There are always new trends that shape the beauty space.
In 2023, we have seen a lot of those creating a shift in the creativity of many individuals, with some being out of the box ideas with a couple of questionable innovations. Social media played a role in the popularity of these trends - namely men discussing how appealing white-painted toenails are in women they date and some beauties going viral for poor hairstyling choices - resulting in more participation and people hopping on the styles.
Jabulile Mthiya, a makeup artist who worked on reality show Thokoza Munt'wam and a new upcoming show called Vus’umlilo on Mzansi Magic, says the makeup trend that stood out this year is the minimalistic makeup look.
"As a makeup artist the minimalistic look with warm tones and an orange blush [stood out for me] and this will still be trending in 2024, [including] the nude glossy lip combo has definitely got to be the one makeup look that dominated in 2023," she says.
READ MORE | 6 fun beauty trends to try from metallic eyeshadow to bold blush
From white toenails, Pritt glue wig installations and embracing grey hair, there has been some surprising trends. Here are beauty trends that dominated 2023 in South Africa.
1. Installing wig with paper glue
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a TikToker had Mzansi in a frenzy after installing her wig using paper glue stick. She sparked controversy on social media when she shared a video of herself using Pritt paper glue stick to on her wig.
READ MORE | Tempted to use paper glue stick for your wig? An expert shares dos and don'ts of wig care
Mzansi was in stitches when the video circled on social media but some thanked her for the 'plug'.
@bonene_phala Let’s attempt installing with paper glue and see how it goes ??.. PS: don’t try it and when you react blame me ?? #fyp #foryoupage #southafricatiktok #trending #fyp??viral ? original sound - imjisoofr
2. Sunlight soap edges and lashes
There are ample techniques on perfecting perfect brows or edges, people seem to take the easier way out by using the staple Sunlight brand. Others advise that once you use Sunlight to lay down your edges you have to apply petroleum jelly to ensure that they don't turn white.
The Sunlight bar can be used for many household needs and, since some people use it on their face, it's not known to be harmful when used on eyebrows or edges.
@id_yll Replying to @mwabachisanga21 ? original sound - Nonceba Thami Dwanya
3. Embracing grey hair
More people are embracing their ageing. There's always been a pattern around having grey hair and with that people would also try to hide it. Not a lot of hair brands catered to people with hair but now that has changed with time. The likes of Connie Ferguson, Rami Chuene and more changed the outlook of grey hair. Rami Chuene has been incorporating grey extensions whenever she does her hair to match her natural strands.
4. Bald and short haircuts
The bald hair trend had South Africa in a chokehold this year as well, not only because of the stress of the pandemic but after Zozibini Tunzi emerged victories with short hair in 2019 people jumped on the bandwagon.
The likes of former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida, rapper and presenter Nomuzi 'Moozlie' Mabena and more have unapologetically stunned in the bald look.
5. White toenails
@mantalk.ke WE NEED A SCIENTIFIC STUDY DONE ON THE WHITE TOES ISSUE! #whitetoes #whitetoenails?? #baddietips #blackgirlmagic #greenflags ? original sound - ManTalk
