The 56 Best Products of 2023, According to Beauty Tastemakers

“Bonjout Beauty’s Le Balm was my favorite skincare launch of the year by far. The first launch from a new brand created by a French pharmacist, this solid serum balm has saved my skin time and time again. It is deeply moisturizing without feeling greasy, and makes my dry skin feel soft, plump, and radiant. Plus, I love that it can double and triple as a lip balm, eye cream, and cuticle balm. I have gone through three jars already!

“Separately, Mario Dedivanovic is not only the kindest, most authentic human—he’s also a genius and at the top of his game with his eponymous makeup line. His SurrealSkin foundation totally blew me away. The unique formula leaves skin with natural-looking luminosity. It doesn’t dry my skin out, it never looks patchy, and it blends like a dream. The shade range is comprehensive, and the formula covers imperfections flawlessly without ever looking makeup-y.” —@jennarosenstein

“One of my 2023 skin goals was to improve brightness and diminish dark spots, and these two products have helped me achieve that goal (and glow). Glow Recipe’s Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner harnesses the power of vitamin C-rich cloudberry to revive dull and tired skin, and boasts a light consistency that layers beautifully with other skincare and makeup.

“I also haven’t met a blush I don’t like, but Patrick Ta’s Major Headlines Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush Duo takes the cake for my favorite of the year. Patrick Ta’s innovative technique of applying powder blush before cream blush gives the skin a cloudlike wash of color and the most gorgeous sheen that lasts for hours. Plus, the range of his shades give incredible color payoff, so you need only a touch of each formula.” —@katieintner

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: When it comes to Haus Labs by Lady Gaga’s Triclone Skin Tech Concealer (and foundation), the hype is real. After testing the essential ahead of its official launch, I was instantly hooked, and the concealer is now a dedicated staple in my daily makeup routine. Its formula looks just like a second skin, and is perfect for full coverage glam or no-makeup makeup.

“And there were a lot of great hair care releases this year, but Bread Beauty Supply’s Clear-Wash Detox Clarifying Shampoo was one of my favorites. It seamlessly gets rid of my product buildup without stripping my hair of much-needed moisture—which definitely comes in handy, since I have a serious addiction to edge control.” —@tiffdods

“When I ask myself ‘What would I buy again?’ the first thing thing that stands out is Dieux’s gel eye serum. After the viral success of the brand’s reusable eye masks, there was much hype around this launch—and in my opinion, it delivered. This refreshing, lightweight gel uses algae complexes and peptides to target dark circles and help smooth skin.

“I also tried a lot of new mascaras this year, but only one had people stopping me mid-conversation to ask what I was wearing. TBH, I don't really get the whole two-sided brush thing (that’s for someone more talented than I in makeup artistry), but all I can say is: My lashes look mega-long and voluminous when I wear this formula. Big fan.” —@lindysegal

“Made with niacinamide, grape water, and a slew of other science-backed ingredients harvested from Brad Pitt’s very own vineyard, Le Domaine Moisturizing Fluid Cream has all the skin-boosting benefits of a serum with the hydrating effects of a moisturizer. Plus, the light, airy texture sinks in instantly and doesn’t leave my oily-combination skin congested.

“I also try to take a positive approach to the concept of aging—it’s a blessing and a privilege, I know!—but I still prefer to stave off the physical effects for as long as possible. This year, I finally decided it was time to start being consistent with my skincare routine. That means committing to certain products each day and night (instead of my usual approach, which is to try everything buzzy and new for a few times, then move on). The first product I fell in love with this year was Danucera D22 Tonic. Created by Danuta Mieloch, the founder of Rescue Spa, it’s a gentle acid exfoliator that you can use day and night. Ever since I started using it consistently, my skin looks noticeably brighter and smoother, with fewer breakouts—and though I still rotate other products, I can’t go without this. (Don’t sleep on the brand’s honeylike Cerabalm either).” —@faith_xue

“The Gxve mascara impressed me from the first use. The formula is creamy and lightweight, allowing you to lengthen your lashes without clumps. The wand itself is phenomenal—the shorter bristles keep the lashes feathery and beautiful-looking, while lifting them up and out. The tip of the wand has a small spherical shape with tiny bristles that allow you to get each and every lash coated with mascara, including the tricky inner corner and lower lashes!

“I also love a good at-home peel, like Dermalogica’s Liquid Peelfoliant Exfoliator, which will instantly deliver better-looking skin. The professional-grade ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and phytic and tranexamic acids work together with fruit enzymes to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, unclog pores, and even out skin tone. The formula works on multiple levels of the skin for a thorough exfoliation, while also soothing and hydrating.” —@davidrazzano

“In a class of good serums, this one from Peach & Lily is my best overall pick. It delivers on its promise of brighter, hydrated skin, and makes your complexion look more radiant instantly. I apply it on damp skin, and when I have some extra time, I use my gua sha massager afterward to help stimulate blood flow. If you’re in the market for a no-frills, effective, everyday serum, this is it.

“Plus, RescueMD’s DNA Repair Complex Scar Treatment Serum has been the unsung hero of my beauty routine this past year. After being pregnant and going through a slew of postpartum changes to both my body and face, I needed a potent, easy-to-use product to help fade some discoloration and improve the appearance of my skin overall. This surgeon-developed formula is packed with reparative ingredients like lapachol, peptides, and antioxidants to help restore the skin’s appearance by fading blemishes. I’ve been using it on my face and noticed a significant improvement in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I also used it on my stomach after birth and saw a significant improvement in tone and the appearance of stretch marks. Now, I don’t go a day without it.” —@aimeeamazing