23 fashion & beauty buys our shopping team loved in 2023 and you will too
It feels like only yesterday that Elemis launched their Rose Pro Collagen Marine Cream or Charlotte Tilbury dropped the new Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter - but a lot can happen in 12 months.
Over the past year, our team of beauty and fashion experts have spent their time hunting down the best beauty products, be it for their viral status or cult-following, as well as seeking out the best high street fashion picks, like which store sells the best satin skirt or the retailer with the best wide leg jeans.
As we bid farewell to 2023, we’ve taken a look back over the standout selections of the year, including budget friendly mascaras under £5, to electronic face tools under £50. Each item on this list has been thoroughly tried, tested and considered treasured by our dedicated team. And out of the hundreds of products we’ve tried between us this year, these are the ones we think you need to try in 2024.
From skincare and makeup, to wardrobe must-haves and fragrance, these top-notch picks that have earned a coveted but well-deserved spot in our 2023 beauty and fashion favourites, and each one comes in at under £50, too, so as not to break the bank.
So without further ado, let us tell you about the pieces that have earned a place in our daily rituals, wardrobes and hair wash routines.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
Satin Bias Cut Midaxi Skirt
The dark green version of the New Look skirtBethan Shufflebotham said: “I got my first in August this year after hunting high and low for a version of this trend that was as affordable as it was stylish, without compromising on quality. I’ve since recruited an army of these that lend themselves to literally any occasion, including the office, dinner dates, drinks and more.
“They look so glossy in real life, with a beautiful texture to the fabric. The quality is much more premium than has come to be expected with high street style in recent years, feeling soft against the skin and not at all rough or rigid, which is why I named it our having also tried similar at River Island, H&M, M&S and Primark, none of which held a candle to New Look’s.
“My favourite feature though - along with many of the other 80+ shoppers that have left reviews on the website - has to be the super stretchy elasticated waist, making it ideal for days when you feel a little bloated or self conscious. Even Frankie Bridge approves. With four of these skirts hanging in my wardrobe, it’s safe to say that they’re one of my top picks for 2023, effortlessly elevating outfits and making them look 10x more expensive than jeans.”
Buy it here.
Sensse Energy Face Cleanser
Sensse Energy Face Cleanser (Narin Flanders)Narin Flanders said: “Having got to my 40s with no real skincare regime beyond using in the shower a couple of times a week and soap the rest of the time, the idea that my top beauty buy was an electronic face cleanser feels a bit surreal. But this winter I started to get little white milia under my eyes as my pores were blocked and generally I felt like my skin really needed a pick-me-up.
“It was Black Friday season and, while some of the pricier skin care gadgets were hugely reduced I still had no intention of spending more than £100 on something like a . Reduced to £32, I plumped for the after recommendations from several more knowledgeable members of the team and I've been using it regularly (not every day - my skincare habits have improved but not that much!) and I can see the difference and feel so much better in myself.
“My skin feels noticeably softer and, paired with my , I feel like I'm getting a deep clean without my skin feeling tight or raw the way it used to using exfoliators.”
Snap one up here.
Boots annual 70% off sale is returning with some deals already available
Ginger Scalp Serum
Ginger is a super ingredient for nourishing dry scalpsLucy Addicott said: "As soon as the weather turns colder, my scalp is the first thing to let me know by going dry and flaky. It can be a nightmare when trying to style my hair, not to mention feel uncomfortable, so on a mission to save my scalp, I took to TikTok and it turned out I wasn't the only one in the same predicament.
"Tons of fellow dry scalp sufferers recommended The Body Shop's Ginger Hair Care Range, which includes a Shampoo, Conditioner and the product in question - the Ginger Scalp Serum. Adding it into my hair care routine was really simple - I apply the formula using the handy pipet across the top of my head and massage it into my roots and scalp. I then leave for around 30 minutes and wash my hair as normal.
"I noticed a difference within the first hair wash and now anytime I feel my scalp getting dry, I whip out this trusty serum and it helps the issue almost immediately. It's £18 but I've had it since the beginning of the year and still have lots left so for me it really is worth the investment as it's the only product I've found that effectively works."
Try it here.
Pink Zendaya Midi Dress
The sleeves are such a gorgeous feature on this dress (Eve Rowlands)
And the back design is to die fror (Eve Rowlands)Eve Rowlands said: "This is 100% one of my favourite dresses from this year and I feel so smug that I managed to bag it for £25 earlier this year in one of Nobody’s Child’s massive sales. However, in its current sale, this showstopper of a dress is £45 and is the perfect party dress for all occasions. With gorgeous balloon sleeves and open back, the is soft and floaty without being tent-like thanks to its fitted bodice.
"Material is super soft, making the dress really quite comfortable, especially if it’s being worn for hours on end. Plus, thanks to its fabric (85% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 15% Polyester), it drapes like a dream, making dancing all the more fun.
"What’s even better is this dress isn’t limited to parties and events - it can be dressed down with a pair of Dr Marten boots, tights and a jumper or sweater vest topped off with a chunky scarf. To dress it up, add a pair of heels (I go for gold) and some statement jewellery or a cute bow in your hair. The options are endless!
"If that isn’t convincing enough, I’ve lost count of the number of compliments I’ve received on this dress since buying it."
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo
The Living Proof Jumbo Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo keeps a blow dry fresh for at least three daysStacey Dutton said: "With a crazy busy work and life schedule, I never always find enough time to wash, blow dry and style my hair, so receiving the Living Proof's new dry shampoo to trial, I really thought it would just be another product I would use but not necessarily fall in love with - and I couldn't have been more wrong.
"The Living Proof Jumbo Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo will last me forever it seems, althouh a little more pricey than other brands, the quality is unmatched. This breakthrough formula cleans and cares like a rinse-out shampoo, eliminating oil and sweat while leaving hair with just-washed softness and shine, and especially in a heatwave, you can feel the difference so much in the lack of oils on your scalp.
"Although it's quite expensive considering there are some out there much, much cheaper, it's a great product that will last a long time."
Try it for yourself here.
Remington Shine Therapy Advanced Ceramic Hair Straighteners S8500
(No credit)Bethan Shufflebotham said: “When my near-decade old ghd straighteners finally kicked the bucket earlier this year, I needed a pair to tide me over until I could afford a new set of respected straighteners, as I didn’t fancy forking out hundreds of pounds for the Dyson Corrale or Cloud Nine.
“So, I put my faith in almost 19.000 five star Amazon reviews and decided to give the Remington Shine Therapy Advanced Ceramic Hair Straighteners S8500’s a go - and I haven’t looked back since.
“Usually £79.99, the Remington straighteners are rarely spotted at full price, and this year for Black Friday we saw them slashed to under £20, though you can generally get them under £30 year-round, and they’re still worth every penny.
“With a combination of variable temperature settings, a speedy heat up time, and floating plates that make for silky-smooth gliding, they leave my hair perfectly straight and still feeling glossy after every use.”
Bag the budget straighteners.
Mini Round Shoulder Bag
Everything I can fit inside my Uniqlo bagNarin Flanders said: "I'm not saying working here costs me money but my favourite purchase of the year came after reading a feature written by another member of the Mirror Choice team about a budget friendly handbag that had gone viral. The Uniqlo mini round shoulder bag comes in a range of colours, although I chose black, and at £14.90 is a great price for an everyday bag.
"I genuinely wouldn't have believed everything you can fit in it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes but once I had I was converted and it really does hold an impressive amount of items, to the extent the children now call it my Tardis bag. It's been a staple throughout the autumn - while it's not waterproof it's certainly rain resistant enough to keep everything dry in a shower or two which is probably just as well.
"It was a great deal at less than £15, but getting a Top Cashback offer that made it effectively free was even better and meant I also nabbed a green corduroy version I'll be using once the weather improves. "
Bethan Shufflebotham added: "It's probably me working here that costs Narin money because I have not stopped talking about this bag all year. I love it so much, I have four - and one of them I got embroidered with my name, which you can do in store! I have black, cream, pink and olive, and honestly, there's not an outfit they don't go with."
Get one for yourself here - you will not regret it.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
You can build it up for a high coverage look or tap a tiny bit over primer for a more natural lookHarriet Morphy-Morris said: "This Airbrush Flawless Foundation was the first ever product I bought from the brand and nearly two years and four bottles later it's the only coverage product I use on my skin.
"As it says on the bottle 'stays all day and night' I have to say the product is a testament to that, I'll pop it on in the morning for light coverage for work and not have to touch it up in the evening if I'm going out.
"It applies smoothly and although it has a matte finish it stays and looks dewy on my skin which I prefer rather than having a matte coverage that ends up looking dry by the end of the day. As it's water-based I always use a brush to apply it, I made the mistake of using a beauty blender once and it soaked up all the product I'd pumped out, so you may want to keep that in mind."
Wide Leg Jeans
Marks and Spencer's £35 wide leg jeans are my top pick from the high streetBethan Shufflebotham said: “With TikTok declaring skinny jeans as ‘out’, much to the despair of millennials, I was on the lookout for a pair of to replace my leg-strangling skinnys to bring my wardrobe up to date.
“Marks and Spencer’s , with seven shades to choose from, including black and shades of blue, as well as more ‘out-there’ colours like soft green and a daring beige. What I most like about the black, though, is that it’s a dark black rather than that kind of grey colour you often find with denim.
“When it came to fit, I found my usual size to button up fairly easily, and as they’re made of a responsibly sourced cotton that creates an authentic stretch denim, meaning that they will stretch as you wear them. The and appeared to give me something of a ‘bum lift’. The material was soft to touch and they were incredibly comfortable to wear. I really liked how they hug the hips in a figure-flattering way before they widen, giving a really stylish silhouette.
“For me, they’re the perfect balance of affordability, quality and fit, ticking all of the boxes on what a great pair of jeans should be.”
Buy them here.
Revolution’s Miracle Cream
The Revolution Pro Miracle Cream has been dubbed as a rival for Charlotte Tilbury
Eve Rowlands said: "I love this moisturiser. Costing only £10, this cream is a staple in my skincare routine and has been dubbed as a Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream alternative by beauty buffs for having similar consistency and results leaving you with hydrated and plumped up skin. I bought this particular cream a few months before my wedding after finding out this comparison and wanting something that would give me every chance of having an even skintone, firm and smooth skin and also a lovely natural glow - what every bride wants.
"Containing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Vitamin C, Shea Butter, Camelina Oil and more, my skin felt super smooth and dewy upon application and after a few weeks of using it, it seemed firmer, the lines (I’d started noticing) were reduced and I was even told my skin was glowing by a beauty therapist sorting my eyebrows out. I only wish the smell was a bit fresher. For a tenner, these results are ridiculous. Before my wedding, I used the pot twice a day - morning and night. Now, because it’s relatively rich and heavy, I use it in the evenings before bed and use during the day (£6.99)."
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Perle de Coco Body Lotion
This body lotion is a dream for coconut loversLucy Addicott said: "As much as I want to have silky, smooth skin, I more often than not find myself skipping the step of applying body lotion after a shower - that was until I found the Perle de Coco Body Lotion from & Other Stories.
"I first came across this beauty in-store and was instantly drawn in by just how delicious it smells. It has a scent that is similar to Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula but a little more decadent and coconutty, with added notes of sweet caramel and warm vanilla.
"The formula doesn't feel sticky on the skin, and it soaks in within minutes so you don't have to wait around for it to dry. It has a milky, lightweight texture, with a fragrance that lingers for ages after application. I also really love the packaging and think it looks very chic on a dressing table or bathroom side. It has completely converted me into wanting to put body moisturiser on even in the winter and my skin is thanking me for it."
Try it for yourself here.
Straight Leg Jeans
The jeans fit like a glove - everywhere! (Eve Rowlands)Eve Rowlands said: I have always been a little sceptical of ordering jeans online. Scrap that - ordering jeans full stop. They're always so hit and miss - if the legs fit, the waistband doesn't and vice versa. It's hard to find a pair that fits you everywhere. However, these River Island jeans changed the game for me and fit like a glove and were actually comfortable.
Let me break it down for you: They weren't rough as some rigid trousers can be on my skin and they felt like really decent quality - with 100% cotton, they should be. And when I did the button up, I was flabberghasted. The jeans sat on my waist as if they River Island team had got its tape measure and somehow taken the circumference of it - but I simply ordered a size 10. With a waistline that fit, I was also taken aback (on first trying them) to find the material draping around my legs wasn't clinging to the tops of my thighs nor the middle of my calves and actually flattered my figure - hip to toe. Plus, the ends of the jeans were frayed and had an added edgy look. I was in love. And have remained in love ever since and wear them at least twice a week."
Bag the jeans here.
17. Extreme Extension Lengthening Mascara
My lashes before and after using the 17 mascaraBethan Shufflebotham said: "When it comes to mascara, I’ve never found one that has won me over. I’ve tried super cheap mascaras from the likes of Natural Collection and even Aldi’s Lacura and not had the best experiences, but equally, I didn’t really get along with mid-to-high end mascaras either, with Sweed’s £22 mascara leaving me underwhelmed, and Benefit’s Bad Gal Bang being far to ‘wet’.
"And just when I was about to lose all hope and probably never buy another mascara again, I saw that TV presenter Angellica Bell swore by an I figured that, if there’s anyone that knows where your money is best spent besides Martin Lewis himself, it’s got to be the co-host of The Money Show, right?
"Usually £4, those who have an Advantage Card can often snap it up for less - if you can get your hands on it, that is. I recently bought eight - yes, eight - because I hadn't seen it in stock for a while and I am well and truly obsessed (some were for Christmas presents because I keep telling everyone they need to try it).
"It has a comb style applicator, which I immediately gravitate towards over a bristly brush, and takes the notion of a ‘fine tooth comb’ rather literally, with little teeth that seem to grab every last lash with more precision than a lash tech with a pair of tweezers. Application was a dream. It’s a thick formula but the brush doesn’t hold too much excess product, and it means you’re much less likely to smudge when applying, too. It’s fragrance-free, and coated my lashes from root to tip with relative ease. "
Click here for lush lashes.
Black Velvet Asymmetric Bodycon Midi
The figure-flattering River Island dress gave me curves I didn't know I had (Bethan Shufflebotham)Bethan Shufflebotham said: "Ticking every single box, this little black number offers a festive feel, flattering fit, affordable price and is perfect for injecting some glam into your winter occasion wear wardrobe.
"In a midi length with short sleeves, it's suitable for a whole host of occasions. As a former shopping addict, I now ask myself to name at least three times where I can wear the piece I’m buying, and frankly I can’t think of a situation where I wouldn’t wear this
"It’s undeniably elegant, and is a great pick for Christmas parties, theatre trips, and since I’m a December baby, I’ll definitely be making it my birthday outfit, too. My absolute favourite thing about this with elegant draping across the shoulders, to a wrap skirt that creates a ruched effect at the waist, which is very figure-flattering and accentuates curves that I don’t particularly have, giving me more shape."
Buy it here for under £50.
Everbelle White Broderie Maxi
Tu at Sainsbury's - £25
White embroidered dresses are a huge trend this summer (Image: Stacey Dutton)Stacey Dutton said: "Fancy a piece you can save for the summer months? This White Broderie Maxi from Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's has been reduced from £50 to £25, and even got me compliments in the supermarket.
"I struggle usually when it comes to a maxi dress - I hate a frumpy feeling dress. I ordered a size 10 which is my usual go to size for this style dress, and I love how flowy and light it feels. It is such a comfortable fit for a full day out in the sun. I chose to pair my dress with a pair of tan sandals and a simple hair up and it felt like such an effortlessly easy dress to dress up or down. I will be tempted to wear it for an evening occasion paired with a strappy heel and clutch bag.
"Before heading out with the family, I headed to my local Aldi to get my weekly shop and a lovely woman came over to me, tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I had to tell you, you look so beautiful in that dress, it looks so lovely on you". I nearly cried happy tears! So if this is anything to go by, the dress is a must for those wanting an eye catching outfit for any occasion over the summer."
L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Skin Serum
This is me with nothing else but the L'Oreal serum on - and some lip balm (Rowlands)Eve Rowlands said: "I decided to try this foundation serum some months ago after seeing it all over social media (yes, I was TikTok-influenced) as well as being recommended it by a bunch of my friends as the perfect foundation for wearing on holiday. I heard that its weightless coverage doesn't cake your face - and instead leaves your skin silky-smooth. After seeing it on Amazon for £8.91, I stuck it in my basket to put to the test - and the results were brilliant.
"Containing 1% Hyaluronic Acid, this tinted serum combines the benefits of a skincare serum with the coverage and radiance of foundation - and it leaves your skin with a luminous finish.
"And as someone who suffers with dry spots on my t-zone and cheeks, a foundation alternative that gives my skin of good glug of hydration as well as covering up redness and spots is a bit of a game changer and has helped me feel more confident when I do put a full face of make up on because it doesn’t feel cakey. It also stays put all day and, if I do put foundation over the top, I notice that I still have a smooth complexion on my problem areas."
Wild Mint Fragrance Oil
Make your home smell divine for less with this fragrance oil trickLucy Addicott said: "I've smelt every single The White Company scent and out of all of them, the Wild Mint, Peppermint & White Tea range is the winner for me. It's a really fresh scent that isn't seasonal so it can be used all year round and doesn't smell like toothpaste - I would describe it as more of a calming yet refreshing aroma with sweet undertones.
"Now, I know The White Company products don't always come cheap, and while they do have several sales throughout the year, sometimes you just don't want to wait - especially when they smell this good. This year, I discovered a handy hack that allowed me to enjoy this fragrance in my home, without having to splash out on a candle or expensive diffuser.
"By purchasing the Wild Mint Fragrance Oil, I can add a few drops of it to my more affordable diffuser that I nabbed off Amazon for £13 and the room instantly fills with The White Company's premium scent. It's a really savvy way of treating yourself to a luxury experience for less and as you only need to use a few drops at a time, you won't have to make a re-purchase any time soon."
Try it here.
Clinique Glow Better Duo
If you're on the hunt for a better skincare routine these two products will help you kickstartHarriet Morphy-Morris said: "In the last year I've started to have trouble with my skin breaking out, something which I never had growing up or through my teenage years. I've always used micellar water, foaming cleanser and moisturiser on my skin but I would just grab what was closest to me in the bathroom cupboard at the time.
"This Liquid Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion 2 set from Clinique has helped me stick to a daily routine, without chopping and changing the products I use each day. The Liquid Facial Soap foams up like a cleansing wash and the Clarifying toner helps smooth and freshen up the skin, since using the toner especially I've noticed a massive difference in my pigmentation and texture.
"At £36 for the pair it's not the cheapest skincare I've used, definitely more than the range of CeraVe I used to use, but I love how versatile it is, you don't need to buy six different products for morning and night. I start each morning and evening clensing with the facial soap before wiping the toner on with a cotton pad and finishing off with the Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion."
Try it here
Trigwell Cosmetics Powder Puff
Left: after using the Trigwell Cosmetics powder puff. Right: before usingBethan Shufflebotham said: "I’m often very sceptical of products that go viral on TikTok, because it’s far too easy for results to be manipulated through intelligent lighting and filters. However, one recently hyped product has fast become a non-negotiable part of my beauty routine is the
"Unlike many viral beauty buys, this isn’t actually a makeup product that promises to blur the skin like the , or . Instead, it’s an applicator that works with any translucent powder to make your skin look soft, smoothed and poreless.
"I’ve been using the for several months, and love the way it makes my skin look. I have quite oily skin and prefer a matte finish to my base makeup, because it helps control the shine on my skin throughout the day.
"Enter the, this beauty tool provides a shine free, flawless finish while minimising the appearance of pores. Immediately, the skin looks blurred, texture is gone, pores are almost non-existent - it’s almost as if watching a magic trick before your very eyes. You can see when I have applied powder to only half of my face with the puff that fine lines are softened, dark circles are concealed, and when I smile, the creases beneath my eyes are much less noticeable."
Snap up the set here.
Collection Cosmetics Cream Bronzer
Boots - £8.99
I love the sheer glow this bronzer gives without too much of a heavy contourStacey Dutton said: "Have you ever had one of those lifechanging products that you have used for years and never found anything even remotely good enough to contend? I get like this with make up, with the contents of my make up being products I have struggled to ever steer away from.
"I have been extremely lucky to try out some of Charlotte Tilbury's products over the last month or so, and in all fairness- they have mostly been incredible. But, if I was to choose between a Charlotte Tilbury Cream Bronzer and Collection Cosmetics Cream Bronzer- Collection Cosmetics wins hands down.
"The sheer finish that the Collection Cosmetics cream bronzer gives is more suitable for my skin and I enjoy the fact that I can build up more colour with blush and conceal the areas that need a little more tending to without needing to apply too much bronze to finish the overall look. It;s so glowy that I use much less products over the top, too. The natural, fresh faced look this product gives makes my skin feel much more youthful than Charlotte Tilbury's."
Get the bargain bronzer here.
Discover Soft Iris perfume
Marks and Spencer - £6
Soft Iris costs £6 for 30ml at M&SFewer fragrances are quite as recognisable as . Its pink geometric bottle has been ingrained in pop culture, while its scent has become synonymous with luxury and elegance.
Priced at £136 a bottle, it’s not one that many can afford to splash out on for an everyday fragrance, but Marks and Spencer shoppers tipped the Priced at £6 for a 30ml bottle, or £10 for 100ml it’s at least £126 cheaper than its designer alternative.
Before hearing of its ‘dupe’ status, I had sprayed the and found it to be extremely familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it until I stumbled upon the reviews. Spraying my alongside it, they were undeniably alike.
The reason for their similarities is a few choice fragrance families, with both of the scents being quite citrusy, with base notes of amber and patchouli. Each of them also features bergamot and orange blossom, as well as aromatic vetiver. Either way, they’re a perfect for popping in your bag or in the car for everyday wear so you can save your expensive perfumes for special occasions.
Try it out here.
ASOS Design cable knit jumper
ASOS - £35
This ASOS jumper is so cosy (Eve Rowlands)Eve Rowlands said: "If your TikTok is anything like mine, you may have spotted an old trend re-circulating in which people are recreating or remarking on the ‘Frazzled English Woman’ - think Iris in The Holiday, Bridget Jones… and one common denominator is chunky knitwear. And this cable jumper from ASOS, which is one I’ve purchased more recently for only £35, embodies this vibe wholeheartedly. It’s extremely cosy, comfy, perfect for layering and I’ve not stopped wearing it since it arrived on my doorstep.
"With an oversized fit, the jumper has dropped shoulders, a crew neckline and ribbed trims. Made from 51% Polyester, 36% Nylon and 13% Acrylic it’s perfect for keeping you warm as the temperatures drop and looks adorable with a pair of jeans, a massive scarf and trench coat. You’ll find me in this cream number until the weather stops being baltic."
Structured Glitter Mini Dress
NA-KD - £44.95
Shani Cohen said: "With Christmas and New Years edging nearer, I’ve gone a bit mad this year investing in sparkly pieces to jazz up my usual dull-looking winter wardrobe. But, there’s one dress in particular that’s become my go-to for night’s out - and I can’t gate keep it any longer!
"This mini dress features a flowy fit which is great for hiding any lumps and bumps - just what you need after a heavy Christmas dinner, and even cinches you in at the waist thanks to the cuffed design. As well as flattering my figure, it also kept me nice and warm too thanks to the long-sleeves and high boat neckline which is ideal for making bigger boobs appear smaller, too.
"I paired the dress with some leather knee-high boots and a black leather bag, but it would equally look great with a pair of statement heels for the ultimate night out/date night look"
Buy it here - but you'll have to be quick!
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