22 Best Beauty Products of 2023, According to Teen Vogue Editors
The end of the year is here. And as we think back on everything that made this year great, our favorite beauty products will always make the list. Skin care is always top of mind for the Teen Vogue team, so it's expected we've spent the last twelve months trying out a variety of different things. As we gear into full holiday mode, there's always a need for last minute shopping, especially when you're getting yourself ready for that “new year, new me” mindset. We're going into the new year with everything that'll make our skin clear and keep us looking our absolute best.
Whether it be beauty products that had us running up our credit card bill, perfumes that got sprayed way more than they needed to, or hair products that kept our curls moisturized in every season, we've compiled everything our expert team of editors have loved in 2023. Below you'll find our definitive favorites and why we kept going back to them all year long. Be warned, your shopping habits might expand over the course of this here article.
All products featured on Teen Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- 1/21
Amazon Renewed
Dani Kwateng, Executive Editor
This year, I was introduced to Uncle Funky's Daughter by another natural girlie in the office. Their company is Black owned and has a wide range of products for different hair needs. I specifically fell in love with their Thirsty Curls spray because my hair constantly needs hydration. I love to use it right after a hot shower when my hair is a little damp to better absorb the product.
- 2/21
Shauna Beni, Commerce Director
I am one of those beauty gals who keeps a good lippie in every single handbag — especially since I swap out my bags each day to match my outfit! The one lip product you’ll find at the bottom of each is my favorite Rhode peptide lip treatment in salted caramel (I’ve also got a few other yummy flavors and hues). This lip treatment truly works wonders on my skin. It keeps my lips from getting chapped, makes them feel soft, and gives off the most beautiful glossy finish. The texture is thick, like a glaze, and it tastes so good whenever I lick my lips. It’s definitely a 10/10 for me. When I’m in need of a bit of color, I reach for the Peptide lip tints!
- 3/21
Briogeo Hair
Jillian Selzer, Social Media Manager
Scalp health was my number one priority this year. I have extremely sensitive and dry skin, and this shampoo was a saving grace for me. The cooling sensation from the tea tree oil mixed with the salicylic and lactic acids was a dream combo for not only my skin, but my hair. Remember to follow up with a scalp oil or mask, though — hydration is key!
- 4/21
Mandy Velez, Audience Development Director
This sunscreen is one of my holy grail products. It's an SPF 50 tinted mineral sunscreen that comes out of the bottle white then color matches to your skintone when rubbed in. It gives me, someone with very dry-skin, a hydrating bronzey glow while also providing enough coverage that I can use it as a CC cream, or even foundation if I layer it, whether the weather is hot or cold.
- 5/21
Tower 28 Beauty
Alyssa Hardy, Interim Politics Director
I have tried my entire life to be a matte lip person and yet one thing always prevails: I will slather something goopy and glossy over whatever lip color I choose. This year, I was introduced to Tower28's lip jellys, which have plenty of color and shine but feel like a balm. I also love their philosophy on packaging - they use post consumer plastic and have a recycling program,
- 6/21
Donya Momenian, Associate Fashion & Beauty Editor
I'll admit that I'm a fiend for glitter. However, that just means I have a lot of experience with it, and I can attest to Half Magic's Glitterpuck. It's a gorgeous versatile shade that goes with almost everything. (Though, I wouldn't be mad at all if they decided to do more colors.) It's also super easy to apply with a brush or just fingers. It allows you to determine the opacity on your own to achieve the look you have in mind. So, if you're like me and want a soft, sheer aesthetic one day but a bold, maximalist one the next, this should suit you well too.
- 7/21
Sara Delgado, Fashion News Editor At-Large & Culture Writer
I will always be a #LazyGirlMakeup stan and Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup foundation has been my go-to this year. If you are looking for full coverage, this one is not for you, but if you are after a no-fuss foundation to even out your skin tone and cover up minor imperfections, definitely give this one a try. The best part about this foundation is that it sets a bit matte on the skin on its own, so you don’t really need powder on top. If you are after a glowier look, make sure you moisturize really well beforehand, and it will work just fine as well. Truly a #LazyGirlMakeup gem.
- 8/21
LANEIGE
Sara Delgado, Senior Fashion News Editor At-Large & Culture Writer
Like everyone else, I have also been a fan of LANEIGE’s Lip Sleeping Mask for years; however, I’m here to tell you you shouldn’t sleep on the Lip Glowy Balm either. If, like me, you use the Lip Sleeping Mask as your go-to lip moisturizer even while on the go, you’ll want to switch to the Lip Glowy Balm. Because of its tube packaging, using the Lip Glowy Balm on the go is much more sanitary (you don’t want to be dipping your dirty fingers onto the Lip Sleeping Mask pot all the time!) without compromising hydration. The Berry scent is also identical to the original Lip Sleeping Mask. I use it as my main chapstick on its own as well as lipgloss over lip tints these days and don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
- 9/21
Sara Delgado, Senior Fashion News Editor At-Large & Culture Writer
If you are into K-Beauty, you are probably already familiar with Round Lab’s Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+, but give the brand’s Birch Moisturizing Cream a go too. I first used this cream back in April when I got a sample with the sunscreen while in Seoul and I had to get the full size immediately. It feels light on the skin but super hydrating, both in winter and summer. Since it’s unscented and formulated to reduce inflammation as well as strengthen the skin barrier, this product is perfect if, like me, you have sensitive dry skin.
- 10/21
Ashleigh Carter, Weekend Editor
Trying to find the right bronzing and contouring product that actually stays put and meshes well with your skin can be a real challenge. Fenty Beauty's Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer lays nicely on my skin and the cream aspect allows for more precise application. I contour with this bronzer every day and set it with a loose powder to hold it in place. It keeps my face warm and sculpted all day long and melts right into my skin.
- 11/21
Sephora Collection
Ashleigh Carter, Weekend Editor
The Clean Reserve — Skin scent has been the best addition to my perfume collection. The neutral scent lays on your skin nicely and is delicate and pleasant. The notes are Fresh Musk, Copaiba Oil, and Salted Praline — giving this perfume the makings of a signature scent. I like to layer this one with Gucci Flora or Glossier You if I'm feeling fun.
- 12/21
Sephora Collection
Ashleigh Carter, Weekend Editor
Unisex is in, and this fragrance is the perfect example of that. Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF might technically be more of a man's fragrance, but who lives in the gender binary anymore? Every time I've worn this scent, I've gotten a compliment — which is the ultimate test of whether a perfume is good or not. Described as "citrus & wood," MYSLF has key notes of Fresh Accord, Orange Blossom Absolute, and Woods Accord.
- 13/21
Kat Thomas, Fashion Market Editor
This is the perfect holiday makeup touch. It gives my eyelids with that sort of sparkly wet look that apparently is trending on TikTok.
- 14/21
Squigs Beauty
Donya Momenian, Associate Fashion & Beauty Editor
As someone with thick, dry hair, I'm picky with hair products, but Squigs is the one hair oil I actually find myself coming back to ober and over again. It has relieved so many of my scalp issues like dryness, itchiness and burning while also giving my hair a shiny, hyrdated glow that allows me to do so many different hairstyles I used to avoid. I know it's working too because I get so many compliments when I use it in comparison to when I don't. This bottle also lasts forever, so it's always a happy little surprise to see how much I still have left whenever I use it.
- 15/21
Aiyana Ishmael, Associate Editor
FaceGym is one the brands I fell in love with this year. I’d spent months seeing people getting their face beaten on my social media. I was tempted to try it out and was pleasantly surprised by the products they use. A lot of their brightening serums and creams have done wonders for my skin. I also love the cleansing balm because it provides my skin with much needed moisture. Also, I love the emphasis of collagen because I try to get a solid amount daily, so having it in my beauty products is ideal.
- 16/21
Aiyana Ishmael, Associate Editor
Neutrogena has been my go-to brand for several years now. This year though I’ve started trying to consistently use an eye cream because of how bad the bags under them have gotten so bad. This specific eye cream from Neutrogena is perfect for me and is lightweight. I love a more gel or water-based product and this one is
exactly that.
- 17/21
Aiyana Ishmael, Associate Editor
There is not much to say besides believe the hype. Rhode Skin is worth the money. I use several of their products but the one I am always raving about is the glazing peptide. It has become the main moisturizer that I use in tandem with the barrier restore cream.
- 18/21
Aiyana Ishmael, Associate Editor
I have severely dry skin and moving to New York and living in the cold has only made my skin worse. So this Topicals cream is perfect for me. It’s brought back so much moisture into my skin and keeps me from being ashy, which is always the goal.
- 19/21
Aiyana Ishmael, Associate Editor
This has been my 2023 fragrance that I use daily. It’s scent is strong and lasts all day, but it’s not overpowering. It’s the perfect mix of warm and sweet with its hints of mandarin. I always get so many compliments when I’m wearing it.
- 20/21
Aiyana Ishmael, Associate Editor
I've been using Shea Moisture for years. It's one of the brands as a natural girlie that I really love using. I wear knotless braids 10 months out of the year, so I am always in need of a good mousse for the boho style I love to get. This mousse is perfect and lightweight and keeps my braids tame even after wearing them for five weeks. I also love how great it smells. Funny enough whenever I have this on my head people are complimenting my scent. It's always funny to tell them it's not perfume, but my hair products.
- 21/21
Karissa Mitchell, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Parfums de Marly is worth gatekeeping, so I truly second-guessed even sharing this. The smell sticks to you all day long, which is ideal for the price point. The bottle lasts me a good few months. When I'm leaving the house, I take a hard look at my army of fragrances and pretend to ponder before I choose my #1 girl - Delina La Rosée Eau de Parfum. It's really one of the first frangrance that I can 100% smell every single note. It's romantic, lively, and light. Usually these sort of scents are musky and heavy but this fragrance is in a league of it's own. If you were lucky enough to come across this article, hold this close to you - we can't have everyone smelling this good!
By Iman Balagam
By Shauna Beni-Haynes
By Shauna Beni-Haynes
By Shauna Beni-Haynes