My Best of Beauty Picks for 2023
19 products I was constantly reaching for last year + would highly recommend you try in 2024.
I’ve been reviewing products for almost a decade, and testing cosmetics has remained one of the top favorite categories that I’ve tapped into. Once a beauty editor, always a beauty editor, I suppose. Or, at the very least, a beauty lover.
Early subscribers might remember that when I first launched this newsletter, I wrote a few “monthly favorites” posts and included makeup and skincare products in my lists. It wasn’t something I stuck with, obviously, but just because I wasn’t publishing a “best of the month” list, doesn’t mean I wasn’t still feverishly testing products behind the scenes. I was. I will be in 2024, too.
But right now, we’re still talking about 2023.
I was always a fan of Allure’s “Best of Beauty” awards, and anytime I saw a headline in the same vein, I’d click on the article and scroll through it. I’d take note of products I wanted to try. I also became familiar with the “add to cart” button, fast.
Cut to the present, and now I’m one of the experts. Granted, I’m not a scientist, cosmetologist, esthetician, etc., but I’ve tested hundreds of beauty products across the makeup, skincare, and haircare categories. I’ve studied and researched ingredients. I’ve interviewed dozens of experts in the space. I know quality and feel confident recommending what I deem good and great to all of you.
So, I thought, why not create my own Best of Beauty list?
Ahead, I’ve listed out the products I used the most in 2023, and divided them into two categories: Makeup and Skincare. Some products are 2023 launches, others are oldies but goodies that I still found myself reaching for over the other options in my collection. All of them are my tried and trues. If you’re looking to treat yourself to something new in your collection, I couldn’t recommend the following items more.
A Friendly Disclaimer: Beyond My Byline is reader-supported! When you buy through Amazon links in this post, I may earn an affiliate commission.
Makeup
Face
Best Face Primer of 2023: Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer - Always an Optimist Collection
Photo Courtesy of Sephora
$28, sephora.com
When Becca Cosmetics was still in business, I used the brand’s Zero No Pigment Foundation (an odd product that, I think, could have been considered a makeup/skincare hybrid) not as a foundation, but as a primer. I loved the way it created a smooth canvas for my makeup, and it had an awesome blurring effect that softened any fine lines or visible pores. I found this primer from Rare Beauty comparable and used it to its last drop. I used it as a primer, and sometimes I used it on its own for the ultimate no-makeup-makeup look.
Best Liquid Foundation of 2023: Mirabella Invincible for All Anti-Aging HD Foundation
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$50, amazon.com
Mirabella was a late entry in my best-of considerations, but I was impressed with this formula from the first application. It’s a full-coverage foundation but doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. It sits comfortably on the complexion and is made with a patented peptide complex that hydrates the skin instead of drying it out (*making it a great winter option).
Best Powder Foundation of 2023: MAKE UP FOR EVER
HD Skin Matte Velvet Undetectable Longwear Blurring Powder Foundation
Photo Courtesy of Sephora
$43, sephora.com
I forgot I had this product in my collection, so when I was re-introduced to it scrounging through my face products drawer one day, I decided to give it a try. I was in a hurry but wanted to apply some sort of foundation; I’m normally a liquid foundation girlie, but I couldn’t be happier that I took a chance on this one.
Now, it’s my go-to when I don’t have a lot of time to spend in the bathroom (let alone on a full face of makeup). But here’s the thing: It’s a full-coverage, matte foundation, and if your skin is dry, the pressed powder does your complexion no favors. To combat this, I spritz with MAC Fix+ once I’m done with my look, and that seems to do the trick.
Best Concealer of 2023: NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$9.99, amazon.com
Skincare makeup is a buzzy term I’ve seen floating around, and it refers to, well, makeup that doubles as skincare. I’d say NYX’s Bare With Me Concealer Serum qualifies. This formula applies beautifully, offering medium coverage, and, plus, is packed with tremella mushroom to lock in moisture, cica (short for Centella Asiatica) to calm dry patches, and green tea to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Bonus: It’s a vegan-friendly, cruelty-free product, so everyone can feel good wearing it.
Best Contour of 2023
Best Highlighter of 2023: What’s Up Beauty Serengeti Highlighter Duo
Photo Courtesy of What’s Up Beauty
$34, whatsupbeauty.com
The founder of What’s Up Beauty reached out to me on Instagram to try the brand’s new line of powder highlighters, and I quickly took her up on the chance. Highlighter was my obsession back in 2016, and I’m on a mission to bring the color cheek sheen back to mainstream. This product helps make my case. The pigmentation is rich and gorgeous, but the shine? Immaculate.
Best Blush of 2023: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Photo Courtesy of Sephora
$23, sephora.com
I was never big into blush until this year. More specifically, until I got my hands on Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. This formula is hella pigmented. A little - like, a very little, teeny-tiny amount - goes a long way, so you’ll get an atomic-explosion-level bang for your buck. Simply dot up your cheeks with the brush applicator and blend with a beauty sponge for the quintessential application. I guarantee you will want to stockpile all of the beautiful shades it comes in, too.
Lips
Best Lipstick of 2023: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Crayon
Photo Courtesy of Kylie Cosmetics
$18, kyliecosmetics.com
It’s no secret that I have loved Kylie’s lip crayons since the moment I gave them a try. They currently only come in six shades, so I’m crossing my fingers that the beauty mogul will add to this collection in 2024. The velvet-soft formula applies like butter, but while it applies smooth, it sets matte and stays put. The colors it comes in are also pretty universal. I even liked how the red looked on me, and I usually loathe a red lip against my milky complexion.
Best Liquid Lip of 2023: Jaclyn Cosmetics PoutSpoken Liquid Lipstick
Photo Courtesy of Jaclyn Cosmetics
$10, jaclyncosmetics.com
Even though Jaclyn Hill has decided to shut down her cosmetic business, the beauty YouTuber’s liquid lipsticks were the best I tried in 2023. Their pigment? Gorgeous. Their stay power? Impressive. They’re comfortable on the lips and really do look like a luxury product. Unfortunately, once these babies are sold out, they’re gone forever. Fortunately, they’re on sale for $10 a piece, so you can stock up with a major discount.
Best Lip Gloss of 2023: MAC Squirt Plumping Lip Gloss Stick in Clear
Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom
$24, nordstrom.com
I recognize that the name of this lip gloss stick is gross. “Squirt” is not a word I enjoy using, let alone involved in my lip products. HOWEVER. I finished this entire stick in a matter of two and a half months. That’s how much I used it, and it’s a testament to how much I love it because I have products that are years old (that I adore) that I have yet to use up. I can’t speak for the tinted variations, as I haven’t picked those up yet (I have the purple one in my collection), but the clear gloss is good. It gives the shine you knew and loved from the 2000s but isn’t anywhere near as sticky.
Best Lip Liner of 2023: Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner
Photo Courtesy of Sephora
$15, sephora.com
Yep, Rare Beauty. Again. Selena has 10 lip liners in her brand’s collection. This is my public declaration that the people need more! I love how the formula just glides over the contour of my lips - no pulling, just beautifying. I feel like lip-liners are afterthoughts for a lot of brands, but you can tell Rare Beauty put a lot of thought into its formulation because it’s not only long-wearing, it’s also hydrating and waterproof. A triple threat, if you will. I’d call that a win.
Eyes
Best Eyeshadow Palette of 2023: I pride myself in being fully transparent with my readers, and to be honest, I wasn’t *wowed* by any eyeshadow palettes in 2023. More often than not, I used my bronzer, highlighter, and blushes as eyeshadows. I’m hoping that changes in 2024! But I feel like a lot of eyeshadow palettes these days look and perform very similarly. I am on the hunt for innovation.
Best Mascara of 2023: I love mascara. It is my favorite makeup product, period. Choosing one of my favorites to be *the* favorite, would be like choosing a favorite child. HOWEVER, if you’re in the market for mascara, leave a comment or email me detailing the specific kind you’re looking for - lengthening, curling, volumizing, an everyday formula, something deeply pigmented, etc. - and I am more than happy to make a recommendation.
Best Eyeliner of 2023: Revlon Colorstay Sharp Line
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$8.79, amazon.com
Revlon’s Colorstay Sharp Line eyeliner is an oldie but a goodie. I’ve used this pencil for years and have yet to find a product that comes close to de-throning it. I’m open to suggestions and will try anything, but so far, this one remains the favorite.
Brows
Best Brow Pencil of 2023: e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$3, amazon.com
I couldn’t find the brow pencil I’d been using, so I ran out to buy a replacement. This was said replacement, and it became my star brow product of 2023. I much prefer a creamy pencil formula over the mechanical pencil-esque options on the market, and find that this one blends the best.
Best Brow Gel of 2023: I don’t use brow gel, but if you want to persuade me, leave a comment below telling me YOUR favorite and why it rules.
Skincare
Best Oil-Based Cleanser of 2023: Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Oil
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$50, amazon.com
I have loved Amore Pacific since we were formally introduced back in 2015. The brand’s treatment cleansing oil is, in my opinion, especially fabulous. I like to double-cleanse, but if I’m too tired to wash my face twice, I will at the very least wash it once with this product. It’s formulated with botanical oils and green tea, and the combination is magic against makeup - even the kinds of mascara that latch onto lashes for dear life don’t stand a chance. It also leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth post-rinse.
Best Moisturizer of 2023: LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$23, amazon.com
I went through two Tatcha Water Creams in 2022, so I wanted to try a new moisturizer in 2023. The LANEIGE Water Bank offers similar results and a similar feel but for less than a third of what the Water Cream costs. Plus, it has a great formula pumped with squalane and blue hyaluronic acid that gives your skin a just-splashed-with-water feel. The product absorbs quickly, but not so that it disappears and you feel no effects. It’s hydration locks in instantaneously and lasts for hours. It’s my go-to at night so I wake up with happy, hydrated skin.
Best Serum of 2023: rhode peptide glazing fluid
Photo Courtesy of rhode skin
$29, rhodeskin.com
I wrote a review of Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand, rhode, for INSIDER back in July, and sang this serum’s praises. I’ve gone through two bottles since and will make sure to restock in 2024. Granted, the serum does not give you that super-wet and glowy glazed donut look Bieber promises - at least, not with 2 or 3 pumps. You need upwards of 4, maybe 5 to get that glow sans specific lighting. However, it does make your skin feel incredibly hydrated. But what sold me about Bieber’s brand is her products’ price points. $29 for a good serum is a steal, and this is a good serum.
Best Eye Treatment of 2023: innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$22, amazon.com
OK, I’m going to be frank for a second. I’ve tested many an eye cream and serum over the years, and I still don’t know if they do anything significant. I still have crow’s feet. I still have dark circles under my eyes. But, I do know that Innisfree’s bright-eye serum feels good on my skin. It’s calming, and soothing. I do think it’s dimmed my dark circles a bit, and it does make my eye area softer and moisturized. I received a sample from the brand when it launched this past summer, and haven’t stopped using it since.
Best Lip Mask of 2023: LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$24, amazon.com
Are you surprised to see the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask on this list? If you treat yourself to anything on this list, let it be this indulgent lip treatment. I’ve waxed poetic about this product many times in this newsletter. It comes in a bunch of fun and delicious flavors and it makes your lips so soft and hydrated overnight, it’s unbelievable. It also makes for a great lip balm in general, so I keep one in my purse, as well as by my bedside.
Best Spot Treatment of 2023: Tula Skincare Clear It Up Acne Clearing & Tone Correcting Gel
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$32.30, amazon.com
I’ve tried a few products from Tula, but this has been, by far, the best. I experience hormonal acne around *that time of the month* but combat it by applying this gel to any problematic blemishes. They minimize overnight, and, if I catch them early, they disappear altogether.
Best Pimple Patch of 2023: Hanhoo Blemish Patch
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$5, amazon.com
2023 was also the year that I was introduced to pimple patches. Hanhoo has been my go-to. They’re hydrocolloid patches that absorb the guck (bacteria and oils) to get rid of your blemishes quickly and efficiently. I usually apply them at night, but if I’m not going anywhere during the day and have a particularly pesky pimple, I’ll wear them around during the day. They get the job done. Trust me.
Happy New Year, Julia! Love all these recs and am a big Laneige girlie, too (recently restocked myself & got gifts for my sistie & niece on BFCM)! For the Tula Acne Gel...Have you tried Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion? Would be interested to hear your thoughts on how they compare since everyone raves about MB's Drying Lotion & this is the first I've heard of Tula's spot treatment. Always on the hunt for the best quick spot zapper!
Well I snapped that lip mask up immediately. Any chance you've got retinol product recommendations? 👀 Bonus points if they're easy on sensitive skin!