We’re closing the chapter on another year, where evolving trends in tech, beauty, fashion and fitness had our head spinning – in a good way. In fact, we’re so eager to learn what’s going to capture everyone’s attention next, we’ve already got our ear to the ground on what’s buzzing in 2023.
The vitamin niacinamide, for instance, is having a moment right now, and is quickly being highlighted as the star ingredient in skincare from brands across the world. And we’re leaving behind our beloved air fryers for ingenious combi-ovens, which cook with steam and convection, to produce delicious, nutritious food.
Which trend will you embrace? Pick your favourite with Amazon Prime, and get it at the start of the New Year.
1. Best Skincare Trend: Niacinamide
Not all skincare ingredients are equal. The coveted ingredient of niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is rapidly gaining cult status for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help control sebum production. Most multinational brands now showcase this ingredient in their serums. Our pick is a 4.5-star rated niacinamide booster by Paula’s Choice, which contains 10% niacinamide, and combines it with antioxidants and skin-replenishing plant extracts. Add a couple drops to your moisturiser as part of your morning and evening skincare routine for visibly brighter, younger-looking skin.
2. Best K-Beauty Trend: Sustainable, Vegan Skincare
Ever since the pandemic, there’s been a rise in sustainable Korean skincare, with recycling programs for shampoo bottles and refillable pods for hyaluronic cream allowing people to reduce waste. As the K-beauty industry becomes more conscientious, it’s products are setting the standard for cruelty-free, vegan ingredients, with a focus on ancient, natural elements that are making a modern comeback. Take Sulwhasoo’s Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, for instance, which uses the medicinal root to deliver firm, smooth skin through lightweight hydration. The brand uses eco-friendly glass to package most of its skincare, and aims to make 100 per cent of its ‘hero’ products refillable by 2025.
3. Best Fitness Trend: Virtual Reality Workouts
Pros
- Good game library
- Immersive VR experience
- Works with non-VR apps and games
- Motion control support
Cons
- Some issues with motion tracking in bright rooms
Huffing and puffing in a home gym or at the back of a fitness class can get tedious over time. It’s likely one of the reasons why the virtual reality (VR) products and services industry is expected to grow to $80.6 billion (Dh296 billion) by 2029, according to India-based market research company Adroit Market Research. There’s even talk of Apple releasing its own VR headset in the upcoming year. The technology brings a growing portfolio of fitness apps that help you climb mountains, slash away with a lightsaber to fast-paced music, and workout in exotic places – right from your living room. Pick up Meta Quest 2, our top choice for VR headsets in 2022 for a fun alternative to pounding the treadmill!
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh92.66 for 12 months with select banks.
4. Best Shoe Trend (Women): Ballet Flats
Ballet-core is at the forefront of 2023, so even if we can’t perform pirouettes or chassés, we can rock ballet flats – slotted to be next year’s It shoes, along with Mary Janes, according to US-based Glamour magazine. Once an aughts staple, these comfortable shoes are timeless and available in all kinds of colours, designs and twists. Pair this effortlessly stylish Tory Burch pair of leather flats with your denims and skirts, whether at work or during downtime.
5. Best Shoe Trend (Men): Exposed Treads
Gentlemen, tread widely in 2023, with shoes that look just as fashionable below as they do above. Brands like New Balance are leading the charge in wider-than-usual shoes with quirky, exposed treads. They even have an entire line of sneakers for both men and women, with an eye-catching jagged tread. These 327 sneakers, for instance, come in a range of colours, and are perfect for everyday wear.
6. Best Bag Trend: Double Bag
Even your bag needs a bag – at least that’s what designers are telling us, as double bags gain popularity ahead of 2023. From Salvatore Ferragamo to Fendi, design houses are pitching handbags with their own micro bags that add a stylish accessory element to your look, and are useful too. Use the micro bag, like the one in this Guess Eco Brenton tote, to easily access essential cosmetics, cards or sunglasses. Functional and fashionable, this handbag style is one we can get behind!
7. Best Appliance Trend: Steam Oven
Pros
- Five modes to choose from
- Precise temperature control
- Compact
- Stylish design
Cons
- Expensive
Move over air fryers, it’s time for steam ovens to shine. Also known as combi- or smart ovens, these appliances preserve moisture and nutrients in food, without the need for oil or butter, through the use of steam. Our pick, the TikTok-famous Balmuda Steam Oven Toaster, envelops bread in a thin layer of steam, ensuring that even as it toasts its surface, the bread retains its moisture and flavour. As other appliances, like air fryers and cookers, also begin to integrate steam technology, experts expect prices to drop, and for this revolutionary technology to become the new norm in creating healthier, flavourful meals.
8. Best Home Décor Trend: Art Deco
As interiors move away from minimalism, more decorative styles are taking its place. At the forefront is art deco, a design movement from the 1920s and 1930s, characterised by sleek geometric or stylised forms. With bright colours, patterns and symmetry, use this art form in different areas of your home – from wallpapers and backsplash to ceiling lights – for a chic Great Gatsby vibe.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
