The beauty industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and innovations shaping the way we approach skincare, makeup, and personal care. As we dive into a new year, it’s important to stay updated on the latest beauty trends that are revolutionizing the industry.
We’ve interviewed beauty expert Gigi Sime from the up-and-coming beauty community My Beauty Clan to get in on some of the hottest trends in the beauty industry in 2023. In the following section, we explore five exciting waves that you should keep an eye on to enhance your beauty routine and stay ahead of the curve.
The trends you’ll find information on include:
- Clean and sustainable beauty
- Inclusive beauty
- Skincare-first approach
- Personalization and customization
- Beauty tech and AR/VR integration
Clean and sustainable beauty: Embracing nature’s goodness
In recent years, the beauty industry has witnessed a significant shift towards clean and sustainable beauty. Gigi comments that “consumers are now more conscious of the ingredients they put on their skin and the impact their choices have on the environment”.
Not all is good, though. Clean beauty brands are emerging and misinformation is on the rise as brands aim to increase sales while riding the new clean wave.
Products formulated “without harmful chemicals”, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances become more and more sought after by the end user while there’s little to no evidence to support claims of their actual harm.
“Nowadays it’s easy to spread misinformation and become a victim of it. With short forms of content on the rise, creators feel pressure to sacrifice facts for clicks.” Sime adds. “It’s everyone’s individual responsibility to research all claims and ensure to not spread “greenwashing” claims. Sometimes it’s as easy as searching for the information, other times it’s best to ask a qualified representative.”
More and more brands also focus on sustainable packaging, using recyclable materials, and reducing waste. It becomes clear that the end task is more complex than initially thought as brands struggle to find the best approach in terms of cost-effectiveness, user experience, and environmental impact.
By embracing clean and sustainable beauty, you can take care of both your skin and the planet. However, there’s more than meets the eye regarding this topic, so following along with the trends ensures we stay on top of misinformation.
Inclusive beauty: celebrating diversity and representation
Gigi also comments that the beauty industry is becoming increasingly inclusive, embracing diversity in all its forms. Consumers are demanding representation and products that cater to their unique needs, regardless of their skin color, hair type, body shape, or gender identity.
Brands are expanding their shade ranges, offering more inclusive foundation colors, and featuring diverse models and influencers in their marketing campaigns. This trend is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and empowering beauty industry.
“Inclusive beauty is not just a trend; it’s a necessary and empowering movement that celebrates the beauty in diversity. It goes beyond skin tones and body shapes, embracing all individuals and their unique identities. It’s all about breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and represented” says Gigi.
“However, brands do have a lot of work cut out for them. It’s obvious, now more than ever, how underrepresented many groups are” Gigi adds. She goes on to point out an issue with sunscreens and how it’s difficult for folks with deeper skin tones to find a product that they can use daily, as most leave a white cast that’s too visible.
“I’m excited to see where this one is going. Brands do an increasingly better job at diversifying their product ranges, so it’s exciting times for inclusivity” says Gigi.
Skincare-first approach: A holistic beauty journey
The concept of a skincare-first approach has gained immense popularity in recent years. Consumers are recognizing the importance of a solid skincare routine as the foundation for healthy and radiant skin. The pandemic gave a much-needed push to the beauty industry and put skin care under the spotlight.
This trend involves investing in high-quality skincare products, understanding individual skin concerns, and tailoring routines accordingly. From double cleansing and exfoliating to using serums and masks, skincare enthusiasts are prioritizing their skin’s health and embracing a more holistic approach to beauty.
Gigi confirms that “a lot of consumers are actively working with beauty experts and dermatologists for personalized skincare products and routines, which only shows the growing attention and focus on a skincare-first approach”.
Personalization and customization: Beauty designed for you
This brings us to the next hot trend this year – personalization.
Personalization and customization are revolutionizing the beauty industry. Consumers now have access to personalized skincare and makeup products that cater to their specific needs.
When it comes to packaging solutions that perfectly align with your unique needs and preferences, Custom Cardboard Boxes emerge as the unrivaled choice. These boxes offer an unparalleled level of personalization, allowing you to infuse your brand’s identity and style into every inch of the packaging. From choosing the dimensions and shape to selecting captivating designs and prints, you have the creative freedom to craft boxes that not only protect your products but also captivate your customers. The ability to add logos, slogans, and graphics further strengthens your brand’s presence, leaving a lasting impression on recipients. With this Customized Packaging Solution, beauty isn’t just skin deep; it’s designed specifically for you, enhancing your product’s appeal, and leaving a lasting mark in the hearts of your valued customers.
“This is great as now more than ever it’s easy for the consumers to get their hands on a prescription-grade product when they don’t have access to a dermatologist” Gigi comments. “It’s good for the environment too, as people no longer need to go through different products to find a working one” she adds.
Through technology and data analysis, brands can offer tailored solutions, such as customized foundation shades, skincare formulations, and even personalized fragrance blends.
This trend allows individuals to create beauty routines that are uniquely suited to their skin type, concerns, and preferences.
There are many brands that have hopped on the bandwagon, with Apostrophe and Curology being a small example. Watch out how this trend will unfold as it’s clear that personalization is here to stay.
Beauty tech and AR/VR integration: Enhancing the virtual experience
Advancements in beauty technology and the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming the way consumers explore and experience beauty. AR-powered beauty apps enable users to try on virtual makeup, experiment with different hairstyles and colors, and virtually test skincare products.
This trend enhances the virtual shopping experience, allowing consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions and try new looks without leaving their homes.
Gigi adds that “these technological advancements have opened up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing us to virtually try on makeup, experiment with different hairstyles, and even test skincare products without leaving our homes. With beauty tech and AR/VR integration, we can now make more informed decisions, confidently explore new looks, and unleash our creativity in ways we never thought possible.”
As with the other up-and-coming trends, here we also see a negative connotation to it: the rise of the use of filters and scams surrounding product recommendations by influencers. “It’s easy to fake that a product gives you this perfect skin, there are creators out there who use all technological advancements to their best abilities to increase sales for brands. We must remain critical of every claim and have realistic, more down-to-earth expectations about the effects that a particular product may have. It’s not a magic wand” finishes Gigi.
The beauty industry continues to evolve, driven by consumer demands and technological advancements. It’s evident that it’s growing and more alive than ever.
By staying updated with these five trends – clean and sustainable beauty, inclusive beauty, a skincare-first approach, personalization and customization, and beauty tech and AR/VR integration – you can enhance your beauty journey, embrace diversity, and make conscious choices that benefit both you and the planet. Moreover, critical thinking is a must more than ever, so staying informed has never been more important than it’s now.
Embrace these trends and embark on an exciting and transformative beauty adventure this year!
