Team BURO Answers: What was your favourite beauty discovery of 2023?
Game-changers
As we come to the end of 2023, Team BURO is looking back at the go-to beauty essentials that have defined our year.
From skincare saviours by Estée Lauder to makeup must-haves by Kittie Yiyi Beauty and Shu Uemura to hair care havens from Joon and Dyson, find out what our standout 2023 beauty discoveries were below:
Product of the year: Shu Uemura Unlimited Fluid Foundation, RM202
“I don’t like the feel of heavy makeup on my face, as I’m sure many of you would agree, and earlier this year, during a staycation hosted by Shu Uemura, I found the perfect everyday base in its Unlimited Fluid Foundation. The formula is light with a semi-matte finish, ensuring it doesn’t create a cakey or dry appearance while offering a pleasing and light coverage to conceal pigmentation and redness.
“Since discovering the product, I’ve worn it on many different occasions—from wearing it up to 12 hours on long workdays to even during evening runs on the weekends. Remarkably, I find that my skin feels breathable, and the foundation doesn’t run down my face. Within its formula, sponge-like powders absorb sebum and sweat, allowing me to look and feel fresh all day long.” — Sarah Hani Jamil, Editor-in-chief
Product of the year: Joon Haircare Sumac Scalp Scrub, RM189
“We all know how important it is to exfoliate our skin, but how often do we even think about giving our scalp a good ol’ scrubbing? I discovered the Joon Sumac Scalp Scrub which gently exfoliates scalp buildup and dead skin cells and it has worked wonders for an area I had often overlooked. By using it just twice a week, my scalp feels squeaky clean and I’ve noticed that the scent of my shampoo lasts longer as well—not to mention the pleasant saffron, pistachio and rose scent a small dollop of scrub leaves you with.
“The best part? It is sulphate and paraben-free—crucial if you already have worrying hair loss problems like me—and it gives my hair strands an added shine thanks to the combination of peppermint, spearmint, tea tree and olive oil.” — Naseem Randhawa, Special Projects Director
Product of the year: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, RM2,399
“My first few candidates were all skincare products but I had a hard time deciding on one, so I settled on a clear winner in a different category—the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer with the new Flyaway attachment. This has been my favourite hair care product this year, especially ever since I got my hair digitally permed. As someone who had naturally straight hair before, it took a while for me to get used to styling my new look. Truth be told, I couldn’t have done it without this tool, thanks to its fast-drying technology that prevents heat damage—which is important to preserve my perm—as well as the cooling setting to help set my curls in place.
“Plus, the new Flyaway attachment helps to tame any frizz while adding shine to my tresses so my hair still looks reasonably healthy even after chemical treatment. If you’ve had any chemical treatment done on your hair like me, this tool is worth the investment for a speedy blowout without further damaging your mane. Even if you have straight or virgin hair, the benefits still apply to keep your locks smooth, healthy and shiny! Need I say more?” —Natalie Khoo, Deputy Editor
Product of the year: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum, RM670
“As someone whose job is to try countless beauty products day in and day out, this was pretty much an impossible question to answer. That said, while I have a solid repertoire of beauty favourites, there is one product I keep coming back to over and over again. Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum is a long-standing cult favourite in the beauty biz, but I only discovered why this year.
“I’ve been struggling on and off with acne and generally bad skin texture and tone over the past year, so I’ve been going harder with the retinoids and the exfoliants. It’s a routine that has kept my issues in check for the most part, but I admit that sometimes, I go a little too hard and my skin suffers as a result. So, to keep things in balance, I’ve been soothing and fortifying my skin barrier with this serum on bad days.
“Not only does it resolve inflammation overnight, but it leaves my skin glowing all day long! I use it every single evening, and I’ve noticed marked improvement in the condition of the skin. In addition to smoothing out texture and addressing fine lines and wrinkles, it has worked to even out my skin tone beautifully! My skin is still far from perfect, but this serum has given me the confidence to skip foundation.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
Product of the year: Kittie Yiyi Beauty Cross The Line Eyeliner in Little Women, RM68
“Hands down for me, my favourite beauty discovery of 2023 is none other than Kittie Yiyi Beauty’s Cross The Line Liquid Eyeliner in Little Women. I had already been faithful to the black version of the series but since the release of this gorgeous maple brown shade, Little Women has been gradually making my loyal heart waiver. I love using it for a softer everyday cat eye look, or rather, an everyday kitten eye look!
“When I commit myself to an eyeliner, my requirements are no different from your average person—it needs to be smudge-proof, long-wearing and pigmented. Not only do the Cross The Line liquid eyeliners meet all my conditions, but the adorable pink packaging makes them stand out so vividly that they have easily become the first thing I reach for from my collection of black eyeliners. The pen design itself is also cleverly thought through as it caters to a steady grip that makes every application smooth and precise—perfect for beginners, I’d say! It’s really no wonder that this heaven-sent product won Best Eyeliner in our BURO Beauty Empties 2023.” — Sarah Tai, Head of Design
Product of the year: Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush, RM167
“This little blush stick is perfect for everyday use! It has an amazing, creamy formula that blends out like a daydream too, so you don’t have to worry about patchiness, and it’s very versatile and can be applied to your eyes, cheeks and lips—pretty much your whole face. I’ve been using it as my everyday blusher and eyeshadow. I love how natural it looks—like a subtle flush from within. It brings out my features and complements my natural complexion nicely! If you’re going for a natural, healthy glow, you’ve got to try it!” — Eve Lyn Lau, Web Graphic Designer
Product of the year: Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, RM215
“I chose the Nars Light Reflecting Foundation simply because it has never failed me. Historically, foundations don’t tend to sit well on my face as I have combination skin. Because of this, I have to look for foundations that are not only moisturising for dry areas on my face such as my cheeks and chin, but also light enough that it doesn’t cake up on my oily T-Zone and move around! Plus, I don’t go for high-coverage foundations because my skin condition doesn’t demand it. Now that you know all the requirements I’m looking for in a foundation, I’m so happy to add the Nars Light Reflecting Foundation to my vanity as it ticks all the boxes.
“Not only is it hydrating and lightweight on my skin, but its medium coverage makes it buildable and breathable, leading to a semi-matte finish. As the name suggests, it also gives off a natural glow from within that makes me look radiant (at last, it’s not the oils on my face doing that anymore!). The best part? The product will help increase the luminosity of your skin over time as its vegan formula is 70 per cent made up of active skincare ingredients.
“Since using it, my skin has been looking less dull, whether that is due to the foundation or not, at least I’m happy that my skin hasn’t worsened or flared up due to the product (which has unfortunately been the case in previous times). If you’re someone who is looking for an everyday foundation that gives you a ‘my skin but better’ look, consider the Nars Light Reflecting Foundation!” — Marissa Chin, Lifestyle and Culture Writer
“I have been trying out more beauty products this year, from blushers to lipsticks, but my favourite has to be Make Up For Ever’s Mist and Fix Matte spray. I’ve been using it for the past few months and I love it. True to its name, it gives my makeup a matte finish and the best part is that it really keeps my makeup on even when I sweat a lot.
“This setting spray also makes sure that my morning makeup lasts through to the night and it definitely smells better than other setting sprays I have tried before. If you have a combination or oily skin, I highly recommend you to get it. Just make sure to give it a good shake before applying it to your face!” — Benedict Unang, Fashion Writer
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