
Well pop the champagne and bathe me in glitter – 2023, you’ve been one helluva year.
We've laughed, we've cried (mostly when our eyeliner wouldn't cooperate), and we've discovered makeup gems that quickly turned into our ride-or-dies.
From the lip products that survived coffee mugs to the game-changing foundations that became our second skin, we’ve got the inside scoop on the makeup products that topped the 2023 Adore Beauty charts.
So, as we close out the year, let’s take a stroll down makeup memory lane, shall we?
Coming in at number one is MAKE UP FOR EVER’s HD Skin All-in-One Palette. And for good reason – it’s the MVP of makeup. It's got your foundation, concealer, and highlighter all in one sleek package. Perfect for taking with you on a trip or when you want to look flawless without spending hours in front of the mirror.
Raise your hand if you're just as obsessed with Benefit's Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint as we are. This cult favourite is your ticket to that sought-after fresh, sun-kissed flush. Perfect for adding a swash of colour to no-makeup makeup days or when you need a tint that’ll go the mile.
3. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup For makeup that stays put longer than your last situationship, Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup is your go-to. It’s like a dependable friend that never lets you down. Long-wearing, matte finish, and available in so many shades to suit all skin tones – it's the whole package.
4. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ SPF 50 2023 was undoubtedly the year of skincare-infused makeup. At the top of our list is the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ SPF 50. It's like a superhero cape for your face – full coverage, SPF 50, and skincare benefits all rolled into one tube. Whoever said you can’t have it all clearly hadn’t tried this hardworking beauty.
5. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Are we surprised this radiant foundation made the cut? Not at all. The Beyonce of foundations, she’s iconic, flawless and everyone’s favourite – including many an AB staffer. A cult classic for a reason, she’s weightless on the skin and imparts that coveted lit-from-within glow.
We love an overachiever. Anything that combines multiple skincare steps in one automatically gets a closer look – and apparently, the feeling’s mutual! The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is not just a primer; it's skincare, it's hydration, it's the secret sauce for a flawless canvas. It’s the kind of base that makes your makeup sit up and stay for the whole party.
7. Adore Beauty Tools of the Trade 7-Piece Brush Set I can’t help but feel like a proud mum watching this set make its mark in 2023. Having personally bought and used them on the daily, I can attest to just how good these brushes are. From blending to precision work, they’re a perfect option for an effective makeup routine that won’t break the bank.
8. Eye Of Horus Goddess Mascara Topping the list of best-selling mascaras is makeup artist and beauty editor favourite, Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara. The award-winning product adds volume, length, and that extra bit of drama to make your eyes pop. All without irritating sensitive eyes. In other words, it's an instant add-to-cart.
Sneak a peek inside any top makeup artist’s bag and you’ll likely find this French holy grail also known as ‘the 24-hour miracle cream’. The ‘mum’ of moisturisers, it’s a hydrating cream, primer and mask in one. And in a compact 30ml size, it's the perfect sidekick for your on-the-go beauty adventures.
Would it really be a makeup best-sellers list without a Benefit mascara? We think not. Taking out the top spot this year is the Roller Lash Curling Mascara. Featuring a Hook N Roll brush, it grabs every last lash to add curl and definition while lifting and separating. Need we say more?
You already know and love Clinique Black Honey, so it comes as no surprise that its pink-coded sibling made the cut this year, too. The perfect everyday shade for soft, glossy lips, Pink Honey is the chameleon of lip products, looking different but just as delicious on everyone.
Get ready to glow – the Cinch Pump + Glow is like a burst of sunshine for your face. Infused with SUPEROX-C™ to fight the appearance of wrinkles, this illuminating moisturises primes and hydrates to give you that dewy, fresh-faced radiance. Ideal for no-makeup makeup days or when your skin needs a pick-me-up.
13. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel For perfectly groomed brows that stay put, this is it. The unsung hero of your makeup routine, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel tames unruly brows for a clean and polished look that’s flexible and never stiff. What more could you ask for?
Now, let’s talk lips, shall we? Lanolips Tinted Lip Balm in Perfect Nude is like a hydration vacation for your mouth. It adds a natural hint of colour and SPF 30 protection while smoothing and softening. Pop one in your handbag, car and desk for a pampered pout wherever you go.
15. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder Banana Bread We have TikTok to thank for bringing this banana beauty to our attention. The finely milled powder is the ultimate multitasker, setting your makeup to perfection while delivering a brightening boost. Its weightless formula ensures a featherlight feel, blurring imperfections for a flawless finish that lasts.
We've got plenty more makeup marvels worthy of your cart. Check out these Beauty IQs: