As the year comes to a close, Google has unveiled its highly anticipated Year in Search for 2023, giving us a glimpse into the trends that have captivated legions of beauty aficanados. According to the search engine platform, a makeup revolution was brewing this year, and the data reflects the most exciting trends that kept us scrolling all year long.
While it seems like every week a new makeup approach or topic is going viral, Google reports that these were the 10 that stood out the most:
- Latte makeup
- Strawberry makeup
- Uncanny valley makeup
- Concealer lips
- Mocha makeup
- Lip gloss nails
- Douyin makeup
- Dark lip liner
- Pink concealer
- Cold girl makeup
Food-Inspired Trends
Among the standout searches were makeup inspired by delicious treats. “Latte makeup” features warm, creamy tones reminiscent of a cup of coffee. Picture eyeshadow shades in caramel and espresso, paired with a subtle, creamy, milk froth highlight. “I’m surprised that the latte makeup trend surprised me!,” says celebrity makeup artist Ermahn Ospina. “I have been a makeup artist for decades and this trend has been identified as a ‘monochromanic’ makeup look in the past, because of the play of the same or similar colors throughout the face. Recycling looks also applies in the beauty world. So old trends are new again and sometime with a twist.”
“Strawberry makeup,” on the other hand, is a burst of fruity vibrancy. Think soft pinks and reds, lips topped off with a glossy strawberry hue–the trend reached new heights when Hailey Bieber debuted her limited-edition Rhode Strawberry Glaze Peptide Lip Tint as part of the brand’s first color cosmetic launch.
The allure of coffee found its way into the beauty realm with “Mocha makeup.” Earthy browns and deep, rich tones dominated this trend, evoking the warmth of a delightful cup of mocha. Eyes adorned with smoky mocha shadows and lips dipped in chocolatey hues, it was a deliciously bold statement.
Pushing Boundaries
The “uncanny valley” makeup trend uses makeup to create unsettling, humanoid appearances that evoke a feeling of unease similar to the one experienced when looking at human-like robots or dolls. The trend gained popularity on TikTok with tutorials that feature pale foundation, concealer and other products to appear more artificial.
For those seeking a playful twist, “Concealer lips” also became a sought-after trend. This look played with the boundaries of lip definition, creating an illusion of muted, almost hidden lips. Makeup enthusiasts embraced the challenge of sculpting lips with concealed finesse, showcasing a minimalist yet impactful style.
Viral Sensations
“Lip gloss nails” provided a mesmerizing fusion of two beauty realms. This innovative trend saw nails adorned with the shimmering allure of lip gloss, creating a glossy, high-shine finish that captured attention with every gesture. A playful and unexpected twist that seamlessly blended two beauty essentials.
From the global sensation Douyin, the Chinese short video platform similar to TikTok, “Douyin makeup” was a trend that crossed cultural boundaries. Inspired by the creativity of Douyin content creators, this style shows off the diverse trends trending on the popular social media platform.
“Cold girl makeup” encapsulated the icy beauty of winter. This trend featured a “just stepped in from the cold” look that embraced the chill of the season, with hints of blush in high points.
Vintage Inspo
For those who reveled in drama, “Dark lip liner” made a striking statement. This bold trend featured intense, contrasting lip liners framing lips with a theatrical flair. A nod to 90s aesthetics, dark lip liners added dimension to the lips. “When I think of a dark lip liner, I think of the legendary MAC Spice lip liner,” says Ospina. “A very loved and requested lip color look from the early 90’s. Again, old trends are new again—perhaps because they have always been beautiful.”
“Pink concealer” emerged as a lifesaver for many, offering a fresh take on color correction. Soft pink concealer helps to combat dark circles and uneven skin tones, creating a radiant and rejuvenated complexion. “The pink concealer trend is not so new,” says celebrity makeup artist Tim Quinn, reminiscing about the early days of Armani Beauty’s launch. “It’s an instantly way to revive the under-eye area when blended with concealer, making it a timeless favorite.”
One thing this list highlights is the limitless possibilities for makeup enthusiasts. These trends and unique looks not only reflect the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of makeup, but also showcase the diverse ways we use it for artistic expression.
