The Ultimate Beauty Countdown: 50 Faves of the Year
Ladies and gentlemen, beauty enthusiasts and skincare aficionados, the moment we've all been waiting for has finally arrived! It's time to unveil the 50 favourite beauty products of the year, as voted by you! With over 10,000 votes cast, the results are in, and I couldn't be more excited to share this coveted list with you.
In a world overflowing with beauty products and innovations, it's easy to get overwhelmed by choices. But fear not - that's why I turned to you to help curate this extraordinary list of must-haves. From skincare game-changers to makeup essentials, haircare saviours, and everything in between, this list represents the cream of the crop, each product handpicked by you.
Unlike traditional countdowns, this list is in no particular order. I know that beauty knows no hierarchy, and what works wonders for one person might be entirely different for another.
So, prepare to be surprised, as we look at the 50 exceptional beauty products, each deserving of its moment in the spotlight.
As an end of year treat. If there’s a * next to the product, click the link and use LISACB to get 20% off at Cult Beauty as part of my partnership with them.
Brand Of The Year
So, let's talk about our winners. Last year, we had just one winner, but this time around, the results were crystal clear – one brand stood out above all the rest. I'm thrilled to announce that the winner of 2023 is none other than SKIN ROCKS! This fantastic brand was launched back in 2022 by the incredible Caroline Hirons herself. Now, we all know that skincare can be a bit overwhelming. There's so much information out there, and it can be tough to figure out what's best for your skin. Well, that's where Skin Rocks comes in. They've got a fantastic range of skincare products designed to help you cut through the noise and truly understand what your skin needs. And here's the best part: Skin Rocks is the result of Caroline's lifelong dedication to studying skincare. So you know you're in excellent hands.
Products
This makes me so happy that this product is included in the faves as it’s a brand created by my friend Ree who is an absolute diamond. The texture of this cream bronzer is like no other. It's almost a whipped formula that blends perfectly into the skin. No wonder you love it as much as I do.
This is a cult product that many brands have tried to dupe. But as with everything in life, nothing beats the original and it seems you agree. The formulation still blows my mind as it gives a beautiful soft-focus glow, whilst also leaving an airbrushed effect to the skin. Stunning under foundation.
Skin Rocks was probably the most highly anticipated launch of the year so it's no surprise they are one of your brands of the year. I totally agree with you about the Retonoid. It has been a game-changer for my skin. If you’ve not used a Retonoid before start with number 1, if you’re a regular Retonoid user, go for number 2. Either way expect glowing skin.
Oh, she's an icon and seemingly a forever fave for us all considering it makes the list each year. An intensely nourishing cream using natural oils and extracts from organic plants. I always have one in my kit bag.
This product was created in 1930 making it over 90 years old! Any product that stands this test of time and still comes out on top must have a touch of magic in it. You guys love the multi-use aspect of this and I can’t blame you. It does everything from calming burns to taming brows. See, magic!
This is in the top 3 mascaras of my year so I’m really happy that you agree. It gives you thick, full lashes with no transfer. The black is jet black and the blue is electric. It is everything you want from a volumising mascara.
I was dubious when I first tried this tan, I mean 30 minutes for an even tan? Well, I shouldn’t have doubted my fave tanning brand because this works wonders. I love how many of you commented with lists of other stuff you can now get done in the hours it would take for other tans to develop. From learning a TikTok dance to roller skating your way around Hyde Park, I’m very happy about your extra hours. We can all thank IOP together-haaa.
I have tried sooo many concealers and this one is still elite. It blends to perfection thanks to its creamy formula. And it adds a soft brightness that perks up any dark areas. Perfect.
Another one that’s not a surprise. This is a forever fave of all of ours. This oil-based balm removes even the toughest waterproof makeup. I love using it as my first cleanse. The scents are also gorgeous although the original will always have a special place in my heart.
These are divine. There are so many coloured balms out there that don’t perform. Either the colour isn’t pigmented enough or the formula is too slippy. Well, none of that applies to these. The colour collection is stunning and the gloss is high shine but stays put. Hourglass products always seem to perform.
Another Skin Rocks entry. This moisturiser is packed with actives that help to boost the skin's natural oils and process. It's one of those products that you know you can rely on day after day.
The hype around Rhode was mega and I’m so happy that you think these balms are the stand-out product as I agree. You want a lip balm that includes ingredients that are going to actually nourish your lips. This one is full of peptides which are great for that exact reason.
What a year Aimee has had. Launching her Carnaby Street boutique was the pinnacle. There were loads of votes for loads of her products, but this one had the most. The Hydra Tint is an absolutely beautiful tinted moisturiser that leaves the skin even and glowing without adding too much weight.
This is one of those products that can’t be kept on the shelf. They literally fly and that’s because they work. This is an intensive lip treatment that works as you sleep. Ensuring that you wake up with soft, hydrated lips each morning.
I am so happy that this beauty has made it in. I am on my third tube. Not only is this an exceptional cleanser that literally removes anything, but it can also be used as a face mask. The unique blend of active ingredients soothe, clean, restore and hydrate this skin. What else would you expect from one of the world's best makeup artists?
Vieve have had a sensational year and part of that has to do with the launch of their highly anticipated mascara. Modern Muse is your perfect everyday mascara. It almost feathers your lashes leaving them soft and fluttery. If it's on this list you know it’s a good’un.
Aw, here she is, one of the most iconic foundations in the land. I’m never surprised when this is a continued favourite as it most certainly is for me. This base leaves skin looking even, healthy and the best version of itself. If you haven’t tried it, you must.
Tatcha has flown since its launch in the UK last year. Personally, I haven’t met a Tatcha product that I don’t like. This cream is beautiful. It soaks into the skin immediately thanks to its powerful blend of botanical extracts and oils. It really is lovely.
I’m so happy you still love this product as much as me. It’s a continued staple in my routine. The super Hyaluronic is also affordable. It leaves skin with such a freshness. No wonder it's from the number one skincare brand in Japan.
So I’m going to be honest, I haven’t tried many Trinny products but it seems I need to start to as sooo many of you voted for this tint. It claims to be radiant, buildable and hydrating. Sounds good to me.
I am so proud of KJ for creating such beautiful products for the launch of her brand. This customizable product illuminates your skin to perfection. I am obsessed and it seems you are too.
Rare is another brand that has excelled this year and I’m not surprised because the quality of the product is fantastic. These blushers are a definite stand-out for all of us apparently. You only need a tiny bit because the pigment is super rich. Blend in for a lovely flush of colour.
This is a fantastic medium-coverage concealer. It’s a makeup skincare hybrid so it glides on adding coverage whilst also doing good for your skin. Dreamy.
Oh helllllooooo! I mean I would have been devo’d if this hadn’t made the list considering it’s the best dry shampoo in the world ever. I mean this actually cleans your hair as well as a shampoo. Wild hey? The perfect product for inbetween washes.
I only started using this this year, mainly because you lot always rave about it. Activated by heat, this serum will leave your hair super soft and shiny once dried. I see it in so many of my hairdresser friends' kits so it must be good.
Skin Rocks is back with another entry! No wonder it's one of the brands of the year. This is a beautiful creamy cleanser that gently cleanses the skin whilst respecting the skin's barrier.
Yes, people! These are gorgeous. One of my fave balms, they are rich, nourishing and smell amazing. They are also super shiny with no stick, so much so that I regularly replace my lip gloss with this.
One of the best primers in the game. It leaves the skin hydrated whilst locking in your makeup. I wasn’t a Primer fan until I met this one.
I love that we have another liquid cream blush on the list as they are also my fave type of formula. The Saie blushers are lovely. Highly pigmented with an array of pretty shades that immediately perk up your complexion.
Guess who's back, back again. That’s right, it’s the Soapsmith bath milk. You lot are as obsessed with this as I am. Camden Town is my absolute favourite scent. Think peonies and rose gardens. And don’t get me started on the cute tiny wooden spoon that comes in the jar. It seems there are a lot of bath lovers out there. Baths 4eva if you ask me.
It always makes me happy when small brands are included in the list. Seoulista is a brilliant Korean brand with excellent facemasks. These babies include 35ml of serum in each mask. That’s the average size of a full bottle! Mega and perfect for the festive partying season.
I’ve been an avid fan of Fresh for years and it seems you guys have been too. I think it's such an underrated brand in the UK because it is fantastic. The Soy Cleanser is no exception to that. It’s infused with soy proteins, which are rich in amino acids that help to maintain a healthy complexion.
35% off with LISA35 (not an ad or aff I just asked for it as they are quite spenny)
I reckon these are on the list because so many of you tried them in the Liberty Beauty Box and fell in love. These are the best CBD Sleep drops I’ve ever tried. The only ones that have actually worked for me. So much so that I always have a bottle on my bedside table.
I mean I’m not shocked about this one. I heart this creamy bronzer. Not only is it chic AF, but it also blends seamlessly into the skin leaving you with the perfect sun-kissed glow.
Is this the best high-street mascara? Potentially. It's so nice when the hype transfers to the results. This mascara gives you long, lifted, separated lashes for £12.
Honestly, it makes me so happy when so many of the products I have recommended over the year make this list. This brow gel is fantastic. It keeps even the coarsest brows in place and it's an absolute bargain.
Elf has been a stand-out brand this year. I mean any brand that uses Jennifer Coolidge in their campaigns is a winner to me. The fact that their products work and are a great price is even better. The putty Blush is a lightweight cream blush that melts into the skin. Lovely.
OMG THEY ARE BACK! I was thrilled when these early noughties babies reappeared. The nostalgia was real and they are as good as ever. Super juicy, glossy and yep, the smell the same. Yum.
Yes guys! These palettes are elite and I’m so pleased you agree. The pressed glitter pigments are like no other. They elevate any look. And these last foreverrrr. Well worth the investment.
I mean they are the best soooooo… These VB liners are blendable but also stay put. I love the array of colours that have launched this year. The metallics are stunning. LOVE.
If you want a long-term glow, this is the product for you. Its super-charged with a gold standard of vitamin C. And if it's in your 50 faves you know that’s the truth.
What would a list of the best beauty products of the year be without the best lipstick in the land? Of course, I’m talking about Lisa Eldridge’s Velvet Morning. The most perfect orangey red that suits anyone and everyone.
It's hard to know sometimes if face mists actually do anything, well this one most certainly does thanks to the tiny refined micro-ceramide particles that penetrate deeply into the skin to effectively improve skin moisture level.
I’m so pleased this brand has made the cut. Quite a few of their products were nominated, but this is the one that came out on top and I’m not surprised. This ground-breaking formula works 11 x faster than a standard retional giving you exceptional results.
Probably the most iconic skincare product in the Lauder range, ANR is one of those products that will never let you down. It infuses skin with 72-hour moisture, leaving it looking smoother and more radiant. It's always on my dressing table.
Ooooo yesss. It's just the best, isn’t it? From the formula, the shine, and the colours to the size of the doe foot applicator. The combo of it all makes this one of the absolute best lip glosses out there.
Another one I’m not surprised about, this mascara is fantastic. It grabs onto every lash adding a brilliant amount of length. But for me, it’s the excellent separation and the fact that you can get so close to the root. I think the name should be changed to ‘All of our mascaras’!
If the best bubble bath EVER wasn’t on the list I would have doubted all of your sanity ;) Not only does this pot of joy create bubbles galore it also smells incredible and leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturised. I truly hope loads of you got this under your tree.
I’m surprised this is the only SPF on the list but I’m not surprised it's this one. Ultra Violette has had huge success this year thanks to their exceptional products, fun ethos and bright stand-out packaging. Supreme Screen sinks into the skin immediately on all skin tones whilst giving you exceptional protection. An SPF you can use all year round.
Well, what a way to end the list of 2023. This atomiser is fantastic and from one of our favourite brands. Not only does it need no water meaning you get way more benefits from the essential oils. But it is also portable so you can move it around the house with ease. Oh, and it looks beautiful so will fit into your home whatever your aesthetic. Tick, tick, tick.
As we wrap up this fabulous journey through the 50 faves of the year, I hope you're feeling super inspired to try something new. Your votes and contributions have been the driving force behind this epic list, really making it a reflection of community-approved beauty excellence!
So may your makeup be flawless, your skincare be radiant, and your self-confidence shine brighter than the sequins I am planning on wearing tomorrow night.
Happy New Year guys! See ya in 2024.
Love,
Lisa xx
As always, I only ever recommend products I would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
This is mostly spent on repairing the shoes Diddy keeps chewing.