From the playful makeup trends that took social media by storm and the high tech beauty treatments we couldn’t get enough of, to the must-have hair cut and at-home styling hacks we all tried, 2023 has been a big year for beauty
As December approaches, we thought we’d take a look back through millions of data points across TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram and annual Google search volumes to create the annual BEAUTY PIE Trends Report, showcasing the skincare, makeup, body care, nail and haircare trends that we couldn’t get enough of in 2023, as well as taking a sneak peak at the trends set to dominate in 2024 so you can get ahead of the curve.
Read on to discover the Top 20 Biggest Beauty Trends of 2023 or jump ahead to see:
If you’d like to see how trends have evolved from last year, you can also take a look at the 2023 Beauty Trends Report.
The Top 20 Biggest Beauty Trends 2023
To calculate this year’s biggest trends, our beauty experts analysed the popularity of more than 300 trends by calculating the total number of TikTok views, Instagram posts, Pinterest boards and the annual search volume on Google over the past year.
1. Press On Nails - 7,907,169,916 total engagements
While the words ‘press on nails’ may take you straight back to the early noughties, they made a surprise comeback in 2023 as the number one biggest beauty trend of the whole year. They gained traction after Kim Kardashian revealed on Instagram that her stiletto-shaped French mani was all thanks to artificial 'stick-on' nails. Since then, the trend has been popping up on perfectly manicured hands around the world, racking up almost 8 billion views on TikTok and generating almost 3 million Google searches over the past year – they’ve even made it onto the runways of global fashion weeks around the world.
2. Curtain Bangs - 4,214,738,547 total engagements
Curtain bangs have been popular for a while, and the trend showed no signs of slowing down throughout 2023 with over 4 billion views on TikTok and more than 14 million Google searches for the trend. It’s hardly surprising; they are easy to style and flattering for all face shapes. The look has roots in the ’60s and ’70s, but one scroll through TikTok and Instagram proves it has most definitely had a modern-day makeover by working with a range of styles, lengths and textures.
3. Glass Skin - 3,101,564,216 total engagements
Although glass skin has been a buzzword in the skincare world for the past couple of years, it has reached new heights in 2023. The trend uses lots of hydrating products, such as hyaluronic acid serums and hydrating moisturisers, to make your skin look like (you guessed it) newly polished glass. Originating from Korea, glass skin goes hand-in-hand with the rise of ‘clean girl’ aesthetic that has taken TikTok by storm and the trend has now totted up over 3 billion views on TikTok and almost 900,000 posts on Instagram.
4. Microneedling - 1,710,737,723 total engagements
Over the past few years, many advanced skincare treatments have become more accessible, but perhaps none more so than microneedling. While it may sound scary, microneedling uses tiny (really tiny), sterilised needles to create microchannels into the skin, allowing for deeper penetration of skincare ingredients as well as stimulating the skin’s natural healing response. Plus, with the launch of at-home dermal rollers and dermal stamps, the treatment can safely be done at home. The results? Next-level skin regeneration and turbo-charged collagen production, which explains the 1.7 billion views on TikTok.
5. Chrome Nails - 1,504,317,315 total engagements
From Hailey Beiber’s glazed doughnut nails to Zendaya and Rihanna donning shiny nails on the red carpet, chrome effect nails have been everywhere in 2023. We’re big fans of the trend, not only for its versatility but also because it doesn’t require professional acumen to pull it off. Simply choose your favourite base colour, then choose your chrome of choice (gold, silver, pink - and many more) to get a minimalist mani with next to no effort. The second nail trend to make the top 20 biggest beauty trends of 2023, chrome nails have now been shared on Instagram almost 2.5 million times.
6. Barbie Makeup - 1,200,762,049 total engagements
It wouldn’t be right to sum up 2023 without mentioning the Barbie movie, would it? The many shades of pink in Greta Gerwig’s film influenced our fashion choices as well as the shades in our makeup bags, from perfectly pearlescent eyeshadows to hot pink blush. Who doesn’t want to channel their inner Margot Robbie?
7. Heatless Waves - 1,100,086,904 total engagements
Nothing says glamour like going to bed with your towel-dried hair wrapped around a dressing gown belt. However, this low-maintenance hair trend is a surefire way to wake up with effortless curls that look like you’ve had a fresh salon blow dry.
8. Lymphatic Drainage - 1,001,693,834 total engagements
If you’re a beauty enthusiast, you’ve probably been obsessed with lymphatic drainage for a while, but 2023 saw the technique go mainstream, as many content curators shared the de-puffing, contouring benefits. The technique uses a combination of massage and compression, either with a specially designed tool like a Gua Sha or just with fingers, that follows the flow of the body’s lymphatic system in order to drain any excess fluid. It’s not just your face that can benefit from this trend either - you can get a full-body lymphatic drainage massage if you want to look toned as well.
9. Ceramides - 688,556,835 total engagements
Ceramides play a huge part in achieving the glass skin trend as well as helping to achieve healthier skin in general. Ceramides are all-star lipid molecules that not only hydrate your skin but also help to repair your skin’s barrier. They also help prevent water from escaping, meaning they trap hydration into your skin for a perfectly plumped look. Use this skin-drenching ingredient alongside your vitamin C and retinol products for a professional facial finish.
10. Faux Freckles - 608,406,040 total engagements
Is there anything that makes you look more fresh-faced than a smattering of freckles? No, there isn’t, which explains why influencers are using eyeliner pens to dot on freckles, if they haven’t been naturally blessed. Some are even using a stippling brush and fake tan for a longer lasting effect.
In positions 11-20 of the biggest beauty trends of 2023, half of 10 trends are related to body and wellness – tooth gems, facial yoga, mesotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and lion’s mane appear in 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th and 20th respectively.
Two skincare trends appear in the second half of the top 20 ranking – pimple patches and skin barrier repair and there are two makeup looks in the list as well – latte makeup and bronzing drops. Marble nails are the only nail trend in this part of the ranking.
Positions 11-20
11. Pimple Patches
12. Skin Barrier Repair
13. Marble Nails
14. Latte Makeup
15. Tooth gem
16. Facial Yoga
17. Bronzing Drops
18. Mesotherapy
19. HIFU
20. Lion’s Mane
The Top 20 Biggest Beauty Trends 2024
To calculate the up-and-coming trends that are going to be everywhere in 2024, our beauty trend experts calculated the total search volume for hundreds of different trends over the past six months and compared it with the previous six-month period to reveal which ones are seeing the biggest growth in popularity and interest.
1. Scandi Hairline +6,748%
In at number one is the Scandi Hairline - ask your colourist to apply a lightener just to your hairline, including the finer baby hairs around your face. In doing so, your face will be better framed and have a pop of colour to give that Scandi cool glow. Searches on Google for this hair trend have skyrocketed by almost 7,000% in the last six months, which is the biggest increase of all trends analysed in the study. Thankfully, this technique works on all hair colours.
2. Cherry Cola Lips +2,215%
Increasing in popularity by more than 2,000%, the cherry cola lip trend is a make-up style that emulates the rich, deep colours of a cherry cola drink. The trend relies on combining reds and browns with high-shine glosses, and for a fun, super juicy finish.
3. Chocolate Milk Nails +1,350%
As we see more browns, beiges and creams creeping into every influencer's wardrobe, what better way to compliment those tones than a deliciously chocolatey mani? The key to getting a look that looks straight out of Willy Wonka’s factory is to opt for a creamy-based lacquer, rather than a very dark brown, to get the softer finish we’re seeing all over TikTok.
4. Espresso Makeup +679%
Yet another brown-based trend but this time, it’s all about deep, rich browns to bring a bit of sultry glam to our makeup looks. Think brown smokey eyes, with softer brown mascara and a deep lip liner to channel your inner Emily Ratajkowski. The key is choosing the right shade of brown for you to make it work.
5. Butterfly Bob +466%
Unlike a traditional bob, this cut is much more textured with heavy layers and face-framing features to give a fluttery (butterfly) appearance. The way the shorter layers fall should look like the prettiest butterfly wings while also shaping your face flawlessly. Cute.
6. Lavender Chrome Nails +369%
Beauty fans are getting more experimental with their chrome choices, branching beyond the typical pink pearl finish. Next year you can expect to see lots of lavender and lilac manicures that have been jazzed up with a crystal finish courtesy of a chrome effect top coat.
7. Preppy Bob +311%
Thanks to Hailey Beiber, the ‘preppy bob’ is guaranteed to take off in 2024. When you think of preppy, you think of clean-cut, classic and understated - and that’s exactly what this style is about, with hair kept at one length all the way around (which makes it super easy to grow out when you’re ready).
8. Milk Bath Nails +286%
Thanks to creams and beiges taking over our wardrobes, creamy-neutral nails are also on the rise. Milk bath nails are a softer version of a white manicure, and they’re created by applying a semi-sheer white polish to give a milky appearance. This barely-there mani effect is the perfect trend for all seasons and all outfits thanks to its neutral appearance. It also gets bonus points for complementing all skin tones.
9. Vanilla Chai Hair +257%
This soft, cool-toned blonde trend works all year round. This is what to ask your colourist for: ashy blonde blended with hints of brunette and dark roots. Make sure to emphasise cooler highlights rather than warm blonde tones to get that beautiful icy finish.
10. Balletcore Makeup +253%
Think pretty and feminine and oh-so natural, this makeup trend is here to stay. When you imagine a typical ballerina (in pale pink tutus and flattering wrap tops), this makeup trend embodies exactly that. Silky pink eyeshadow, luminous skin, and a pop of baby pink blush to brighten everything up - en pointe.
In the second half of the top 20 biggest beauty trends for 2024, there’s three nail trends – the neon French tip, oyster nails and nude chrome nails. Two hair trends make the ranking – latte hair and cherry cola hair and one makeup look make the list – old money makeup.
The two skincare trends to appear in the top 20 biggest beauty trends for 2024 are Ectoin Skincare and Skin Streaming. Serum Deodorant and Body Shimmer Oil are the two body and wellness trends that finish off the top 20.
Positions 11-20
11. Latte Hair
12. Neon French Tip
13. Serum Deodorant
14. Ectoin Skincare
15. Oyster Nails
16. Body Shimmer Oil
17. Cherry Cola Hair
18. Old Money Makeup
19. Skin streaming
20. Nude Chrome Nails
What Are 2024’s Biggest Skincare Trends?
Looking specifically at which skincare trends will dominate 2024 - Ectoin skincare is shaping up to the biggest. Ectoin is an amino acid derivative used as a multi-functional skincare ingredient that offers a variety of benefits. It’s great for strengthening the skin barrier and also reducing water loss. Google searches have increased by 163% over the past six months, indicating that it’s most definitely an ingredient to watch in 2024. Whether it’s in a thirst-quenching serum formula or a creamy barrier-repairing moisturiser - this will be the buzzy ingredient on everyone’s shelfies.
The second biggest trend for the year ahead is ‘skin streaming,’ which advocates a slimline skincare routine to prevent damaging your skin barrier. Third on the list is spray SPF, with searches increasing by 90% in the past six months, as skincare fans seek a convenient way to spritz their sun protection on top of their makeup throughout the day.
Interestingly, two other skincare-infused SPFs feature in the top 10 – Vitamin C sunscreen searches are up 53% and ceramide sunscreen searches are up 42% heading into the New Year.
Ginseng cleansing oil, strawberry serum, reverse skincare, bio retinol and hypochlorous acid also appear in the top 10 biggest skincare trends for 2024.
Top 10 Skincare Trends 2024
Ectoin Skincare +163%
Skin Streaming +138%
Spray SPF +90%
Ginseng Cleansing Oil +89%
Strawberry Serum +57%
Reverse Skincare +57%
Vitamin C Sunscreen +53%
Bio Retinol +47%
Ceramide Sunscreen +42%
Hypochlorous Acid +39%
What Are 2024’s Biggest Makeup Trends?
If 2023 could be defined by Barbie pink, then 2024 is all about brown. In fact, five of the top 10 biggest makeup trends for next year all centre around creamy-brown tones. The top spot goes to cherry cola lips which have shot up by an impressive 2,215% in Google searches compared to six months ago, followed by espresso makeup (+678%) in second place - both trends relying heavily on the powers of rich, brown tones.
Toffee makeup is also set to be hot in 2024, claiming the fifth spot on the list, followed by the ultimate noughties throwback - concealer lips (+42%). The final trend leaning into the beige-brown hype is the honey lips trend, which involves using a nude lip liner, clear gloss and gold eyeshadow to make your look pop.
Other makeup trends to make the top 10 for 2024 are old money makeup, eyebrow extensions, red blush, coral blush and bold blush.
Top 10 Makeup Trends 2024
Cherry Cola Lips +2,215%
Espresso Makeup +678%
Old Money Makeup +149%
Eyebrow Extensions +113%
Toffee Makeup +70%
Concealer Lips +42%
Red Blush +34%
Coral Blush +23%
Honey Lips +18%
Bold Blush +17%
What Are 2024’s Biggest Hair Trends?
While the Scandi hairline is no doubt leading the charge as the biggest hair trend for 2024, with a massive +6,748% rise in Google searches compared to six months ago, the top 10 list proves that bobs are back and creamy-coffee colours are in.
The Butterfly bob claims second place, followed by the preppy bob in third place, and the Italian bob is eighth on the list (a more voluminous, bouncy take on the Parisian bob). Vanilla chai, latte and caramel will be the trending colours for the year ahead, claiming fourth, fifth and 10th place on the top 10 biggest hair trends in 2024.
Other hair trends to make the top 10 ranking are cherry cola hair, low maintenance layers and hyaluronic acid shampoo.
Top 10 Hair Trends 2024
Scandi Hairline +6,748%
Butterfly Bob +467%
Preppy Bob +311%
Vanilla Chai Hair +257%
Latte Hair +204%
Cherry Cola Hair +152%
Low Maintenance Layers +70%
Italian Bob +34%
Hyaluronic Acid Shampoo +32%
Caramel Balayage +31%
What Are 2024’s Biggest Body and Wellness Trends?
The top 10 body and wellness trends for 2024 feature a great mix of techniques and products - two new forms of deodorant make the ranking, with serum deodorant coming out on top and the whole body deodorant featuring fifth on the list. Both are revolutionary products, with many on social media most excited about the serum variety, as it is formulated with AHAs to help with odour but also brighten the darker underarm area.
Body shimmer oil is second, seeing a +158% increase in Google searches over the past six months, followed by pheromone perfume in third place. The sudden spike in interest around pheromone perfume comes off the back of a TikTok video that explained how this style of scent mixes with your body’s natural pH and supposedly makes you irresistible to those you interact with… we’ll let you be the judge of that!
Other body and wellness trends to feature in the top 10 include fake tan freckles, silicone body scrubber, beetroot gummies, rice scrub and microinfusion.
Top 10 Body and wellness Trends 2024
Serum Deodorant +172%
Body Shimmer Oil +158%
Pheromone Perfume +77%
Fake Tan Freckles +77%
Whole Body Deodorant +71%
Body Microneedling +69%
Silicone Body Scrubber +64%
Beetroot Gummies +55%
Rice Scrub +55%
Microinfusion +48%
What Are 2024’s Biggest Nail Trends?
The trend that tops the nail chart is chocolate milk nails, seeing an impressive 1,350% rise in Google searches compared to six months ago.
Three other chrome designs feature in the top 10. Lavender chrome nails claim second place seeing a 370% rise, oyster nails (that’s right, nails that look like the pearly silver deep-sea species) are fifth (+161%) and nude chrome is sixth on the list.
Three variations of a French tip manicure also appear on next year's list of trending nail designs. Neon French tips have risen by 189% and we expect them to continue to dominate well into 2024, from a punchy skinny pink tip to a shade of green for Wimbledon season. Metallic French tips and Double French tips complete the French trio.
Other nail trends in the top 10 are milk bath nails, balletcore nails and pistachio nails.
Top 10 Nails Trends 2024
Chocolate Milk Nails +1,350%
Lavender Chrome Nails +369%
Milk Bath Nails +286%
Neon French Tip +189%
Oyster Nails +161%
Nude Chrome Nails +128%
Balletcore Nails +109%
Pistachio Nails +107%
Metallic French Tip +45%
Double French Tip +45%
Methodology
The experts at Beauty Pie analysed skincare, makeup, body and wellness, hair, and nail trends on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest and Google to create the 2024 Trends Report. To determine the trends that are hot right now and those that we will see everywhere next year, the research team analysed TikTok hashtag views, Instagram hashtags, Pinterest boards, Google search volume for the past 12 months and year-on-year Google search volume data for 308 different trends.
To discover the biggest trends of 2023, the experts totalled the number of Pinterest boards, Instagram hashtags, TikTok hashtag views, and average annual Google searches (in 2023) for each trend. The totals were then sorted from highest to lowest, and the top 20 trends with the largest totals are deemed the biggest trends right now.
To calculate the biggest up-and-coming trends for 2024, the experts calculated Google search data for each of the trends, comparing the average search volume over the past six months (April 2023 - September 2023) with the previous six months (October 2022 - March 2023) to reveal which are seeing the biggest percentage increases in searches.
All data correct November 2023.