The 5 Biggest Beauty Trends for 2023, Explained By Industry Pros

Here's what you can expect to see on your feeds and IRL in the world of beauty trends, from skinimalism to Gemini hair.

If you've opened TikTok at any point in 2022, you've probably gotten lost in a digital sea of makeup and skin-care hacks, tips, and trends. Users have posted everything from creating thyme-infused ice cubes to treat acne to rubbing frozen cucumbers across their skin. While these posts have been educational, or at the very least, entertaining, you might be wondering ready to hit reset, and curious about what 2023 has to offer.

The main theme of 2023 beauty trends, according to industry experts? Less frivolity and more intentionality. Brands and consumers alike will up the ante on products, treatments, and trends that place overall wellness in the forefront and glitz and glam taking a backseat. Below. experts help explain everything you need to know about the biggest beauty trends of 2023, how to achieve these looks if you're interested, and most importantly, how to maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails in the (fun) process.

1. Skin-Benefitting Makeup

This year, expect to see a rise in hybrid makeup products containing skin-benefitting ingredients to combat dryness, oiliness, blemishes, and more. For example, serum foundations (which blend the coverage of a foundation with the beneficial ingredients of skin care) may include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to add moisture and SPF to protect the skin from UV rays.

For those who have always been skeptical of applying makeup on top of breakouts or flaky dry skin, these two-in-one products target skin-care concerns while giving you the soft, dewy finish of makeup. Plus, a serum-foundation combo can help you achieve a glowing makeup look. "The serum will slightly sheer out the formula, letting skin peek through a bit more, and the skin care in the mixture will really help bring a sheen to the skin," makeup artist Amrita Mehta, previously told Shape.

You’ll still need a personalized skin-care routine to truly address the root of your skin concerns, but in the meantime, you'll enjoy the one-two punch and convenience of makeup with powerful skin health properties.

2. 3D Nail Art

There’s nothing like looking down at your hands to appreciate a fresh manicure, and in 2023, nail art will go to the next level with designs that add depth to your digits. 3D nail art uses gems, bows, pearls, lace, and flowers that are glued to the nail to add dimension and texture. These eye-catching designs start with a gel polish base and are then covered with a layer of thicker nail lacquer to keep the designs secure and in place.

Since these designs are typically more extravagant, it’s important to maintain a healthy nail bed and cuticles before, during, and after rocking these styles. The 3D nail art process typically starts with applying acrylic full set nails, filing them down to shape, and using chemicals to secure them in place. The 3D nail art can also be applied on natural nails, dip powder, and acrylic tips for the same effect. Over time, this process can damage the health and strength of the natural nail. In order to keep your natural nails healthy, you’ll want to first ensure that you’re properly soaking off your 3D nail art using acetone and not biting or peeling them off, as that can damage the nail bed, tear the nail, and make the nail brittle. You'll also want to routinely use cuticle oil to keep cuticles and nails hydrated, supple, and healthy, Elle Gerstein, celebrity nail artist, previously told Shape.

3. Body Wash with Active Ingredients

By now, you know the benefits of using active ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid) for the face — but what about using these ingredients on the body? In 2023, skin care for the body and active ingredients in body care will become just as important in your hygiene routine. Expect to see products with active ingredients (aka an ingredient in a skin-care product that is scientifically proven to effectively target specific skin-care concerns) to help address body skin concerns, such as body acne, hyperpigmentation, and dryness, to name a few. Shower gels will be formulated with sought-after active ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol, and salicylic acid to ensure that the skin on the body is smooth, even-toned, and bump-free.

Heads up: Cleansers containing active ingredients have stronger formulas and can cause irritation. Use them just once or twice a week to start, especially if you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, to ensure your skin can handle it. If tolerable, these washes can be used daily to treat any body-based skin care concerns

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4. Gemini Hair

2023 will undoubtedly be the year of daring hairstyles. From bright, eye-catching colors to two-tone cotton candy hair, colloquially known as "Gemini hair," traditional is out loud is in. Named after the dual nature of the Gemini zodiac sign, this specific iteration of the bright and bold hair color trend emphasizes choosing two color tones that are often directly contrasted with each other (think opposite ends of the color wheel) for the boldest outcome.

To achieve this look, you’ll likely have to put your hair through a dyeing or bleaching process that’s best done by a professional to minimize damage. As with any time you color treat your strands, treatment and maintenance are super important to ensure your hair color lasts and hair remains healthy. "Use a non-stripping, sulfate-free shampoo and rinse with cool water," Amy Tuszynski, a colorist at Primp Salon in Las Vegas, previously told Shape. "Heat opens up the cuticle, causing the color molecules to slip out easily." Translation: Your shade might fade quicker than it normally would. You’ll also want to deep condition your strands to keep them moisturized and strong, as dye chemicals can dry out your strands, causing them to become brittle and break.

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5. Skinimalism

Gone are the days of 12-step face routines. Not to be confused with skin-benefitting makeup, "skinimalism" is a skin-care concept where less is more. While the trend has been around for a while, it's predicted to gain even more popularity this year as people prioritize caring for their skin's health — not just their skin's aesthetics. 2023 will continue the push of years prior toward minimalistic and intentional skin-care routines that focus on the basics, such as cleansing and targeted treatments for specific concerns.

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You'll see a shift away from fads or celebrity-touted routines toward pared-down processes featuring only the necessities. The focus of these minimal routines will be on strengthening and repairing the skin barrier (the outermost layer of the skin that keeps skin protected from environmental factors while regulating moisture and water loss), rather than slathering on several random products. While these maximalist skin-care routines used to be aspirational, they're actually not realistic for those leading more active lifestyles who don't have time for a 30-minute skin-care process multiple times a day — which is why skinimalism is here to stay for 2023.