It’s no secret the beauty industry is incredibly lucrative. We’ve seen a slew of celeb-founded and influencer endorsed brands pop off these last few years. Which means we’ve also seen a HEAP of new launches and innovation. And with those launches brings a new era of creativity and renewed excitement in the beauty space. Notions of inclusivity, sustainability and ‘keeping beauty fun’ have been at the cornerstone.
With our beauty cupboards brimming, it’s become a challenge to decipher what works and and what is best left on #beautytok.
Here’s our round up (in a fun A-Z format, of course) of our favourite trends, products and newness in the beauty space right now.
A for Normalising Acne
The social stigma of acne is thankfully on the wane. But even so, brands are still innovating ways to tackle blemishes, from Tbh skincare, which has patented technology to deconstruct bacteria’s protective barrier, to Vida Glow’s Clear supplement, which helps sort acne from within. Always read the label and follow the directions for use
tbh rebound serum, $59.95 at tbh
Vida Glow Clear Advanced Repair 30 Capsules, $85 at Adore Beauty
B for Barbie Core
Think pink and lots of it! The Barbie film with Margot Robbie is inspiring us to reconnect with our inner child – and love of pink. A pearlescent shadow across the lid, a bubblegum blush or a statement lip, now’s the time to apply your pinks liberally and channel your inner doll.
Gucci Blush De Beauté in Radiant Pink, $88 at Sephora
M.A.C Cosmetics Cremesheen Lipstick in Modesty, $37 at Adore Beauty
MCo Beauty Cheek & Lip Tint Rose Glow in Rose Glow, $13.99 at Chemist Warehouse
C for Customised Skincare
Prescription skincare brands such as The Secret and Software are the next best thing to having an in-person appointment with a skin doctor. Upload bare-faced images and the doctors at the other end will prescribe skincare specifically for your skin issues.
software AHA/BHA Pimple Patches, $39 at software
D for Detox Your Scalp
Your scalp can be just as sensitive as your face, so it’s important to introduce microbiome protection to your haircare. Aveda’s Scalp Massager increases circulation, while Christophe Robin’s cleansing paste uses rose extract to clean and volumise.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumising Paste, $68 at Sephora
Aveda Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager, $58 at Mecca
STRAAND The Miracle Worker Prebiotic Scrub, $28 at Adore Beauty
E for Everyday Tan
If you love self-tanning but your skin reacts, listen up. Tanologist has a “skincare first” philosophy to create tanning that won’t dry out skin or cause breakouts, and Liberty Belle’s Miracle Tan was created to help the founder’s daughter tan (safely) without the contact dermatitis she suffered with other self-tans. St Tropez, meanwhile, is making its packaging more sustainable and offering gentle tans from gradual to instant.
Tanologist Self Tan Mousse in Medium, $64.29 at Amazon Australia
Liberty Belle Miracle Tan Face Moisturiser, $55 at Adore Beauty
F for Flush Of Colour
Taking the dewy blush trend up a notch is the new, slightly more dramatic blush draping. Rather than traditional placement around the apples of your cheek, blush draping focuses pigment at the top of your cheekbones and is blended upwards towards the brow, giving the appearance of elongated and lifted cheekbones. Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta suggests layering cream over powder (the opposite of traditional layering) for a foolproof, pigmented finish.
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush in She’s That Girl, $60 at Sephora
Tarte Blush Tape Liquid Blush in Pinky Coral, $60 at Sephora
G for Great Smile
Teeth are the new frontier of self-improvement. Australian cult teeth brand Hismile offers plenty of at-home whitening, as well as its PAP+ in-clinic whitening (try it at FY Smile in Sydney, fysmile.com.au), a gentle “zinger”-free treatment. White Glo, meanwhile, has a clever toning powder among its offerings for your pearly whites.
hismile Glostik Tooth Gloss, $29 at hiSmile
White Glo Purple Tooth Toner Whitening Powder, $14.99 at White Glo
H for Headcase
About half of us suffer from dandruff, but brands such as Virtue, Klorane and Ouai are here to help. Treating the issue requires high-performing formulas that reduce flakiness and prevent sebum build-up.
Ouai Anti Dandruff Shampoo, $52 at Sephora
Virtue Refresh Purifying Shampoo, $46 at Adore Beauty
Klorane Anti-dandruff Rebalancing Shampoo with Galangal & AHA, $24.99 at Adore Beauty
I for Inside and Out
For skin glow, a 360-degree approach to skincare and wellbeing is key – and inner-health brands are helping our quest. Vida Glow is a market leader in the collagen category, while SWIISH and The Beauty Chef offer ingestible powders and supplements that tackle everything from dull skin and toxicity to a flagging immunity.
SWIISH Body Blitz Meal Replacement in Berry Blast, $99.95 (for 10 sachets) at SWIISH
The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost, $49.99 at Mecca
J for Just Enjoy
Getting our hair and makeup done can now be built into a night out with the girls. Salons such as Mary Keith Beauty Bar in Sydney and SOAK Bar and Beauty in Melbourne pair beauty services with happy hour for the ultimate self-care experience.
K for Kaleidoscope Nails
While we are still drooling over glazed nails, trends like coloured French tips and shape-shifting nails are also taking our fancy. Or shortcut the manicure process with the recent influx of press-on nails. They offer pristine looks, ready-to-wear artistry and no damage.
Glowie by her Jaded press on nails, $41 at Glowie by her
Nailfitt Purple Haze Press On Nails, $39 at Nailfitt
L for Little Mermaids
The Little Mermaid-inspired trend embraces a cool-toned, sea-inspired colour palette with an emphasis on iridescent skin. “Mermaid” skin also amps up the glossiness, which can be achieved using a dewy skin tint and Chantecaille highlighter. For eyes, try a fresh wash of pastel on the eyelids, or pack on metallics for a deep-sea look.
Chantecaille Real Glow Highlighter, $135 at Mecca
Natasha Denona Mini Pastel Palette, $44 at Sephora
M for Mum’s The Word
Pregnancy-specific skincare is blooming, with beauty stores such as Mecca creating a new category for prenatal and postnatal beauty. Take Pure Mama: it’s a New Zealand brand whose signature Belly Oil works to lessen stretch marks and itching. Back home, Australian label Mammae reimages breastfeeding and post-natal care with an eco-luxe range for wellness and body care.
Pure Mama Belly Oil, $69 at Pure Mama
Mammaé Bosom Ritual™ Elixir, $159 at Mammaé
N for New Applicators
With hands-free devices on the rise, it’s no wonder the intuitive experience has made its way to the beauty space – well, kind of. While not completely hands free, roll-on applicators have made applying messy products like face masks much easier. Early adaptors are New York cool-brand Milk Makeup and Tyche.
Tyche Anti-Ageing & Detoxifying Clay Mask Stick, $43 at Tyche
O for Oh My
The pleasure gap in the bedroom is narrowing. Lovers, a range of six lubricants for women, is formulated to help with issues such as low arousal, while Vida Glow’s new supplement can help boost vaginal health. For an in-clinic treatment, Cliovana uses soundwave technology to boost cell regeneration around the clitoris to address a lack of sensation and dryness. Visit onecosmetic.com.
Lovers Real Love Lube, $74 at Lovers
Vida glow Gut Pro, $50 at Adore Beauty
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
P for Perfect Pout
A new wave of high-performing formulas means juicy, glazed lips are merely a swipe away.
For Glossiness: Try a lip oil. This will promise a wet, high-shine appearance sans the stickiness.
For Mega Volume: Look no further than a plumping lip gloss or pencil for a Jolie-worthy pout.
For Colour: Opt for a lip tint or stain with hydrating ingredients to achieve a natural, long-lasting hue.
Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain in Michelle, $40 at Mecca
Too Faced Lip Injection Plumping Lip Liner in Post-Op Pink, $40 at Mecca
NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip in Cherry Pink, $18.04 at Amazon Australia
Q for Quite The Opposite
It’s time to embrace the cold for depuffing and calming. Whether it’s cold-inducing products, ice globes or a sheet mask in the fridge, sub zero will help snap skin into shape. On the other hand, hot treatments such as infrared heat are key for helping boost metabolism and easing aches and pains. Want to heat up in private? Heat Healer stocks a sauna blanket with 96 jade and tourmaline stones.
Skin Proud Frozen Over Gel-To-Ice-Hydrator, $31.99 at Priceline
Heat Healer Gua Sha Lymphatic Drainage Tool, $89 at Heat Healer
R for Retro Hair
Everything old is new again. Take cues from these back-again ‘dos.
Micro Bangs: Skip the macro commitment with clip-in hair extensions; Megan Fox and Florence Pugh have been forerunners.
Retro Updo: Curl hair and create volume with rollers or a heating tool. Leave for a bit before fixing with hairspray.
’90s Swoop: They key is an exaggerated flick, roughly 8cm from the bottom of your hair. Then blowdry or straighten for bounce.
Cloud Nine The Retro Iron Hair Straightener, $210 at The Iconic
S for Skin Flooding
This skin hack is all about hydration layering: applications of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, with a spritz of hydrating mist before and after each. Follow with a rich moisturiser and you’re done. For body: apply Epzen’s Unwind Shower Balm post shower, and whilst skin is still wet, for ultimate moisture.
EpZen Unwind Shower Balm Nourishing In-Shower Moisturiser, $15.99 at Priceline
T for Tech Savvy
Brands such as L’Oréal, Armani and Sephora are using AI and AR technology for a virtual try-on experience. Customers can test different shades and makeup formulas on their face without having to leave the couch. Shade matching has never been so easy!
U for Undone Beauty
In 2023, authentic beauty still reigns, yet an element of polish is being brought back in. With a focus on skin and minimal makeup, we want to look natural rather than raw, so makeup that is high-percentage skincare is at the centre of the trend.
Dior Forever Skin Glow 24H Hydrating Radiant Foundation, $99 at Sephora
Makeup By Mario Softsculpt® Transforming Skin Enhancer, $50 at Sephora
V for Vivacious Eyes
Soft grunge meets Euphoria-esque silhouettes. This new eye look focuses on gritty metallic textures and iridescent shimmers, with the refinement of edgy shapes (angular, block out and butterfly). Incorporate the trend for everyday with bold liners and coloured mascaras. Or take it to the max with rhinestones and TikTok-popular hot-glue adornments (take care!) for a 3D element.
Sephora Collection Full Loading Mascara in Full Blue, $24 at Sephora
Urban Decay 24/7 Inks Liquid Eyeliner in Mucho Mucho, $38 at Mecca
Anastasia Beverly Hills Rose Metals Eyeshadow Palette, $95 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
W for SPF Wardrobing
SPFs are now so advanced we have a choice not just of physical and chemical but also texture, shade and viscosity. And Australia leads the way. With strict rules regarding efficacy, we create some of the best formulations, ones that work for every occasion, every day.
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist, $42 at Adore Beauty
Airyday Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen 75ml, $49 at AiryDay
X Marks The (Hot) Spot
Whether your skincare routine is simple or extensive, these are three key ingredients you’ll want to know:
Cica: A great all-rounder, its restorative properties aid cell turnover and help the microbiome barrier address dryness, redness and inflammation.
Peptides: These amino acids stimulate skin and encourage collagen production, for fresh, firm, bouncy-looking skin.
Mandelic Acid: A gentle alternative to retinol that helps treat acne by targeting bacteria.
Boost Lab CicaPlus Repair Serum, $39.95 at Adore Beauty
Youth To The People Mandelic Acid Superfood Unity Exfoliant, $66 at Sephora
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, $109 at Mecca
Y for Yes to Skin Tints
Minimalist makeup is in and skin tints are its beating heart. Their sheer cover and generally sensitive formulations can even out complexions with featherweight cover. Look like you have nothing on while still appearing gently airbrushed.
Guerlain Terracotta Le Teint Healthy Glow Natural Perfection Foundation, $108 at David Jones
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Foundation SPF30, $96 at Mecca
Rationale Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF30, $112 at Rationale
Z for Zen Skin
Augustinus Bader, Endota and April Brodie facials use lymphatic drainage to boost circulation, reduce swelling and tighten skin for a radiant, lifted finish. But regular facial massages are for more than just supple skin, with studies suggesting they also alleviate stress and elevate mood. Indulge in this act of self-care in-clinic or at home with an array of high-tech tools and formulas.
Foreo UFO 2, $499 at Adore Beauty
endota Organics Vitamin Treatment Oil, $45 at endota
