When it comes to beauty products, it's like navigating a whirlwind of launches and daily drops – a bit overwhelming, right? We get it. With a million things to consider – your skin type, your beauty goals and oh, let's not forget the budget, making a decision always feels like venturing into uncharted territory.

But guess what? We've got your back! Picture this: a squad of beauty experts ready to spill the tea on the absolute must-haves from the past 12 months. Consider it your beauty survival kit, specially curated to make your shopping a whole lot easier.

The OK! Style team is well aware that we're all feeling the hit of the cost of living at the moment but in the past year there have been plenty of new beauty gems (some surely on the pricier side) that deliver top-notch results without burning a hole in your pocket. One notable find? A £9 Elf wand which is a favourite of our Style Deputy Director Zoe, who simply can't get enough of it!

Style Director Michelle's top picks:

Dr. Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm, £35 here

My hero beauty products all fit into my low-maintenance routine. I'm a working mum with two young kids and I have zero time, which is why this BB balm is literally my saviour. It’s a moisturiser, foundation and SPF all-in-one, and the coverage is light and super easy to apply. Most days I just leave the house with this and a quick dab of a cream blush to add colour to my cheeks.

Sculpted by Aimee My Mascara, £18 here

I'm always on the hunt for that perfect ‘everyday’ mascara and I honestly think this might just be it. Whether you're after a light fluttery look or full-on volume you can achieve either with this nifty curved wand. Top tip which I picked up from celebrity make-up artist Hannah Martin: with just one pump you can apply to both the top and bottom lashes, so don't be tempted to keep going in for more.

Olaplex No.5P Blonde Enhancer Toning Conditioner, £28 here

This was the year I decided to go for the chop. I currently have a blonde highlighted bob, so a regular empty you will find in my shower is this toning conditioner. It is on the pricier side but it locks in the brightness whilst hydrating and really strengthening my fine blonde (and grey) locks. It’s by far the punchiest purple shampoo I’ve used. To me, it’s the holy grail of haircare.

Deputy Style Director Zoe’s top picks:

Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask, £44 here

2023 was the year my skin so very kindly reminded me that I haven’t, in fact, outgrown acne. However, it’s also the year I found my favourite ever breakout-busting product in Murad’s sulphur-based mask. Yes, it’s expensive, but I promise you the price tag is worth the results. My spots always feel less inflamed after I apply it to my complexion for 15 minutes, and by the following morning, my skin looks noticeably smoother.

E.l.f Halo Glow Beauty Wands, £9 each here

I adore Charlotte Tilbury’s liquid contour, blush and highlighter wands, but, at £30 each, they aren’t very purse-friendly. These E.l.f alternatives offer similar, long-lasting and pigmented results, and come in blush, highlighter and contour shades to suit all skin tones. My favourite combination is the Blush Beauty Wand in Rosé You Slay on the apples of my cheeks, paired with the Contour Beauty Wand in Light/Medium on my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose.

Beauty Pie Le Smash Santal Shimmering Body Cream, £19.50 for members here

Whenever I wear this indulgent body moisturiser I get asked what perfume I have on, so it definitely packs a scent punch. The santal and creamy sandalwood notes give it undertones of Le Labo, while the subtle gold formula makes me feel like I'm wearing a Tom Ford shimmer. Because there's coconut water and shea butter in the formula, it keeps my dry skin at bay as well.

Beauty Editor Mari’s top picks:

L'Oréal Elvive Bond Repair Pre-shampoo Treatment, £7.49 here

This year I decided to give my hair a break after 12 years of repeat bleaching and colouring. I tried plenty of products from all different price brackets but the Elvive Bond Pre-sampoo Treatment has been a revelation. I apply a dollop on my hair, leave it in for a little while and then rinse it off with my usual shampoo – and the results are brilliant. My hair is shiny, soft and much less dry.

The Ordinary Soothing Barrier & Support Serum, £17.30 here

My skincare routine has been pretty focused on skin barrier repair lately and this product alone made quite an impact on reducing my redness and improving my skin hydration. Since hormonal breakouts and dry patches are regular occurrences in my complexion, I really needed something like this that could make a visible difference.

Glossier Stretch Foundation, £34 here

My hunt for the perfect foundation seemed relentless, but this particular discovery triumphs as one of the best make-up launches of the year, I think. The formula features 89% skincare ingredients and its gel-cream texture works wonders on my textured and oil-prone skin. I’ve been using this product consistently for the past few months now and I’m absolutely in love with the coverage and with the way it applies to my skin without highlighting any dry areas.

What are your favourite products from 2023 and what are you thinking of investing in for the next twelve months?

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