It’s the end of the year, which means it’s time for a look back at what we’ve been reading, buying, watching and shopping in 2023.
One of my favourite lists to always check through is the most popular beauty products.
In honour of the end of the year, leading beauty retailer Adore Beauty have shared the best-selling beauty buys of 2023.
Catch the best deals and products hand-picked by our team at Best Picks >>
From an under $30 shampoo that infuses hair with a heavenly smell, to the $38 K-Beauty product that took TikTok by storm for giving us glassier, more hydrated skin, below are your top picks.
1. K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask, $99.50
It’s expensive, but it’s the GOAT for a reason.
K18’s Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask ($99.50) promises to transform even the most damaged and dry of hair.
Unlike regular conditioner, you apply two to three pumps outside of the shower to towel-dried locks and leave it in the hair — where it gets to work within just four minutes.
The K18 peptide (the product’s star ingredient) works to mimic the structure of the hair’s natural keratin in order to boost moisture and promote thicker hair.
The peptide has also been cleverly designed to repair broken hair and improve your locks’ overall strength according to the brand.
Personally, I’ve noticed significant improvements in the condition of my hair since I started using it in late August, and I now won’t use any other brand.
2. Kerastase Elixir Ultimate Original Hair Oil, $73
The second product on the list is another hair buy.
The Kerastase Elixir Ultimate Original Hair Oil ($73) has over 400 five-star reviews from shoppers who claim it makes your hair silkier and shinier after just one use.
“What can I say. This product is on the pricey side, but it is a gem. My hair just feels so great. You notice the difference straight away,” one shopper wrote of the $73 oil.
“Such a stunning hair oil — very lightweight but still provides the most gorgeous shine to my otherwise dull hair. 10/10,” another added.
3. ELEVEN Australia Hydrate My Hair Moisture Shampoo, $27.95
A more budget-friendly option but no less powerful because of that, the ELEVEN Australia Hydrate My Hair Moisture Shampoo ($27.95) is ideal for those with dry, brittle or damaged hair.
Its gentle formula also leaves hair soft, and works to prevent breakage.
One reviewer writes of the shampoo: “This product is light and moisturising. Great for dry hair in need of repair. Left feeling smooth, healthy and shiny”.
While another added: “This is the best shampoo ever!”
4. ghd Original Straightener, $200
While other straighteners may come and go, there’s a reason why shoppers come back to ghd every time as the buy that can deliver perfect glass-like straight hair.
The $200 straightener not only gives you straight hair, but it can be used to add waves and curls too.
I’ve personally been using ghd since I was a teenager and it’s never let me down as a brand.
That’s something that is worth investing in.
5. Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, $54
Earning itself an Allure 2023 Reader’s Choice Award winner title, this protective and restorative conditioner is known for its bond rebuilding technology that helps to repair dry, damaged or colour-treated hair.
Olaplex recommend you use it with their No.4 shampoo for the ideal finish.
Again, there are hundreds of glowing reviews on the Adore Beauty website.
“My hair has never been so healthy and while colouring my hair blonde, as a natural dark brunette,” wrote one reviewer.
“Really thick, gorgeous conditioner. I’m a once a week washer and my hair feels nice days later without using any products mid-week to combat dryness,” another added.
6. Kayali Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum, $185
Women who love a hint of sweetness in their perfume went wild for this scent in 2023.
Pairing soft white florals with warmth and sweetness, Kayali Vanilla 28 ($185) is a refined take on a vanilla fragrance, contrasting it against warm woods and white florals.
Notes of jasmine and vanilla orchid bring out of the softness of Brazilian tonka, while brown sugar perfectly complements musk, amber and patchouli.
7. Glasshouse Fragrances Lost in Amalfi Car Diffuser, $49.95
If you want your car to smell like a holiday, why not join the thousands of shoppers who bought this Glasshouse Fragrances Lost in Amalfi Car Diffuser ($49.95) in 2023?
Lost in Amalfi has proven to be be the most-purchased scent disk releasing notes of freesia, lavender, lime and sea mist and each scent promises to last up to 30 days.
8. Who is Elijah Nomad Perfume, $179
I was gifted this perfume earlier in the year and regularly reach for it when I want something head-turning and easy to wear.
Both sweet and earthy, Nomad is a complex scent that stands out in a crowd.
Saffron is placed front and centre, with Egyptian jasmine and almond adding lightness and contrast.
The heart of Bulgarian rose is flirtatious and slightly soapy, while a resinous base ensures this fragrance lasts well on skin.
9. Makeup For Ever Skin All-in-One Palette Shade H1, $140
This all-in-one palette is a favourite of Hailey Bieber’s, and anything she touches sells out in seconds.
The palette houses a stunning mix of cream foundation, concealers, correctors, two blushes, two contouring creams and one highlighter.
“Amazing palette and it is perfect for on the go,” said one reviewer.
“It is all in one and has everything you need to achieve the best makeup look.
“All you need to do is put it in your handbag and pretty much do not need anything else, because it really does give the best natural look.”
10. Benefit Benetint Lip and Cheek Tint, $38
This iconic Benefit product has been around for years, but that doesn’t make it any less great.
Delivering the perfect rosy tint for lips and cheeks, it helps to give you that pretty lit-from-within flush that looks perfectly natural and like you’ve just been for a long walk.
“I have need using this tint for years now! Such a great product for the lips and cheeks. I keep in my handbag for those days where I want to be make up free but want a little colour,” said one reviewer.
Others say it looks the “most natural” on the face.
11. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup, $74
Makeup artists and celebrities swear by this foundation, and for good reason.
The $74 buy is perfect for all-day events and gives you a gorgeous, full coverage satin finish, while enhancing your complexion rather than making it look too heavy or cakey.
With more than 1,000 glowing reviews on Adore Beauty, shoppers absolutely adore it too.
“Beautiful product,” said one.
12. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream, $73
If you’re looking for a light, colour-correcting cream, look no further than IT Cosmetics’ Your Skin But Better CC Cream ($73).
The much-loved IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream comes in a range of inclusive shades offering full coverage and a pore-minimising finish.
13. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $105
This product is one of those holy grail items for makeup artists.
It’s such a great product, it’s the foundation I wore on my wedding day.
Weightless, long-lasting and able to give you the perfect “lit-from-within” glow, shoppers love that it also looks super-chic on your vanity and in your makeup bag.
14. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry, $31
It’s a cult favourite on the Best Picks desk, and if you want to wake up with a perfect pout, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($31) never fails to deliver.
The cult classic Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask has been designed to keep lips hydrated while you sleep and works overnight to reveal more soft and smooth lips.
15. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $38
This was the year of Korean and Japanese beauty — and this TikTok famous product was one of the big winners.
This famous Korean essence uses the main ingredient of snail secretion to effectively hydrate and calm the skin.
Snail secretion is a proven ingredient in most Korean skincare products due to its ability to calm and protect stressed skin and keep it hydrated for longer.
16. Aspect Phytostat 9, $95
Crafted for ageing and/or dry skin, this hard-working, cosmeceutical cream also tackles pigmentation, fine lines and age spots.
It also boasts antioxidant ingredients and lipids including ginko, shea butter, sweet almond oil and kakadu plum.
This one has close to 700 five-star reviews.
“I have been using this since 2020 and I can’t stop. It’s the best night time moisturiser for me. I always wake up with the best skin,” said one shopper.
17. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, $242
Look: it’s not cheap.
But so many people rave about this “holy grail” item that they must be on to something.
If you want to address ageing, pigmentation or just seeking overall healthier-looking skin, and still haven’t invested in C E Ferulic, Adore Beauty recommend you surely should.
18. Alpha-H Liquid Gold, $67.46
One of the most popular chemical exfoliants, this Aussie product is a staple for many women across the country.
With five per cent Glycolic Acid and licorice extract, Alpha-H Liquid Gold supports collagen production and minimises the appearance of sun damage and blemishes.
And shoppers love its ability to give them dewy skin the next morning.
19. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF5+, $52
What’s a beauty wrap without a sunscreen?
And this is both my own and shoppers’ favourite.
A three-in-one that combines the protection of a sunscreen, with the hydration of a moisturiser, and the makeup-readiness of a primer, it’s perfect for wearing on its own or with makeup.
I have at least three tubes at home at any given time.
