flush Balm
It’s hard to pick a favorite from Merit’s standout range, which promises a low-key luxe “no-makeup makeup” look, but this blusher really is incredible. Beverly Hills is the perfect dusty pink color, which I think would suit all skin tones, while the texture is sublime—enough pigment so as not to require constant touch-ups but dewy enough to really bring the skin to life. —Georgia Day, contributing beauty and wellness editor
Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm
No serums or potent treatments are going to work if you don’t start with clean skin. So as someone who wears makeup over half the week, I swear by a double cleanse. I am not into the messiness of an oil and instead prefer to use a cleansing balm. Of the best, Tatcha’s relatively new formula is incredible. It boasts an impressive (and sensorial) balm-to-oil texture that genuinely lifts makeup and dirt off your skin, leaving your face softer and smoother in the process. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
I’m a huge fan of these creamy eyeliners generally, but the latest shade in VB’s collection is just perfection. The warm toffee hue has the familiar buttery soft texture and adds depth and definition to eyes without being too intense. It works just as well for daytime as it does for evening and doesn’t budge. —Georgia Day, contributing beauty and wellness editor
Beauty Pie Shinkai Electrolyte Drench Gel Cream
This high-tech cream, made in Japan, is everything that I look for in a face moisturizer. It is lightweight, sits amazingly under makeup or SPF, and is ridiculously hydrating. I started using it over the summer, when a gel cream is beneficial for oilier skin types. —Jessica Diner, European beauty and wellness director
Prada Monochrome Hyper Matte Lipstick
Industry anticipation around the launch of Prada Beauty was sky-high. Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint. I fell head over heels for the lipsticks—super-matte but simultaneously super-hydrating, with punchy pigments in the most delectable reds, oranges, and pinks. The eye shadows are also worth a mention: Even if you don’t wear it, it’s tempting to buy for the aesthetics alone. Inspired by the Prada fashion print archives, they could easily be cool art pieces, but this isn’t a style-over-substance situation. The formulations are so innovative that the entire range literally feels like skin care—just with color. —Funmi Fetto, contributing beauty and wellness editor
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur
I don’t think I’ve fallen in love with any other skin-care product quite as quickly as I did this one. I have oily, acne-prone skin that needs some extra TLC, and my skin can’t get enough of this sulfur-based clay mask. It absorbs excess oil, targets new breakouts without drying the skin out, and comes off easily with lukewarm water and a muslin cloth. I love it. —Twiggy Jalloh, beauty and wellness associate
U Beauty The Super Tinted Hydrator
Yes, please, to Tina Chen Craig’s tinted moisturizer. The shades and undertones work on all skin tones, and the many potent skin-care benefits you’d expect are there, as well as her signature scent and glow. This is great for those days when you don’t want to look “made up.” —Kathleen Baird-Murray, contributing beauty and wellness editor
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro
I first started using an LED face mask because it looked cool and due to the gentle recommendation of various facialists. But after learning how impactful they can be when it comes to diminishing the look of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne, I now make sure to incorporate a session at least once a week. Dr. Dennis Gross’s is my personal favorite, not just because of its futuristic appeal but due to the blue light it emits, which destroys acne-causing bacteria and helps limit future breakouts. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Refy Lip Collection
The term lip kit makes me shiver, but Refy’s Lip Collection is the opposite of overly matte. A three-piece set, the idea is to choose your own beauty combo: It offers everything you need to achieve the endlessly sexy ’90s supermodel lip as well as a classic monochromatic look and a simple glaze of gloss. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream
Magic Cream is such a great, forever moisturizer, but it was always a little on the heavy side for me, so I was excited when this new, lighter version was introduced. It has a gel cream and lightweight texture, which is easily absorbed, and doesn’t compromise on any of the hydrating brilliance of the original but leaves skin looking moisturized and glowing. —Kathleen Baird-Murray, contributing beauty and wellness editor
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops
On days where I don’t want to put anything on my face, just three drops of this makes me look angelic. —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Orveda The Omnipotent Concentrate
A good all-rounder for anyone who loves a serum but whose skin is feeling fatigued. Great at restoring your skin’s resilience, it’s big on biotech ingredients (good for the planet) and is packed with bio-fermented actives to soothe and restore skin that needs a pop of radiance. —Kathleen Baird-Murray, contributing beauty and wellness editor
La Bouche Rouge Nude L’Extrait de Parfum
Have you ever smelled a perfume and thought: That smells like me? That was my internal dialogue when I first sniffed Nude L’Extrait de Parfum—one of La Bouche Rouge’s inaugural scents. Perfumer Alexandra Monet, who concocted the scent, describes it as a “sensual caress on silken skin, intimate but not innocent,” and I couldn’t agree more. Its blend of fig, bergamot, iris, rose, cedarwood, and guaiac wood is alluring yet personal; fruity yet warm; and layers well with other scents throughout the day. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Estée Lauder Turbo Lash High Powered Volume and Length Mascara
Mascaras come and go, so it’s rare when one makes its way permanently into my makeup bag. Estée Lauder’s Turbo Lash is what I refer to as an old-school mascara: It boasts a big chunky brush with bristles, plus the thick, effective formula doesn’t flake. A winner. —Lauren Murdoch-Smith, senior beauty and wellness editor
Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic
Every year I say I’ll get full-body laser hair removal—and do not. That means my journey to preventing ingrown hairs continues. Thankfully, I discovered the Topicals High Roller—an exfoliating roll-on serum of salicylic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, and zinc PCA designed to unclog pores, brighten dark spots, and limit ingrowns. Let’s just say it lives up to its promises. Ten out of ten, no notes. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush
If you know me, you know I love a cream blush. This one is my new favorite, delivering a dewy, naturally flushed finish. It’s your quick ticket to effortless, outdoorsy skin that radiates health. —Hannah Coates, beauty and wellness editor
Osea Vagus Nerve Oil
As I get older, I appreciate more and more the power of a solid bedtime routine. For me, in order to fall soundly asleep—limiting my anxiety and quieting my thoughts—I’ve learned to train myself to unwind. Here’s what works for me: shower, skin care, cozy pajamas, mood lighting, a candle, a book, and a fragrance. The latter can arrive in various forms via my diffuser, my bedtime perfume, or even a pillow spray. But what I find most effective is Osea’s Vagus Nerve Oil. Admittedly, when I found this in a gift bag a few months ago, I didn’t think much of its claims to “promote a sense of well-being and serenity.” To my surprise, its blend of chamomile, juniper berry, lavender, lemon tea tree, and Moroccan rosemary actually helps me relax and calm down after a long day. The bottle is only 15 ml, so I can easily travel with one in my carry-on to improve my sleep quality while I’m away too. Obsessed with this stuff. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Matte Coverage Concealer
Creamy, weightless, and with customizable coverage, Huda Beauty’s concealer is something of a beauty holy grail. Whether used under the eyes or to spot conceal, it delivers a flawless, budge-proof finish. I keep the compact bottle in my handbag in case I need to touch up—I rarely do, as it lasts all day. A winner for photo ops at evening events too. —Tracy Achonwa, commerce beauty and wellness writer
JINsoon Primrose + Honeysuckle Healing Cuticle Oil
Getting my nails done is rarely an enjoyable experience, so I’ve taken my nail care in-house. Whether it’s press-ons or a simple manicure, I prioritize formulas and treatments that will promote stronger, smoother nail beds. One of my favorites is JINsoon’s Cuticle Oil. The impressive elixir contains 20 natural, nutrient-rich oils and extracts to restore damaged, weak nails. The fact that it’s lightweight and fast absorbing is an added bonus. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Victoria Beckham Beauty San Ysidro Drive Eau de Parfum
I really enjoyed discovering Victoria Beckham’s trio of new fragrances, which launched toward the end of this year. My favorite, San Ysidro Drive, is inspired by her time in California. It’s an intense, unapologetic fragrance, which is not my usual vibe, but there’s something about the notes of pink peony, rose, and black amber that I can’t resist for an evening out. —Lauren Murdoch-Smith, senior beauty and wellness editor
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Colour-Adaptive Cheek + Lipstick
This perfect gel blush started out as a limited-edition product, but the people (including myself) demanded more—and now it’s here to stay! It’s adaptive, which means the shade changes to a bespoke color once it glides across your cheeks. On me, it lends a perky shade, which makes it look like I went on a run (I would never), and the finish is gorgeously glossy. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
Manucurist Paris Nail Polish in Moon
I love that Manucurist is nontoxic and dries quickly, and this Moon shade is the perfect one-coat polish to use when I need to get out the door fast. During couture week in Paris this summer, the company came to my hotel room for one of the best manicures I’ve ever had! Recommend! —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Ava Estelle Winter Body Butter
The colder months give me a chance to slather my body in oils and butters, and I can’t get enough of this one from Ava Estelle. If you prefer a heavier moisturizer that melts into skin, this is the one for you. It gives skin an otherworldly glow and protects it from the elements, plus the tea tree oil adds a refreshing twist. —Twiggy Jalloh, beauty and wellness associate
Olverum Bath Oil
This tiny little bottle, unprepossessing, somehow makes a big impact in the bath. Just a few drops of the natural essential oil and I’m immediately feeling better about the world. It’s got Siberian fir, rosemary, and lavender in it, among other delicious things. —Kathleen Baird-Murray, contributing beauty and wellness editor
Source link
