BAZAAR Beauty Icon Awards 2023

Over the past few years, thousands of new beauty products have landed on store shelves, promising groundbreaking results—but only a handful have earned icon status. The common thread between this elite group? Science-led and technology-focused innovation, which are two of the biggest trends moving the needle right now, says cosmetic chemist Julio Lamberty. Ahead, our Harper's Bazaar Beauty Icon winners across skincare, hair care, makeup, and fragrance.

SKIN

FRESH DELIVERY

Olay Super Serum

Olay Super Serum is fueled by a proprietary niacinamide, and the formula turns from an iridescent purple to clear once it’s fully absorbed—so you know exactly when to move on to your next skincare step.

FRESH DELIVERY

Noble Panacea The Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil

Noble Panacea gained traction for its patented Organic Super Molecular Vessel, developed by the brand’s founder, organic chemist and Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart. The molecule houses and protects skincare actives to preserve their efficacy, and in the brand’s new the Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil, it combines moisturizing oils with time-released hyaluronic acid, delivering unprecedented nourishment.

FRESH DELIVERY

Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum

Vitamin C is notorious for being unstable, but Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum utilizes an oil-and-water soluble version of the ingredient to ensure the antioxidant stays potent. The formula also boasts glutathione, which doubles down on antioxidants and helps reduce irritation (a common side effect of vitamin C).

FRESH DELIVERY

Bonjout Beauty Le Balm

This solid serum-balm is packed with 68 skincare actives to deliver unprecedented radiance, glow, and bounce. Developed by a French Pharmacist, it's even safe for sensitive skin. Slather it on as the last—or only—step in your nighttime skincare routine.

FRESH DELIVERY

Onélogy HPR RETINOID 0.3%

We've never seen a retinoid like this before: pill-like tablets that you add water to in the palm of your hand to transform into a serum. The genius packaging makes this the most travel-friendly skincare we've ever tried.

PLUMP IT UP

Shiseido Bio-Performance Skin Filler Serums

Shiseido Bio-Performance Skin Filler Serums have a two-pronged approach: a nighttime formula, which delivers shrunken hyaluronic acid molecules deep into the skin, and a morning formula to restore them to their original size, dramatically plumping the complexion.

PLUMP IT UP

Dr Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum sends hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and ectoin deep into skin to soften fine lines.

PLUMP IT UP

StriVectin Anti Wrinkle Peptide Plump Serum

Now 15% Off

A proprietary peptide in StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Plump Line Filling Bounce Serum activates the proteins that create collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to soften the appearance of wrinkles.

REINVENTED STAPLES

Pavise Dynamic Age Defense SPF

Pavise Dynamic Age Defense SPF sunscreen targets not just UV rays and blue light but also havoc-wreaking reactive oxygen species, a type of molecule that further damages cells and DNA

REINVENTED STAPLES

Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer

Tower 28 reimagined its cult-favorite SOS calming spray as the moisturizing SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream, which hits the reset button on stressed skin with soothing allantoin.

REINVENTED STAPLES

Lisa Eldridge Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser

Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser is powered by saponins, plant-derived soaplike cleansing agents that date back to ancient Rome. It also doubles as a hydrating mask. (One use can increase moisture levels by 73 percent.)

TAKE IT HOME

Beyond Miracles Miracletox Perfection Mesocare Tox Ampoule

Microneedling is the gold standard for in-office treatments that address texture and wrinkles. At home, there’s Beyond Miracles Miracletox Perfection Mesocare Tox Ampoule, single-use serum ampoules infused with patented liquid microneedles that create microchannels in the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

TAKE IT HOME

RéVive Fermitif Chin Contour Instant Tightening Peptide Mask

To complement the jawline tightening treatments you can find at your derm's office, this face mask helps lift and firm the area thanks to a blend of potent peptides and a snug fit.

SMARTER SERUMS

Orveda The Omnipotent Concentrate

Orveda The Omnipotent Concentrate not only stops cellular senescence from spreading, with biotech-derived antioxidants and bio-fermented yeast, it delays their formation.

SMARTER SERUMS

Dior Dior Prestige Le Nectar Premier

A recent focus of skincare science is senescent cells, which are almost zombie cells that send deleterious aging signals to surrounding healthy ones. Dior Prestige Le Nectar fights senescent cells with a unique rose-and-peptide complex to add a youthful lift and glow to skin.

HAIR

HIGH TECH

Dyson Airstrait Straightener

The Dyson Airstrait straightens and dries hair to a smooth finish using a focused airflow instead of hot plates to eliminate heat damage.

HIGH TECH

CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device

CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device is an FDA-cleared LED-light-therapy helmet used to treat hair loss and jump-start regrowth in just 10 minutes a day.

SAVVY SCALP CARE

Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo

Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo delivers bond-building and oil-controlling ingredients to the scalp without leaving a powdery residue.

SAVVY SCALP CARE

Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Treatment Mist

Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Treatment Mist leans on green marine algae and a prebiotic to reduce sebum for up to 72 hours.

SAVVY SCALP CARE

Better Not Younger Superpower Thickening Hairpatches

If your hair is thinning at the temples, just peel and stick on one of these densifying, serum-infused patches. Used for 15 minutes every other day for a three months, 78 percent of women reported new hair growth.

DAMAGE DEFENSE

Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Moisture + Damage Defense Leave-In Treatment

Briogeo Moisture + Damage Defense Leave-In Treatment seals damaged hair and reinforces cuticles with ceramides, fatty acids, and copolymers.

DAMAGE DEFENSE

ColorWow Extra Strength Dream Coat

ColorWow's viral Dream Coat frizz spray got an upgrade this year for those with dry, curly, or coily hair. The heat-activated primer helps protect against humidity and keeps hair smooth, sleek, and shiny for days.

DAMAGE DEFENSE

Epres Bond Repair Treatment Starter Kit

Bond repair treatments are a dime a dozen these days, but what makes Epres different is that it works with one step in just 10 minutes. Developed by one of the inventors of Olaplex, Epres helps keep dyed, damaged, or otherwise compromised hair strong and healthy.

GOOD GELS

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Gel: Long-wear Curl Capturing Gloss

Crunchy hair is a drawback of using gel. Bread Hair-Gel Curl Capturing Gloss solves that issue with a water-based blend to define curls, boost shine, and calm frizz.

GOOD GELS

Crown Affair The Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel

This gel-cream formula creates a buildable hold that seamlessly blends into hair—without flaking or crunch.

BODY

BODY TALK

Dove Body Wash Deep Moisture

The latest upgrade of Dove Body Wash improves the skin’s moisture barrier for 24 hours—and comes in a redesigned bottle that makes it easy to get every last drop.

BODY TALK

EltaMD UV AOX Mist Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 40

EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 quickly turns from white to clear when it hits the skin and can be sprayed upside down to get hard-to-reach spots.

BODY TALK

Fur Ingrown Microdart Patches

Fur Ingrown Microdart Patch boasts 170 microdarts filled with salicylic acid and cica to exfoliate and soothe.

BODY TALK

Mighty Patch for Fine Lines

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch for Fine Lines is infused with retinol and delivers 1,390 dissolving micropoints to promote cell turnover.

BODY TALK

Soft Services Speed Soak

Now 68% Off

Speed Soak is the first rehydrating gel for bodies that instantly balances and boosts the moisture level in your skin thanks to a hefty dose of lightweight skincare humectants. It's perfect for busy mornings: just slap it on and get dressed.

BODY TALK

Pangaia Lab Rewild Body Block -

Pangaia collaborated with c16 Biosciences and Haeckels to create the world's first body soap using a palm oil replacement called Palmless Torula Oil. The addition of seaweed extract, squalane, and aloe vera leave skin soothed and cleansed (and we love the woodsy scent).

BODY TALK

Vacation Baby Oil SPF 30 + Airfreshener Bundle

This genius sunscreen smells and feels just like baby oil—but it actually protects skin with broad-spectrum SPF 30. It leaves the prettiest sheen to skin while also defending against the sun's harmful rays.

BODY TALK

U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound

U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound speeds up the skin’s self-renewal process with a trifecta of exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and mandelic­—to minimize wrinkles below your neck.

BODY TALK

Dr Dennis Gross DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment

Hyaluronic acid and peptides go to work in this gloss to visually plump while also healing dry, chapped lips. The slight tingle is far gentler than other plumpers we've tried.

TOOLS

GADGETS

Lyma Laser

We’ve come a long way from sonic cleansing brushes. The Lyma Laser reinvented the wheel as the first at-home, FDA-cleared, clinic-grade cosmetic laser. The wand emits light energy into the deepest layers of the skin, ramping up the production of collagen and elastin to plump and smooth skin (with no downtime, heat, or pain).

GADGETS

Therabody SmartGoggles

A dream for those with migraines and restless sleepers, Therabody SmartGoggles use heat, massage, and vibrations to ease headaches and calm the nervous system.

GADGETS

Therabody TheraFace Mask

Another innovation from Therabody, the brand's new TheraFace mask goes further than other LED treatment options with 648 medical-grade LEDs—three times more powerful than the leading competitor—plus a vibrating massage option to soothe skin and boost blood flow. Each light session (red, blue, or red with infrared) works in just nine minutes to reduce fine lines, acne, and to stimulate collagen production.

GADGETS

YSL Beauty Rouge Sur Mesure

Even lipstick is getting smarter: YSL Beauty Rouge Sur Mesure Custom Lip Color Creator (3; $350), a device slightly larger than an iPhone, 3D-prints a lip shade you can customize using an AI-powered smart app.

GADGETS

Riki Loves Riki Riki Miracle

Now 25% Off

What do you get when you cross a pimple patch with an LED mask? This genius device, a wearable, rechargeable silicone patch that uses a six minute course of red and blue light therapy to eliminate breakouts.

BETTER BASICS

Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Plant Brush

Most hairbrushes are made from plastic, but this one from Tangle Teezer is instead crafted with 85 percent sustainably-sourced castor beans. Not only does it make your hair routine a little bit more responsible, but we love that it can be used on wet or dry hair to gently smooth knots (we keep it in the shower).

BETTER BASICS

Soothing Steam Eye Mask

Put down the cold spoons. This self-warming eye mask uses heat and the bright, woody scent of Japanese hinokito to reduce tension and provide soothing relief for tired eyes. It's ideal to use on airplanes and after long travel days.

BETTER BASICS

Canopy Filtered Showerhead

This easy-to-install showerhead helps filter chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your water to help support healthy hair and skin.

FRAGRANCES

FRAGRANCES OF THE FUTURE

AIR Eau de Parfum

Sustainability is the name of the game, and perfume is leaning in. The fresh Air Company Air Eau de Parfum uses patented Airmade technology to transform planet-warming CO2 into a carbon-negative alcohol.

FRAGRANCES OF THE FUTURE

Marc Jacobs Daisy Drops Signature Eau de Toilette

Marc Jacobs Daisy Drops are single-dose gel capsules that hold reinterpretations of the original Daisy scent made without alcohol, all housed in an aluminum tin.

FRAGRANCES OF THE FUTURE

Aeir Suede Extrait Molecular de Parfum

In the same vein, luxury brand Aeir merges biotechnology with perfumery to create its Extrait Molecular de Parfum scents which utilize bioengineered molecule extracts instead of botanicals to decrease their carbon footprint.

MAKEUP

SUPER SPOOLIES

MAC Lash Dry Shampoo Mascara Refresher

Reapplying mascara midday can turn into a clumpy mess. Enter M.A.C Lash Dry Shampoo Mascara Refresher, a pioneering formula that works to soften your old mascara, which makes touching up with a fresh coat a breeze (no makeup remover necessary).

SUPER SPOOLIES

Benefit Fan Fest Mascara

Benefit's newest mascara fans out lashes and adds dramatic length to give the appearance of falsies without any clumps.

SUPER SPOOLIES

Lush Naked Mascara

Mascara without the plastic packaging? It's not only possible, it's really good. To use Lush's Naked Mascara, add a bit of water to one of the three spoolie options and run it over the brown pigment before sweeping through lashes.

Grande Cosmetics GrandeBROW 2-in-1 Tinted Brow Gel + Brow Enhancing Serum

Now 15% Off

For the eyebrows, Grande Cosmetics GrandeBrow 2-In-1 Tinted Brow Gel + Brow Enhancing Serum is infused with moisturizing castor oil, vitamin E, and volumizing mini fibers so you get bolder brows instantly and fuller ones over time.

INCLUSIVE EYELINERS

Guide Beauty Guide Eyeliner Duo

Guide Beauty Eyeliner Duo features a built-in finger rest that steadies even the most uneasy hand.

INCLUSIVE EYELINERS

Urban Decay 24/7 Inks Easy Ergonomic Liquid Eyeliner Pen Oil Slick

And you won’t lose control of the Urban Decay 24/7 Ink Easy Ergonomic Liquid Eyeliner Pen, designed with a patented precision grip and ultrasharp tip to help draw smooth lines.

NO FILTER NEEDED

UOMA Beauty UOMA Beauty Hydroblast Finishing Powder

Uoma Beauty Hydroblast Finishing Powder is a revolutionary hydrating loose powder made with 52 percent water plus niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It sets makeup and blurs pores, but it also has a refreshing, cooling effect.

NO FILTER NEEDED

Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation

Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Foundation broke the internet this year with its filterlike dewy skin finish. Grape-seed oil in its formula moisturizes, while perfecting powders complement the skin’s natural texture.

NO FILTER NEEDED

Topicals Active Scar Primer

This makeup primer helps dramatically smooth the look of indented acne scars right away with silicone, while peptides and retinol help even skin's texture over time.

TIGHT-LIPPED

Haus Labs By Lady Gaga Atomic Shake Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Cherry Shine

Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer offers a shiny, vinyl-finish lip product that is transfer-proof and lasts all day. (Just be sure to read the instructions for the best results.)

TIGHT-LIPPED

Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick

Hourglass Confession Lipstick Red 0 replaces carmine (a red pigment made from crushed insects) with a plant-based alternative for an animal-friendly, saturated true red.

TIGHT-LIPPED

Pound Cake Pound Cake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick

Pound Cake changed everything we know about universal lip colors by making a classic red liquid lipstick in five variations of the same shade, each slightly tweaked for different skin tones.

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