Our Favorite Things: Hair and Skincare Products That Impressed Us in 2023

[Photo by Olena Bohovyk]

Written by Marianne Dougherty and Rachel Henry

Marianne Dougherty was a beauty editor for 30 years, while her daughter Rachel became an esthetician, skin care educator and spa director. So, it’s safe to say that they have tried practically every beauty product on the market.

Now that 2023 is winding down, they thought they’d put a list together of some hair and skin care products that impressed them this year.

Marianne’s Favorite Things

Eau D’Italie Hand & Body Lotion($48)

Eau D’Italie Hand & Body Lotion is the bomb. The moisturizing hand and body lotion is enriched with shea butter and almond oil to nourish and pamper skin leaving it softly scented. My favorite is Tea & Rose, but there are seven other distinctive scents to choose from, including Fig & Berries, Frankincense & Myrrh and Verbena & Sage.

Philip B Forever Shine Shampoo($32-$275)

Philip B Forever Shine Shampoo uses an ingenious delivery system of tiny, time-released safflower oleosomes to condition hair with botanical moisture. The advanced amino acid complex made my color-treated platinum blonde hair look rich and glossy.

Repechage Hydra Dew Pure Facial Essence Mist ($72)

Repechage Hydra Dew Pure Facial Essence Mist leaves dry, compromised skin looking dewy and radiant. The hybrid skin care serum and hydrating facial spray is infused with nourishing Laminaria Digitata Seaweed extract and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid combined with Aloe and natural botanicals to provide powerful, instant hydration. The scent is a soothing blend of natural essential oils of rose, citrus, geranium and wood. Use it throughout the day to instantly refresh skin.

RevAir Hydrate, Replenish, Nourish & Detangle Deep Conditioning Treatment ($14)

RevAir Hydrate, Replenish, Nourish & Detangle Deep Conditioning Treatment is part of the Boost Fullness Collection. Take it from me, it works wonders to plump up thin, lifeless locks in a hurry.

Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer ($399.99)

Dyson Origin is the new, simplified version of the beloved Dyson Supersonic that’s engineered for all hair types. Now available in exclusive Black/Nickel colorway and at a lower price point ($399.99) in a scaled back set, the Dyson Origin includes the Supersonic hair dryer and universal Smoothing Nozzle attachment.

Rachel’s Favorite Things

Repechage Hydra Dew Pure Eye Contour Cream ($65)

Repechage Hydra Dew Pure Eye Contour Cream is recommended for dry, compromised skin. A lot of people skip this step, but it’s really vital because everything from allergies to the environment can affect the delicate skin around the eyes, which you want to protect. Sweet almond oil, glycerin and caffeine are among the top three active ingredients, and they’re significant because sweet almond oil and glycerin provide hydration while caffeine stimulates circulation, diminishing dark circles and fine lines. My suggestion is to use an eye cream morning and night.

Repechage Hydra Dew Pure Night Cream ($71)

Repechage Hydra Dew Pure Night Cream is also recommended for dry, compromised skin. I suggest you apply your eye cream first followed by the richer, more intense night cream, which will work all night to repair damaged skin while you sleep. Three seaweed extracts, peptide and hyaluronic acid help to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Dermatologist-tested, it’s proven to demonstrate a 58% increase in moisturization after just four weeks of daily use, though you will probably notice a difference right away. Your skin will feel soft and plump upon waking, and the benefits only get better from there.

Philip B Weightless Volumizing Hair Masque($65)

Philip B Weightless Volumizing Hair Masque ($65) is your ticket to plump, bouncy locks in just five minutes. My hair looked like I had a salon blowout after just one treatment. The vegan- and cruelty-free masque is infused with time-released safflower oleosomes combined with L-Amino acids and a targeted mix of plant-derived proteins and conditioning agents. The aromatic fragrance (extracts of magnolia, neroli, lavender, rose and mandarin) was a welcome treat.

Philip B Scalp Booster Leave-in Conditioner($85)

Philip B Scalp Booster Leave-in Conditioner has a light, non-greasy formula that didn’t weigh my naturally fine hair down. A key ingredient is Redensyl, which is comprised of keratin amino acids and citrus oils that make hair look lush and abundant. This invigorating leave-in conditioner left my hair feeling smooth and manageable, which was a bonus since my hair is prone to tangling.

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment ($16 each)

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is from Hailey Bieber’s new line of go-to beauty essentials and comes in three delicious flavors, including Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Watermelon Slice. Not a fan? They’ve got one that’s unscented too. The restorative lip treatment not only nourishes dry lips but leaves them feeling soft and plump. Get all four treatments together for just $58.

[Photos courtesy of brands]

Marianne Dougherty is an award-winning writer, editor and publisher, who has twice been a finalist for a Golden Quill Award for journalistic excellence. Predicting the day spa trend, she founded American Spa magazine in 1998. She has also been editor in chief of American Salon, Launchpad, and Shades of Beauty magazines. In 2023 she published her first novel, What We Remember, which was a Mariel Hemingway Book Club selection. Follow her on Instagram: @mariannedoughertyauthor. Or visit her website: mariannedougherty.com

Rachel Henry is a licensed esthetician, skin care educator and founder of Spa Harmony at the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center in Washington, Pennsylvania. She is also a singer/songwriter and graduate of Musicians Institute in Hollywood where she met Joni Mitchell, who came to hear her perform. Follow her on Instagram @rachelvere. Or contact her at: rachel.spabeautytoday@gmail.com.