Best of Beauty 2023
It’s that time of year again…when I get to round up all of my favorite clean beauty products from the last 12 months! Read on for the new discoveries, evergreen obsessions, and products I reached for over and over again.
I’m always searching for the latest and greatest in clean beauty to share with you: the everyday makeup essentials that will help you feel put together when running out the door with your kids; the skincare that enables you to establish a nightly ritual while tackling your skin goals; the hair and body products that transform your bathroom into a spa; the makeup extras that give you a sparkly boost for a special occasion or a bright pick-me-up on a tough day.
So without further ado, let’s dive into my 23 clean beauty favorites of 2023!
Note: This blogpost contains affiliate links. I am able to earn commission on your purchases when you click and shop through these links, at no additional cost to you. These funds allow me to continue creating free content and exploring the best in clean beauty to share with you. Thank you for helping my business bloom!
Makeup
1. MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick + Brush No. 1
Officially my most-reached-for complexion duo, for the second year in a row! You simply can’t beat the ease and speed at which you can apply, and the beautiful natural but polished finish you get. It’s kind of like an eraser for red patches, blemishes, large pores, and discoloration - and the magic happens in seconds! This is truly makeup for momlife. Note: don’t even think about getting the complexion stick without the brush!
Watch me use The Minimalist + Brush No.1, along with other Merit faves
2. ILIA Multi Stick
The OG multi-use lip + cheek + eye stick is still my favorite one! It’s glowy but not greasy, buildable, blendable, and beginner-friendly. Everyone should have at least one or two of these. I tripled my collection this year! Whisper, In the Mood and At Last are my favorite universal starter shades.
Watch me swatch my collection of 8 Multi Stick shades
3. Jones Road The Bronzer
There’s something simply magical about this one. It does the job of imparting a healthy bronzed effect, while remaining completely imperceptible on the skin. And the shade range features the perfect Light Tan (my shade) and even a Dusty Rose for the fairest of them all.
Watch me use The Bronzer, along with other Jones Road faves
4. Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer
This has everything I want in a concealer; it’s hydrating but it actually gives coverage, it blends like a dream, and it lasts.
Watch me apply Swipe Concealer
5. Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days SPF 30
I love a multitasker, and this moisturizer + SPF + light-medium coverage tint is perfect for those days when you just don’t have time for a full face but want to look fresh and cut out a few steps.
Watch me apply Best Skin Days
6. Kimiko Master Your Brows Duo
I rediscovered this pencil, along with its newer gel counterpart, this year, and I haven’t been able to put them down. Draw fine, hairlike strokes in one of three universal shades (takes out the guesswork) for sculpted, full, defined brows; then set them in place with non-crunchy, non-glossy gel that holds all day long.
Watch me use the Master Your Brows Kit
Shop at Kimiko (Use code REBECCAG15 to save 15%)
Shop Superfine Eyebrow Pencil at The Detox Market
Shop Superfine Eyebrow Pencil at Beauty Heroes
7. Eyes That TOK Mascara, Brown
ICYMI, brown mascara is all the rage! This one is everything a brown mascara should be; it’s a buildable, smudge-proof formula that gives fluffy, fluttery, comfortable lashes.
See me wearing Eyes That TOK in this MOTD
8. RMS Beauty Go Nude Lip Pencil
2023 was the year of lip liner, and this was the one I reached for the most! The range of nude shades covers every skin tone and occasion. My favorite is Morning Dew, a dusty rose that makes the perfect base for both neutral and deeper lip looks, depending what you layer on top.
Watch me swatch all 7 shades of Go Nude Lip Pencil
Shop at RMS Beauty (Use code BLOOMANDGLOW20 to save 20%)
9. MOB Beauty Hyaluronic Highlight Balm, M98
Instant glassy skin perfection. Fake your way to hydrated skin if you don’t have it; if you do, get your glow on with this balm that works over any foundation or on bare skin.
Watch me apply Hyaluronic Highlight Balm
10. Gen See Mixed Media Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow in First Light
Obsessed doesn’t even begin to cover it…I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; this eyeshadow is the GOAT! It’s easy to blend with your finger or a brush, flatters every skintone, goes with every outfit/makeup look, and it’s beginner-friendly. Get it.
Watch me apply First Light
11. GXVE Can’t Stop Staring Mascara
The moment I first tried this several months ago, I knew it was going to be on my Best of 2023 list. This mascara delivers allthethings; I’m talking buildable volume, length, long wear, no smudging or flaking. It’s the *worship hands emoji* of mascaras.
See me wearing Can’t Stop Staring in this MOTD
SKINCARE
12. Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Nectar
A total game changer for dry skin. It wasn’t until I started using this moisturizer, a few years ago, that I saw my skin’s full potential. Even when it’s not a part of my regular routine, I make sure to have this on hand to use as an occasional hydrating mask or spot treatment for irritation or flaky patches. It’s the best.
See 4 ways to use ROyal Tulip Nectar
Shop at Bloomeffects (Use code bloom_andglow to save 20%)
13. Alpyn Beauty Willow & Sweet Agave Lip Plumping Mask
Say buh-bye to dry, chapped lips. I apply this every night and wake up to smooth, plump lips every morning. It’s been a staple in my routine for years and it’s not going anywhere!
Watch me unbox and apply the Lip Mask
Shop at Alpyn Beauty (Use code BLOOMANDGLOW15 to save 15%)
14. Beautycounter Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream + Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream
Ok ok, this is two products. But I couldn’t decide which one was my real hero, because I think it’s both! I’ve been using this duo (Countertime at night and Countermatch in the morning) for several years, and I swear it’s stopped the clock on my fine lines.
Watch me discuss and use Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream
15. Saint Jane Luxury Sun Ritual SPF
I’m a big believer in SPF every day, and this one makes it easy. With its lightweight whipped texture, subtle tint, blurring finish, and beautiful perfume-like scent, this is a mineral SPF you will love using. Bonus points for layering flawlessly under every kind of makeup I’ve tried.
Watch me apply Luxury Sun Ritual
16. True Botanicals Nourishing Cleanser
I almost forgot about this one, then I realized I have used it almost every single morning since I got it - and I’m down to the last drop, which I have to admit, doesn’t happen so often with my skincare collection. With the divine spa-like scent and silky, non-stripping texture, this cleanser is the perfect way to start your day.
17. Alpyn Beauty Super Peptide + Ghostberry Cream
This rich moisturizer impressed me with its intense, balmy hydration but lightweight feel. It’s also one of the few skincare products that I can say gave me noticeable results in a very short time. Within a few days of use, my pores looked smoother, redness was reduced, and overall my skin’s texture looked more refined. I’ve recommended this to pretty much everyone who asked for a moisturizer this season!
Watch me use Super Peptide + Ghostberry Cream
Shop at Alpyn Beauty (Use code BLOOMANDGLOW15 to save 15%)
18. One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Take it allll off (face AND eyes) with this delightful oil-to-milk cleanser. The pump dispenser makes it quick and easy to use, and the sweet, fruity scent is lovely.
Hair/Body/Tools
19. Innersense I Create Finish Hairspray
It’s the perfect blend of hold and workability. I usually spray this when I want to “zhuzh” up my day 2 (or 3, 4, 5…) hair to give it some texture and body, but it also works to tame flyaways and hold frizz for a sleeker style.
20. Hanni Splash Salve
A true innovation, and designed especially for lazy people, this in-shower body balm has turned me into a hydrated-from-head-to-toe girlie. It’s my favorite part of my shower, no question.
Shop at Hanni (use code REBECCA-15 to save 15%)
21. Jenny Patinkin Sustainable Luxury Brushes
I was always a fan of Jenny’s brushes, but her line got a makeover this year and now has unparalleled performance, luxury, and sustainability. I am particularly obsessed with the Complexion and Small Angled brushes, but I use all of them frequently. The Dual-Ended Brush Set is the most cost- and space-effective way to go!
See what else I love about these brushes
Shop at Jenny Patinkin (use code BLOOMANDGLOW20 to save 20%)
22. Dermaflash Luxe+
I have a new favorite selfcare ritual, and it’s a session with this device! I’ve gotten in the habit of regularly removing peach fuzz and exfoliating with my Dermaflash about twice a month. My skin is never smoother and glowier than it is in the days following! No, hair doesn’t grow back thicker, darker, or faster.
Watch me use my Dermaflash Luxe+
Shop at Dermaflash (Use code BLOOM20 to save 20%)
23. Olive & June Super Stick Tab Press Ons
I was always a polish girl, and would occasionally use the glue press ons for trips or special occasions, when it was worth it to commit to the somewhat tedious removal process. Enter Super Stick…I’m now on team pressies! I’m obsessed with how easy these are to apply AND remove, and they look amazing.
Watch me apply Super Stick press ons
Shop at Olive & June (Use code BLOOMANDGLOW20 to save 20% on your system)
With all the many, many products I have and use, it’s so hard to narrow it down to just 23 favorites! A few other honorable mentions:
ILIA Clean Line Gel Liner in Dusk - the perfect cool brown shade and smudgeable formula that sets and stays put all day.
Youth to the People Superfood Hand Wash and Lotion - luscious textures and intoxicating scents. My new bathroom staple and gifting go-to!
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm - my new-ish purse /pocket staple. I’m obsessed with the silky feel and long-lasting hydration I get when I touch up with these throughout the day. Either Pink Sugar or Brown Sugar is always on my person, at all times, no matter what.
RMS Beauty Legendary Lipstick - gorgeous one-swipe color in a comfortable, hydrating, cooling, long-lasting stain.
Evreda Sensitivity and Redness Facial Tonic - there’s just something so lovely and soothing about this mist.
Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly - non-sticky, jel-icious ,sheer, milky gloss that completes every makeup look to perfection.
Kosas Brow Pop Nano - the teeny tiniest pencil tip you’ve ever seen; perfect for drawing in a few hairs.
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener - for the quickest, easiest one-step eyeshadow look.
Thank you for reading!
I hope you enjoyed this roundup, and my first blogpost! Whether you saw some products you already know and love or scouted out some new ones to try, please know that it makes me so happy to help you find your dream beauty routine!
And always - always - I value your faith in me as your trusted advisor and resource for clean and momlife-friendly beauty.
xo, Rebecca
This blogpost contains affiliate links. I am able to earn commission on your purchases when you click and shop through these links. These funds allow me to continue creating free content and exploring the best in clean beauty to share with you. Thank you for helping my business bloom!