Welcome to POPxo’s grand reveal of 2023’s beauty scene, where we’ve been your guinea pigs in the ever-evolving world of cosmetics. This year, we’ve dipped our brushes into a myriad of products. Some that have dazzled us and others, well, not so much. From the groundbreaking innovations that have changed the game to those hyped-up launches that didn’t quite hit the mark, we’ve seen it all.
In our quest to keep you in the know, we’ve tested (almost) everything. And now, we’re ready to dish on what really deserves a spot in your beauty arsenal and what you might want to skip. So, buckle up and get ready for a team rundown of the best and worst beauty products we tried out in 2023!
Nidhi Kavle, Beauty Editor, POPxo
Products I Hated: This one tretinoin cream from the drugstore. Totally wrecked my skin barrier even though I used it with caution.
Products I Loved: The Bioderma Atoderm Ultra Nourishing Cream and Cica Bio Arnica. These are my dry skin essentials; I can’t live without them. They repair my skin barrier even when it is at its worst.
Sneha Kalra, Junior Editor, POPxo
Product I Hated: The BIE Superpower Eternal Youth Cream. Despite having ingredients my skin usually loves (almond oil+ squalene), this one really burned my skin. I tried it in multiple variations to make sure other serums or toners, etc. weren’t causing it, but applying this even after just cleansing made it feel like my skin was peeling off.
Product I Loved: The Biossance Squalene + Probiotic Moisturiser was a big winner for me. Despite being a gel-based moisturiser I could feel it replenish my skin and restore my barrier.
Anwesha Das, Social Media Manager, POPxo
Product I Hated: The Hyphen All I Need Lipscreen. It made my lips so dry and chapped – did not live up to the name and the hype!
Product I Loved: The Quench Bravocado SPF 50. I have oily skin, but this one is very very moisturising and did not make my skin oily even after a couple of hours. It has a very, nice subtle tint too!
Eden Noronha, Senior Writer, POPxo
Product I Hated: The Hyphen Sunscreen. Is definitely comedogenic and occasionally causes breakouts.
Product I Loved: The Dr. Sheth Haldi & Hyaluronic Acid Oil-Free Moisturizer. Super hydrating, and works great for acne and humid weather.
Preeti Varade, Social Media Associate, POPxo
Product I Hated: The Dot & Key Lip Plumping Mask with Vitamin C + E. Was not hydrating enough and definitely doesn’t stay on the lips for long.
Product I Loved: Loved the Dot & Key Barrier Repair Face Cream with Ceramides. It helped my damaged skin barrier so much, that it was unbelievable.
Tanisha Bathija, Social Media Associate, POPxo
Product I Hated: Hated Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter for underperforming.
Product I Loved: Loved ELF’s Halo Glow for its superior results.
Aadrika Sominder, Beauty Writer, POPxo
Product I Hated: Hated almost every kajal I’ve used this year. It’s 2023 man, where are the anti-panda eye pigments? TAC Kajal literally made me break out under my eyes!
Product I Loved: Loved the Get Glazed Glosses by Flossy Cosmetics. The perfect blend of an oil and a lip gloss really keeps your lips hydrated – no chapping at all!
Nidhi Pandey, Social Media Associate, POPxo
Product I Hated: Mars Fabulous Mascara: It feels like I’ve applied glue to my lashes and a little difficult to remove once completely dried up.
Product I Loved: Earth Rhythm Cheek and Lip Tint. I loved how just one or two drops were enough to give you a natural flushed look that lasts for a good 4-5 hours.
Beauty is incredibly personal, and what works for one might not work for another. So as you navigate the ever-changing world of cosmetics, take our insights as a starting point and find what truly works for you.
Featured Images: Instagram
