essence Greatest Hits of 2023

As we close out 2023, we’re looking back at the best-selling essence products you’ve come to love. Whether they’re viral hits, tried-and-true favs or new to you, there’s something for everyone to be inspired by. The best part is, you can have them all for a reasonable price making them ideal dupes for those pricey designer options in similar categories. Want to know what made the bestselling cut? Read on.

The best-selling mascara…Lash Princess False Lash Mascara

This viral mascara (one of the most popular essence products!) has been steadily making the rounds among beauty lovers on TikTok and YouTube for good reason: there is no better formula with results at this price point (period). At five bucks a tube, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another mascara that makes your lashes look this good. The iconic conical-shaped brush and non-clumpy formula lengthens, curls and volumizes lashes in just a few swips. Not only did this mascara inspire a whole line extension of Lash Princess mascaras and liner, but it also recently won the Refinery29 MVP Award Winner for 2023!

The best-selling brow product…Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara

While brow trends come and go, polished and groomed brows never go out of style so it’s no surprise this user-friendly brow gel made the essence best-sellers list. Rivalling other pricey brow gels, this formula gets the filling and shaping job done and costs way less, making it a super dupe! Simply comb it through your brows to make them fuller and more polished looking in seconds.

The best-selling foundation…Pretty Natural Hydrating Foundation

This foundation falls in the IYKYK category and once you experience its lightweight natural-skin effect, you’ll never go back. This best-selling face formula packs good-for-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera and makes your skin look pretty and polished yet still natural. Consider it the holy grail of natural foundations that can also be classified as a tinted moisturizer. It also comes in more than 30 shades.

The best-selling highlighter…Pure Nude Highlighter

Highlighter might not be an everyday product you rely on but this best-selling formula will change that. Once you experience the subtle sheen this baked highlighter gives your skin, you’ll want to add it to your daily rotation. Use it on the areas of the face you want to enhance, like the apples of your cheeks, nose and forehead. It’s no shocker this highlighter has been coveted for years, even making Allure’s Best of Beauty Steals in 2019.

The best-selling eyeliner…Superfine Eyeliner Pen Waterproof

Liquid liner girlies know a good liner formula when they see one and this essence best seller lives up to its hype for several reasons. First off, it’s a waterproof liquid liner, which is essential for achieving a cat eye that does not budge. Add the precision felt tip applicator and you have the makings of a designer liquid liner for way less.

The best-selling lipstick…Glimmer Glow Lipstick

2023 might have been the year for pH-reacting lip products and this essence best-seller proves it. With its sparkly bullet and soft pink sheen it leaves on the lips, this lipstick has everything we want and love in a lip formula. Use it every day or pull it out when the occasion calls for subtle glitter.