11 Best Conscious Beauty Products I’ve Tried in 2023
It’s time to make a balance and talk about the best conscious beauty products I’ve tried this year.
While most of the products on this list were released in 2023, some were released in previous years, but I’ve only had the chance to try these recently.
Natasha Denona Mini Starlette Eyeshadow Palette
No surprises here! Natasha Denona Mini Starlette Eyeshadow Palette was one of my favorite beauty purchases of the year. After all, I gave it a 9.5/10 on my review.
It was love at first sight the second I saw it on Trendmood. However, I got worried when I received it. Why? The shades are slightly darker than they looked online, and I have a fair complexion.
Luckily, I was wrong, and these look really good on me. I can simultaneously pull off an eye look using all of the pans on the palette.
The color story makes perfect sense; all shades work well together and have the quality we are already used to from Natasha Denona.
What do I like the most about it? Is the shade curation and how easily these blend out.
Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette
Natasha Denona’s I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette was one of the most hyped launches in the last few months. It was praised as the perfect nude eyeshadow palette or the best one for bridal looks.
Despite the buzz and the fact that it looks stunning, I was unsure whether it would be a good fit for me. Why? It has a lot of gray eyeshadows, and unfortunately, these aren’t exactly up my alley.
After watching plenty of reviews online and swatching it myself at Sephora, I’ve finally decided to purchase it during the Single’s Day Sale (30% Off). And I am happy I did!
The eyeshadows are gorgeous, highly pigmented, creamy, and easy to work with. Since I got it, I’ve been reaching for it more than I initially expected - given its extensive color options.
I have been using the shades Fair, Witt, Vague, Sheen, and Mia the most. These look incredible on my complexion and are super easy to work with.
What do I like the most about it? The shimmery shades have a buttery texture and look absolutely incredible.
Is it worth the hype? Absolutely.
Should you purchase it? Only if you like the color story.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Setting Spray
Although I love all the products on this list… this might be my absolute favorite.
Why? Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Setting Spray was a game-changer regarding my makeup.
Despite setting my makeup and making it look good throughout the hours, the mist and its scent are really pleasant—something that’s hard to find in other renowned setting sprays.
It also makes my makeup look more even and professional, which makes the product the perfect finishing touch.
I started by purchasing the travel size, and I am now using its largest size (200 ml) because I use it every time I apply makeup.
What do I like the most about it? It’s efficiency and the overall pleasant experience it provides.
Is it worth the hype? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a reliable setting spray that does its job but doesn’t feel like hairspray on your skin, look no further.
Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Sticks
Wow! What another fantastic discovery in terms of makeup. These eyeshadow sticks from Rare Beauty are incredible and suitable for everyone, even those getting started on eye makeup. Feel free to read my full review.
Rare Beauty’s All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Sticks can be used as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, or highlighter. You can layer one shade on top of the other without destroying the first layer.
I usually wear mine by itself all over the eyelid. Given they’re so long-lasting, there’s no need to apply a coat of eyeshadow primer underneath. This simplifies the whole process, especially when you’re in a hurry.
What do I like the most about these? How easy it is to create elegant and flawless eye makeup with these, even if you’re not good at blending out eyeshadows.
Dior Backstage Foundation - 0,5N Shade
I discovered Dior’s Backstage Foundation in late 2022 while looking for a foundation with a very natural finish.
After seeking recommendations at my local Sephora, I immediately fell in love with this formula. It gives the perfect “no-makeup makeup” look, perfecting the skin without noticing that you’re wearing foundation.
I started using the shade 1N, but after my very faint Summer bronze disappeared, it looked slightly orangey.
But thanks to Dior’s reformulation of this product earlier this year, where they’ve added a few more shades, my perfect shade is now available within this line. It’s the 0,5N, by the way.
It’s so perfect for me that I’ve been using it nonstop since I bought it, even throughout the Summer—as I’ve been cautious with sun exposure.
What do I like the most about it? The lightness of the formula, how good it looks on my skin, and the large array of shades.
Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream
In terms of skincare, at least for me, this was the most exciting launch of the year.
Here’s why: Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream is one of the most emblematic products in the brand’s portfolio. It has incredible ingredients, but its formula is quite dense—especially if you have combination or oily skin.
So, I got super excited when I found out they were launching a lighter, gel-like version of this face cream.
I’ve been using it since mid-September, and my skin has never looked this clear (since my preteen years). It moisturizes and nourishes my skin, and it helps fight some age signs.
If you have oily or combination skin and you’re looking for a reliable moisturizer with interesting anti-aging ingredients, Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream might be a good fit for you.
But before you spend your hard-earned money on a jar, stop by your local Kiehl’s store and ask for a sample.
What do I like the most about it? It’s lightness and effectiveness.
Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment
Unlike the previous product, this isn’t a new one within Kiehl’s portfolio… but I just had the chance to try it this last quarter.
Here’s the context: I’ve been looking for a good eye contour cream for several months, and no matter its price tag, it always fell a bit short of my current needs.
As I vertiginously approach my 40s, I’ve noticed that my under-eye area has become drier. And at the same time, I wanted something that would sit nicely under my makeup.
So, I’ve decided to try Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment thanks to a friend’s recommendation, and this has been my go-to since last May.
It’s very nourishing and dense, yet it doesn’t produce me milia - like what happened to me after using Kiehl’s famous avocado eye contour cream for just a couple of days.
One of the things that I like the most about Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment is that it can be applied on the brow bone and even on the eyelid. This has been working like a balm for my lids, and my eyeshadows have never looked so good because my skin is nourished and soothed.
What do I like the most about it? Being reliable and suitable for different spots in the eye area.
What do I like the least? It’s price tag. Yes, it’s pricey!
Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows
After watching a couple of videos on YouTube, I decided to try Hourglass’s Scattered Light Eyeshadows because I am a big fan of sparkly eyeshadows.
I love Urban Decay’s Space Cowboy eyeshadow. I use it on most of my work as a one-and-done eyeshadow, and I thought that these from Hourglass seemed right up my alley.
Hourglass’s Scattered Light Eyeshadows are mainly pressed glitter with fine particles, elevating any eye look and making it look elegant and refined.
These are extremely easy to work with and look great alone or combined with other eyeshadows. I have the shades Reflect and Aura, and I use these constantly all over my eyelid or combined with a light coat of Glossier’s Cloud Paint.
What do I like the most about it? How elegant these look on the eyelids.
What do I like the least? Its price (32,99€ per single eyeshadow).
Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
Keeping up with Hourglass, this was the second product I’ve tried from them, and I am an absolute fan.
Hourglass’s Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm is a lip balm that nourishes and visibly plumps the lips while leaving a dewy, plumping, shiny finish.
While similar formulas are available in the market, like Tarte or Makeup by Mario, this one from Hourglass is the best I have tried.
I get the right amount of product per click, so I don't have to dab my lips with my fingertips, and I won't end up wasting the product (as you can't get it back inside the container). That's its main difference when I compare it with the ones from Tarte or Makeup by Mario.
Hourglass's formula gives me the right amount of coverage and pigmentation with one slide. It will look good, so I don't have to worry when I apply it at my desk at work or when I am out and about.
Regarding the plumping effect, my lips look visibly more plump yet natural. After applying the formula, I feel a very light freshness, but it isn't that classic overly minty feeling. And it doesn't feel tingling at any point. So, it's more of a visual effect created by the pigmentation than anything physical - precisely what I want.
What do I like the most about it? How easy it is to get a flawless lip look with this product.
What do I like the least? Its price (41,99€).
Nudestix Nudies Matte Bronzer - Bondi Belle
If you’re a regular reader of the blog, you might already know that I have been a big fan of Nudestix’s products—especially their cream bronzers and blushes—for some time now.
However, one of their bronzer launches last year quickly became one of my absolute favorite beauty products. I am talking about Nudestix’s Nudies Matte Bronzer in the shade Bondi Belle.
I was already a big fan of their Bondi Bae shade and absolutely loved how it looked on my skin until I discovered their Bondi Belle shade, which looks even better on my complexion.
One thing I love the most about Nudestix’s formulas is how easily they blend into your skin. Their buttery texture is super easy to work with but doesn’t look greasy or patchy, which is perfect for creating a natural look.
What do I like the most about it? Its blendability and pigmentation.
What do I like the least? I would say the price, as it retails for 31,99€.
Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush - Sunkissed Pink
I’ve used Nudestix’s Nudies Bloom All-Over Dewy Color in the shade Cherry Blossom Babe until they launched their Nudies Matte Blush in the shade Sunkissed Pink this year.
Despite the Cherry Blossom Babe looking good on me, the Sunkissed Pink one looks even better, mainly because it has a matte formula.
I have a very fair complexion, even after the summertime, so I prefer blushes that give me a natural flush or sunkissed look - instead of something very noticeable.
I like this new shade so much that it’s been a while since I last used the Cherry Blossom Babe one, which is a shame. Because products have an expiration date, this one wasn’t cheap.
What do I like the most about it? How natural it looks on my skin.
What do I like the least? I would say the price, as it retails for 31,99€.
What about you? What have been the best products that you’ve tried this year?
