These 8 Beauty Trends Won't Make It to 2023—See What to Try Instead

A new year is right around the corner, giving us beauty lovers an opportunity to reflect on which trends defined this year. While there are definitely some trends that don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon (chic blunt bobs, no-makeup makeup looks, and minimalistic nail art seem to be here to stay), there are more than enough trends beauty people predict we won't be seeing much of in the New Year.

We'll see a shift in beauty across all categories. The major theme? Simplicity. People will be opting for more natural hair colors, effortless beauty products, and simpler manicures. Keep reading for expert intel on what's in and what's out for 2023. 

Hair Trends

Out: According to celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, one hair trend that we saw rise to sudden popularity is on its way out: '90s ponytails with oversize bangs. "It definitely had its moment, and now, we are evolving the ponytail style to something else in 2023." The other trend Kimble doesn't think we'll be seeing? Ombré hair.

In: Kimble predicts ponytails will be "more flowy, with big, wavy curls and a lot more textures." To slick back these ponytails, she recommends a product she created, the Kim Kimble Edge Taming Nourishing & Shine Enhancing Hair Pomade, and using a dry shampoo to add extra texture to the hair. For 2023, Kimble also predicts that ombré hair will be replaced by more natural hair colors in one tone.

Makeup Trends

Out: Sarah Brown, executive director of Violet Grey's Violet Lab and a makeup artist, says that traditional bullet lipstick will be less popular in the New Year. "Where lips are concerned, everything else is sort of having a moment," Brown says. "Instead of a traditional bullet, it may be a tinted lip balm. I think that people are wearing lip products differently."

Brown also described a movement away from single-use beauty products. "Another thing that's really out of fashion is makeup that's not sustainable," she says. "An interesting thing we're seeing with new brands are products that are sustainable right off the bat."

In: Instead of bullet lipsticks, Brown predicts she'll be seeing more conditioning and effortless-looking lip products in 2023. "I'm interested in every other way to express yourself with your lips. It can be conditioning tinted oils, balms, and moisturizing liquid mattes that aren't lip gloss," she explains.

In regards to the movement toward sustainable products, Brown shares that the trend depends on compliance: "No matter what you're talking about, whether it's a body wash or a lipstick, it's all about if you liked it enough to buy again and actually get a refill."

Nail Trends

Out: "In 2023, I think we will see a shift from maximalist nail art to more simple styles," says Jin Soon Choi, editorial manicurist and the founder of JinSoon Spas and JinSoon Nail Lacquer. "I also see long nails on their way out as people embrace natural nails over acrylics. I think, and hope, this will spark a renewed interest in nail care for 2023."

In: Choi's prediction for nails in 2023? "We will have the same level of creativity as 2022 maximalist nail designs, but instead with subtle artistic lines and shapes," she says. "Micro French manicures have been everywhere because of their chic and delicate touch, and I think we will continue to see more simple line designs like half-moon manis in 2023. It's easy to personalize with different colors and finishes. Soft blues like JinSoon Peace look gorgeous with a micro French, or JinSoon Spiffy will offer a gorgeous touch of rose gold."

"I also see a return to shorter nails in place of long nails. Instead of acrylics, people will be reaching more for cuticle oils and at-home treatments to take care of their nails," Choi adds. "I always focus on nailcare over color because I think healthy, hydrated nails look so put-together."

Skincare Trends

Out: Dr. Shereene Idriss, leading New York City dermatologist, says that single-ingredient skincare will be a thing of the past in 2023. She explains that this trend came from consumers wanting more transparency in skincare. While single-ingredient products have helped people have a better understanding of skincare ingredients and what they do, they aren’t the smartest way to apply ingredients. "Over time, our skincare routines became a million steps long as we’re trying to include every ingredient possible to target our main skin concerns,” Idriss says.

Idriss also shared her perspective on the high-ingredient-percentage trend: "When you're looking and comparing two products on the shelf in a retailer, you automatically assume that the 10% niacinamide serum is a better bang for your buck than the 5%—not true. The reality is higher is not always better."

In: In 2023, Idriss forecasts that products formulated with multiple active ingredients will reign. It won’t just be about one ingredient anymore—these product will be packed with ingredients that target a specific skincare concern. Think products with brightening ingredients for discoloration or calming ingredients for redness. "A skincare routine starts with your main skin concern, and it isn’t always the same for everyone,” says Idriss. "Your skin is not a trend."

When looking at skincare, Idriss also stresses that higher percentages of actives don’t always mean more efficacious products. In fact, using a lower percentage of an active consistently might give you better results in the long run. "The best results take time, and you putting in the work by consistently using your products will garner results," Dr. Idriss says.

Next up, I Have Hooded Eyes—a Makeup Artist Just Showed Me How to Do Eyeliner