10 Beauty Trend Predictions for 2023, According to Experts

Just as with fashion, beauty trends come and go — and it always seems to be cyclical with the changing years. This is true in all areas of beauty — skincare, haircare, makeup, you name it. What’s in one year may very well be out in the next, or even within a handful of months, and much of this is determined by the seasons. “For example, summer trends usually sway towards lighter colors and sun-kissed, glowing skin while winter trends are geared towards darker colors and working on keeping skin hydrated and moisturized,” says Roberta Moradfar, celebrity aesthetics nurse practitioner and founder of EFFACÈ Aesthetics. “Beauty trends are also inspired by what’s current in mainstream pop culture whether it be a hot, new show that’s super fashion forward and displaying unique looks or an artist who is fashionably edgy and has a following and is inspiring clothing brands to model their looks after them.”

We’re seeing trends come from makeup artists and amateur creators alike — and we have Instagram and TikTok to thank for that. It’s much easier for a certain trend to catch on and there always seems to be a new trend right behind it.

Meet the Experts

Over the last few years, many of the beauty trends that reigned supreme revolved around the pandemic. “With people being forced to stay home, and personal care service businesses closing their doors for almost three months or more and DIY was booming,” says Moradfar. “People were learning to color and treat their own hair, creating salon-style nails, as well as DIYing their skincare routines with masks consisting of ingredients you can find in your kitchen.”

One trend that’s lingered for quite some time and continues to remain popular today is a focus on skin health. “Many people are opting to do treatments that help keep the skin healthy and refreshed and prevent signs of aging, while still trying to preserve a natural aesthetic without wanting to look like they had something done,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) in New York. “We are also seeing more products and treatments addressing the neck and the hands, which often show signs of skin aging as a result of cumulative sun damage and the thin, delicate skin in these areas.” 

If you’re hoping to get ahead of the crowd and capitalize on beauty trends even before they’ve caught on with everyone else, here’s what beauty professionals believe will be most popular in 2023.

Skincare predictions

1. Science-backed skincare lines

Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., a cosmetic and medical dermatologist in N.Y.C. and the Hamptons, has noticed a trend towards the use of cosmeceuticals and believes this will continue on in 2023. “Consumers are growing more and more interested in the ‘why’ behind ingredients and products, and the companies that have great science-backed data are coming to the forefront and increasing in popularity,” she says. “Skincare companies that perform clinical trials have a leg up among individuals seeking this information before purchasing.”

2. Less filler

Filler has become increasingly popular over the last 10 years, however, Moradfar predicts that it will be requested less and less. “There were some people who were getting jawline contouring fillers and I believe that there will be a shift where people are going to feel as if they want to reverse those effects by dissolving them and starting on a clean canvas,” she says. “Practitioners are now utilizing newer, advanced fillers that are more intended for specific areas on their face, which will result in a softer, more natural look.”

3. Skin barrier repair

Consumers are becoming more aware of the skin barrier, which protects your body’s largest organ (your skin) from harsh elements of the environment. It’s especially important to be mindful of protecting your skin barrier during winter, when humidity is depleted from the air as temperatures drop. She predicts that there will be more products launching on the market that contain ingredients that support the skin barrier such as ceramides and fatty acids. “People are starting to realize that when the skin barrier is intact, it helps to better tolerate other products and key ingredients as the skin is less likely to feel stripped and tight.”

4. Refillable packaging

In an effort towards sustainable skincare and helping the environment, some companies are now including products with refillable packaging. “This helps to minimize waste while also saving cost as there is less packaging involved,” says Dr. Garshick. “Some products are already available in refillable forms including deodorant or antiperspirants, moisturizing creams, and lipsticks, and more are anticipated as we head into 2023.”

Hair predictions

5. ‘70s-style hair

The ‘70s are making a comeback. We’re talking straight hair parted right down the middle as well as shags of all kinds — curly shag, long shag, the shaggy mullet, and the classic shag. “More textures, with the shaggy choppy layered look, lots of layers to create that feathered look and even grungy layers with wispy curtain bangs (more of that shag look),” says celebrity hairstylist, Kim Kimble.

6. Warm, honey blonde hair

Thanks to the Hulu series Pam & Tommy, Lauren Paglionico, founder of LRN Beauty, predicts that we’re about to see a lot of Pamela Anderson-inspired butter blondes, which tends to require a heavy highlight or a lift single process. “I recently have had a few requests for her golden locks so I am certain this will be a big trend in 2023,” she says. “Just keep in mind that achieving either look depends on your natural hair color and skin tone which your hair colorist will help you with.”

7. Brownie-batter brunette

Blonde is hardly the only hair color making waves in the coming months. Next up is “Brownie Batter Brunette,” a rich brunette shade that features tiny fragments of blonde throughout, mostly in the very front. “These baby lights, as we call them, offer the option to maintain a multi-dimensional look without the obvious infusion of color that a full highlight provides,” says Gina Rivera, hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.

8. Bangs

Bangs of all shapes and lengths are back and are sure to become center stage in 2023, according to Rivera. If you’re looking to change up your hairstyle without losing any length, she recommends doing so with bangs. “Don’t forget that there are many variations of bangs, and they are easy to mix with both styles,” she says. “Take this into account, and with the direction of a professional stylist, most people can find just the right bang to merge into their look.”

Makeup predictions

9. Skinny, high-arched eyebrows

You might have been relieved to put the skinny brows from the ‘90s and early 2000s behind you, but we’re about to tell you that they’re making a comeback. In fact, Paglionico predicts this trend is on its way because Bella Hadid has been rocking them for a few months now. “To achieve this look, I suggest booking an appointment with a professional brow artist and let them know you want a thin, sculpted brow with a more defined arch,” she says. “If you need inspiration google Janet Jackson, Paris Hilton, or Christina Aguilera who all had skinny brows in the 2000s.” 

10. An emphasis on bare skin

Instead of foundation, consumers are opting to flaunt a face that looks almost bare in terms of makeup, with targeted concealer under the eyes or over a blemish. “Just a year ago it was the thing to slather on loads of foundation followed by powdering, contouring and highlighting,” says makeup and eyebrow expert, Joey Healy. “We’re seeing people trying to use concealer and maybe tinted moisturizer or sharing their foundation with their existing moisturizer,” he says.