And just like that, another year has flown by. Here we are, in the liminal last weeks of December, staring down 2023 with mixed emotions. Preeminent nostalgia? By the bucketful. Anxiety? A little suspicion? Yes, those too. But mostly, there’s excitement, hope, and the resolve to manifest the best versions of ourselves. Whether you do that by setting resolutions or making a vision board, the new year energy is inescapable. To get a head start on what’s to come in 2023, I asked some experts for their 2023 beauty trend predictions. And boy, did they deliver.
As a beauty writer, I’m always curious about how the new year will look for (and on) me. In pictures, what trends will I embrace—and which will I regret? Will new laugh lines emerge on my face and what skincare will I adopt to prevent them? Will I finally cut bangs or dye my hair the copper shade I’ve been threatening all 2022? Only time—and seasoned beauty industry vets—will tell.
Featured image courtesy of Stella Simona.
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Experts Share Their 2023 Beauty Trend Predictions
To see into the future, all you need is the help of some trend-predicting experts. From founders to estheticians, I surveyed the best beauty experts in the business to get their takes on the coming skin, hair, and makeup trends.
Their takes range from maximalism to minimalism, pared-back skincare, and bold beauty. There’s a beauty trend for everyone. Read on to get the full 2023 trend report. My prediction? You’re going to wear the new year beautifully.
Skin
More Skinimalism
Skinimalism caught mainstream attention this year as the clean look trend spurred a renewed appreciation for barefaced beauty and using fewer but better products. In 2023, this trend will continue, propelled by a sustainability mindset.
“The rise of ‘less but better’ is fueled by our Covid-experience, the challenging economic environment, and growing consciousness about the state of our planet,” says Dr. Conny Wittke, Environmentalist and Co-Founder of Superzero. “In 2023, we will see an increasing ‘new eco’ movement where a minimalistic sustainable approach is preferred over the wasteful consumerism, which lacks style and true character.”
One Step Further Than Sunscreen
With sustainability on the brain and sunscreen slathered from head to toe, 2023 will bring even more ways to protect our skin from environmental damage. UV rays and pollution abound, depleting collagen and diminishing skin elasticity.
“A steady increase in ground-level ozone should emphasize the importance of using products rich in antioxidants,” says Ása Brynjólfsdóttir, Director of R&D of Blue Lagoon. She also notes that “increased heat and humidity calls for more dynamic skincare. Different seasons, climates, and humidity levels will call for a revaluation of skincare needs.”
Skincare as a Ritual
Skincare doesn’t have to be a tedious routine. Like any daily ritual, it should fit your life, your values, and your needs. 2022 introduced skin cycling and cycle syncing, and 2023 will take this further with more intuitive skincare rituals as wellness practices.
According to Giselle Go and Philipe Terrien, co-founders of DAMDAM, “The skin is a living organ, and its concerns shift with seasons, environment, and our internal biology. Rather than a 10-18 (!) step routine, we propose the contrary and keep it minimal with 3-5 steps to let the skin breathe and perform its function.” Rotating your products keeps you in tune with your skin and its needs, rather than mindlessly slapping on serums and hoping for the best.
Lesley Thornton, Holistic Esthetician and Founder of KLUR, adds: “In 2023, I believe beauty practices will be embraced as part of our health and well-being and less as indulgence. Aromatherapy will have a major role in the way we partake in scent, and body care will be more like home spa treatments.”
The Body Care Boom
The body really does keep the score, inside and out. If you’ve noticed your favorite skincare brands toting their new body care lines, you’re not the only one. You’ve got your skincare routine for your face, but what about everything from the neck down? The skinification of body care is here to stay.
“We’ll see more skincare brands taking beneficial actives from their skincare lines and apply it to products for other parts of the body,” says Nina Zilka of Alder New York. “We’ve seen how wonderful certain ingredients are for skin and consumers want to apply those same effects to their hair and body.” 2023 will be the year of thoughtful body care with nourishing ingredients, anti-aging properties, and even buzzy beauty favorites like chemical exfoliants, retinol, and niacinamide.
Hair
Frosted Tips Take the 2020S
The nostalgic makeup and fashion looks of the 90s are making a comeback—and hair trends are taking note. Frosted tips are back, but these are not the exaggerated bleach looks you remember. Instead, 2023 will see everyone asking for strategic highlights for an updated “frosted” look.
To get the retro face-framing aesthetic, Nous Haircare’s Tylor Johnson says, “tone down the highlights a shade or two lighter than the client’s base color to create a dimensional monochromatic look.” This bright, hybrid effect works on any hair shade and will be everywhere this winter.
Gemini Hair
Every year, our team waits for the Pinterest Predicts list to check the pulse of the new year’s new vibe. For hair, Pinterest says Gemini Hair will be a top trend. “In 2023, two-toned tresses will take off more than ever. Gen Z and Millennials are behind this rising trend in hair color that mixes natural hues with bright blues, purples, and pinks. Blue and black braids, plus lavender and blonde hair are on the up. Book an appointment with your stylist before it’s too late!
Big Blowouts
Fluffy hair was big, literally, in 2022. The muse: Matilda Djerf. The tool: the Dyson Airwrap. While the 70s-inspired curtain bangs dominated our feeds this year, sweep those bangs from your face and embrace the 90s with big blowouts in 2023. With new tools and technology, you don’t have to save your blowouts for special occasions and salon trips. When it comes to styling, unleash your hair from those slick buns and embrace vintage-inspired volume in 2023.
Don’t Skimp on Scalp Care
Rinse, repeat… but don’t forget your scalp. A clean scalp means long healthy hair. While we’ve seen scalp serums emerge into the hair care scene, a complete scalp treatment routine is coming soon to your shelves in 2023.
“Scalp care is essential for overall hair health, and while people tend to focus on scalp treatments, the shampoos we use every day are essential for scalp health,” says Dr. Conny Wittke. “Hair can appear limp and lifeless or become overly greasy due to buildup on the scalp from hair care products, environmental factors, or minerals and chlorine from hard water or pool water. Regular removal of such buildup, with a clarifying shampoo, is important for healthy-looking hair, airy bounce, restored shine, and for styling and coloring products to work effectively.”
#Barbiecore
Every year, a bold color trend emerges for only the most daring among us to try. Be it platinum blonde, copper orange, or a light lavender, playful hues go in and out of style like everything else. 2023’s bold color: bright, Barbie pink. Barbiecore was the year’s hottest TikTok fashion trend, and Pantone’s color of the year is Viva Magenta. Embrace the Gen Z-approved hue with this hot hair color—if you dare.
Jamie Mazzei, creative director for NuBest Salon & Spa in Manhasset, NY, one of the largest salons in the country, says: “If you’re looking for something a bit more daring and bright, try the #Barbiecore trend. Decide which side of the pink spectrum you want to be on, and then ask your colorist to match your preferred pink. If you have blond hair, it’s a simple process adding a gorgeous pink hue. If you have darker hair and you want the pink to pop, your stylist may need to bleach your hair first.”
Makeup
Lots of Liner
Soft goth, indie sleaze, and grunge girl—oh my! These throwback aesthetics all have one thing in common: dark eyeliner—and lots of it (preferably smudged). And it’s coming back in 2023. Put together the 90s/Y2K revivals and the reign of effortless beauty, and here you have it: a look that’s dramatic, but also looks like you just rolled out of bed.
I saw an Alexa Chung interview once in the heyday of “I’m with the band” rocker-chic in which she described her unconventional morning makeup routine: smudging her day-old eyeliner around her eyes. While I’d never advocate for sleeping in your makeup, the aesthetic is one I will be personally indulging in. So charcoal your eyes with vigor. Godspeed.
Unnatural Glow
Yes, everybody will still want that lit-from-within glow in 2023—but with a Y2K twist. Pinterest predicts that rave culture is making a comeback, so naturally, its influence will trickle down into beauty. Grab your glitter. Anything that sparkles and shimmers is in for 2023. Take highlighter one step further and illuminate your look with gemstones and glitter around your eyes, on your cheeks, or even around your lips. Your main sources of inspo will be disco, Euphoria, and the roaring 20s. Anything that would have guaranteed your entry into Studio 54.
Skin-Supporting Makeup
Multi-use makeup is in. I’m talking skin tints that triple as a vitamin C serum and an SPF. Lip and cheek balms fortified with hyaluronic acid. Anything that can be used multiple times in your routine, and blurs the line between skincare and makeup. Yes, you should still apply a generous amount of sunscreen before you put on your face. But an eyeshadow with UV-blocking properties doesn’t hurt. Get ready for everything you put on your skin to support your skincare efforts rather than sabotaging them.