As the new decade approaches, there is no doubt that the beauty industry will continue to reign supreme, bringing us bigger and better movement, innovation and spectacle. In the meantime, we've looked through our archives to highlight some of the most important beauty moments of the past decade.

K beauty became an obsession in the West.

Innovative and affordable products made using exotic natural ingredients that focus on improving skin health and preventing skin problems drove the success of K-beauty brands in the West since 2011. Before even putting on makeup, Koreans put a lot of effort into taking care of their skin. You may be used to a typical three-step daily routine of cleanser, toner, and moisturizer before applying makeup, but in South Korea, skin care regimens range from seven to 12 steps, focusing on hydrating the skin with gentle, natural ingredients.

When the EU banned cosmetics that have been tested on animals

In 2023, it’s not a surprise if a brand is cruelty free especially when we use and witness so many brands in the market that do not harm animals in the process of making products. But in 2013 the EU had finally completed the ban on the sale of brands that produced cosmetics tested on animals. According to the BBC, 27 EU countries had actually placed a ban since 2009 on such practices but 2013 was the year that the EU Commission asked the EU's trading partners to follow suit.

Earlier these cosmetics giants were able to test some components on animals which could lead to cancer. However, such brands have also been subjected to ban.

Apart from the EU there have been countries which have passed laws either to set a limit or banned cosmetics testing on animals.

#nomakeup look- one of the biggest movements on social media.

This trend was started in 2016 when Alicia Key aimed to create a conversation and empower people to carry a makeup free look and embrace it. Since then Key’s has appeared without makeup on many occasions including Grammy Award and on album covers. Many other celebrities like Lady Gaga followed suit by posting selfies with #nomakeup on social media and Kim Kardashian flawlessly ditched the makeup look at the Balenciaga show. #MakeupFree, #NoMakeup and #MakeupFreeSelfie was used by thousands of people to come on social media and embrace their natural looks.

Though the trend has gained popularity it means different for each person. For some makeup is not just to hide their flaws it is to express themselves. There's no one-size-fits-all approach. For some, getting on board with the movement means getting their makeup routine down to basics and ensuring a more extravagant look for the special occasion. For others, that means no makeup at all. For rest, it means simply showing your social media followers a #nomakeup selfie to declare solidarity with the cause and reasoning behind the movement.

This movement should be kept intact. It's a movement, not a trend that brings its own expectations of investing in expensive skincare and shaming those who don't want to be a part of it.

Microbeads banned in the UK.

This decision was taken in 2018 by the UK government to save the environment from these small plastic beads that are difficult to filter as they pass down the drain and land up in large water bodies and are ultimately consumed by us. Microbeads are found in personal care products like toothpaste, facial scrubs and shower gels and also in chewing gum, detergents and synthetic clothing fibers. Manufacturers including Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble have advertised about the exfoliating powers of microbeads, particularly in face and body scrubs. Many companies later pledged to discontinue the use of these pellets.

Such bans have been imposed by the United States in 2017 requiring companies to stop using microbeads in beauty and health products and Canada too brought a ban on pellets in 2018.

Skipcare- a latest trend to get on board with

As mentioned before, in Korean beauty there are too many steps and using so many products at once can be troublesome for most, causing clogged pores, irritation and a host of other skin bugs.

The routine of skip- care in the morning is applying cleanser, antioxidant serum and sun protecting moisturizer or sunscreen. At night, you can start by removing your makeup (if wearing any) with a makeup remover, cleansing with a water based cleanser and in the end applying a vitamin A (Retinol) serum or any hydrating serum or moisturizer.

Simple? Don’t you think! It's no wonder, then, that "skip-care"—a trend that involves skipping certain steps and getting rid of unnecessary products—is gaining traction among Korean millennials.

Which were your favorite trends of the decade? Let us know!