Beauty industry experts share their predictions for the big beauty trends of 2023

Dr. Rachel Ho

Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Rachel Ho

1/20

Who is she: The medical director of La Clinic, which is situated at Paragon Medical Centre. This beauty expert has a special interest in minimally invasive treatments for anti-ageing and enhancements of facial aesthetics.

What do you think will be the biggest trends in skincare, dermatology and aesthetics in 2023?

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2/20

Clean Skincare: “Clean skincare isn’t new, but consumer demand for clean beauty is growing steadily. Based on consumer reports, clean beauty looks likely to continue to be a big trend in 2023. There is no standardised definition of ‘clean beauty‘ by any regulatory board and individual beauty/skincare companies very liberally define its meaning as being free of toxic ingredients and/or containing ingredients that are sustainably/ethically sourced. For many, the appeal of having ‘safer’ beauty products free of so-called toxins is based on the largely unfounded premise that chemicals are harmful. Fear-mongering by these industry players has consequently played a role in the popularity of ‘clean beauty’.”

No Makeup Skin: “From the glazed doughnut look of looking dewy and luminous made popular by Hailey Bieber to the #cleangirlaesthetic look of glowing skin and minimal makeup, 2023 will also be about this timeless aesthetic just with a different moniker.”

Preventative Ageing & Looking Natural: “With more refined techniques and innovations in aesthetic dermatology, more people are recognising that the overdone, overfilled, frozen faces of yore are a thing of the past. Besides outcomes being more acceptable to patients, access to these options is easier compared to years ago. What will continue to trend is light-handed approaches to aesthetic treatments to keep outcomes looking natural, such as having Baby Botox to remove wrinkles while retaining facial expression or using dermal fillers to treat volume loss and sagging in the face without causing excessive fullness.

With this, I’m seeing more younger patients coming forward with requests to address early signs of ageing such as treating early dynamic wrinkles. Also, with treatments that replenish collagen and elastin loss in the skin, such as resurfacing lasers as well as injectable moisturizers such as Profhilo, patients can take a pre-emptive approach to delay signs of ageing; without looking overdone.

What innovations in skincare, dermatology and aesthetics are you most excited about in 2023?

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3/20

Exosome Therapy: “One of the new players in dermatology that I’m excited about is exosomes. Exosome therapy started gaining traction at the end of 2022. Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by cells in the human body, including skin cells. Inside the vesicles are biomolecules which include proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. Exosomes function as messenger protein particles between cells to effect cellular changes. In the skin, exosomes cue natural healing processes.

Preliminary studies show that exosomes derived from stem cells increase collagen and elastin production endogenous in the skin and improve wound healing. It seems that exosome therapy is promising in rejuvenating older skin, improving healing and reducing recovery time from procedures and may also improve the efficacy of treatments.

What skincare, dermatology and aesthetics trends do you wish people leave behind in 2022?

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4/20

Buccal Fat Removal: First of all, questionable beauty trends and standards such as buccal fat removal. Buccal fat removal involves the removal of the fat pad between the cheekbones and the jaw bones to create a slimmer, and contoured look. The likes of Bella Hadid (pictured) and Zoe Kravitz have popularised this look. The downside of this trend/treatment is that it prematurely makes a person look older and gaunt due to volume loss.

Influencer/Celebrity Skincare: Secondly, influencer and celebrity-led skincare. In 2022, we saw numerous celebrities and influencers release their skincare line. Some of them, such as Brad Pitt, have no background or experience in pharmacology, medicine and chemistry, which makes one question whether such celebrity skincare products add any value or diversity to an already saturated skincare market. The majority of these skincare lines led by celebrities have been uninspiring and do not introduce anything groundbreaking.

Xenia Wong

Credit: Courtesy of Xenia Wong

5/20

Who is she: Wong is the founder of homegrown skincare brand Sigi Skin, which is known for its minimalist approach to beauty.

What do you think will be the biggest trends in skincare in 2023?

Credit: Sigi Skin

6/20

Bakuchiol: Bakuchiol would be one as more people are intrigued by retinol products. However, not everybody is able to use retinol (it may cause irritation and dryness, making it unsuitable for people with sensitive skin or for use during the day). Bakuchiol is found in Dream Capsule Daily Overnight Sleeping Mask (pictured) that we launched back in 2020 and it is one of our best sellers. It provides the same benefits as retinol but without its side effects.

Probiotics: Another ingredient would be probiotics. People now understand that having a balanced microbiome equates to having good healthy skin. We incorporated probiotics into two of our products – the Tea-Tox Sheet Mask that calms skin inflammation and redness and the Youth Beam Anti-Ageing Night Serum that contains pre, pro and postbiotics.

What innovations in skincare are you most excited about in 2023?

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7/20

Exosomes: Exosomes in skincare will be huge. Exosomes are emerging bioactive substances involved in multiple biological and cellular activities of the skin. Recently more research has been done on this to prove its efficacy.

Sunscreen Contouring: Sunscreen contouring! It should have never been a trend (it was popularised by TikTokers such as model Eli Withrow above). Sunscreen should be applied liberally on the whole face for protection.

Chris Chong

Credit: Courtesy of Chris Chong

9/20

Who is he: Besides dabbling in ceramics, Chong is also known for crafting artisanal scents. His latest work – a fragrance-based experiential installation with fellow multi-disciplinary artist Sarah Ninjawhee – was recently shown at interior design studio-slash-art space Supperhouse as part of Singapore Art Week 2023.

What do you think will be the biggest fragrance trends in 2023?

Credit: Tom Ford

10/20

Cherry Scents: The juicy, irresistible fruit: Cherries are always in style! The fruity notes make anyone happy, vibrant and cheerful. The fragrance evokes Viva Magenta, the Pantone Colour of 2023, in new ways, adding sensorial dimensions to colour. Cherry notes strongly pulsate exuberance and promote a joyous and optimistic celebration in the new year.

Cherries are a delicate and special addition to the composition of a scent. They add interest to the fruity facet of a fragrance, sometimes in a gourmet way, and work terrific in rose profiles. For example: The gorgeous use of cherry and a blend of two kinds of roses, Bulgarian rose and Turkish rose, leading to a dry down of white musk and vanilla in La Petite Robe Noire Rose Cherry by Guerlain (launched in 2023) is a beautiful example of a fragrance for women.

The trend began as early as 2022. Cherry Smoke by Tom Ford is an Amber Spicy fragrance for women and men with top notes of sour cherry and saffron. Very Good Girl Glam by Carolina Herrera, a fragrance for women, has top notes of sour cherry and bitter almond.

2023 continues to see newly launched cherry fragrances like Electric Cherry by Tom Ford, a floral fruity fragrance for women and men, with top notes of cherry and ginger. Another fragrance is Q by Dolce & Gabbana. It is a fragrance for women with middle notes of cherry and heliotrope

As you can see, cherry infuses well with spices, nuts and sweet florals. It would be interesting to see the infusion of cherry with other notes this year.

Perfume in the Metaverse: In 2023, the metaverse will influence the perfume industry in several ways.

The first is regarding the exclusivity of perfumes. Niche perfume companies will launch fragrance subscriptions available exclusively through the purchase of an NFT. Limited edition fragrances are exclusive to the NFT and will not be available on websites. Only NFT holders are able to claim and buy the perfumes. Due to the extreme rarity of newly launched fragrances in the metaverse, it would be a definitely interesting space to look out for in 2023.

Secondly, digital scent technology will become more popular and it will allow users to create unique fragrances that can be experienced in virtual reality. There will be more perfume launches in the metaverse. Users will also be encouraged to create their own customised fragrances. The combinations are immense: users may create up to 2,000 types of fragrance combinations using digital NFT ingredients. Their personalized scent will eventually be transformed into a physical fragrance bottle delivered to them.

Finally, companies will also create virtual perfumery experiences, allowing users to explore and purchase perfumes in a digital space. The metaverse will allow companies to create immersive experiences for their customers, making fragrances even more enjoyable and personal. Already in 2022, luxury fragrance brand Byredo teamed up with creative digital fashion studio #RTFKT (the #NFT makers owned by @Nike) to create a fragrance that will enter the metaverse (picured). A total of 26 different ingredients can be used to personalise your own scent, with each fragrance notes to convey certain moods and characteristics.

What trends do you wish people leave behind in 2022?

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12/20

Perfume as an extension of your personality: I’d love to mention perfumes but that would break the hearts of too many people. Instead, I propose leaving behind a mindset of thinking what perfume users wear as being utterly unique and an extension of their personality. I hate to break the hard truth but anything bought from a fragrance counter will be bought by several other millions of people thinking the same way.

Kenneth Chia

Credit: Li Wanjie

13/20

Who is he: This rising makeup whizz has a knack for conceptual looks and is a favourite collaborator of young image makers.

What do you think will be the biggest makeup trends in 2023?

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14/20

Y2K Minimalism: After the rush, there is refinement. The post-Covid hunger for 2000s-leaning colours and individuality has led to the creation of sheerer glitters and easy-to-use textures that make the Y2K trend more relaxed and quicker to execute. Think subtle iridescence, a pair of rhinestones in the corner of the eye and believable faux freckles. Nostalgia sometimes hits us hardest when it whispers.”

Liner for All: Let’s face it, we’ve had lots of time to practise and play with liner by now. 2023 will see even more free-handed shapes, face-altering liner hacks and liners in all sorts of finishes (pictured above is a look from Namacheko). In particular, I think metallic eyeliner will be an extension of the 2022 chrome obsession. They’re less intimidating, more versatile and flattering on all eye shapes. Try a metallic copper with an angled liner brush the next time you’re looking for an easy definition. If all else fails, you wind up with a soft smoky eye.

Flushes and Blushes: It’s that Jennie for Tamburins campaign. It’s the cold makeup trend. It’s that one pink Dior Backstage blush that keeps selling out. 2023 is the year we’ll finally master blush placement and try all sorts of unexpected colours: pale blue, yellow and orange – each with its own brightening, colour-correcting and tone-enhancing properties. Try it for a quick way to look polished without trying hard.”

Bleached Brows: There has never been a more acceptable time to bleach a brow. I do think it has lost some of the shock factor, but if it means that more people can embrace diversity in beauty then I’m all for that change. If that’s still too scary, try asking your hairdresser to tint your brows lighter. Or brush a cream concealer through your brows with a spoolie for a low-commitment alternative.

What innovations in makeup are you most excited about in 2023?

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15/20

K-beauty: I’m going through a K-beauty obsession at the moment (who isn’t), so I’m really into the huge texture options of glossy lip tints and innovative delivery systems that their products have – slow-release patches, at-home beauty technology, skin barrier protection, etc.

But at the end of the day, I’m most excited that the beauty consumer has grown more discerning about beauty and skincare because it pushes the brands to keep innovating.”

What trends do you wish people leave behind in 2022?

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16/20

Overtly Hyped Products: Overhyped, dramatic claims about product benefits. Complicated names for straightforward products. Thinking that there is a one-size-fits-all approach to beauty.

Gladys Ng

Credit: Courtesy of Gladys Ng

17/20

Who is she: The 22-year-old fashion media student and content creator best known as Ultravioleut on Instagram. Her cyber punk-influenced makeup looks have found fans among the young crowd, especially Gen Z types.

What do you think will be the biggest makeup trends in 2023?

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18/20

Bleached Brows and Bold Makeup: I think bleached brows will continue to stay and dominate the whole of this year. Perhaps, coupled with some bold black smoky eye makeup? With more runway models such as Bella Hadid bleaching their brows, it has definitely made an impact in both the fashion and beauty industries.

Bejewelled and metallic eye makeup will also be the new in-thing. Think futuristic. It has been a trend in recent years because of how exotic and cool it look.

Dewy Skin and Douyin Makeup: Glowy and healthy-looking skin will continue to trump matte skin. I love how Korean beauty has always been about healthy skin and how natural it looks. Finally, Douyin makeup (named after looks that go viral on the Chinese social media platform) has been my favourite thing in 2022. Eye-opening lashes and aegyosal (eyebags) trend absolutely open up my eyes and balance out my facial proportions even more.”

Viral Base Makeup Products: I am looking forward to more base products such as foundations, primers and powders that incorporate skincare elements or ingredients. I have been wanting to try the viral Kosas concealer (above) that everyone has been raving about.”

What trends do you wish people leave behind in 2022?

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20/20

Old Makeup Trends: No more blocky brows (pictured), muddy contours and white highlighting with the NYX pencil. E-girl makeup is kinda a nah for me too.”

This article was originally published in Female.