Peptides are chains of amino acids that naturally occur in our skin, and since our bodies recognise it, it makes peptides in skincare, and the proteins they contain, very easy to absorb by our skin. As such, it’s an ingredient that has been popular within the skincare community for quite a few years. And now it’s even making its way into our lip products! Peptide lip treatments are your answer for plump, pillowy and youthful lips but without the pain of lip fillers.

When it comes to sunscreen, we tend to remember our face and body, but often overlook our lips. But if you think about it, the skin on your lips is more delicate than the rest of your body and is equally susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays. So, it’s worth it to invest in a lip balm with SPF in it for daytime. Luckily, in 2023 we may see a rise in tinted lip balms with SPF so you can protect your lips and add a dash of colour—all with a single swipe.

Eyelash serums might not a new thing, but with more and more people opting for a natural look over the falsies upon selfies look of pre-pandemic times, growth serums that promise longer, thicker lashes are set to increase in popularity next year and beyond. Research by Market.Biz suggests the demand for eyelash serums is set to grow by more than 6 per cent till 2030.

With sustainability on the rise in all areas of our lives, it’s hardly surprising that more and more beauty brands have turned to refillable options over the past few years. While refillable lipsticks are nothing new, per se— the first Rouge Dior in 1953 was a refillable lipstick—the trend tip-toed back into stores in 2022 with brands like Fenty Beauty, Hourglass and Hermès leading the charge. And the trend is expected to catch on as brands aim to meet sustainability goals to stay competitive and buyers lean towards waste reduction.

Doe eye makeup has taken over TikTok and is forecast to be even more “searched for” in 2023. Its popularity is based on how simple it is to recreate: all you need to do is line your waterline with a light-coloured eyeliner, line the upper lash line with a dark colour and add mascara to your eyelashes. The best part? This wide-eyed natural make-up look gives the illusion of having bigger eyes.

Y2k nostalgia is real, and Avril Lavigne’s signature make-up look making a comeback is proof of that. It’s easy to understand why: the slightly smudged kohl-rimmed eyes are flattering on almost every eye shape, it adds a just touch of drama and sass, and it’s super easy to recreate. With so many late nineties and early noughties trends boomeranging back, Y2k make-up is also predicted to gain even more traction in 2023.

Butterfly cut, octopus cut, wolf cut, jellyfish cut… the haircut trends of 2023 will continue to borrow heavily from the wild kingdom. From the layered and voluminous butterfly cut to the stylishly shaggy wolf cut, there’s a trim out there for every face shape. You can go even bolder with the jellyfish cut—its blunt bob at the front and longer hair underneath and at the back accentuates the jawline. If you’re after a more low-maintenance trim, opt for the octopus cut that gives you a perfectly “just-out-of-bed” look with its heavily textured appearance that gives a nod to the Rachel haircut from the ’90s.

Following global patterns, Hong Kong is likely to see a rise in the above trends, but consumers who want products specifically made with Hong Kong’s weather and humidity in mind won’t be disappointed either. The rise of ethical homegrown labels such as INUF, Odriem, ZeroYet100 and others mean that the specific needs of the city’s beauty enthusiasts are taken care of, leaving plenty of opportunities for experimenting with global trends.

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